Oracle Control Road or "The Back Way to Mt. Lemmon" (roughest, camping)

[JillBoBill]

I don't really want to put this with my camping thread 'cause it's kind of a different topic and I did a search, but couldn't find anything.

Can I drive my Honda Accord up Oracle Control Road with any success? It should be noted that I personally hate this car, though I don't want it to 'die'. I don't care if it gets paint chips or dirty, whatever, who cares. I don't, however, want it to get stuck in a ditch or have to turn around because the way is blocked by a huge rut or impassably downed tree.

I know it's a risk either way and my husband probably won't let me do it anyways, but I wanted to ask.


(P.S. If anyone wants to sell me their mid-80's to early 90's Blazer/Bronco/Jimmy, I can pay you in Kraft Mac N Cheese, smelly dogs and one '99 Accord.)

[StockholmGTR]

The road is unpaved and the conditions would not allow an Accord to drive up or down it. Something with four wheel drive or all wheel drive with a higher clearance would be sufficient, such as the vehicles you said you would trade for.

[azdr0710]

stockholm is right.....while not at all a horrible road, the back way to Mt Lemmon is a bit bumpy, rutty, steep in some spots for a low-slung car like an Accord......it's sort of a long road, too....don't try it in the Accord

[Ritchie_az]

I've never tried it, but I read in an Arizona Highway's magazine article that a 4WD vehicle raised off the ground is a must, as parts of the road have not been maintained since the road was first built many decades ago.

[JillBoBill]

Yeah... That's kind of the general consensus.

Just because I'm a stubborn jerk, we're going to drive up the front side and see how far we can get down the back - as well as check out the Mt Bigelow dirt road (which is no doubt way better maintained and used as it services the radio towers).

Thanks, guys!

[StockholmGTR]

Originally Posted by JillBoBill

Yeah... That's kind of the general consensus.

Just because I'm a stubborn jerk, we're going to drive up the front side and see how far we can get down the back - as well as check out the Mt Bigelow dirt road (which is no doubt way better maintained and used as it services the radio towers).

Thanks, guys!

You're just going to hurt your car which equals repairs and quite possibly a tow truck. Just Fyi. Accords don't have skidplates or anything to protect the underbody of the car. I just don't want to see you stuck and have to repair your vehicle.

[JillBoBill]

That's sweet of you, Stockholm (no, really).

Do you think AAA will bail us out?

Really, I guess the confusion on my part is the difference between 'dirt road' and 'holycrapcrazy uncivilized road'. We'll find out - maybe we'll walk the road for a while. I bet most of the accessible pre-used camping spots are close to the start of it anyways. If not, we'll make do with the Mt Bigelow area.

So many possibilities - it's all up in the air!

And, for the record, I did try to convince my husband to swap his Grand Prix for a 4x4 (I would happily give him the Accord for a daily driver), but he didn't bite. Maybe next time.

[azdr0710]

JBJ.....if you DO start down the old road from the top (past the fire station), drive carefully and slowly....have a spare tire and the gear and knowledge to change it....you'll pass the Mt Bigelow Road before you get to the Control Rd turnoff on the right, so you could check it out quickly on your way to the old road....I hope you don't go too far down it as it is roughest in areas near the top....you may not find a pre-used camp site for a while as you head down, I think (may be wrong about that).....

good luck....

[JillBoBill]

Thanks, AZ Dr!

Just the insight I was looking for and, yeah, we'll stop at Bigelow first.

I just got this new camping junk while I was waiting for a tire to be replaced and ... I hate looking at it everyday! I want to go use it now!

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by JillBoBill

while I was waiting for a tire to be replaced and

hmmmmmm......