J. R. Ranch (Buzzard Roost) (FR 486) in AZ -- Camping Rules & Access
J. R. Ranch (Buzzard Roost) (FR 486) in AZ
Road corridorTonto NF
18 mi from Tonto Basin
Maps 5,357 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Stay limit: 14 days · within 30 days
VerizonNONE
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkGOOD
Road Access
Difficult
- All 23.6 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Near Jim Sam Butte.
- Estimated climb: 2,300 ft over 23.6 miles through 23 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 16% and pitches to 29%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side.
- Dead-end road; turnaround space is not mapped.
- Gates 1.1, 4.1 and 23.2 miles along the road.
- Water crossings 5.4 and 6.2 miles along the road.
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 1.4 miles off.
- South Buzzard Roost Mesa Tank lies 0.4 mi off.
Climate averages
October normals 43–74°F, 1.3″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.