V15E5: Home in the Bed of a Defender
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V15E5: Home in the Bed of a Defender
Christopher Shontz
This week, we delve into the backcountry of southern Arizona in the 1991 Land Rover Defender 110 Hi-Cap. We put the truck through its paces as Shannon takes it out for a drive. I am left to my own devices at a local grocery store, and then spend a chilly February night under the stars in the bed of the Defender. The episode concludes in Coronado National Forest where I enjoy a tent site under some junipers.
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By the Creaking Windmill
@venture4wd
In the shadow of the Tortolita Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona. This is State Trust land so an inexpensive permit is required. Available online. Located five miles down a long dirt road past solar farm construction. Dirt road is passable in stock AWD and 4x4 vehicles. Sprawling undeveloped desert landscape with decent cell service, small primitive fire ring, enough room for two or three vehicles. Other camping opportunities, 4x4, and mountain biking trails in the area. Low desert vegetation. Some recreational traffic during the day. View of mountains to the east.
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Saddle with Amazing View
@venture4wd
This is a clear spot atop a desert mountain saddle on Arizona State Trust Land with great views to the east and west. Enough room for one or two vehicles. Good cell service. An inexpensive annual permit is required to use State Trust Land for recreation. This is a primitive spot with no fire ring, just great views! Requires high-clearance four wheel drive to access.
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Junipers of Coronado
@venture4wd
This is a remote, dispersed campsite in Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona. It is a spacious clearing, large enough to accommodate a few vehicles and tents. It is located on a spur off of a long, primitive forest road that requires four-wheel drive. Cell service is moderate here, and privacy is good with the very occasional hiker or ATV. There is room for a small tent beneath the junipers. Some cattle wandering around the area. Surrounded by high-desert vegetation and mountainous valleys in every direction.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Shontz
Since 2017, I've traveled full-time throughout the United States and Canada. Today, I'm based in Tucson, Arizona, United States, and specialize in vehicle-supported adventure, remote camping experiences in Arizona, and delicious places to eat and drink around Tucson.
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