Trail Links:
Roof Butte - Tunitcha Mountains Trail
Friday, July 13, 2012
This trail offered a stark contrast to the interior and rims of the canyon far below. Venturing up to higher elevation with beautiful pines, firs, and spruce trees with high elevation meadows, creeks, and a mountaintop view into neighboring Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. From Chinle, we took the paved drive along the north rim of Canyon del Muerto, then the easy-mild Tunitcha Mountains Trail through the forest to nearly 9,000 ft Roof Butte for a lunch stop.
On this, the 13th Syncro Safari, on Friday the 13th, 31 Syncronauts in 13 Syncros set out. 13 minute hailstorm ensued!
Itinerary:
8:30 AM Leave Camp
8:30 – 9:30 North Rim Drive & Lookouts
9:30 – 11:30 Tunitcha Mountains Trail, South to North (Difficulty rating 2 & 3 by Massey & Wilson)
11:30 – 1:00 Axle repair and Lunch at spur junction to Roof Butte. Thunderstorm, rain, hail, fun!
1:00 - 1:20 2-mile 4x4 spur road up to Roof Butte Fire Lookout
1:20 - 2:00 Roof Butte - Spectacular views, photos, hide Syncrocache.
2:00 - 3:30 Paved roads on north side of Roof Butte with amazing canyon views on the way back down
3:30 - 4:30 North rim viewpoints of Canyon del Muerto in the rain and back to camp
(Note that at Syncro Safari, we did this route south-to-north, but it's described in the excerpt blow in north-to-south direction.)
Here’s some trail information excerpted from a published sources:
(Excerpted from Massey & Wilson "Backcountry Adventures Arizona")
NE Region # 46 - Tunitcha Mountains Trail
Total Miles: 18
Unpaved Miles: 18
Driving Time: 2 hours
Elevation: 7,400 – 9,000 ft
Difficulty Rating: 2
Scenic Rating: 9
Special Attractions: Optional 3-rated spur to Roof Butte Fire Lookout.
Easy trail that travels along the picturesque Tsaile Creek.
Tsaile Butte snd the Tunitcha Mountains.
Views of Shiprock from the north end of the trail.
View of golden aspen on the north end of the trail in early fall.
Description (North to South)
This roughly graded road takes you through the green Tunitcha Mountains, part of the larger north-south Chuska Mountains. Along the way, the trail passes through the peaceful rural landscape of the Navajo Nation, offers views of Chiprock and Tsaile Butte, and has an optional 3-rated climb to the fire lookout at Roof Butte.
The trail commences by leaving Indian Road 13 and climbing around the north face of Roof Butte, easily picekd out by the communications masts on its summit. As it climbs, the distinctive shape of isolated Shiprock, with its resemblence to a sailing ship in full sail, can be seen just over the border in New Mexico. This section also passes through many stands of aspen; in fall their golden leaves contrast with the green pines to form a tapestry of color.
After 2 miles, a well-used unmarked trail leads north and swiftly climbs to the top of Roof Butte and the communications masts and fire lookout there. This rocky 3-rated spur trail stops at the end of a ridge (1.6 miles); but on the way you will have a clear view of the main trail ahead winding its way along the valley close to Tsaile Creek. There is a fire lookout on Roof Butte, and when it is manned you are usually welcome to climb the tower with the lookout's permission. This tower is only a few feet above the ground; the height and aspect of Roof Butte obviate the need for a tall tower.
Back on the main trail, the track follows Tsaile Creek valley, crossing the creek on occasion. Along the way you are likely to see flocks of grazing sheep and goats, either accompanied by mounted shepards or, more likely, guarded only by shaggy sheepdogs. Small side trails that lead to private property are noted in the route directions only for navigational purposes. Those that lead only to private property have been omitted. Many Navajo live in the peaceful areas off this trail, and you can see their traditional hogans, corrals, and other buildings along the way. Don't be surprised if people stop to see if you are all right or if you need directions along the way. This lightly traveled road sees few visitors.
