tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52932868538100605502024-02-18T21:37:16.080-08:00Exploring the SouthwestHiking and Exploring the SouthwestNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-43353214070021222272018-05-04T15:49:00.002-07:002018-05-04T16:40:06.484-07:00Brin's Mesa/Solider Pass Loop and Soldier Pass ArchIf you are in Sedona and want a great hike that captures the beauty of the area then do this hike! This is a five mile loop hike. If you add the side trail to the arch you will be adding an additional 1/2 mile to your hike. Trust me you want to do the side trail to the arch. This is one of the most unique arches I have ever seen in all my years of hiking and exploring. You can get "inside" of the arch by climbing up a few rocks that someone has stacked for easier access. Trust me, you want to climb into the arch! Like I said before this is an incredibly unique formation. Click<a href="https://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/Brings_MesaSolider_Pass_Loop/NatMap1" target="_blank"> here </a>for map.<iframe allow="geolocation" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://widgets.scribblemaps.com/sm/?d&z&l&gc&af&mc&lat=34.89557624525222&lng=-111.78145262743146&vz=15&type=hybrid&ti&s&width=550&height=400&id=NatMap1" style="border: 0; max-width: 100%;" width="550"></iframe><br />
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There are two trail heads you can start this hike from. I chose to start the trail at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/GoypKkc3CCC2" target="_blank">Jordan Road Trailhead</a> and my description will follow from that starting point. Directions to this trailhead are at the end of this post, along with directions to the alternative starting point, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/9JdTcmMgkh32" target="_blank">Soldier Pass Trailhead</a>. ( You can also click on the trailhead names to go to a google map of the location). Just be aware parking is limited, however there is more parking spots at the Jordan Road Trailhead than at the Soldier Pass Trailhead. You will need to purchase a Redrock Pass to park at either parking lot. Conveniently there is a Redrock Pass vending machine at the Jordan Road Trailhead which takes credit cards. Click <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5416207" target="_blank">here</a> for information on obtaining a Redrock Pass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzTS_WC10MYxkmREhs9lphjM7rwVx3veGOlfbbbwGbUE0v5FnouPNgBMAv7dnra4K8gpm5FoukyQPusYhUQzEnGFnxXDcxhUhViYAPk_VdsIC9UAHQGO4C0eDAfE-sMYd1CbcBibjV00/s1600/IMG_7478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzTS_WC10MYxkmREhs9lphjM7rwVx3veGOlfbbbwGbUE0v5FnouPNgBMAv7dnra4K8gpm5FoukyQPusYhUQzEnGFnxXDcxhUhViYAPk_VdsIC9UAHQGO4C0eDAfE-sMYd1CbcBibjV00/s320/IMG_7478.JPG" width="240" /></a>From the Jordan Road Trailhead you will start out on the Brin's Mesa Trail and hike this trail counter clockwise. This trail begins to the right and behind the Trailhead Information Sign/Map. A few hundred feet into your hike the Cibola Pass Trail will head to the left. Stay on the main Brin's Mesa Trail. About 1 mile in you will begin a steep climb to the top of Brin's Mesa. It's nothing too steep or long, but in my case it did get my heart pumping. At 1.4 miles you will come to the top of your climb. You have reached Brin's Mesa and will notice a lot of dead trees. A fire in 2006 swept through this area. <br />
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Continue on the trail for approximately .5 miles where you will come to a split in the trail. Take the Solider Pass Trail to your left. You will begin a descent down into the canyon below. As you begin your descent look to your left along the canyon wall where you will see three alcoves. The furthest on on the right is the Solider Pass Arch. It does not look like an arch from this vantage point.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across to the arches</td></tr>
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Once you have reached the bottom the trail will wind through trees, providing some nice relief from the sun. You want to keep your eyes out for the Soldier Pass Arch Trail around 3 mile that will go off to the left. This side trail was not marked. However, you will know you are close to the junction when you pass the Secret Mountain Wilderness sign. Another hundred feet or so and the Arch Trail appears to the left.<br />
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The Arch Trial begins a steep ascent up the side of the canyon wall. You will come to a large clear sandstone area. Head across this and you will see the trail begin another steep climb. Continue up the trail which will end right at the Soldier Pass Arch. You can access the inside of the arch by walking up to the alcove and look to your right. Some has stacked rocks to make the entry through the crack easier. Climb up this crack and then check out what awaits you inside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5t0sBjXK8cXrU5zB_yAQ_Pp2ioSQ2dCZUlt_DF6anKyv7XnuHtHJLeSIDruPCALH9UKaKOqEjgjrOiBeTcnT1IwspmVmHwn-pxxAjvt1tVZ1DTyN-tu2dowSo3oIuPcey6dbtBh7nE0/s1600/IMG_7641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5t0sBjXK8cXrU5zB_yAQ_Pp2ioSQ2dCZUlt_DF6anKyv7XnuHtHJLeSIDruPCALH9UKaKOqEjgjrOiBeTcnT1IwspmVmHwn-pxxAjvt1tVZ1DTyN-tu2dowSo3oIuPcey6dbtBh7nE0/s320/IMG_7641.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Arch</td></tr>
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After you are done exploring the arch, then head back down the way you came. When you come back to the Soldier Pass Trail Junction, head to your left and continue down the trail. You will come to another junction in the trail. Stay on the trail to the left. The trail to the right turns into a jeep road and will take you to the Soldier Pass Trailhead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwQsJCHAtn3EfOlYn_QdqX2C7lRQkBH7X9pQfexf2fI8EVOhgAZrsJOKq1bCWLtnNiD9prw5OguyURrv_0N8_ZR9_a559X7-KEJvHxUwFpUeU2Aby0TK54k5vw2YP3U2K6YyfnxahL-Y/s1600/IMG_7598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwQsJCHAtn3EfOlYn_QdqX2C7lRQkBH7X9pQfexf2fI8EVOhgAZrsJOKq1bCWLtnNiD9prw5OguyURrv_0N8_ZR9_a559X7-KEJvHxUwFpUeU2Aby0TK54k5vw2YP3U2K6YyfnxahL-Y/s320/IMG_7598.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven Sacred Pools</td></tr>
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You will soon come to what is called the Seven Sacred Pools. This is another open sandstone area where water has created levels of pools. On my visit there was standing water in several pools and also plenty of bees, so be careful. They left us alone though. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvFqcD7UTO5HScCdyTpHPjgIRUUTTc8pdPQslbNcJonNaDLLmbjEyM4h_Ic5PEpFUJfJ4mhtaUUimFANoFaVjIcgd_j-FbsAewgpN013NrXD8sMMR734hf7ALCFctfx9O9telerIq6yc/s1600/IMG_7625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvFqcD7UTO5HScCdyTpHPjgIRUUTTc8pdPQslbNcJonNaDLLmbjEyM4h_Ic5PEpFUJfJ4mhtaUUimFANoFaVjIcgd_j-FbsAewgpN013NrXD8sMMR734hf7ALCFctfx9O9telerIq6yc/s640/IMG_7625.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Kitchen</td></tr>
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Continue on the trail to another unique geological formation called Devil's Kitchen. This is a massive sink hole, what it would have been to witness the collapse of this?<br />
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Once you pass Devils Kitchen you will come to another junction. You want to take the Jordan Trail which heads to the left across another open sandstone area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1x0RjGVivrf2UyO5YKsKnGVnIv7D762APfJe8LNrFWpf9POQM53Q1oEqYODIXUmAOxcmieNHYsIjf1Msx6Ana6HWaR_iKDhlcoLgt6fT9pBlyCw_bu8QTFrB5aysI-9d1B5zMyZimJk/s1600/IMG_7624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1x0RjGVivrf2UyO5YKsKnGVnIv7D762APfJe8LNrFWpf9POQM53Q1oEqYODIXUmAOxcmieNHYsIjf1Msx6Ana6HWaR_iKDhlcoLgt6fT9pBlyCw_bu8QTFrB5aysI-9d1B5zMyZimJk/s320/IMG_7624.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan Trail</td></tr>
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Follow the Jordan Trail for about .5 miles where you will come to your final junction. Take the Cibola Pass Trail to the left. This trail will head up and over the hill in front of you for .7 miles. It is another steep climb, but not long. When you reach the top you will quickly head back down and should be able to see the cars parked in the trailhead below.<br />
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This is a great loop hike that packs a lot of variety in its short 6 miles. <br />
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<b>Length: 6 miles loop</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Moderate</b><br />
<b>Traffic: Heavy use</b><br />
<b>Fee: $5.00</b><br />
<b>Hike Time: 3-4 hours</b><br />
<b>Season: Fall through Spring </b><br />
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<b>Directions: </b><br />
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<b><span class="fI">To Jordan Trailhead</span>:<br />
From the Sedona Y (Junction 89A and 179) go north east, towards Uptown
Sedona, for 0.3 miles. Turn left into Jordan Rd and follow Jordan Rd for
0.8 miles to a T intersection with Park Ridge Drive. Turn left on Park
Ridge Drive to the end of the pavement and continue on a fairly bumpy
dirt road (but passable for passenger cars) for about 0.7 miles to
parking and trailhead.<br />
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<b>To Soldiers Pass Trailhead:</b><br />
An alternate trailhead about 1.2 hiking miles away from the Jordan Road
Trailhead. From the Sedona Y (Junction 89A and 179) go west towards West
Sedona and Cottonwood for 1.2 miles to the first light and turn right
into Soldiers Pass Road. Follow the winding Soldiers Pass Road north for
1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive. There is a small brown trail sign
there. Turn right and go on for less than 0.2 miles. The names of the
roads are screwy around here, but there are little brown signs steering
you to the parking area. The parking is on the left, up a gated drive
(only open from 8am to 6pm!) with a limited number of parking spots.<br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 14px;">From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 123 mi, 2 hours 16 mins</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 14px;">From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 228 mi, 3 hours 56 mins</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 14px;">From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 29.3 mi, 41 min</span> </b><br />
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-21426198463440534732014-06-28T08:52:00.002-07:002014-06-28T08:52:30.592-07:00Browns Peak- Four Peaks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5P0eg_sJJPjvWOPsOIowZm8XGeDpa7BDU8Z9V6tPbMe95cdK-kORIGihPydJ9EsTIb6U1wOFYwR67JX6txOtHLhB6USoT2QrEdw_tYdhV7z1L8VhkqKqOBtaoO3ignbL2VkPC2wX3vo/s1600/WMFourpeaksgimp1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5P0eg_sJJPjvWOPsOIowZm8XGeDpa7BDU8Z9V6tPbMe95cdK-kORIGihPydJ9EsTIb6U1wOFYwR67JX6txOtHLhB6USoT2QrEdw_tYdhV7z1L8VhkqKqOBtaoO3ignbL2VkPC2wX3vo/s1600/WMFourpeaksgimp1.JPG" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browns Peak is the furthest peak to the left</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I finally made it to the top of Browns Peak , the highest peak within the Four Peaks Wilderness. This hike has been on my hike list for some time. I would encourage anyone who loves to hike to put this on your list. The scramble up the chute and the view from on top of the peak is worth the effort. <br />
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Four Peaks is the name of a north-south ridge on the Eastern skyline of the Phoenix Metro area. The tallest peak, Browns Peak at 7,657 feet is the highest elevation in Maricopa County. The other three summits are only slightly lower in elevation. <br />
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Plan on an entire day for this excursion. The drive from the east valley to the trail head is about two hours. However, the drive is part of the fun. The trail head begins at Lone Pine Saddle and can be reached by two different routes, both dirt road. A four wheel drive is not necessary unless there has been recent rain; however, a high clearance vehichle with good tires is recommened. A description of both driving routes is at the end of this post. <br />
