Question about getting to coke ovens

[azcrash]

Ok so I really want to make it out to the coke ovens before they close - have not been there yet in my life. I understand I need to stage east of Florence Junction, past the train tracks, at the flag pole. However, I am not sure where to go after that. I have gone on many trails out there and never have seen the coke ovens. Because the Gila River is probably too high to cross right now, my only option is via the train tunnel - so I guess what I am asking is how do I get to the train tunnel? And is this safe to pass through? Do many trains go through it?

Thanks for the help.

[huskyrider]

i think your too late crash,i believe the coke ovens are closed.

[azcrash]

Ya, I saw the post on that, id still like to try it, or at least get as close as I can. I'm also looking at the "quicker" way of getting there, by staging near Florence. So if I went to Florence, and go down price road, past the fork leaving the tracks, where would I go after that?

Thanks all.

[XP AZ]

We did the ride there on monday and they were still accessible, no closure signs or fencing. We staged @ cottonwood ranch road off of hwy 79 south of florence junction. We had the gps with us or we might still be out there, so many side roads. but from what i saw the main road to the ovens have been marked by someone with the little ribbons on the trees. It is a worth while trip and quite challenging on the sport quads. [8D]

[BRIANG77]

hey its easy to get there take 79 south just past the tracks to the dirt road on the east side drive in off the road about a mile in stage and take the dirt road til u get to the coke ovens the dirt road is the trail i did it the last 2 weekends in a row im going back in a couple weeks we can ride it together if you want its a rough ride hang on!!!

[Sandrider]

I'm going out there Saturday...not that difficult of a ride if you are 4 X 4 or that hard to find...[:p]


What type of quad do you ride?

What's your riding experience level?

[azcrash]

I have a lot of experience, used to ride a kx 125 and 250 before I broke my leg. Then rode a 400ex quad, and now that I have a wife, we have a 2 seat Polaris trailboss 330.

Id be totally down for meeting up with someone to go out there. Think the trailboss would handle it? It worked great last week going up to 4 peaks, but of course thats an easy ride.

[Arizona Griz]

The TrailBoss will handle it but I have never seen a two seat version. [:0] If you mean riding double then there will be few places someone will have to dissmount and walk.

[RDO]

From Martinez Canyon over the hill to the Ovens (and back) will not be fun with two on a straight axle quad. It is not a nice smooth road.

[BRIANG77]

no way, not a fun ride for 2x4 or 2seater keep it to cruisin:D

[Sandrider]

I'm going out theretomorrow morning, but I don't think your quad will be up to the trails I'm going on...

[azcrash]

Sorry for the delay in reply. I have been sick You would be surprised where my wife and I have gone on the 330. The "2 seater" is an after market kit that adds a seat to the back, bolted to the rear rack.

Probably the roughest trail we have been through is lower sycamore in the washes. Still made it fine though. Is the coke ovens trail worse than that?

Thanks

[Old Racer]

Going over the hill before you get to Coke Ovens is nothing but stair steps up up about 4' high. It can't be done ridding double on a 330 and pretty hard to do on any quad. You might make it by yourself which means your passinger will have to do alot walking.