The trail turns toward prominant Tsaile Butte and travels on a smooth gravel road for the last few miles before rejoining Indian Road 12 a few miles south of Tsaile Lake.
This trail offered a stark contrast to the interior and rims of the canyon far below. Venturing up to higher elevation with beautiful pines, firs, and spruce trees with high elevation meadows, creeks, and a mountaintop view into neighboring Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. From Chinle, we took the paved drive along the north rim of Canyon del Muerto, then the easy-mild Tunitcha Mountains Trail through the forest to nearly 9,000 ft Roof Butte for a lunch stop.
On this, the 13th Syncro Safari, on Friday the 13th, 31 Syncronauts in 13 Syncros set out. 13 minute hailstorm ensued!
Itinerary:
8:30 AM Leave Camp
8:30 – 9:30 North Rim Drive & Lookouts
9:30 – 11:30 Tunitcha Mountains Trail, South to North (Difficulty rating 2 & 3 by Massey & Wilson)
11:30 – 1:00 Axle repair and Lunch at spur junction to Roof Butte. Thunderstorm, rain, hail, fun!
1:00 - 1:20 2-mile 4x4 spur road up to Roof Butte Fire Lookout
1:20 - 2:00 Roof Butte - Spectacular views, photos, hide Syncrocache.
2:00 - 3:30 Paved roads on north side of Roof Butte with amazing canyon views on the way back down
3:30 - 4:30 North rim viewpoints of Canyon del Muerto in the rain and back to camp
(Note that at Syncro Safari, we did this route south-to-north, but it's described in the excerpt blow in north-to-south direction.)
Here’s some trail information excerpted from a published sources:
(Excerpted from Massey & Wilson "Backcountry Adventures Arizona")
NE Region # 46 - Tunitcha Mountains Trail
Total Miles: 18
Unpaved Miles: 18
Driving Time: 2 hours
Elevation: 7,400 – 9,000 ft
Difficulty Rating: 2
Scenic Rating: 9
Special Attractions: Optional 3-rated spur to Roof Butte Fire Lookout.
Easy trail that travels along the picturesque Tsaile Creek.
Tsaile Butte snd the Tunitcha Mountains.
Views of Shiprock from the north end of the trail.
View of golden aspen on the north end of the trail in early fall.
Description (North to South)
This roughly graded road takes you through the green Tunitcha Mountains, part of the larger north-south Chuska Mountains. Along the way, the trail passes through the peaceful rural landscape of the Navajo Nation, offers views of Chiprock and Tsaile Butte, and has an optional 3-rated climb to the fire lookout at Roof Butte.
The trail commences by leaving Indian Road 13 and climbing around the north face of Roof Butte, easily picekd out by the communications masts on its summit. As it climbs, the distinctive shape of isolated Shiprock, with its resemblence to a sailing ship in full sail, can be seen just over the border in New Mexico. This section also passes through many stands of aspen; in fall their golden leaves contrast with the green pines to form a tapestry of color.
After 2 miles, a well-used unmarked trail leads north and swiftly climbs to the top of Roof Butte and the communications masts and fire lookout there. This rocky 3-rated spur trail stops at the end of a ridge (1.6 miles); but on the way you will have a clear view of the main trail ahead winding its way along the valley close to Tsaile Creek. There is a fire lookout on Roof Butte, and when it is manned you are usually welcome to climb the tower with the lookout's permission. This tower is only a few feet above the ground; the height and aspect of Roof Butte obviate the need for a tall tower.
Back on the main trail, the track follows Tsaile Creek valley, crossing the creek on occasion. Along the way you are likely to see flocks of grazing sheep and goats, either accompanied by mounted shepards or, more likely, guarded only by shaggy sheepdogs. Small side trails that lead to private property are noted in the route directions only for navigational purposes. Those that lead only to private property have been omitted. Many Navajo live in the peaceful areas off this trail, and you can see their traditional hogans, corrals, and other buildings along the way. Don't be surprised if people stop to see if you are all right or if you need directions along the way. This lightly traveled road sees few visitors.
