Adventuring Deep into the Arizona Mountains - Part 1

[@thetrailoutthere]

Trail Recon is the type of channel that once you see a new episode on YT you either download or save to watch later so when you're done with the rest of your day you can finally sit down and watch it without interruptions.

[@bibismith5240]

After 12 weeks of waiting , I just got my custom ordered jeep gladiator in manual transmission . Definitely worth the wait ! Manuals are way more fun !

[@OVRLNDX]

What a great way to wake up on this Saturday morning!! With a new Trailrecon adventure video! Thank you brother!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you brother! Part 2 coming soon...

[@mikecon7634]

Good eyes on the guy that saw the fluid leak on Brad's rig.

[@donenke5607]

Love seeing the variety of off-road rigs.

[@ryanmartinage]

All those fancy rigs and the XJ doin it with the best. Love it.

[@TrailRecon]

Yep, I think I said that about a dozen times on this trip. An XJ with some lockers, good set of tires and an excellent driver will get you through almost anything.

[@tetelestai1919]

That was the first thing that I noticed. That XJ doesn't even appear to be significantly modded. They are some of the most capable little boxes.

[@ryanmartinage]

@@tetelestai1919 looks like 31s and a small lift. Much like my ZJ. Love the boxes!

[@mushpoint]

@@ryanmartinage Your correct, 31's KO2's 3 1/2" lift. I do have a detroit locker in the rear and a tru-trac in the front. Centerforce high inertia fly wheel 5 speed. Thanks!

[@austinhuffer8874]

I used to own that XJ! so glad to see it being loved and used. She is a beauty.

[@mikeleggiero2524]

We ran this trail back in the 90s night runs where fun.

[@BaconCruiser]

That Scout is gorgeous!

[@harrisagogetter]

That thing is a beast. He just went up there like it was another day at the office..lol

[@charliedee9276]

This is a great trail. Now try it in a slightly modded WJ with 33's.... at night... visiting from Michigan...and yes I drove the WJ to AZ from MI, and made it back. This was a few years ago, I spent the winter out there with a friend who lives in Congress. We hit CK a few times from different ways.

[@donenke5607]

Jillian makes a great point of being really connected to your vehicle with a manual transmission. I’ve never driven off road with one before but love driving them on regular pavement. 👍

[@TrailRecon]

Agree, I've always had manual in my cars in the past... I don't care if new technology is faster.

[@CJLane-62]

I miss my 2000 TJ with the 5 speed manual transmission and the 4:11's in my diffs ,and the 2.5L, that thing would just about out climb just about everyone around here, traded it for an '03 TJ with a 4.0L, and I hate the automatic transmission !😤😤

[@Mountain-Man27]

You can always retrofit paddleshifters though, and then whenever you’re in traffic you can simply switch to auto and relax. I have a 650ish hp sports car and having the option to switch it into auto on long drives or when I’m in traffic is a blessing.

[@R3LF13]

I grew up on manual and when it comes to sports cars, twisty roads, etc., I am a manual diehard - will never own anything else. Off road, I am a little less of an evangelist. I get why people want an auto in a hard-core rig for stopping and inching along on boulders, but even still, I still will only buy manuals for the type of offroading I like to do. Even in Moab with the ledges and whatnot, my manual JK was more fun and more capable than the equivalent automatic. #savethemanuals

[@jaydee4533]

@@CJLane-62 iOS

[@WilbanksUSMC]

As someone who has deployed a few times, I wish your son a safe journey.

[@zerohecks4864]

Can’t beat the beauty of the Arizona landscape, great video.

[@TrailRecon]

Truly a beautiful place to explore!

