In Baley's opinion, Udell was right to be concerned about the road, and adds: although Beale had taken a few wagons over the route, [in 1858 it] was little more than a survey trail marked only by faint wagon tracks, an occasional stone cairn, and perhaps a few axe blazes on trees. Portions of the road followed human and animal trails, and - although potable water was sporadically available - there were also long stretches called jornadas, where it was scarce. From the San Francisco Peaks to the Colorado River, vital resources were in short supply.