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The road ends at the Lone Pine Saddle trailhead and there is ample place to park. You find yourself high above the desert floor in pine trees and manzanita brush. The trail starts at the eastern end of the parking lot. There are two trails that start at this location, Four Peaks Trail to your left and the the Browns Trail #133 which goes directly straight ahead of you. Take the Browns Trail. This will head directly east up the hill. The trail switchbacks up a gradual incline through pine trees. You will soon come to a uniquie rock formation, called Woodstock. As it resembles the character from Snoopy.<br />
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Continue on the trail and soon you will pass a fork in the trail on your left. Keep heading straight on the trail you came in on. Shortly you will come a saddle. The trail forks again at this location. Browns Peak is directly to your left. Follow the trail towards the mountain peak. The trail route takes you up the chute. See the picture for reference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RYDjqypgje_baCsLhZkN_IXI3hP8Ta4Jwfe32b3hFoOhNR9EvWsQ8TwTAj4HtT6mo7yi99YO9hZy7R4mBNn5uQtOvgTn3_kxpbpzhxt5WchFX8Fra4dQWdLNuWPu2KGJutWfT32Vif4/s1600/10314545_10152478902694312_5488307757547425683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RYDjqypgje_baCsLhZkN_IXI3hP8Ta4Jwfe32b3hFoOhNR9EvWsQ8TwTAj4HtT6mo7yi99YO9hZy7R4mBNn5uQtOvgTn3_kxpbpzhxt5WchFX8Fra4dQWdLNuWPu2KGJutWfT32Vif4/s1600/10314545_10152478902694312_5488307757547425683_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a>The trail is well worn and marked with a few cairns. You will come to a spot that you need to scramble up and between a boulder against a large cliff face. Once you get past this you will be ready to enter the scree chute. Head straight up the chute. The rocks are loose, so watch your footing! Getting a twisted ankle in this location would make for a very unpleasant hike out. Also, beware of rocks falling from hikers above you. About 3/4's up the chute you will come to a wall. You can easily pass this wall by heading to your left to go up and around or just scramble up the wall if you feel comfortable. Once you pass this obstacle you will be near the top. Continue up until you are on top and recieve the grand 360 degree view around you. To the north is Roosevelt Lake. To the southeast are the other three peaks which make up the Four Peaks Wilderness. You can see Apache Lake, Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake laid out below the Supersition ridge far below you.<br />
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The April day we were on top there were thousands of lady bugs on the peak. It was amazing. Head back down the way you came, be careful heading down the loose scree on the chute. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWth2iuDmCoLQeEamEAML6dVLhr-5Xxk27akZN6XSJn1XJtDLRBZRqTqndipEOL9mH7-eNIjFmKtZsl-dgbGji_0wjcLIG8-ZhflDs6dHgmTthEkQF8XGG_RRKUtSp1KBSt480YdFyQSw/s1600/10402902_10152478902279312_3736036482597726191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWth2iuDmCoLQeEamEAML6dVLhr-5Xxk27akZN6XSJn1XJtDLRBZRqTqndipEOL9mH7-eNIjFmKtZsl-dgbGji_0wjcLIG8-ZhflDs6dHgmTthEkQF8XGG_RRKUtSp1KBSt480YdFyQSw/s1600/10402902_10152478902279312_3736036482597726191_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a>Do not attempt this hike during poor weather. The chute is steep and if it is wet will become increasingly dangerous. Do not attempt during lightning storms, for obvious reasons. <br />
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I would rate this hike easy to the saddle and then the scramble up the chute as moderate to difficult depending on your hiking skills. Remember the elevation change is substantial from the Phoenix Valley so you will find yourself out of breath easily. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X8jTb6eP4-FefnUhMh-pUeI3uV7mzvw8JwrmrVH5JE0UFo48NEnnWdk_-Jlzge8DDHhkZIHJ0ilXcjIYxwwJoAdiwtU7wUmRjFdO6HpdAfxl_gJ4hCziQIqzacLpjAWGUsTaicaM0xw/s1600/983687_10203059682684368_6851315665837991371_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X8jTb6eP4-FefnUhMh-pUeI3uV7mzvw8JwrmrVH5JE0UFo48NEnnWdk_-Jlzge8DDHhkZIHJ0ilXcjIYxwwJoAdiwtU7wUmRjFdO6HpdAfxl_gJ4hCziQIqzacLpjAWGUsTaicaM0xw/s1600/983687_10203059682684368_6851315665837991371_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<b>Length: 5 mile (out and back)</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: 1,933 feet</b><br />
<b>Accumlated Gain: 2,064 feet</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, depending on hiking level. Not recommened for novice hikers or those afraid of heights. </b><br />
<b>Traffic: Light </b><br />
<b>Fee: No fee</b><br />
<b>Hike Time: 2-
3 hours</b><br />
<b>Drive Time: 4-5 hours total to and from Mesa.</b><br />
<b>Season: Spring through Fall</b><br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
<span class="fI"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="fI"><b>To Lone Pine Trailhead-</b></span><br />
<span class="fI"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="fI"><b>Western driving route: FR 143- High Clearance Vehicle</b></span><br />
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1. Take 87 North (Country Club)<br />
2. Turn right at the Four Peaks Wilderness/Recreation Area. After mile marker 203<br />
3. Follow for 19 miles<br />
4. Continue on the main road ((a long way, High clearance vehicles are recommended, 4 wheel drive is not necessary unless it's rained)) until you come to an awkwardly shaped "T" crossing a cattle guard, at which time take a sharp right. You almost feel as if you are doubling back.<br />
5. Drive 1 mile to Lone Pine Trail Head.<br />
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<b>Eastern driving route: El Oso Road- Passenger Car</b><br />
<br />
1. Take 87 North (Country Club)<br />
2. Turn right on Hwy 188 <br />
3. 8 miles south of Punkin Center turn right on El Oso Road<br />
4. Follow well graded, though steep, dirt road 11 miles <br />
5. Turn Left at sign to Lone Pine Saddle <br />
6. Drive 1 mile to Lone Pine Trail Head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDat-WP3gf20zua5Uw4J2Pt0kkJe3AYefwZAlYByMpQ54aF7-t5SRulADjoOMg5AVV0h_S7m9_c1dwh0IcWCSmsZ7FHiboB0d5CObscXktF6AKOzOr5PZkz9DNNkZxij8VSCppXEbkqR8/s1600/10309351_10152478904589312_7425238094695364515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDat-WP3gf20zua5Uw4J2Pt0kkJe3AYefwZAlYByMpQ54aF7-t5SRulADjoOMg5AVV0h_S7m9_c1dwh0IcWCSmsZ7FHiboB0d5CObscXktF6AKOzOr5PZkz9DNNkZxij8VSCppXEbkqR8/s1600/10309351_10152478904589312_7425238094695364515_n.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-myHOEh0Cow8%2FU63MWBZUmDI%2FAAAAAAAABCc%2FHgKE2sfDPjQ%2Fs1600%2F10314545_10152478902694312_5488307757547425683_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RYDjqypgje_baCsLhZkN_IXI3hP8Ta4Jwfe32b3hFoOhNR9EvWsQ8TwTAj4HtT6mo7yi99YO9hZy7R4mBNn5uQtOvgTn3_kxpbpzhxt5WchFX8Fra4dQWdLNuWPu2KGJutWfT32Vif4/s1600/10314545_10152478902694312_5488307757547425683_n.jpg" -->Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-83909305348147879082014-06-20T12:59:00.002-07:002014-06-20T12:59:47.405-07:00Picacho Peak, Hunter TrailPut this hike on your list and bring gloves to do it! It is a great desert hike to do in the winter months. Picacacho Peak is located right off I-10 halfway between Casa Grande and Tucson. It is worth the drive to do this fun peak. The hike rewards you with 360 degree views of the desert floor from high atop the 3,374 feet summitt. For the trivia minded, Picacho was actually the location of a very small <a href="http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/picachopeak.html" target="_blank">Civil War Battle</a>. <br />
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Watch a short clip of the cable section of the hike:<br />
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The trail is located in <a href="http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/index.html" target="_blank">Picacho Peak State Park</a> and requires an entrance fee of $7.00/vehicle.<br />
<a href="http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/downloads/PIPE_Park_Map.pdf" target="_blank">Click for park map</a>. <br />
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The Hunter Trail is an out and back hike and totals 3 miles. The hike begins to climb immediately and switchbacks up the north side of the mountain for the first section to the saddle. Once you have gained the saddle at 2,960 feet take a moment to enjoy the view below. <strong>This where the trail gets fun</strong>! The trail descends down the back side (south side) of the saddle down a steep rock slope. Cables have been installed to assist the hiker, hence the benefit of having gloves. The trail then turns toward the east and around the backside of the mountain. You will soon approach a trail coming in from your right side, which is the Sunset Vista Trail. Keep heading straight on the Hunter Trail. Another section of cables soon appears. Toward the end of the trail you will reach the steepest section which again cables have been intstalled to assist and near the summit a short bridge has been erected to help the hiker across a slope. Once you have finished the last section of cables follow the trail up and to your right which will take you to the true summit. <br />
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Upon reaching the summit you will have gained an accumalted 1,888 feet. I enjoyed sitting on top for a while and watching the ground squirrles scrounge for dropped food from other hikers. There were also birds swooping over the peak. It was an impressive sight to watch. <br />
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Return the way you came. Remember to bring plenty of water on this trail and shoes with good support and traction. <br />
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<strong>Length: 3 miles (out and back)</strong><br />
<strong>Overall elevation gain: 1,888 feet</strong><br />
<strong>Difficulty: Moderate/difficult (depending on fitness level and fear of heights)</strong><br />
<strong>Fee: $7.00/car</strong><br />
<strong>Water and restrooms: Yes</strong><br />
<strong>Kid Friendly: Steep sections with drop off's. Use your best judgement. </strong><br />
<strong>Hike Time: 2 hours</strong><br />
<strong>Directions: </strong><strong>Located between Tucson and Casa Grande</strong><strong> on I-10. Take Exit 219 and follow signs to Park Entrance. <a href="http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/map_driving.html" target="_blank">Click for driving map</a></strong><br />
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Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-74856140348535650752014-02-09T16:46:00.000-08:002014-02-09T16:46:21.552-08:00Boulder Canyon Loop<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead</td></tr>
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This is a fantastic hike!!! It has plenty of expansive views, tall canyon walls, pools of water and includes a small section of bushwhacking and boulder navigation to make it a little more fun and exciting. The trail starts at the Canyon Lake trail head in the Superstition Mountains and is located directly across the street from the parking lot of the Canyon Lake Marina. Park in the parking area of Canyon Lake Marina closest to the road on the south end of the lot. It is signed for trail head parking only. Walk across the road and start hiking up Trail #103, Boulder Canyon Trail. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESbKebcvKTMO2kp5lPSIOiHKmXpFmfd9dg1GGYkP_DmnIcTXJHzLCe1xNgbAxyDLzYsn_a5CeRxYjqi2XU4fqGB8ibXLwCyk_WwQhW2B4zFXUC_7JdaPLNsGDwtjuUzos1BToV6Io7hc/s1600/SMBC2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESbKebcvKTMO2kp5lPSIOiHKmXpFmfd9dg1GGYkP_DmnIcTXJHzLCe1xNgbAxyDLzYsn_a5CeRxYjqi2XU4fqGB8ibXLwCyk_WwQhW2B4zFXUC_7JdaPLNsGDwtjuUzos1BToV6Io7hc/s1600/SMBC2.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a>The trail starts out on a steady climb for the first mile, once you top out on the ridge make sure you take a look behind you at Canyon Lake below. You get an amazing view of the beautiful desert lake. Continue on the trail and you will soon come to an expansive view into the Superstition Wilderness and of Weavers Needle and Battleship Mountain in the distance. The trail winds its away along the ridge and then along the hill side. Around mile 2 you will begin a steady descent into LaBarge Canyon which you can see below on your right. At about mile 3 you will reach LaBarge Creek. The main trail continues across the creek, but to complete this described hike you will leave the main trail and turn right (Northwest) and follow the creek bed as it winds back towards Canyon Lake. You will stay in the creek bed for the next 1.5 miles or thereabouts. <b>Warning, this section of the hike may be impassible after heavy rains.</b><br />