[@CJLane-62]

@@TrailRecon Lot of nice Trails up on Mingus Mountain, both on the Prescott side(I'm still Learning that side of the Mountain, ) and on the Cottonwood side ( I know most of those)🤣🤣

[@deansmith345]

Fairly new to the Jeep family but enjoying every minute so far, Brad your videos are really informative and have helped me make several decisions on what and how to do them. Thank you. keep em coming sir.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

GORGEOUS SUNNY WEATHER BEAUTY COLORS VIEWS SCENERY VIDEO LANDSCAPE & FOOTAGE ! I LIKE THAT EVERYONE WORKED / HELPED EACH OTHER LIKE A TEAM . LOVED THE CAMPSITE SETTINGS TOO . THE FOOD LOOKED REALLY TASTY 😋 LOOKED LIKE YOUR VEHICLES NEEDED THE GROUND CLEARANCE ON SOME OF THE TRAILS . THANK YOU BRAD ❗ BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS 🙏 ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! LOVE THE CHANGES IN THE LANDSCAPE PRETTY COOL .ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨

[@edwhite4992]

Good video! Give your son a salute from an old sailor!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Will do!

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

HOOYAH!!!

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

(Or HOORAH if you are green side 😉)

[@notsojoerogan]

@@RandomStuffGarage619 Or oorah if you have anything swingin between your legs haha

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

@@notsojoerogan I'm a squid I have a bunch of things dangling lol

[@Dave-yl2ep]

The offroading on this trip seemed a little more challenging than your typical trips. I would have like to see more of what it was like to get the trailers through the difficult sections.

[@Bama1963]

I was thinking likewise, especially the first real tough area (7:40) where the trailers weren’t shown at all. Although it’s nice to have all the extra stuff you can bring, to me the trailers would be putting extra stress on the tow vehicle and take some of the fun out of wheelin due to having to use less difficult obstacles or having to winch more.

[@pixbyeli]

One think worth noting - on that trail there are some sections where you can choose to go "the easy way" or "the hard way" and there may have been instances where the trailers went the "easy way" but that footage didn't make the final cut.

[@gutajo01]

The way out is the same trail or is an other trail a little less challenging for the trailers ...

[@pixbyeli]

@@gutajo01 you can go another way that is much easier - there are at least two roads to crown king

[@gutajo01]

@@pixbyeli Thank you is nice to know that

[@shehbaazkhosa5205]

Those kabab's were looking 🔥

[@TrailRecon]

They were soooo good!

[@KolarStrengthClub]

Really well done and back to Brad’s great strength and content. This is what he does best: tell a really good story, show some awesome rigs, and ride a great trail

[@thomassmith4022]

My Jeep buddy's always picked on my 4cyl. Scout 80, but I always would shut them down with, "Ok but you lead the way, and I'll follow. When you get stuck, i'll pull you out. And another thing all you old timers may remember Granvill King from 4Wheeler Mag, He always said, "Keep your thumbs out of the steering wheel spokes, and keep you left foot off the clutch, and drive elegant". Right on Granny.

[@alexanderzakharov9037]

6:07 what a legendary scene.....wow

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Yessss! Manual fanatic here. Just recently bought my 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. Manual of course!

[@hershlawfirmpc]

Great production value. Better than comparable TV shows. Keep up the great work

[@thomaszabriskie2124]

I love that you teamed up with the Ultimate Adventure guys. Imma huge fan of those guys and you. Trent McGee and Mr. Simons are epic 4x4 guys.

[@fitzventure]

One of my favorite trails. Fascinating fact: Arizona has the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. It's not all desert here.

[@AndrewTurner251]

Woke up to a rainy day, and a new video I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning.

[@sameergrewal7349]

That scout is badass!!!!

[@soctnights]

I'm an ole guy. Shifters on pickup steering columns (stick on a post) were the norm for me growing up, four on the floor was a luxury.

[@Jackle61]

And give me paper maps and a compass. Not some electronic infotainment center .

[@jeffjennings6117]

Learned on a 1956 Willy’s Jeep. Had a couple since then and looking or a new one. Manual for me. I am watching this in my motorhome in Peoria on my way to Sedona. Great video Brad,

[@albolt31]

Ali with his Persian kabobs rocks. 😀😀👍👍

[@scottmacdonald1877]

There is a local market here that makes premade marinated kebabs you can buy. Beef, lamb and chicken. Very good quality with peppers, onions and mushrooms. A quick, easy way to do a camp dinner.

[@nordicwolf8808]

I am hungry 🤤

[@fscottgray9784]

I can hear the reserve in your voice each time you talk about your sons deployment.. I have been there many times and understand your apprehension. Wishing him a safe deployment abroad. Thank him for his service for me.

