1958 went there via diversion dam and camped at base of South butte. Waded across the river, climbed a hill, walked through the tunnel, came out the other side, crossed the bridge, kept walking until we saw the coke ovens then explored them. All part of a Coolidge boy scout camping trip with scout leader Don Hunsaker.
Not sure if you know; your first stop at the river was the ghost town site of Cochran, some buildings still stood there in the 1980's, there is a small mine entrance just to the east of where you stopped that was used to keep things cool in the summer, at least one old western movie was partially filmed there. The Coke Ovens are just across the river hidden by the trees. A nice view of the trestle and train can be seen in Dwight Yoakam's music video, "A Thousand Miles From Nowhere".
Staging area is south Of Florence, AZ along the E. Florence Kelvin Hwy, 32.98705, -111.11519. You can find this ride on (funtreks.com/off-road-trails/gila-river-loop/). For distance use Google maps. It will accept coordinates.
Being a local it really is bothering to have seen all the places that have been closed down due to all the trash and abuse that has closed so many of the places that we regularly used in this area
It's crazy how green the desert is right now. Great video
Yes, thanks
1958 went there via diversion dam and camped at base of South butte. Waded across the river, climbed a hill, walked through the tunnel, came out the other side, crossed the bridge, kept walking until we saw the coke ovens then explored them. All part of a Coolidge boy scout camping trip with scout leader Don Hunsaker.
Great story! I am surprised you remembered the name of your scout leader.
Not sure if you know; your first stop at the river was the ghost town site of Cochran, some buildings still stood there in the 1980's, there is a small mine entrance just to the east of where you stopped that was used to keep things cool in the summer, at least one old western movie was partially filmed there. The Coke Ovens are just across the river hidden by the trees. A nice view of the trestle and train can be seen in Dwight Yoakam's music video, "A Thousand Miles From Nowhere".
Thank you for this information. A Lot of history here.
Nice ride pard !!
Any time you can get our for a ride makes it a good ride!
Is a 2wd truck able to make it through the sand all the way up to donely wash ?
I can only say that I drove it using a side x side and I would not recommend it.
I've seen a front wheel drive van at the river. It depends on the sand being a little wet
How do i get there how long of a ride to get there
Staging area is south Of Florence, AZ along the E. Florence Kelvin Hwy, 32.98705, -111.11519. You can find this ride on (funtreks.com/off-road-trails/gila-river-loop/). For distance use Google maps. It will accept coordinates.
Being a local it really is bothering to have seen all the places that have been closed down due to all the trash and abuse that has closed so many of the places that we regularly used in this area
4x4 required??
I would recommend 4x4