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This section of the hike is where it gets fun. The canyon walls begin to get higher and the canyon begins to narrow as you make your way down the creek bed. At about mile 3.5 (sorry I don't have exact location) you will come to a section where the canyon floor is overgrown in brush. You will need to just bush whack your way through this, there is no wrong way to go, just keep heading down the creek bed. At this spot we started noticing small pools of water as well. After you break through the tangeled mess you will come to a bend in the canyon and also a fork. Boulder Canyon is the canyon you will see coming in off of your left.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASRETnFlzKlboaGISHhWEbSSufXZ4y1c8xbG2jz5Sp1p1L645tRndZTSetTGcSfHvEw2Re7Qe6Nu3R7KyBPNw9ifqCTwOuPLqmd1aoocYzJ1zho2fECneZTSlVm3b0fpSLbxYt4R7sLU/s1600/SMBC13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLdeikehIMTfFD3lUpeoPHdqZcMvOPWPw794v3znZ25CNt0dRixiNvd-ZN7JJOvMeUfHOUHCRkoEA_mxlbGHm6xU2BwPIuwWaHfSl4-SZTYvS9A-7WiD4HCqlOpcNOf81bkf9Yq4d9qY/s1600/SMBC16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASRETnFlzKlboaGISHhWEbSSufXZ4y1c8xbG2jz5Sp1p1L645tRndZTSetTGcSfHvEw2Re7Qe6Nu3R7KyBPNw9ifqCTwOuPLqmd1aoocYzJ1zho2fECneZTSlVm3b0fpSLbxYt4R7sLU/s1600/SMBC13.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></div>
The canyon walls here are quite impressive. Keep your eyes out for big horn sheep while in this canyon as well. Soon after Boulder Canyon comes in you will come to a section with a few large boulders and a large pool of water. To pass this spot keep to the right side of the canyon. There are a few options on that side to get around the pool of water. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdKL4ibiMcrhDABc2lKgYMQcmcxa5C-kiidFVOtW23arb29pHANR417sPSYRBXnrxhTTFkE1vmlrniBuFf9ixTDhlXNIgnMiQzEz8mqPiE37ah0IxUqNA2vjNrDNAx_OGc_EDHtgnvgI/s1600/SMBC15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdKL4ibiMcrhDABc2lKgYMQcmcxa5C-kiidFVOtW23arb29pHANR417sPSYRBXnrxhTTFkE1vmlrniBuFf9ixTDhlXNIgnMiQzEz8mqPiE37ah0IxUqNA2vjNrDNAx_OGc_EDHtgnvgI/s1600/SMBC15.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exit Location<span id="goog_772573630"></span><span id="goog_772573631"></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs2QFQLKpTYWcBtFpkvkYCkUBO0Ulf75IKMuasMULpQpF1Joz8jiyLbA70sIIIDinujWB9YqMvpXJM4rgmuNjU4-EeEgc6vp41xTav6Fy8chbqahnmpvR6ZYAsgxIEBeGHNyEUYFgh8Q/s1600/SMBC11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs2QFQLKpTYWcBtFpkvkYCkUBO0Ulf75IKMuasMULpQpF1Joz8jiyLbA70sIIIDinujWB9YqMvpXJM4rgmuNjU4-EeEgc6vp41xTav6Fy8chbqahnmpvR6ZYAsgxIEBeGHNyEUYFgh8Q/s1600/SMBC11.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a>Continue down the canyon and it will open wide again, with several pools along the way. You will come to one other nice sections where the canyon narrows for about 100 yards and the floor is littered with colorful rocks. After you pass this spot the canyon will again open wide. Continue down. At about mile 5.0 you will come to left bend in the canyon and a large pool of water at the end. This is actually the inlet of Canyon Lake. Directly in front of you as the canyon bends to your left is a slopping rock hill. This is your exit point. You will also see a few cairns dotting their way up the side of the hill. Once on top, you will see the inlet of Canyon Lake below. Follow the trail as it continues up the hill. There are quite a few trails that meander through here, but just keep left turns and you will link back into the main trail that you came in on.<br />
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Follow this <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6199805" target="_blank">link for the mapped route</a> of the trail. <br />
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In all this trail is about 5.5 miles, depending on the route you take through the canyon floor. I would rate this moderate. It is a fun trail that gives you a taste of everything in a short 5 miles. <br />
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<b>Length: 5.5 miles</b><br />
<b>Overall Elevation Accumulation: 2, 103 feet</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Moderate</b><br />
<b>Traffic: Moderate on Trail #103, Light in the canyon</b><br />
<b>Fee: No fee!</b><br />
<b>Waters and Restrooms at Canyon Lake Marina</b><br />
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<b>Kid Friendly</b><br />
<b>Hike Time: 3 hours</b><br />
<b>Directions From Phoenix: East on US 60; exit north on Idaho Road; turn right on Hwy 88 (The Apache Trail) Drive 15 miles to the Canyon Lake Marina. The Marina is right after the second bridge crossing. Turn left into the marina and park on south side of lot closest to the highway. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDYaExzEeouCdBuG0siIUlpl1uapN8-CVldWnJl545yyC4aheGb21AdKuD3ivVNPofNyv3mczzrpuWK7bdNvheO27Fx3-GeaUjPeL-jdSL2Ho43z2Icfnox2ITKnM-g3j1PqF-w2j2gY/s1600/SMBC16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDYaExzEeouCdBuG0siIUlpl1uapN8-CVldWnJl545yyC4aheGb21AdKuD3ivVNPofNyv3mczzrpuWK7bdNvheO27Fx3-GeaUjPeL-jdSL2Ho43z2Icfnox2ITKnM-g3j1PqF-w2j2gY/s1600/SMBC16.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back up the canyon from the exit point</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-43799270544717924552014-01-26T20:50:00.003-08:002014-01-26T20:50:33.365-08:00Pinnacle Peak - North Scottsdale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mLzngS4UC4wBfZHrDJA9HE7agf5SSYvzVoyyrguXM5E_dsq8T-ANf3NDRmgpeBVMiLRd46s2oqKi4q7o49PJHW1D-n_3gxJvQMWiSehba9zzjw8FkTdBg15c2g_KyXKLyaq4se7XLGg/s1600/pp6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mLzngS4UC4wBfZHrDJA9HE7agf5SSYvzVoyyrguXM5E_dsq8T-ANf3NDRmgpeBVMiLRd46s2oqKi4q7o49PJHW1D-n_3gxJvQMWiSehba9zzjw8FkTdBg15c2g_KyXKLyaq4se7XLGg/s1600/pp6.JPG" height="355" width="640" /></a></div>
Pinnacle Peak is located in North Scottsdale and sharply rises from the desert floor. The trail does not actually go to the top of Pinnacle Peak, but skirts below and around it. I imagine the view from the top, which is accessible via rock climbing routes would be fantastic. This trail is an out and back trail and in all is 3.5 miles in length. The downfall to this trail is that it is located in a populated area and is very busy, especially on the weekends. If you are looking for solitude, you won't find it here. However, you will find a good cardio workout and nice views of the valley.<br />
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This a very well marked trail and is maintained by the<a href="http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/pinnacle/" target="_blank"> City of Scottsdale</a>. You are not allowed to wander off the main trail. There are a few rock climbing routes in the area and are accessible via well marked spur trails. The trail begins to climb very near the start of the trail head and levels out for a bit at about the 1/2 mile mark.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX32CxH6LPlDAgMSgSyei-BPhCQnPj0mkJ67jC_ry2O9GWPtv9DECmZAlKzyxrXXLT4KNDXHFMeXtI1GZoUEq0GovrELIKGidS4XcklxU_87MdXUIPke65fNxGqc5Dc1-NTpLSw-V8mK4/s1600/SMYCrackBoulder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX32CxH6LPlDAgMSgSyei-BPhCQnPj0mkJ67jC_ry2O9GWPtv9DECmZAlKzyxrXXLT4KNDXHFMeXtI1GZoUEq0GovrELIKGidS4XcklxU_87MdXUIPke65fNxGqc5Dc1-NTpLSw-V8mK4/s1600/SMYCrackBoulder.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
At this point if you look to your right you will see a large prominent boulder which is called Y-Crack Boulder, as the large crack up the face of the boulder looks like it's namesake. There are a few rock climbing routes on the boulder as well. The trail soon turns south and begins climbing again. at .65 miles you will come to a good spot to take a drink and check out the view at the Grandview Lookout. Continue up the trail to its highest point marked by a sign at 2,625 feet. The crags of Pinnacle Peak are directly above and in front of you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaxd0fHxU8rhWxuz2n8AMfGHc1FtN01cDp9ynyqGb5lhqiURqSYbV-eEGQZVkkBEbntALKOLVu-nqjenWB27TqQiNvMreNxD3Jf_mPGQ4GhYBC2ZWBzQv1htbSS8J17TXzhmM-1HVcVY/s1600/pp3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaxd0fHxU8rhWxuz2n8AMfGHc1FtN01cDp9ynyqGb5lhqiURqSYbV-eEGQZVkkBEbntALKOLVu-nqjenWB27TqQiNvMreNxD3Jf_mPGQ4GhYBC2ZWBzQv1htbSS8J17TXzhmM-1HVcVY/s1600/pp3.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
The trail begins to descend into a small saddle area with another nice look out spot. You will then begin a small asscent up the side of the adjacent hill and at about 1.25 miles begin to descend down the western side of the hill. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z3aJdtH9E0bi9SkgNoxl_wGMYyl60GOn3W35RUjvdMNvRxChzwaEtLDenSpWocim4IvjZ5ZkBUhaOT9JD5C-7e_6zsNEamJMu-RoeAa8G11BWJBV4c7BHqjrZzMj-dTdjdEyFAUNcx4/s1600/pp4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z3aJdtH9E0bi9SkgNoxl_wGMYyl60GOn3W35RUjvdMNvRxChzwaEtLDenSpWocim4IvjZ5ZkBUhaOT9JD5C-7e_6zsNEamJMu-RoeAa8G11BWJBV4c7BHqjrZzMj-dTdjdEyFAUNcx4/s1600/pp4.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
The trail offically ends at the bottom of this hill and is marked by a sign. You can continue .3 miles further down the trail on the Jomax Trail. However, I stopped at the boundary and made my way back. The return up the hill heading this direction gives you a bit more of a workout then your hike in.. <br />
This is a good hike if you are looking for something close to the valley, something that is not difficult, but gives you a work out. However, like I mentioned do not expect to be alone. It is very busy. <br />
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<b>Length: 3.5 miles out and back</b><br />
<b>Elevation gain: 550 feet</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Easy (however good cardio workout)</b><br />
<b>Traffic: Busy</b><br />
<b>Fee: No fee</b><br />
<b>Hours: Check <a href="http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/pinnacle/" target="_blank">Scottsdale Park website</a> for hours, as they change with the seasons</b><br />
<b>Water and Restrooms at trailhead</b><br />
<b>Kid Friendly</b><br />
<b>Hiking time: 1.5 hours</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z3aJdtH9E0bi9SkgNoxl_wGMYyl60GOn3W35RUjvdMNvRxChzwaEtLDenSpWocim4IvjZ5ZkBUhaOT9JD5C-7e_6zsNEamJMu-RoeAa8G11BWJBV4c7BHqjrZzMj-dTdjdEyFAUNcx4/s1600/pp4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-85961386671664834882013-10-14T22:01:00.001-07:002013-10-14T22:02:03.441-07:00Garden Valley Loop/Hackberry Springs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_7oOwfD1URLoO004WlyPyu3Cr5DCCB_GHDRPhT9DCXSgmk5wYeNRrnFq1kLFqIQCjocxn8BW6N7KJA-bCxvvTbhFecNTVcH5Ii8emFI-C8S61Q1XnVTTuYbNFXRyfCjsnmxYz0ZxSI4/s1600/Gardenloophike1SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_7oOwfD1URLoO004WlyPyu3Cr5DCCB_GHDRPhT9DCXSgmk5wYeNRrnFq1kLFqIQCjocxn8BW6N7KJA-bCxvvTbhFecNTVcH5Ii8emFI-C8S61Q1XnVTTuYbNFXRyfCjsnmxYz0ZxSI4/s400/Gardenloophike1SM.jpg" width="400" /></a>This is a great moderate loop hike along the northern side of the Superstition Mountains. There are a few hills on this hike, but if you follow the route in the direction described, you will travel down the larger hills, rather than up. The trail is located off of First Water Road, which is a dirt road just past the entrance into Lost Dutchman State Park. Detailed directions to the trailhead are posted at the end. On Forest Road 78 turn right and travel approximately two miles until you see a large parking area with a restroom on your left. Park at this spot. There is <b>no fee</b> required. Walk up the dirt road, heading east about 1/4 of a mile. You will soon see a rough road heading off to your left and a gate. This is the start of the trail. Follow the road up the ridge and soon you will descend down a rocky hill. Below you can see an old ranch, with a few buildings remaining and an old windmill. When you reach this follow the path past the windmill towards the large rock outcropping straight ahead and to the left of you. The trail will descend down into the creek bed. You will shortly come across Hackberry Springs. I hiked this in October and there was water trickling up out of the spring. The trail soon enters a narrow canyon section. This spot is a fun little spot. Continue to follow the canyon down. We saw a lot of small toads in the area and also a large tarantuala.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakdz1WUSDWUQXJOvYsQLKO5V_9T0bcW1rqjjm5wqc2QE3soAQOAlECIodkyvUveGOWxsgs0nu09PLwmpuFcLIoJu1ZWzeDVYY911ViEUMdgOZ0g9p3zYtm8bKcxJwKLmZwBenNeNmXGI/s1600/GLSM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakdz1WUSDWUQXJOvYsQLKO5V_9T0bcW1rqjjm5wqc2QE3soAQOAlECIodkyvUveGOWxsgs0nu09PLwmpuFcLIoJu1ZWzeDVYY911ViEUMdgOZ0g9p3zYtm8bKcxJwKLmZwBenNeNmXGI/s400/GLSM.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The trail will soon come out of the narrow section and turn to your right. Continue to follow as the trail skirts along the creek bed. At about mile 2 the trail will turn to your right and head up the hill. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssRAm2GxNwnpk6A8WYtPf-swE-s5t0fRKstiDyPtR7JQqdXSwUMIAiMx1PK5IwOcyM7syhqHylu0gg3z7MtUWNDbZO6oF9fE-FtyQuFakK9lYPZoiZN1YDUqEuKhIfISDwUFStjaxXt0/s1600/Gardenvalleyloopsm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssRAm2GxNwnpk6A8WYtPf-swE-s5t0fRKstiDyPtR7JQqdXSwUMIAiMx1PK5IwOcyM7syhqHylu0gg3z7MtUWNDbZO6oF9fE-FtyQuFakK9lYPZoiZN1YDUqEuKhIfISDwUFStjaxXt0/s400/Gardenvalleyloopsm.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