[@larrymoore326]

Classic Scout leading the way ! Thats cool !

[@MattAD-ww7zy]

A nice surprise to find on a Saturday morning while sipping my coffee. Love your content!

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

Same! One of my jeep buddies was just asking if I want to hit up Sedona with him next month, suddenly, Brad in AZ lol (Sadly I had to decline as my 95 XJ is still stock and addressing leaks)

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

What a neat adventure and so rad to see so many manual rigs. Always rad to see you wear the Oregon hoodie. Looking forward to the next installment of this trip.

[@EricBuenoo]

Happy to see a fellow taco owner join you!!

[@gordovergudo7632]

It seem like it was struggling

[@EricBuenoo]

@@gordovergudo7632 She did get winched. But she was also probably the longest wheelbase, on 33s, and manual tacos don’t have a super low crawl ratio so I’m sure it added to the difficulties. She did great hanging with the jeeps.

[@EricBuenoo]

@Will Baty that’s a great point! I forgot one of the Jeep’s got winched too.

[@stoventures1770]

We just explored that area pretty thoroughly. Ran across a Mountain Lion, changed a tire and had a great time in AZ!

[@TrailRecon]

I've never ran across a mountain lion and I'm okay with that!

[@stoventures1770]

@@TrailRecon apparently they are very plentiful in the Agua Fria region. She checked out camp in the early AM. Didn’t like me peeing in her territory I think🤣. I’ve been on the fence about my RTT vs ground tent...I’ll be keeping the RTT now!!!

[@karlschwaber7006]

@@stoventures1770 if a cougar wants in a few feet in the air matters not. Unless it is hard shelled of course. We had one tear up our tent for fun once while we were fishing. Their claws are amazing.

[@stoventures1770]

@@karlschwaber7006 of course! But being the air is going to slow it down. We’ve had moose wonder through camp, and coyotes tear an animal to pieces in our camp before. We enjoy being off the ground lol.

[@karlschwaber7006]

@@stoventures1770 it does have it advantages, that is for sure. I slept in one in the pouring rain and stayed perfectly dry. That was nice considering it was around freezing. And I still don't understand why Toyota does not put front lockers on their taco trucks.

[@thoughtsbytq7384]

Can’t wait for the next episode. Thanks to both you and your son for your service. Hope to see you all wheeling on east Coast someday in the future.

[@charlietognotti6888]

Another wonderful video from my favorite channel featuring my favorite people! Your videos inspired me to get a jeep and they continue to inspire me to hit the trails!

[@TrailRecon]

So glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much!

[@mtbales0805]

Rock crawling with a trailer is bad ass!!!

[@bradshutler9356]

Good to see so many using manual transmissions. I have always preferred them and my 95 Tacoma has the 5 speed manual using a Center Force clutch. I have no need for something else other than I wish I was there pounding the dirt with y'all. ROCK ON!

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

Used to ride my still running 1984 XR350 Honda dirt bike up that way each summer. Used to be lots of ghost town ruins, but sadly not much left. Would like to do it again in the Rubicon some time. I had heard that an overland trailer would be impossible with the degradation of this trail, so glad to see you had yours Brad! Gives me encouragement as I don't want to have to do it in one day when I finally get back out there.

[@gen2-x364]

The automatics in the new jeeps make life much easier and they are dependable. Nice video.

[@chewiepac5932]

Simple awnser for Manuel vs auto is when your standing up a Manuel will still operate without fluid in the pick up, since they don't have a fluid pickup, among reasons the fluid can get contamination with water and still operate, where as with a automatic if you get after in your transmission it's cooked

[@XploreAz]

I have a friend named Manuel.

[@MrGursk12]

Awesome Just Awesome!!! Thanks for taking us along! Always a great Video

[@HappyCarReviews]

All this rigs look like they are made to survive the apocalypse. Beautiful and tough. Lots of respect for all of you guys and gals especially to TrailRecon for bringing it to us. Automatic like and subscribe. 🔥

[@newt3k]

I did this trail in the late 90s in a stock Isuzu Trooper on 31s. The looks from jeeps going the other way kept me going.

