A diverse lineup of machines was in the group, representing Toyota, Jeep, and Land Rover.
Pyeatt Draw slowly builds in difficulty as the wash narrows, creating larger steps and a greater concentration of loose boulders. The pace began to slow, and more spotting was required to help the less-modified machines. One particular obstacle brought the group to a standstill, and all occupants worked their way to the front with various digital and video cameras. The trail chokes down into a narrow "S" turn in the sandstone, forcing the drivers to weave their way through Jeep-size turns, rubbing their rock sliders and pivoting around the corners. Then the trail exits to a taller slab up a cambered shelf with a large rock on the right followed by a deep hole and ledge on the left. This made the obstacle a real challenge for the vehicles with open differentials or traction control, with several trucks getting some new dings and scrapes. The most impressive success on that challenge was by Jared Albert in his open-diff and near-stock four-cylinder TJ. With only a 2-inch TeraFlex suspension and sway-bar disconnects, Jared flexed his Jeep through the notch without any wheelspin, resulting in a "Hooray!" from the group.
With all 10 vehicles through the notch, it was time for lunch and to enjoy the great view down the Draw and the cool breeze coming from the Rim's edge. At nearly 6,000 feet, the Tonto National Forest is a retreat from the intense heat of Phoenix and other valley cities. This makes Pyeatt Draw a popular trail for Arizona 4WD clubs, and despite its remote location, it is not uncommon to find several groups running the route over a summer weekend. However, I was pleased to find very little trail damage and no trash on the trail during our visit, showing that the commitment of time and expense to drive to the trailhead is keeping "wildcat" or less-responsible 'wheelers away.
After lunch, we drove a short distance to the first "exit" option from the trail, where an improved two-track crosses the wash and then begins to parallel the Draw from the south. This is the end of the 3.0-rated section and the beginning of the 4.0-rated trail end. The last section is only a few hundred yards long but begins climbing in elevation quickly, and the sandstone surface is fractured into a series of 2- to 3-foot ledges clogged with large boulders.
Most of the group stopped before the last technical section of the trail and hiked in to enjoy the show. Brian, Ben, Seth, and Mark pushed on past the Jeep road crossing and played on the big ledges and rocks before the waterfall. | 
There were several FZJ80 Land Cruisers on the trail, including this supercharged unit owned by Randy Drwinga. The 80-series Land Cruiser is one of the finest trail machines ever brought to North America. | 
Under the watchful eye of a spotter and his dog, Cherokee, Brian winched the Jeep over the two ledges and onto the end of the trail. Good ground clearance and a strong winch are needed to attempt this waterfall. |