You will gradually climb up until you are on top of Hackberry Mesa. Once on top continue to the follow the trail as it turns south. You will soon come to a large open area known as Garden Valley. Follow across the valley to a signed junction with the Black Mesa Trail #241. Turn right at the junction and head west. You will drop off another hill down into a ravine, with another short climb to follow. You are about 1.5 miles from your car at this point. Continue as you cross over another stream bed. You will see a small trail head off to your right this will take you back to the old ranch area. Keep on the main trail heading west and you will climb up another short hill. At the top of the hill is the parking area for the Second Water Trail Head. Follow the road about 1/2 mile to where you parked your car. The loop described is 5.3 miles. This is a great moderate hike. It has a few hills but nothing strenuous. The best part of the hike is short canyon section at the beginning.<br />
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Click below for a map of the described route: <br />
<h2>
<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2359337">Garden Valley Loop/Hackberry Spring</a></h2>
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EveryTrail - Find the <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-mesa-arizona">best Hiking near Mesa, Arizona</a><script src="http://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=2359337" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br />
<b>Length: 5.3 miles</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: unknown, small hills</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Easy to Moderate</b><br />
<b>Season: Fall through Spring</b><br />
<b>Time: 2 hours</b><br />
<b>Fee: No fee</b><br />
<b>Kids: Kid friendly</b><br />
<b>Directions: From Apache Junction trail NorthEast on SR88 (The Apache Trail) for 5.3 miles. Just past Lost Dutchmen State Park you will turn right on FR78 (dirt road and passenger vehicle friendly). Travel 2 miles to the large parking area on your left. If you travel past this you will soon come to a dead end and the Second Water Parking Area. (This is the spot where you will come up out of your hike). </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54UPMMD3oqNRTABN_CgrjoOxd6gt2dH3ucwmdt1hY4_QpTdQUwk6FywYyl5uvOQEiPMVQnJULdkbDV0DwTpJutzN9WbBIIbCx70jI6f9vgYGMelm34kWJ9V3PuOQjsYZcnl60e8Rtqjw/s1600/1725_10151521438744312_1972485098_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54UPMMD3oqNRTABN_CgrjoOxd6gt2dH3ucwmdt1hY4_QpTdQUwk6FywYyl5uvOQEiPMVQnJULdkbDV0DwTpJutzN9WbBIIbCx70jI6f9vgYGMelm34kWJ9V3PuOQjsYZcnl60e8Rtqjw/s640/1725_10151521438744312_1972485098_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-17362250837217360182013-10-13T22:11:00.000-07:002013-10-13T22:15:51.229-07:00Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Picnic Area - SedonaChances are if you have seen a photo of Sedona, then you have viewed this photo from Red Rock Crossing of Oak Creek flowing below Cathedral Rock. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMTkrytiCUl5Sz9gdGssRWNkweyg1vvHAxSVlinfsoZ9zCLvZVI7DTef-rS9phMBVgJpuAnHFqnXSJl1UXxvj5tiOBzfLVYdjvqMWkNbXplq66d0ZzZUHGXlxKrN6oqkdKFB-4Zym6Eo/s1600/391707_10151213113154312_680173217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMTkrytiCUl5Sz9gdGssRWNkweyg1vvHAxSVlinfsoZ9zCLvZVI7DTef-rS9phMBVgJpuAnHFqnXSJl1UXxvj5tiOBzfLVYdjvqMWkNbXplq66d0ZzZUHGXlxKrN6oqkdKFB-4Zym6Eo/s640/391707_10151213113154312_680173217_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD6j0xxs45gXFo6SHV8Ogr3Smpqxu9Y650W9Fj0tnHq4vpnZ8AIGZu5aCfJIdtt7C1ZC3Umd1j0alleyFjRlY0eJc_miLVW5Ou8DIzeBqN16RGMk_6S_KvMTusCOxbJK9ESvDamx4piU/s1600/527326_10151214076629312_1091354454_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD6j0xxs45gXFo6SHV8Ogr3Smpqxu9Y650W9Fj0tnHq4vpnZ8AIGZu5aCfJIdtt7C1ZC3Umd1j0alleyFjRlY0eJc_miLVW5Ou8DIzeBqN16RGMk_6S_KvMTusCOxbJK9ESvDamx4piU/s400/527326_10151214076629312_1091354454_n.jpg" width="265" /></a>While this spot is not a hiking location, it is a great destination and one not to miss. Red Rock Crossing is located 7 miles southwest of Sedona, and unfortunately you will not be alone when you visit. In fact while we were there several tour buses unloaded to enjoy the view. However, it is still worth your time to visit. Try to go early or during the week. Red Rock Crossing is operated by a private concessionaire on Federal Land. The entrance fee is $9.00 a car (up to five in a car). Yes, it is a tad pricey! You may visit from 9:00 a.m. until dark. There are several picnic tables and a nice path that will take you to various parts of the creek. Take your time to explore the path network and play in the water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnVx-9DoCUhZjSkWGiw1cUn6p759CTfXVhqwqni2LmyzQKYX0IoAMs8EL7pCN2f4lJfpDTyPUW-G6Sq1dBNzjGvju_d19N8O0l265WiujQLrZQihKbKV043De3sLlmNnlbuiLlr28kHA/s1600/486946_10151216082424312_1381016070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnVx-9DoCUhZjSkWGiw1cUn6p759CTfXVhqwqni2LmyzQKYX0IoAMs8EL7pCN2f4lJfpDTyPUW-G6Sq1dBNzjGvju_d19N8O0l265WiujQLrZQihKbKV043De3sLlmNnlbuiLlr28kHA/s640/486946_10151216082424312_1381016070_n.jpg" width="424" /></a> One spot not to miss is called Buddah Bay, this is a location that some people believe is an energy vortex. Regardless of your beliefs people have built up small rock monuments, like cairns along the path. It is actually quite the sight and fun to build a few with your kids.<br />
Here is a link to the official <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTSw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAIzTHkw!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110304&ttype=recarea&recid=55286&actid=70&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110360000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=null&pname=Coconino+National+Forest+-+Crescent+Moon+Picnic+Site" target="_blank">Forest Service page</a>. <br />
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<b>Directions: </b>Drive west from Sedona on US 89A. Just outside town, turn south on FR
216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Drive about 1.5 miles and follow the
signs to Red Rock Crossing.<br />
<b>Fee: $9.00</b><br />
<b> </b> Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-6880181303600973752013-09-29T13:50:00.001-07:002013-09-29T13:50:37.327-07:00Silly Mountain- Apache Junction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Silly Mountain, is located on the Eastern edge of Apache Junction. It is the large hill to the north of US60 right after the freeway ends and goes into the divided highway before Gold Canyon. It doesn't look like much as in the way of hiking, but I am posting this location as it is a great spot for people of all ages to hike and affords great views from the northern side of the hill of the Superstition Mountains. This spot actually sees quite a few hikers, as it is so conveniently located right next to the highway. I thought the trail only consisted of a summit trail to the top. I was pleasantly surprised I was wrong. There is a network of trails that the City of Apache Junction has developed within Silly Mountain Park. The trails are all easy, with some elevation gain to give you a bit of a work out if you choose to trail run, mountain bike or walk at a brisk pace. <br />
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Here is a great map posted at MTBikeAZ.com<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=210696097553418215804.00046818615e2fb921557&source=embed&ll=33.379351,-111.485567&spn=0.014335,0.025749&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=210696097553418215804.00046818615e2fb921557&source=embed&ll=33.379351,-111.485567&spn=0.014335,0.025749" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Silly Mountain Park</a> in a larger map</small> <br />
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Here is also a link to the official <a href="http://www.ajcity.net/index.aspx?NID=217" target="_blank">Apache Junction City Park Page</a><br />
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There are several trails in the Park, which all begin at the Trail Head. <br />
I have not listed each trail, as you can refer to the map for specifics. The trails link up with one another., with an option of doing a full loop around Silly Mountain. I am unsure on mileage for the entire loop. But my best guess would be around 2 miles.<br />
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As mentioned previously this is a great hike for kids, beginners and those just looking for a nice easy hike.<br />
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<b>Directions: </b>From US 60 East, turn left at the light on South Mountain View Road. Just after the freeway ends and goes into a divided highway, Turn right on E 32nd Ave. Turn right on S. Silly Mountain Road. You will see the trail head parking on your left.<br />
<b>Fee: No Fee</b><br />
<b>Type: Out and back with several loop options</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Easy</b><br />
<b>Season: Fall thru Spring</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: 412 ft to summit of Silly Mountain. </b><br />
<b>Kids: Kid Friendly</b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-78844007851124478602013-09-06T23:07:00.001-07:002013-09-06T23:09:13.588-07:00Kanarra Creek Canyon - Utah<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislauJdlA_TtV9yi3RD148dxMIresoRk8ICJF4PEJpfgJYsG_U-fvtqlLAvonwjYGQH84ftRjbKs2z9YKttTbFDonehmB1jUkFEQhg-76TngNPgOpRJnTuXDr78IMgvrQhpVyL2OVlhuk/s1600/KannaraCanyon1SMWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislauJdlA_TtV9yi3RD148dxMIresoRk8ICJF4PEJpfgJYsG_U-fvtqlLAvonwjYGQH84ftRjbKs2z9YKttTbFDonehmB1jUkFEQhg-76TngNPgOpRJnTuXDr78IMgvrQhpVyL2OVlhuk/s640/KannaraCanyon1SMWM.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the narrow section</td></tr>
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<u><b>WARNING: Do not enter this canyon during a storm, unless your idea of fun is being swept away by a flash flood! </b></u><br />
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This is a canyon you could spend an entire day exploring. It is absolutely gorgeous! Bring your camera, water sandals or shoes that can get wet, pack a lunch and plan on having a great time in this canyon. There are two downfalls though 1- you need to hike it early or during the week to beat the hiking crowd and 2- the $10.00 parking fee. That being said, if you are near Cedar City, Utah this one is not to be missed!<br />
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The trail starts in the small town of Kanarraville, south of Cedar City. Directions are posted at the end of this entry. The trail starts out on a dirt road that heads up hill and then drops down the backside. Follow the road for about 1 mile. The road will end and you will follow the trail that leads off from the road.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsalWmPNmU-tLmUpF9REq5VDVkoKp5G8dLrfhllRvN4TwPKP58DNaLHYxaowVVMoNuCOkGT_XfRXxdlatQlQEmGBPiPLEguHLKdViZH1duMYX0zFGLv1WHGBmpKZB51PgRVx-0yA5wars/s1600/_DSC1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsalWmPNmU-tLmUpF9REq5VDVkoKp5G8dLrfhllRvN4TwPKP58DNaLHYxaowVVMoNuCOkGT_XfRXxdlatQlQEmGBPiPLEguHLKdViZH1duMYX0zFGLv1WHGBmpKZB51PgRVx-0yA5wars/s320/_DSC1344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This trail winds along the creek and at times will require you to get your feet wet. Soon you will come to the fun part. The narrows! The canyon abruptly narrows and you in the midst of tall sandstone cliffs. At this point you will be in the water for the majority of the rest of the hike. <br />