[@XploreAz]

Well it was much easier in the 90's. The trail has changed a lot since then.

[@OverlandAZ]

Fun fact, the saloon used to be located at the Oro Belle mine site which you pass through as you’re making your way through the trail (I believe the stone structure at 15:00ish is the Oro Belle site). The saloon was moved up to Crown King piece by piece in 1906. Looks like you all had a great time! That’s a great trail and great group of people to be out with!

[@adrianw3985]

Backway to Crown King is fun, the camping up top is nice. Love that place...

[@mariafishnfooorivas3858]

I can’t find the words to describe how much I enjoy these videos other than to say I love them and keep them coming!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@niiikhilll]

That XJ leading at front looks badass enough to survive a zombie apocalypse!!

[@datsun4x]

Damn man, some of those drivers are legit offroad OG's.

[@kungfumaster8171]

Phenomenal video. I really enjoyed it.

[@austinhuffer8874]

That 93 Cherokee used to be mine! I loved it but just didn't use it often. I'm so glad to see it being loved and used.

[@mikeandshelliesoverlanding]

Another great video Brad. Safe travels for your son and a big THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@jimmythemeek1638]

I'm living through your videos. What an awesome hobby.

[@allabout4019]

Really like all the manual transmissions, it’s what we drive. Good to hear from them cause the automatics make it look so easy. It is real 4x4’ing with manual; working the clutch and gears and speed.

[@BenandBrandi]

Love it! Props to these guys in manual.. but I’ll take my auto! Requires less focus, so I can focus on the beauty in the windshield!

[@danielzimbrich9484]

I rode this on my 1200GS years ago. Brings back great memories. Thanks

[@GoonieLord]

Great seeing old rigs

[@Shred_Rocket]

Lived in Scottsdale, AZ for a few years and made at least a couple of dozen backroad trips to Crown King on my Jeep Cherokee rig... after watching your vid I really miss it!!! Of course, there are plenty of trails here in Maryland/Virginia, but really. Thanks for sharing.

[@HFKing2010]

I've been hoping that Marco would do an off-road tutorial for us stick shift jeepers. Fantastic to see so many on this trip!

[@michaelwier1222]

With a manual you work the machine, with an automatic I feel the machine is working you. Love the old Scout!

[@raystanley4329]

I used to drive this road in my stock pick-up- only modification was 1size oversize tires. Try driving it in early spring when the snow is melting & the road is iced up in the shady spots! All of a sudden you're sliding backwards with no shoulder to catch you! That'll wake you up! Take the Table Mesa rd. east to the 17rd. & drive it to the top of New River Mesa. That's a GOOD jeep road

[@donenke5607]

Just finished watching the entire video. Another great video as always. Thanks for sharing and allowing me to experience off roading even if it’s from my living room. 👍

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RocHopn]

Glad u enjoyed my back yard! I have ran this trail many times. It keeps getting rougher as the weather and side by sides tear it up.

[@cnashner6677]

Today is a good day! Love watching these adventures

[@TNEZCHANNEL]

Great Video Brad! Love your content

[@onlysmiles3419]

awesome video!!! So looking forward to the next one!!

[@JamesBrown-hv1xu]

I absolutely love that 64 International Scout ❤

[@odys3803]

2doors!! The Scout is stupid wide, I love it.

[@LaddGardner4]

Good work, Brad. Proud of you and your son.

[@shehbaazkhosa5205]

Its just 30 sec of the video nd i am looking forward to watch marco cooking some delicious food 😋

[@TrailRecon]

Marco will be cooking it up in part 2, Ali had kitchen duty this video.

[@shehbaazkhosa5205]

@@TrailRecon then i am waiting for part 2 now... 😁😁 we love to watch Marco cooking for the crew. These TrailRecon videos are just like Some Netflix series. Loved the video. Looking forward to drive with you guys in future.

[@martinafdahl1242]

Sending prayers for your son's safe deployment.

[@charlesconnor1737]

I love your videos ... great job and thanks for sharing...

[@עמרישמעוני-ג7ג]

No matter what, the SCOUT is leading the way.

[@rogermuir3514]

Awesome trail !!! Brad your Jeep just did great love Diesel power. Great job Cheers.

