Sunrise Mine & 3 Hill Mine Connection

Trail Overview

This connection trail has lots of washouts and steep ruts that could drag the rear end on longer-wheelbase vehicles. The trail connects the 3-Hill Mine Trail to the Sunshine Mine Trail. It's also a connector into the network of trails out in the Outlaw Hill area. This is a generally narrow trail. It is rocky in sections and can be a bit off-camber. Some paint damage from desert plants is possible, especially in the narrow sandy wash sections. There is a tensioned wire cattle fence to open and close. You may want a buddy, as these can sometimes be pretty tight. This is an area where ranchers have cattle roaming around. Some open grass areas make for excellent dispersed camping sites. The trail from the 3-Hill Mine end is a long, soft, sandy wash that twists and turns. It is narrow with lots of overgrown desert bushes. The trail is more open and beautiful on the Sunshine Mine side, with many large saguaros. The AT&T cell service is intermittent on this trail. The service is better closer to Highway 60. This area gets extremely hot in the summer months. Bring extra water and supplies if traveling during the summer.

Photos of Sunrise Mine & 3 Hill Mine Connection

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Difficulty

There are lots of desert washouts to navigate. Some are off-camber, while some are somewhat deep. There are sections of long sandy washes. A steep entry and exit to some washouts will be more difficult for longer-wheelbase vehicles.

History

This route is on Arizona State Trust Land. This land requires a yearly permit that can be purchased and printed online. The permits allow certain recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, bird watching, GPS-based recreational activities (geocaching), hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle (OHV) usage, photography, picnicking, and sightseeing. There are a few permit options depending on your use type: An Individual Permit is $15 and grants a single person access to State Trust Land for the above-listed purposes. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Family Permit costs $20 and grants a family unit (two adults and their children under 18) access to State Trust Land for the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Small-Group Permit costs $15 and grants up to 19 people access to State Trust Land locations for five consecutive days for certain types of non-commercial recreational activities, including the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Large-group Permit is for a group larger than 20 people. You must apply for this size separately online and be approved for group activities of this size. Responsibilities: Permittee(s) shall respect the land and adhere to the terms and conditions of the permit at all times. Permittee(s) shall comply with all federal, state, county, and municipal laws and ordinances while on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall have the permit with them at all times while recreating on State Trust Land and have it readily available if stopped by law enforcement or any State Land Department staff. The Permittee(s) shall not remove natural products from or visit archaeological sites on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall not create or leave any trash on State Trust Land, except for geocaches placed according to ASLD. The Permittee(s) shall not discharge a firearm on State Trust Land except pursuant to lawful and licensed hunting. An ASLD Recreational Permit is not required for individuals with a valid hunting and fishing license who are actively pursuing game or fish. The Permittee(s) shall only participate in OHV usage on State Trust Land with an ASLD Recreational Permit and an OHV decal or license plate. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the issuing agency for the OHV decal, certificates of title, registrations, and license plates.

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