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Head into the creek, it is only a few inches deep at this point. Although some places will be up to 2 feet deep. After about 200 yards you will come to the first obstacle, Kanarra Falls. This is waterfall is about 15 feet high. You will need to climb up the log which has boards nailed to it, along with rope attached to the rock wall. Be cautious some of the rungs are loose. The "ladder" is actually pretty easy to climb up and down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsuF4be0jPOQaeWb8D4SFS1c6A9AjFljDeqp2HrKKB5LF2eli0_VS9Wh7Lbj_dpzZT0QybF_MqV8wHzAgV3QnB77gk5XZGrsikA3GBv3NtUL-UZ-SqYnef2OGLXYt2LN1jA3pPX5K3Zw/s1600/slot2SMWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsuF4be0jPOQaeWb8D4SFS1c6A9AjFljDeqp2HrKKB5LF2eli0_VS9Wh7Lbj_dpzZT0QybF_MqV8wHzAgV3QnB77gk5XZGrsikA3GBv3NtUL-UZ-SqYnef2OGLXYt2LN1jA3pPX5K3Zw/s640/slot2SMWM.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First waterfall</td></tr>
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Continue wading in the water up the canyon. You will soon come to an area that opens up a bit. Here you will find a great natural slide. The water is cold, but you can't come all this way and not slide down. After you are done playing, continue to follow the canyon upstream.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6aXnAAQvQja8INJ02IQ4Dont-s5J7MnEU16kFt2rG2-FgrLaANvpHBz5DjUAl-jFZiOOjHgXdHBfcwEP0psIqoAyHO3JVJM7C3J2iB5HxnekmfVLgX6Gx5zbbBQwsp5KTTya5Ar317E/s1600/_DSC1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6aXnAAQvQja8INJ02IQ4Dont-s5J7MnEU16kFt2rG2-FgrLaANvpHBz5DjUAl-jFZiOOjHgXdHBfcwEP0psIqoAyHO3JVJM7C3J2iB5HxnekmfVLgX6Gx5zbbBQwsp5KTTya5Ar317E/s320/_DSC1272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4aDsLTMqLwn7cTUaY7MZtp1qm9HdJESDcy5aeQQsqZbF-wrWsIWKW8Nx8CqgTQECfkxrVF9EYTdRQeiser6-yqnPZO_LMNnlciTKPJNh4VHP_KFAzwxBNIGXniEbfMMavsw7dmTteJ4/s1600/_DSC1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>You will soon come to the second water fall. Another ladder has been built to assist you in getting up the waterfall. This ladder is a bit rickety and takes a beating from the water, so be cautious as you climb up. <u>FYI: the ladders may be washed way during a heavy water season. </u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2avaPcLX4zGLadaq-ceQemzJVfi80A5wah4ohjEgpDFjwNcCcoceOyNlsbcWijfNIFbGbHlNk3aGE7bh6dsqiBy13XLCFz8Dm_HuW8GhyphenhyphenpSZS468_lRQHjXU_SGREW2rPrcz2NzwqXoI/s1600/KCFallsWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2avaPcLX4zGLadaq-ceQemzJVfi80A5wah4ohjEgpDFjwNcCcoceOyNlsbcWijfNIFbGbHlNk3aGE7bh6dsqiBy13XLCFz8Dm_HuW8GhyphenhyphenpSZS468_lRQHjXU_SGREW2rPrcz2NzwqXoI/s640/KCFallsWM.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second waterfall</td></tr>
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Continue up the canyon as far as you would like to explore. The canyon remains narrow for a few more bends and then opens up allowing vegetation to grow in the canyon. The canyon will narrow one final time and then open up again. Just a note: we turned around shortly after the second ladder, due to time constraints. In all we hiked about four miles and did it in around three hours. Plan on adding an extra hour if you go up the canyon to the last narrow section. <br />
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<b>Length:</b> 4-5 miles<br />
<b>Elevation Gain</b>: minimal- hill at the very first, but short.<br />
<b>Difficulty: </b>Easy until you get to the ladder, then moderate<br />
<b>Season: </b>Warmer weather. Just stay out during a storm<br />
<b>Time: </b>3 hours to 2nd ladder and that was with a lot of stops to play and take photographs<br />
<b>Info: </b>$10.00 parking fee.<br />
<b>Directions:</b> From Cedar City, take I-15 south to exit
51. Turn left (toward the mountain) on Highway 91 and follow for several miles to Kanarraville. Turn left (east) on 100 North for four blocks. The road will be
blocked and a parking area will be on your left.<br />
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Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-17431969061739872862013-04-28T18:36:00.001-07:002013-04-28T19:02:39.024-07:00Spillway Trail to Blevins Loop- Usery Mountain Park- Mountain Biking<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8Z-BflmcTueMZkf3sMHvgKmJGnyDfiJOvXKJ9XtlCdHYqGLjpBsUXSM04qFqSEe4uLPDYk3CrTrWPoq3py3EiaTWo8Xxin1TRNL1enqMcbbpoJpnunh79pDzgAheIHgx4uyUffAvl0M/s1600/ridems.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8Z-BflmcTueMZkf3sMHvgKmJGnyDfiJOvXKJ9XtlCdHYqGLjpBsUXSM04qFqSEe4uLPDYk3CrTrWPoq3py3EiaTWo8Xxin1TRNL1enqMcbbpoJpnunh79pDzgAheIHgx4uyUffAvl0M/s400/ridems.JPG" width="400" /></a>If you need a good place to ride untechnical (beginner) single track then Usery Mountain Park in Mesa is a great spot to go. There are so many options to ride this trail system with most of the trails joining up to allow for more miles and ride time. I choose to start my ride on the Spillway trail which I accessed off of Signal Butte Road. <em>Directions at the end of this post. Or see my trail map created in Every Trail below. </em> This eliminated the need to pay an entrance fee into Usery Mountain Park. The first mile of the trail is on the Spillway trail. It connects to the Blevins Loop trail which I rode in a counter clockwise direction. You can travel the loop trail in either direction as it is relatively flat, besides the several arroyo crossings which add a little bit to the trail in regards to shifting and few spots to catch a little bit of air. The route I took made for a 6 mile ride. </div>
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This really is a pretty trail with all the cactus and especially saguaros that line the trail. Obviously you have to be careful not to end up in one of those cactus, especially the cholla- OUCH! This would also make a great trail to run or hike in the evening or cool mornings.<br />
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Start at the access gate into Usery Mountain Park on Signal Butte and E. Jensen Road. The Spillway trail will head east toward the Superstitions Mountains for about 200 yards. You will then come to a "T". Turn north (left). Follow to a canal. When you are on top of the canal take the trail that heads across the dry canal to the northeast. Follow this for about 1/4 mile and you will come to another intersection with the Ruidoso Trail. Turn left staying on the Spillway trail which continues to head north. Another 1/4 mile you will come to the intersection with the Meridian Trail. Turn left and follow for about 200 yards where you will come to a fork in the trail which is the Blevins Loop. I turned right, riding the trail counterclockwise. About 2 miles into the Blevins Loop either direction you will come to a trail called the Moon Rock Trail. I took this trail which added an extra 1.4 miles to the route. It links back up with the Blevins trail. Continue on the Blevins Trail until you are back at the Merdian Trail where you will retrace your ride back to your car. Enjoy! <br />
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Below is a link to the route I took on my ride.<br />
<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2087977">Spillway and Blevins Loop</a><br />
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EveryTrail - Find the <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-mesa-arizona">best Hiking near Mesa, Arizona</a><br />
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Like I said prior, there are so many different options you could add to this trail. Click <strong><a href="http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/maps.aspx" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong> for a link to the Usery Mountain Park Map which shows all the trails in the area. <br />
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<strong>Length:</strong> 6 miles<br />
<strong>Difficulty:</strong> Easy/Beginner<br />
<strong>Elevation Gain:</strong> unknown but minimal<br />
<strong>Trail Type:</strong> Single Track- Loop with 1 mile trail to access loop.<br />
<strong>Directions:</strong> Exit on Signal Butte from US60. Head North. Continue heading North through Brown approximately 1 more mile you will see E Jensen Road on your left. Look to your right and you will find a pull out and access gate to the Spillway Trail.<br />
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<script src="http://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=2087977" type="text/javascript"></script>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-26534293040370232013-03-03T21:35:00.003-08:002013-03-04T13:57:54.118-08:00Ford Canyon Trail - White Tank Mountain Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpvokp7NioyGeJpQ3Bcg1gOf3jhX4LTf03fgRRGvFuY7wokf_Ps76TGxEqKlHcpJD0NJLyGbjyj1fsct7LanLK3C77Gptc7vay7OY6_5BsnA82fywVGUhLbuZzWdJBskVdYKFRriJEjk/s1600/whitetank1sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpvokp7NioyGeJpQ3Bcg1gOf3jhX4LTf03fgRRGvFuY7wokf_Ps76TGxEqKlHcpJD0NJLyGbjyj1fsct7LanLK3C77Gptc7vay7OY6_5BsnA82fywVGUhLbuZzWdJBskVdYKFRriJEjk/s640/whitetank1sm.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This trail is located in <a href="http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/" target="_blank">Maricopa County's White Tank Mountain Regional Park</a> in Waddell, which is in the far west valley. The White Tank Mountains form the barrier to the west of the Valley of the Sun. Ford Canyon can actually be done as a long 10.3 mile hike. However, I just hiked up to the name sake of this desert mountain range, the white tanks, or rather a boulder ridden area of white granite near the top of the range. I hiked approximately 2.6 miles from parking area #9 and then turned back around, as it was growing late in the afternoon.<br />
<u>See brief video at the end of this post of the trail at the granite section</u><br />
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2037774">Ford Canyon Trail</a></h2>
<object codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="300" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="units=english&mode=0&key=ABQIAAAA_7wvFEi7gGngCZrOfos63hSN1xyBy-BzBD--25ZLXpVi3GfbehTQlZCXdpUFII2A5CGeExVTCyX1ow&tripId=2037774&startLat=33.600510151&startLon=-112.510406971&mapType=Hybrid&"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swf" quality="high" width="400" height="300" FlashVars="units=english&mode=0&key=ABQIAAAA_7wvFEi7gGngCZrOfos63hSN1xyBy-BzBD--25ZLXpVi3GfbehTQlZCXdpUFII2A5CGeExVTCyX1ow&tripId=2037774&startLat=33.600510151&startLon=-112.510406971&mapType=Hybrid&" play="true" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><br />
EveryTrail - Find the <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-glendale-arizona">best Hiking near Glendale, Arizona</a><script src="http://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=2037774" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip74Za6mCheKj_SOZxr3HETql9uyH4nHAQJ6LPd1U886nzMV5FpVDAl8Rivl0GY9J0FnQr4AXOie46ujkLoszBM_VyIJY2xF70Cc5Fw-p_v00M2aDS-IzRAWF-Hg4RJkl2uA47Z_Qv3F8/s1600/sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip74Za6mCheKj_SOZxr3HETql9uyH4nHAQJ6LPd1U886nzMV5FpVDAl8Rivl0GY9J0FnQr4AXOie46ujkLoszBM_VyIJY2xF70Cc5Fw-p_v00M2aDS-IzRAWF-Hg4RJkl2uA47Z_Qv3F8/s320/sign.JPG" width="320" /></a>The park has several areas you can access the Ford Canyon Trail from. I began my hike from area #9. Pick up a <a href="http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/pdf/2013/white-tank-11x17-3d.pdf" target="_blank">map </a>from the entrance fee station on your way in and follow to the Ford Canyon Road which will lead you to the trail access parking area. The hike begins by heading east, away from the direction you need to go, it drops into a deep wash and then climbs back out where you begin to head west toward the hills in front of you. The first 1.5 miles is relatively flat and meanders through cholla and saguaro cactus. I hiked this trail the first part of March, the desert was green and wildflowers were just starting to come out. You will crest a small hill at about 1 mile in and then follow down the back side into a large wash area. Ford Canyon will be straight ahead of you. The trail is still easy going at this point. At 1.75 miles in you will come to a sign waring you of dangerous hiking ahead. In my opinion, if you are comfortable climbing hills on rocky terrain you will be fine or in other words if you hike Camelback, then you should have no problem with this section, as it is much easier to navigate. Just be careful with your footing, you don't want to twist an ankle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowRk0KfFUjB44HyxJN1YPQYmlrrvxK3IAwLJEJxHaT1op9JDx_lUzwyPyAbNsoFCk3zUsFq63kFd5sZ9NlHTXdHKa0K56SSOXNhwozVguvmVur13umbQHrbSopy04a_CdvefwUItDqh0/s1600/FC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowRk0KfFUjB44HyxJN1YPQYmlrrvxK3IAwLJEJxHaT1op9JDx_lUzwyPyAbNsoFCk3zUsFq63kFd5sZ9NlHTXdHKa0K56SSOXNhwozVguvmVur13umbQHrbSopy04a_CdvefwUItDqh0/s320/FC1.jpg" width="212" /></a> </div>
