6 Days in the Turtle and Orocopia Mountains

We were supposed to spend 6 days exploring the Turtle Mountains but the cold, windy weather changed our plans and after 4 days we drove over to the Orocopia Mountains to spend the last couple of days, it was marginally warmer. I really wanted to get to Castle Rock but that didn't happen, we mostly hiked around the Lost Arch Inn and Mexican Hat trail. Don't expect to get very close in your car (legally) to the Turtles, it is mostly Wilderness boundaries now and most of the old jeep roads in are posted as no vehicle access. Browns Camp and the Lost Arch Inn are easily accessible though.



First night camp near Browns Camp and the Mexican Hat Trail


Sunrises were great




Some more starry night shots


My camp setup just after dusk


The Lost Arch Inn








The Car Corral




Coffin Spring area




The Lisa Dawn Cupola Mine is was left as is but with a large metal cover




Mexican Hat and trail area






Here are some photos of the Heritage Trail area and Mopah/Umpah Peaks. We didn't get a chance to hike to them, the weather kept us away with strong winds, rain and some light snow






I even broke out the bug hut and tarp for the weather


I guess they call them the Turtle's for a reason


We packed up and started out for the Orocopia Mountains but first stopped by West Well, lots of wild burros out there


Some petros and gorgeous colors in the hills




We took the Red Canyon Trail into the Orocopia's, it was a fairly easy 2WD high clearance road


Lots of great colors down in the canyon


We camped out near Gucci Spring and hiked around the area


Gary pointing out the wildlife watering hole


A Selfie at our camp near Gucci Spring, it was damn cold every night, teens and low 20's, freezing bottles each night


More sunset stuff


Salt Creek bridge on the Bradshaw Trail, that is Rabbit Peak way off in between the bridge, it has snow on it


Last day out we hiked Painted Canyon in the Mecca Hills, a really neat canyon I thought








You can see Gary down at the bottom of this huge canyon wall


Total Mylar Balloons this trip - 6


You can see more photos here

Turtle Mountains Photos

Orocopia Mountains Photos