[@rusty2door]

Driving stick till the day I did! Great video

[@hcrffi]

👍 Beauty of traveling with buddies, "One For All, All For One." 👍

[@stephenlewis8143]

Manual transmission; connection to your vehicle & ride; riding with others having a manual system? Group dynamics, habit & norm? At 14 I was sent to Idaho so I could (legally) during the day, drive truck, tractor on a large fruit farm. Manual trans was all that was available. And I've had trucks since with manual systems. But the jeep I drive is auto & going up steep continuous pitches "I feel connected to the vehicle" (or is that myth)? Frankly I'd have to hop into one of those AZ "manual rigs" watch the gearing on some of the spots, & the clutch use & then find out about the feel of the ride. Running the ship in first gear, 4 low - the engines sounded a lot different that on other shows. Nice video & scenery in the desert & woods of AZ. Thank you. Good luck to your son in his endeavor.

[@rob45x]

Manual trans for offroading is an old school mentality. Nothing beats a good auto with a aftermarket cooler for control and traction.

[@bosse641]

Green and beautiful up there in them mountains.

[@2fuzzies]

Ran this back in January after a few storms dumped several feet of snow on the trail. That was the best CK run I have done. That was my first real snow wheeling trip. Added a whole another dimension to the run. Last 5 years or so its now crazy busy with SxS traffic. We are doing our annual night run next month to CK. Are you running Old Senator HWY from CK to Prescott? That is a very scenic trail thru the trees. Be safe. Rubber side down, shiney side up.

[@BennyTygohome]

Probably the biggest advantage of s manual... No transmission cooler needed and no worry of it overheating. On a long tail like this to crown king the automatic jeeps (I've driven this trail probably at least 30 times) they always share stories at the lunch turn off or at the tavern about how their upgraded trans cooler is working out or that they wished they had a better trans cooler 😄🤟👍

[@kiranrichardson9244]

I have always driven a manual offroad, and my best buddy has always driven automatic. I’ve found that he has much more control driving up obstacles in an auto, but I have much more control descending down an obstacle

[@thefloridawildlife]

I did this trail today it’s pretty cool. But then again coming from Florida this is all new to me everything is so cool it’s like sensory overload

[@nightfall22]

Ooooo man camp grub. Ali was getting down!

[@Numb360]

SO JEALIOUS!! Great video as always Brad.

[@echristianh]

I remember doing this trail in a stock 2004 Rubicon back in like 2005, and I was to naive to even air down. Took so long that once was enough, and looks like it's even tougher now. Crown King is the best part of that trip.

[@korylee1511]

I just put my automatic into manual mode offroad. Then you have complete control and eliminates the advantage of a manual other than fun with the extra pedal

[@shawnhawkins4957]

So beautiful..Its looks so nice being out away from everything with a great group of people .

[@MrBilliford]

Good to see an XJ hanging with all those jacked up JK's. Miss your XJ Brad.

[@MitchellEarl]

Love this video as I grew up nearby. But I don't understand the "manual advantage" a lot of guys are mentioning. The automatic transmission has a manual mode to accomplish some of the same things, like controlling the RPMs.

[@ralphbuehler8063]

My daughter just bought a 2021 4-door Wrangler JL. No lift, bone stock. We made this same trip the weekend before this. Definitely challenging! No (visible) body damage, a few scars along the bottom. Would definitely not recommend this trail on a stock vehicle

[@scottmacdonald1877]

That was some really challenging terrain to be pulling a trailer. Goodonya!!!

[@herbertwagner6571]

Amazing and awesome trip. Impressed that some sections are possible with the trailer.

[@BillyBob-ng8mp]

Awesome trail and look like a lot of fun!

[@dircxx8554]

😱😱 this is torture! But also fun 🤔 hope nothing break down ....

[@worldwide_wes]

Great video! Glad to see some more difficult wheeling

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! 👍

[@alsmith1025]

This was such an awesome video. I really liked this one.

[@crjmoto]

2 wheels or 4, the backway to CK is awesome : ) Safe travels to your son

[@NextAdventureYoutube]

Awesome adventure! Great video as always!