This section made the hike worthwhile and the drive to get here. The trail begins to climb around boulders and rocks and is still well marked during this section. You will soon round a bend and see the white granite rock that is the name sake of the White Tank Mountains. Keep heading up the trail to an area of smooth granite. There may be some pools of water in this area. I hiked up a bit further following the trail over the granite. You will soon come up to a sandy wash area. Stay in the wash and continue up the trail. A few hundred yards up this wash I turned around as the day was getting late. Once you are on top of the granite and in the sandy wash you are about 2.6 miles. Turn back the way you came. Or if you have the water and time keep following the trail to complete the 10 mile loop. The pay station has an excellent map to the area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpEk_fiDNe-PIQ_xxmBvKloYtRJ55aYgbTg85xXPYXtLRunpwcmKoO0S_W6I5K5n6tq-DIR2fEm_7_M20bljd4uNLprl4U2JvtMaIvN0TN_zmUlE7INvxMiUxviGv9eP4wlxsAqd_DCE/s1600/fc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpEk_fiDNe-PIQ_xxmBvKloYtRJ55aYgbTg85xXPYXtLRunpwcmKoO0S_W6I5K5n6tq-DIR2fEm_7_M20bljd4uNLprl4U2JvtMaIvN0TN_zmUlE7INvxMiUxviGv9eP4wlxsAqd_DCE/s320/fc3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First area of granite rock</td></tr>
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This was a nice trail, with a good hill climb to get the heart rate going a little bit. The granite rock was nice to see and would be great to see during a rain storm, with water pooling over the edges. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9K7WI0EMNTnLX4hXfTlnBud-k2S_cg0p1duR8YN9TZ58LpBmjLdxK-fjK9t6aotx5cB5LCN3a0R34kuf18sLbJhb9wfXUPfANr1M4lH8QAJp0pkQbTPrRhtpvFTYpq1spDmMHkLdCB8/s1600/fc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9K7WI0EMNTnLX4hXfTlnBud-k2S_cg0p1duR8YN9TZ58LpBmjLdxK-fjK9t6aotx5cB5LCN3a0R34kuf18sLbJhb9wfXUPfANr1M4lH8QAJp0pkQbTPrRhtpvFTYpq1spDmMHkLdCB8/s400/fc2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I turned around about 100 yards beyond this point</td></tr>
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Length: 5 miles out and back to sandy wash just above granite rock area<br />
Elevation Gain: 600 feet<br />
Difficulty: Easy for first 1.75 miles, then low scale moderate<br />
Season: Fall through Spring<br />
Hiking Time: I did this route in 2 hours<br />
Info: $6.00 entrance fee<br />
Directions: Take I-10 West. Exit on Cotton Lane (the 303 is under construction and will soon be the exit you will take) Follow Cotton lane north 8 miles. Turn Left on Olive, follow for 4 miles to the park entrance.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wHLo_0zVe4I" width="560"></iframe>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0White Tank Moutain Park33.5660983 -112.4964713-10.892068700000003 164.8863412 78.0242653 -29.879283799999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-40879842928040378002013-02-18T21:01:00.000-08:002013-02-18T21:19:52.819-08:00Fish Creek - Superstition Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T5D0uBtZSFnQ-2GlufCOaIu1s8T9MRV9tZoG-rqG8sinJMOOOJ70KO_2Dl94PA1A7BpIsMFBDiBWTdH5WED0WEGBwF_ByTXC1_E6ZJSJpZ-ocLXJlVzHQHFPb8sjP8Pqy9MNQR7VR1M/s1600/FishCreekPool1SMWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T5D0uBtZSFnQ-2GlufCOaIu1s8T9MRV9tZoG-rqG8sinJMOOOJ70KO_2Dl94PA1A7BpIsMFBDiBWTdH5WED0WEGBwF_ByTXC1_E6ZJSJpZ-ocLXJlVzHQHFPb8sjP8Pqy9MNQR7VR1M/s640/FishCreekPool1SMWM.jpg" uea="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC3zlHlk87_AreMF2HBQv_t1NtaHwkHP6AyFsRJG-sY0S85_KIkLFmoYdXOXL0kvbOfKOoD-CkSkFZbb-XIBiDRRlAvkWg9wBe5vLV_LaGrB0ivHi13PoatsfFNXlnihkjYr8Hq2OouA/s1600/FishCreekbridgeSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC3zlHlk87_AreMF2HBQv_t1NtaHwkHP6AyFsRJG-sY0S85_KIkLFmoYdXOXL0kvbOfKOoD-CkSkFZbb-XIBiDRRlAvkWg9wBe5vLV_LaGrB0ivHi13PoatsfFNXlnihkjYr8Hq2OouA/s320/FishCreekbridgeSM.jpg" uea="true" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from parking spot to bridge.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSgaVAZzmL353kV3yxZjMgZbuk9AUeKXtvRBWOLzS67sdOH3eQM3p9aC6ph5tNrMngPcPqXJURIVxG23GA0h25fP9io3pqmsSSU4KTz5xd8gCrJECoz07sFm_WR4M133bMxAY4I1aqPY/s1600/fishcreek4SMWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSgaVAZzmL353kV3yxZjMgZbuk9AUeKXtvRBWOLzS67sdOH3eQM3p9aC6ph5tNrMngPcPqXJURIVxG23GA0h25fP9io3pqmsSSU4KTz5xd8gCrJECoz07sFm_WR4M133bMxAY4I1aqPY/s320/fishcreek4SMWM.jpg" uea="true" width="320" /></a> This is a great canyon to take the day and explore. Upper Fish Creek is located in the Superstition Mountains and is easily accesible from the Apache Trail (SR 88). There is not an official trail through this canyon, it is more boulder hopping, bushwhacking and finding the easiest route as you go, type of trail. This is a beautiful location, full of cottonwood and sycamore trees. The canyon is also full of large boulders that you must navigate over, around and sometimes squeeze between as you head upstream. Depending on the time of year you hike, there may be nice amount of water in the creek. Just a warning, this canyon is prone to flash floods, so it is not wise to enter during rainy weather. I explored this in February and there was quite a bit of water flowing through the creek, it was a nice sight to see in the desert. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU9NAKUNTiE0xkT0ZkyYmKOgqsPKcJ22rJH_BBh1XtWByfn7BDGITXJ5a3JOtcrMAk6KnU345s3NZJ3t8E_YtfYhPV9aK1ATFF52c3HnxAhSY18MX32S74BfOTPesjaoGJ2sGt969aa8/s1600/FishCreek3SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU9NAKUNTiE0xkT0ZkyYmKOgqsPKcJ22rJH_BBh1XtWByfn7BDGITXJ5a3JOtcrMAk6KnU345s3NZJ3t8E_YtfYhPV9aK1ATFF52c3HnxAhSY18MX32S74BfOTPesjaoGJ2sGt969aa8/s320/FishCreek3SM.jpg" uea="true" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Creek </td></tr>
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Directions to this canyon are at the end of this post, but to enter the canyon the easiest way: After driving down the windy road which hugs the thousand foot cliff you will drive over a bridge, which crosses Fish Creek. Find a spot to park, which may be difficult as there really is only room for maybe 4 vehicles at the most. Once you have parked, walk back across the bridge and you will see a large alcove on the south wall of the canyon. A trail begins just after the bridge and heads up to the alcove. Follow this path, once you get to the alcove the trail descends easily into the canyon below. From this point head to your right into the canyon and begin exploring. </div>
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The canyon winds its way up 10 miles, but this is a very slow going canyon to navigate with all the obstacles. I ended up just heading into the canyon for about 2 hours and then turned back around. It is a lot faster heading out as you are familiar with the terrain and the easier routes. <br />
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This is just a great place to take the day to explore. Amazing towering cliffs on each side, beautiful vegetation and nice running creek, especially if you time it right with the seasons. <br />
I've posted a video at the end showing some of the fun of Fish Creek!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWjyhpTQV4askCBCD7sEheHRcYj1unqkrM-cVwA9QCNqvohLxeKPSQArrzwm5qSyj4M5XvLrnlEt0b_Wqf7zfB0EclUyorAXKnFHfZmyEA0TIDDm9ZcqmCxLA9gZq0zqUUHSG0_J7cl4/s1600/fishcreekhike2SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWjyhpTQV4askCBCD7sEheHRcYj1unqkrM-cVwA9QCNqvohLxeKPSQArrzwm5qSyj4M5XvLrnlEt0b_Wqf7zfB0EclUyorAXKnFHfZmyEA0TIDDm9ZcqmCxLA9gZq0zqUUHSG0_J7cl4/s320/fishcreekhike2SM.jpg" uea="true" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of boulders to naviagte</td></tr>
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<strong>Length</strong>: Varies, turn around when you feel the need</div>
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<strong>Elevation Gain</strong>: 250 feet</div>
<strong>Difficulty</strong>: Moderate- lots of boulder hopping, scrambling and route finding skills<br />
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<strong>Kids: </strong>Kid friendly, but for little ones you will have to take it slow and maybe not travel to far in.<br />
<strong>Traffic</strong>: Light- I saw 5 other people in the canyon the entire time.</div>
<strong>Comments</strong>: Good footwear is a must.<br />
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<strong>Directions</strong>: From Phoenix. Drive East on US60 to Idaho Rd in Apache Junction. Exit and drive North about 3 miles to SR88. Turn right and follow SR88 (Apache Trail) for 25 miles to the bridge that spans Fish Creek. The road is a dirt road the last few miles to the bridge. Also, you will drop down the side of a sheer cliff as you take this fun drive to Fish Creek Canyon. Once you descend the road from the high cliff above you will cross the bridge. Find a spot to park and head back across the bridge to a trail heading toward the alcove on the south side of the canyon.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yEJdT5uOyJE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6Gt-es5cy1n30lJN7oXnFVcHMtzCCKzVejb5-StE17gmNrQuvl6uzx3XrrndislAVQhigzsza1gUvIB9OQj12AWP5VwDs3L-G3zSk_rPDn5ELfVR5xoJ8vVK0zoh-vMKvVR2LDhm3lk/s1600/FishCreek2SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6Gt-es5cy1n30lJN7oXnFVcHMtzCCKzVejb5-StE17gmNrQuvl6uzx3XrrndislAVQhigzsza1gUvIB9OQj12AWP5VwDs3L-G3zSk_rPDn5ELfVR5xoJ8vVK0zoh-vMKvVR2LDhm3lk/s400/FishCreek2SM.jpg" uea="true" width="265" /></a></div>
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Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-78746746560509231932013-01-20T17:32:00.004-08:002013-01-26T20:44:39.887-08:00Tom's Thumb - McDowell Sonoran Preserve <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQj0rfG3O25X9zvqGx5-L8WTShTfKywJaP6WTeX4UG6HaFIgKlRWg-FFA9KLXLVMAvkW5NZraG90uVBFkNDYUG5xDF1_30FjpJI6lhHEsjfS2YsBbqx_2TT6sczbbh0gfwlSnFvJ9vDI/s1600/trailhead2SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQj0rfG3O25X9zvqGx5-L8WTShTfKywJaP6WTeX4UG6HaFIgKlRWg-FFA9KLXLVMAvkW5NZraG90uVBFkNDYUG5xDF1_30FjpJI6lhHEsjfS2YsBbqx_2TT6sczbbh0gfwlSnFvJ9vDI/s320/trailhead2SM.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from trailhead</td></tr>
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This is a fantastic hike! I very much enjoyed every aspect of this trail. The trail leads to a 140 foot granite rock spire that sits high up on the McDowell Mountains. This rock spire, known as Tom's Thumb, after a local climber, is visible from the 101 freeway in North Scottsdale. The trailhead is located on the North side of the McDowell Mountains in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Click <a href="http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/preserve/Preserve+Trail+Map.pdf" target="_blank">here for a trail map</a> to the area. The trail is in exceptional condition and is very easy to follow. The trail is 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1363 feet. In other words, it gives you nice workout with a rewarding view from on top. There is nothing difficult about this hike other than the elevation gain and that the trail is composed of loose gravel from the eroded granite. Be careful on your way down as it is easy to loose traction and slip. I would recommend hiking shoes for this trail for that reason.</div>
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1993489" target="_blank">Click here or below </a>for a detailed map of the trail with photos.<br />
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1993489">Tom's Thumb Trail</a></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoccMCyyrFjYQLSvNrVhTK2uJVgAIlUBqVivwEO3yqc2BJ3qtXPSpbigEb_D_VE7P2kyfTx21UW8v98fMB69p7Wh-ivSudfckc9t8O7hY3a5nSTX4zYUGIsb2TgTaHuZWc7eGUrNAk1LM/s1600/trail2sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoccMCyyrFjYQLSvNrVhTK2uJVgAIlUBqVivwEO3yqc2BJ3qtXPSpbigEb_D_VE7P2kyfTx21UW8v98fMB69p7Wh-ivSudfckc9t8O7hY3a5nSTX4zYUGIsb2TgTaHuZWc7eGUrNAk1LM/s320/trail2sm.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the saddle area at 2 miles</td></tr>
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The trail starts at the very Scottsdale looking trailhead and starts out flat for the first 1/4 mile. You can see Tom's Thumb on the ridge high above you from the trailhead. The trail then begins to climb steeply. There are many side trails leading off to rock climbing areas and other trail networks. The entire trail is well signed so just follow the arrow for Tom's Thumb on the signs. You will climb steeply for the next mile. Around mile 2, you will come to the top of the main ascent to a saddle. Follow the trail down a hill to the saddle area, at which the trail forks with the East End Trail. Take a look to the east and you can see Fountain Hills below and if you time it right you will see the fountain in Fountain Hills shooting over 100 feet into the air. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom's Thumb</td></tr>
