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Smiley Rock (Jerome)
September 3, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm MST
Finally, after nearly two weeks of house arrest, the Jeep got a new rear driveshaft and I’m itching to take it out and test it off-road.
The weather is still on the hot side in Phoenix, so this weekend we’ll take a trip up to Jerome and conquer the Smiley Rock trail where it’s cool 60 to 80 degrees.
Smiley Rock is a fun trail climbing to about 7,000 feet in elevation overlooking the scenic Verde Valley. The route is part of the Great Western Trail traversing through AZ, UT, ID, WY, and MT. Most of the trail is relatively easy except for the 3 miles section through the Martin Canyon Boulder Garden which gives it a 5-difficulty rating. Make sure you have rock sliders and skid plates. The trail is passable in a stock Jeep with careful spotting but a 2.5-inch lift with 33+ inch tires is highly recommended.
We will start on the bottom doing the Martin Canyon first and finish up in Jerome. If you’ve never been, this is a fun historic town to explore, keeping you busy for at least a day or two. IMPORTANT: If you’re planning on spending the night, book a place with a 24-hour cancellation. Martin Canyon can flood easily and currently there is a small chance that the mid-week thunderstorms could get extended into the weekend which will force me to reschedule the trip!
Event Type: 1 Day Adventure
AZ Pinstriping: High
Difficulty: 4 to 5
Camping: Optional
Jeep Requirements: 2.5 lift 33+ inch tires
Equipment Requirements: Full Gas Tank, Spare Tire, inflation/deflation tools, drinks/lunch, Sense of Adventure
Radio: GMRS Channel #15