The trail turns toward prominant Tsaile Butte and travels on a smooth gravel road for the last few miles before rejoining Indian Road 12 a few miles south of Tsaile Lake.
DIFFICULTY RATINGS
[The information below is mostly excerpted from Massey & Wilson's "Backcountry Adventures" book series difficulty ratings so you'll know how to interpret the ratings above. Ratings or 4-5 seem best suited for what might be called "mild to moderate, family friendly 4-wheeling" in a Syncro.]
1 [Graded dirt]
2 High-clearance 4WD preferred, not necessary. These trails are dirt roads, but may have rocks, grades, water crossings, or ruts that make clearance a concern in a normal passenger vehicle.
3 High-clearance 4WDs are preferred, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. Expect a rough road surface; mud and sand are possible but will be easily passable. You may encounter rocks up to 6 inches in diameter, a loose road surface, and shelf roads, though these will be wide enough for passing or will have adequate pull-offs.
4 High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, though most stock SUVs are acceptable. Expect a rough road surface with rocks larger than 6 inches, but there will be a reasonable driving line Patches of mud are possible but can be readily negotiated; sand may be deep and require lower tire pressures. There may be stream crossings up to 12 inches deep, substantial sections of single-lane shelf road, moderate grades, and sections of moderately loose road surface.
5 High-clearance 4WDs are required. These trails have either a rough, rutted surface, rocks up to 9 inches, mud and deep sand that may be impassable for inexperienced drivers, or stream crossings up to 18 inches deep. Certain sections may be steep enough to cause traction problems, and you may encounter very narrow shelf roads with steep drop-offs and tight clearance between rocks or trees.
6 These trails are for experienced four-wheel drivers only. They are potentially dangerous, with large rocks, ruts, or terraces that may need to be negotiated. They may also have stream crossings at least 18 inches deep, involve rapid currents, unstable stream bottoms, or difficult access; steep slopes, loose surfaces, and narrow clearances; or very narrow sections of shelf road with steep drop-offs and potentially challenging road surfaces.
7 through 10 [Not considered for Syncro Safari routes so their descriptions are not depicted here.]
END EXCERPT
1 [Graded dirt]
2 High-clearance 4WD preferred, not necessary. These trails are dirt roads, but may have rocks, grades, water crossings, or ruts that make clearance a concern in a normal passenger vehicle.
3 High-clearance 4WDs are preferred, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. Expect a rough road surface; mud and sand are possible but will be easily passable. You may encounter rocks up to 6 inches in diameter, a loose road surface, and shelf roads, though these will be wide enough for passing or will have adequate pull-offs.
4 High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, though most stock SUVs are acceptable. Expect a rough road surface with rocks larger than 6 inches, but there will be a reasonable driving line Patches of mud are possible but can be readily negotiated; sand may be deep and require lower tire pressures. There may be stream crossings up to 12 inches deep, substantial sections of single-lane shelf road, moderate grades, and sections of moderately loose road surface.
5 High-clearance 4WDs are required. These trails have either a rough, rutted surface, rocks up to 9 inches, mud and deep sand that may be impassable for inexperienced drivers, or stream crossings up to 18 inches deep. Certain sections may be steep enough to cause traction problems, and you may encounter very narrow shelf roads with steep drop-offs and tight clearance between rocks or trees.
6 These trails are for experienced four-wheel drivers only. They are potentially dangerous, with large rocks, ruts, or terraces that may need to be negotiated. They may also have stream crossings at least 18 inches deep, involve rapid currents, unstable stream bottoms, or difficult access; steep slopes, loose surfaces, and narrow clearances; or very narrow sections of shelf road with steep drop-offs and potentially challenging road surfaces.
7 through 10 [Not considered for Syncro Safari routes so their descriptions are not depicted here.]
END EXCERPT