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Follow the Tom's Thumb trail sign to your right. You will come into a nice area full of granite boulders. </div>
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Continue to follow the trail up a small hill where you will come to another fork in the trail, follow the Tom's Thumb trail to your right. It is just a few hundred yards further and the large rock spire will come into view. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulder area at the top, near Tom's Thumb</td></tr>
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You have a nice view looking North, and South towards Phoenix and also of Pinnacle Peak to the west. If you enjoy scrambling on rocks then take some time to explore the boulders in this area. Many of them have cracks to squeeze through, which is always a fun adventure. </div>
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Head back down the trail the way you came. <br />
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<strong>Length: 5 miles - out and back</strong></div>
<strong>Elevation Gain: 1,363 feet</strong><br />
<strong>Difficulty: Moderate- not technical, I give this rating due to steep incline</strong><br />
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<strong>Recommend: All hiking levels, but remember it will give your cardio a workout</strong></div>
<strong>Season: Fall thru Spring</strong><br />
<strong>Hiking Time: 2 hours</strong><br />
<strong>Info: No water at trailhead. Bring ample for your hike.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bSSRcSQJ4xugrycpv0pC65l6HexFBFoR4l_oAXnZQehbcByfsJtRipfx5kja40WVX8iygyfxHHrTrM4L9lR9TIQZMgd9eaciDCgvSeErTwduoyDiIfMt3koqjrwXF1etZOP9sAYr3OU/s1600/trailhead1sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bSSRcSQJ4xugrycpv0pC65l6HexFBFoR4l_oAXnZQehbcByfsJtRipfx5kja40WVX8iygyfxHHrTrM4L9lR9TIQZMgd9eaciDCgvSeErTwduoyDiIfMt3koqjrwXF1etZOP9sAYr3OU/s320/trailhead1sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern view from Tom's Thumb</td></tr>
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<strong>Directions: </strong> North Scottsdale: Take 101 freeway to Pima/Princess Exit, head north on Pima Road. Turn right on Happy Valley Road. From 4-way stop (intersection with Alma School Rd), stay straight another 2.3 miles then turn right onto Ranch Gate Road. Go 1.2 miles and turn right onto 128th Street which dead ends at the new Tom's Thumb Trailhead.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern view with Scottsdale below from Tom's Thumb</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the rocks</td></tr>
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-8691710125139812642013-01-08T21:12:00.000-08:002013-01-08T21:19:22.467-08:00Montezuma's Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is more of a destination or a side trip than a hike. However, if you enjoy Indian Ruins than this is a good spot to visit. Located just outside of Camp Verde sits <a href="http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm" target="_blank">Montezuma's Castle National Monument.</a> The ruin is unique as it sits high on the side of a white limestone cliff. You are not allowed to enter the ruins, but they are still impressive viewing from below. The ruins were built about 700 A.D by the Sinagua people. There is a short 1/4 mile paved trail that passes by the ruins and through a large stand of Sycamore trees. This National Monument is a perfect place to to picnic under the shade of the trees. The monument features a small visitor center.<br />
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Directions from I-17:<br />
Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff).<br />
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Drive east (through two traffic circles) for approximately 1/2 mile to the blinking red light. Turn left on Montezuma Castle Road.<br />
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Fees:<br />
Adults (16 and over): $5.00 <br />
Children (under 16): FREE <br />
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-56549776647784016832012-11-29T21:02:00.004-08:002012-11-29T21:08:02.186-08:00Camelback Mountain- Cholla Trail <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from the summit of Camelback Mountain</td></tr>
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I have lived in Phoenix for nearly ten years and this is only the second time I have hiked Camelback and the first time via the Cholla Trail. The reason being Camelback is the most popular hike in the Valley of the Sun. I believe it is a right of passage for most visitors to attempt to hike Camelback for better or worse. This trail should be named the Camelback Express, as it is pretty much a solid line of people up and down the trail, especially on the weekends, which is the only time I find to hike. That being said, if you can avoid the busy weekends with the throngs of people, this is actually a fun hike. </div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm2Eq4F5hW4_XcQn6L_Lwlod-wQy2NBLE4YvfZeEA_2BtX4m0-D-DfMccYuQ5oGwjYAOIhQww9hH_nb9EXq7o3C-2I1kcAc6loEeksTYia10dEb7cpmtqeAEuRRxxIm9Zlq3MbPYC14Q/s1600/Camelback1Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm2Eq4F5hW4_XcQn6L_Lwlod-wQy2NBLE4YvfZeEA_2BtX4m0-D-DfMccYuQ5oGwjYAOIhQww9hH_nb9EXq7o3C-2I1kcAc6loEeksTYia10dEb7cpmtqeAEuRRxxIm9Zlq3MbPYC14Q/s320/Camelback1Trail.jpg" tea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Route of Cholla Trail to Summit of Camelback Mountain</td></tr>
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There are two trails up to the summit of Camelback Mountain. Echo Canyon trail on the Northwest side of the mountain and Cholla Trail on the East side of the mountain. You can find the hike details for <a href="http://hikingthesouthwest.blogspot.com/2009/06/camelback-mountain-echo-canyon-trail.html">Echo Canyon here</a>, which is steeper and requires more scrambling. The Cholla trail does not ascend as steeply as Echo Canyon, or require as much scrambling until the last 1/4th of a mile near the summit. Make no mistake though this hike will get your blood pumping and give you a great workout.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1zSUx-nNkXvdm_M8nZlz6HV7iLT8Bv5ANQcMmUdsNhsPd8nnAed_adgGarDMVTE8_N6GztGNr5E39xmFPEzHIVhaAA_kFB2xy6tUO-sV2KyfT6NhxPGq81NeG3NusMu8QWZXSPRO4w/s1600/chollatrailsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1zSUx-nNkXvdm_M8nZlz6HV7iLT8Bv5ANQcMmUdsNhsPd8nnAed_adgGarDMVTE8_N6GztGNr5E39xmFPEzHIVhaAA_kFB2xy6tUO-sV2KyfT6NhxPGq81NeG3NusMu8QWZXSPRO4w/s320/chollatrailsmall.jpg" tea="true" width="320" /></a>Parking is the first challenge you will find when setting out to hike Cholla Trail, especially on the weekends in the winter. Click <a href="http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/25390">here</a> for a map showing the location to park for the Cholla Trail. The first quarter mile of this trail is spent walking from your car through a neighborhood before you reach the trailhead at the base of the mountain. Make sure you park in the signed designated parking location to avoid any tickets. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQGv4o6Xh9QT4rGFgU2iGNH2rYDiPnwbiDQEGmFG5mMaqTy0g7x9-3cMCIkoUZ3nAfNLqDBGOqi9A_QDw3Y-T5QCbAVefq8uxC-LpyR_kfclt0ngVRhZrWgJyWUV8TDrpIQFhYPU6eM0/s1600/cholla2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQGv4o6Xh9QT4rGFgU2iGNH2rYDiPnwbiDQEGmFG5mMaqTy0g7x9-3cMCIkoUZ3nAfNLqDBGOqi9A_QDw3Y-T5QCbAVefq8uxC-LpyR_kfclt0ngVRhZrWgJyWUV8TDrpIQFhYPU6eM0/s400/cholla2.jpg" tea="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the saddle</td></tr>
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From the trailhead the summit is 1.6 miles. However, plan on about 4 miles round trip with the walk to and from your car. The trail ascends immediately from the trailhead, although the steeper sections come at the end. You will gain 1,300 feet in elevation in just over one mile on this hike. Plan accordingly with your fitness level and water. The views are fantastic from this side of the mountain over looking the East Valley. As you wind along the trail and up the north side of the mountain at approximately 1.3 miles you will come to a saddle, where you can peer over the southside of the mountain at Phoenix sprawling below. Beyond this point, the trail requires scrambling in order to reach the summit. Keep your eye out for the dots painted on the rock, reflectors and signs to guide you along the right path. This is the part of the trail that is fun and at a few points quite narrow with steep drop offs on either side. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq4602-WQAt758-Nnq_kg2YnzdLdS7gl1xVSpZP1EU-oxS2-SzOmY9BX1d91RFy4tJu06gCrhnAWxgODFEek-AFQFyB1ZZ3osvqmwyaNVjSIs2t8tXp8ucFX5mIUPSUnqEpQRC0APx5s/s1600/Camelbacktreesmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq4602-WQAt758-Nnq_kg2YnzdLdS7gl1xVSpZP1EU-oxS2-SzOmY9BX1d91RFy4tJu06gCrhnAWxgODFEek-AFQFyB1ZZ3osvqmwyaNVjSIs2t8tXp8ucFX5mIUPSUnqEpQRC0APx5s/s320/Camelbacktreesmall.jpg" tea="true" width="266" /></a>Once you reach the summit you will have a 360 degree view of the valley below. Take time to enjoy the view and the squirrels that come to beg food off of you. </div>
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Head back down the way you came, or if you have a shuttle to pick you up, you can always hike down the Echo Canyon Trail (west side of the mountain) which is 1.2 miles in length. </div>
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Make sure you are prepared for this hike. A lot of people head out on this trail because "it is the thing to do" in Phoenix, but they are unaware of the scrambling involved at the top of the trail. There are rescues off of camelback, weekly in the peak hiking season. </div>
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<strong>Length:</strong> approximately 4 miles out and back</div>
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<strong>Elevation Gain:</strong> 1, 331 feet</div>
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<strong>Difficulty:</strong> Moderate</div>
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<strong>Recommended:</strong> In shape and able to scramble </div>
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<strong>Season:</strong> Fall, Winter, Spring</div>
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<strong>Hiking Time:</strong> 2 Hours</div>
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<strong>Directions:</strong> See link to map above.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwY2MxzT1pw_gY-fWlMTBn2cOoszSnwR5NzuKoy6NpToeQQFmk23wN9Ug_aEL8BBtVFZvr2WQ-LleW5g0m10FXYhQpvhKfsbXmuxWO6KaDwYLEZ3_JImxeUERixjllb_axBIU66b5ow4/s1600/cholla3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwY2MxzT1pw_gY-fWlMTBn2cOoszSnwR5NzuKoy6NpToeQQFmk23wN9Ug_aEL8BBtVFZvr2WQ-LleW5g0m10FXYhQpvhKfsbXmuxWO6KaDwYLEZ3_JImxeUERixjllb_axBIU66b5ow4/s400/cholla3.jpg" tea="true" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hikers on the Summit </td></tr>
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Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-15635242650979104582012-07-04T19:54:00.002-07:002018-05-01T09:02:06.743-07:00Bell Trail to the Crack- Wet Beaver Creek<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCkMDbcytx-m0ZwtUNYOQUzX3dBJGFAKMT2tyJWPSwPNpaRg1GMbV30empCGb0QHAIQseGmBwC07g8S9kIvPaD0tp1DS0ymlGj4_eKbLwyigGVDJfINmHy1WqRteQwGBjHTKwkwuhPiU/s1600/BellTrail1SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCkMDbcytx-m0ZwtUNYOQUzX3dBJGFAKMT2tyJWPSwPNpaRg1GMbV30empCGb0QHAIQseGmBwC07g8S9kIvPaD0tp1DS0ymlGj4_eKbLwyigGVDJfINmHy1WqRteQwGBjHTKwkwuhPiU/s400/BellTrail1SM.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No people, how did I get this shot!</td></tr>
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<b>Warning: Be aware of the risk of flash floods in this canyon/drainage. Always check the weather forecast before entering any canyon/drainage. Flash floods can occur with little to no warning and cause the water to rise exponentially. </b><b>Summer
thunderstorms at the head of a canyon can cause flash
floods in your area. Be aware of your surroundings. </b><br />
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<b>Note: I strongly advised you to hike this trail during the week.</b> The crack has an excellent swim hole that is also a party location for locals and teenagers. I'm not sure how populated the location is during the week, but my guess is there will not be as many partyers.
