DRIVEN: Nissan Xterra Aces Rugged Trails

The foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains north of Phoenix are laced with trails that run along the tops of narrow ridges and through gullies at the bottoms of deep gorges.

The compact Xterra can provide its owner with plenty of exposure to the natural world. (Photo: Bob Golfen) » More PhotosThe trails are made up of jagged rocks and steep inclines, and they cut narrowly through the desert brush and cactuses, green and lush from the recent spring rains. The tall saguaros sprout flowers from their lofty tips this time of year, and even the rough-looking paddle cactuses display large yellow flowers.

Some of the stony trails hang on the edges of cliffs, in places nearly washed out by erosion.

This was where we took the Nissan Xterra, a tough little four-wheel-drive SUV that seemed ready for a day of desert four-wheeling, Arizona style. The goal was to explore some of the old mining roads that climb sharply up the hillsides, ending at ragged holes and piles of tailings left behind when the mines played out...

http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/driven-nissan-xterra-aces-rugged-t...