With that said, this is a great hike. I want to return and try this during the week to hopefully have more of the place to myself or with less of a rowdy crowd when I arrive. The trail is out and back and is 3.5 miles to what is known as The Crack. This is an excellent swim hole with several places to jump off the cliffs into the cool pools. The highest cliff to jump off of is about 30 feet. The trail is located to the east of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest. Directions to the trail are at the end of this narrative. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8uAJVDhVM4JHk1wEzW3xRVaV6EK55zln-giYwqMDVn10ay-Wy0yTPm7soiJ48_aO0-m8x34JoG3l2AGahmVhtRh1sX3b7eqq0iVPlNjauhiiKCtUygMPU3IkdfIWlhRJURTEOJCquS8/s1600/BellLog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8uAJVDhVM4JHk1wEzW3xRVaV6EK55zln-giYwqMDVn10ay-Wy0yTPm7soiJ48_aO0-m8x34JoG3l2AGahmVhtRh1sX3b7eqq0iVPlNjauhiiKCtUygMPU3IkdfIWlhRJURTEOJCquS8/s320/BellLog1.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little shade on hike to swim hole</td></tr>
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The trail is wide and easy to follow. It does not skirt right along side the creek rather stays several hundred yards from the creek; however you can see the green trees framing the pathway of the river to your right as you hike along the trail. The trail is exposed. There is not much shade. There are many spur trails that lead down to the creek to give you an opportunity to cool off. The creek flows lightly through this area. About half a mile in is a large black boulder sitting to the left of the trail. Stop to take a look as their are several hieroglyphs on the rock. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51SIeQ6m04FPnUKNH8BAcnWYZBAaQa2fz8KVQaYndogLr_GH7yxDIQwxfiYu5_N6ls5jrtb4ZBKJGqMtupFnzcvIyw0C-u300TKY5Gp3OlFg9pcUTU6SVEVld84SmH_qvaxiGS5h45_g/s1600/BellTraillog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51SIeQ6m04FPnUKNH8BAcnWYZBAaQa2fz8KVQaYndogLr_GH7yxDIQwxfiYu5_N6ls5jrtb4ZBKJGqMtupFnzcvIyw0C-u300TKY5Gp3OlFg9pcUTU6SVEVld84SmH_qvaxiGS5h45_g/s320/BellTraillog2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up above the creek along the ridge</td></tr>
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At 1.5 miles you will come to another trail, the White Mesa Trail that leads off to your left. At 1.75 miles another trail leads off to the left called the Apache Maid Trail. Stay on the main trail, but it is nice to know how far you have come when you reach these junctions. At about 2 miles the trail begins to climb up the ridge to your left along a sandstone cliff. This is not a difficult hill, but is exposed with little to no shade. The trail skirts along the edge of the ridge and as you progress you can here the creek below running at a faster pace and also several good swimming holes which would be worth exploring from the creek below. At about 2.5 miles the trail begins to descend towards the creek again. Before you cross the creek you will see a spur trail that heads to your left. This is the trail you want that leads to the swimming hole, known as The Crack. It is only about 100 yards to this location.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir01Wlkg00D1u0pybnqHIj3hbe9dUnX1FR6ZqGgJuh0fRHe8cW4_DQptj49mT2AmvjFKYM_ablZiGMzCcsETd_TIb8CPN_AyzqrbczRfcY7t46tj_Oax07ru81Qa9AcUBBik5nckEy8x0/s1600/BellTrail2SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir01Wlkg00D1u0pybnqHIj3hbe9dUnX1FR6ZqGgJuh0fRHe8cW4_DQptj49mT2AmvjFKYM_ablZiGMzCcsETd_TIb8CPN_AyzqrbczRfcY7t46tj_Oax07ru81Qa9AcUBBik5nckEy8x0/s400/BellTrail2SM.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
The Crack is a beautiful spot, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and green vegetation it is a place you could stay and play all day. Unfortunately that is what we found when we got there, a lot of people. I look forward to hiking this again in hopes to find it less populated during the week.<br />
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Remember the hike out is going to be hotter than your hike in. Take plenty of water. I would recommend bringing a water filter so you can just take the water straight from the creek if needed. This hike is kid friendly, but it is 3.5 miles to the fun swimming hole along a trail with little shade. Make sure your kids have plenty of water. FYI the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55228&actid=29">Beaver Creek Campground</a> is just a bit further down the road from the trailhead. <br />
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<b>Length: 7 miles</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: 520 feet</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Easy, but exposed</b><br />
<b>Recommend: All hiking levels </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_SDFs7y6Zt_sGc1clAxrEPAI9Ke3d791vf0eYhx_fh1DW-2oT57oWcVd82QJRbju_3Sm-vGrP6YL7ZzUdDDasG-Rd8SQozIczTdWMn0bLdg66SWlECetYOQTS_6ZJHZcLI_3r_b-RCM/s1600/BellTrailnatJumpSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_SDFs7y6Zt_sGc1clAxrEPAI9Ke3d791vf0eYhx_fh1DW-2oT57oWcVd82QJRbju_3Sm-vGrP6YL7ZzUdDDasG-Rd8SQozIczTdWMn0bLdg66SWlECetYOQTS_6ZJHZcLI_3r_b-RCM/s400/BellTrailnatJumpSM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff jumping at The Crack</td></tr>
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<b>Season: Spring-Fall</b><br />
<b>Hiking Time: 4 hours. Add in more time to play in the pools.</b><br />
<b>Directions: </b>From Phoenix go North on Highway I-17 to the Sedona Exit, 179 turn right, this is FR618.
Follow FR618 2 miles and turn left onto FR618A. Follow the signs to the
trailhead.<b> </b><br />
<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-69353890352480407022012-07-04T17:09:00.003-07:002012-08-19T15:25:05.887-07:00West Fork of Oak CreekPut this hike on your list to do! This trail is very popular but worth fighting the crowds to see. Fortunately you can beat most of the crowd by arriving early to the trailhead, which is highly recommend as the parking area will fill up fast after 10:00 a.m. on a weekend. Speaking of parking, as of 2012, the cost to park at the trailhead is $9.00. The only way around this fee is to buy a <a href="http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml">Red Rock Pass</a> from various Ranger Stations in the area for $5.00 and park on the main road of Oak Creek Canyon. The trail is located in the beautiful and popular Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. See directions at the end of this narrative.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3iJ471lttzRTmLpm-nK3N8TcpPc8ud_b6aY2vafbhRtbt_wMEkfvBN4jL4cEyi6tpw0mUHdgqrCTMh66LsRSld4CFgTOi2SciwM_4t0MeBOp3XcNe8NQp_vnEcv2hoa3tZbeyuMsVIU/s1600/MeWestFork2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3iJ471lttzRTmLpm-nK3N8TcpPc8ud_b6aY2vafbhRtbt_wMEkfvBN4jL4cEyi6tpw0mUHdgqrCTMh66LsRSld4CFgTOi2SciwM_4t0MeBOp3XcNe8NQp_vnEcv2hoa3tZbeyuMsVIU/s320/MeWestFork2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Official" end of the trail at 3 miles</td></tr>
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This trail is an out and back. Although there is the option of backpacking the entire 14 mile length; one which I hope to accomplish in the future. The "official" trail ends at 3 miles, your turnaround point. You will know you have reached this spot as the trail ends and further progress requires the hiker to walk in the creek. The turnaround point is a beautiful spot where the creek has carved out a small tunnelish area, (is that a word).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK4sqvVhEHdqbIM4zBWdI3poV-ubn_eHPyaxWEStBYnft7mBgAxjB96AfNLvsug6r_koy5ISa2fLFT_dYMSQLxbt8c5vCF_vARQhaAXBiK7BHouqBeV6CrSdMfCXV2RlMZzGwKzMFNqI/s1600/WestForkLog1SM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK4sqvVhEHdqbIM4zBWdI3poV-ubn_eHPyaxWEStBYnft7mBgAxjB96AfNLvsug6r_koy5ISa2fLFT_dYMSQLxbt8c5vCF_vARQhaAXBiK7BHouqBeV6CrSdMfCXV2RlMZzGwKzMFNqI/s200/WestForkLog1SM.JPG" width="132" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN-eA_z-RkIGSZHKfxWQEi7C3_7eDlz5dcFrf8-Ax5F7xFDmV4NVdMDxT7r7nBqZs48NR_lCWdZ3iS4UU5CoGTkIaTybfL4D21hz4PesH0ggYKuqredOW9pCtn4PjrFpRAyyaX_G1sdI/s1600/Westforklog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN-eA_z-RkIGSZHKfxWQEi7C3_7eDlz5dcFrf8-Ax5F7xFDmV4NVdMDxT7r7nBqZs48NR_lCWdZ3iS4UU5CoGTkIaTybfL4D21hz4PesH0ggYKuqredOW9pCtn4PjrFpRAyyaX_G1sdI/s200/Westforklog2.jpg" width="132" /></a>The trail starts by crossing over Oak Creek via a large bridge and then turns to your left through an old apple orchard. You then will come to an old homestead area with an interesting cabin. The trail then turns right into the "Secret Mountain Wilderness." This trail has several creek crossings. Although on the official section of the trail you can manage to keep your feet dry by rock hopping across the small crossings. This trail is simply put, beautiful. The trail is extremely vegetated and its hard to believe you are in Arizona with how green and lush the area is. Sandstone canyon walls tower high above, small waterfalls and inviting pools line this trail. The trail stays pretty much right next to the creek the entire time. The only exception is near the end at about 2.7 miles where you will climb a short but fairly steep hill onto a small ridge, you quickly descend back down and follow the trail another hundred yards. The official trail ends at this location, where the canyon suddenly narrows and forms a tunnel like area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ni0h2pbAaRiAXb8nW-BSchht02c51THVfuaqsYUFE8A4FE5tLfQkpbDHhciM2eHCLiTjurz_tHosjUiv2Bx-Qwa6vnqd40bGzB2HpkXsMXC-y5pwfDDP5kPFpMAzYuU4d5boSEnVp_Y/s1600/WestForkLog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ni0h2pbAaRiAXb8nW-BSchht02c51THVfuaqsYUFE8A4FE5tLfQkpbDHhciM2eHCLiTjurz_tHosjUiv2Bx-Qwa6vnqd40bGzB2HpkXsMXC-y5pwfDDP5kPFpMAzYuU4d5boSEnVp_Y/s320/WestForkLog5.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 mile point</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxovA_G554_z3pTZha_hPWDxQ-BedwKgCgpP7zdFDR_Gl0HNwKr-2UEVJ2bBd6oSO6DyPfuNxvLios_q4IMWuMOlKvws8gC2i7CqwNOTQVGf4iuwa2Xpw_D9dYudnJeys-ay9otThaqE/s1600/WestForkLog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxovA_G554_z3pTZha_hPWDxQ-BedwKgCgpP7zdFDR_Gl0HNwKr-2UEVJ2bBd6oSO6DyPfuNxvLios_q4IMWuMOlKvws8gC2i7CqwNOTQVGf4iuwa2Xpw_D9dYudnJeys-ay9otThaqE/s320/WestForkLog4.jpg" width="212" /></a>The day I hiked this trail, in June, there were hundreds of butterflies. It was incredible. There is also poison ivy along this trail, so be careful if you leave the main trail for any reason. Also, we were able to filter the water and drink with no problems.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGEqisf2jLXqPGK8t1QcOzJt1R6hZthPdFTzESauJCt9igbNLdO-5Woo_6wf-qtxNplbHq2ju9iyCu5ZLMRlsq4V5VA22YmIcvMP7fX3CZTNrh1-K9QZa0hN1egPu_76SI_c95h77fL8/s1600/WestForklog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGEqisf2jLXqPGK8t1QcOzJt1R6hZthPdFTzESauJCt9igbNLdO-5Woo_6wf-qtxNplbHq2ju9iyCu5ZLMRlsq4V5VA22YmIcvMP7fX3CZTNrh1-K9QZa0hN1egPu_76SI_c95h77fL8/s320/WestForklog3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
The group I hiked with entered the creek at the 3 mile mark and we continued upward about another 1.5 miles. This required us to be in the creek about 60% of the time. The other 40% was bushwhacking through a lot of overgrown vegetation. There is no official trail to follow, although you can see some areas that have been stamped down a bit. If you have the time and don't mind getting wet it is worth the extra time to explore up the canyon. The canyon narrows and about 3.75 miles in is a large pool. The pool is shallow but the beauty of the spot is incomparable. Further up at about 4.5 miles we found a pool large enough to swim in. This is the point our group turned around and began the hike out.<br />
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This hike is easy and flat, all but the small hill toward the end. On our hike out in the afternoon the trail was very busy. We began our hike at 9:00 and returned to the trailhead at 3:00. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lmOr03ApBYKSGJWGNjdZ6896GgCtkkcK6hrxaqrBvb286LDAaBWBczvXXu6CCbtFv0rBllbWuQFEvCd_E_NcIZl-JfIIzR88qD7tyyI_MoS9o1tkm78kQPjLYOL6dxGyde3DKKI0SW8/s1600/WestFork4WMSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lmOr03ApBYKSGJWGNjdZ6896GgCtkkcK6hrxaqrBvb286LDAaBWBczvXXu6CCbtFv0rBllbWuQFEvCd_E_NcIZl-JfIIzR88qD7tyyI_MoS9o1tkm78kQPjLYOL6dxGyde3DKKI0SW8/s320/WestFork4WMSM.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<u><b>The following photos are all past the 3 mile turnaround point.</b></u> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkc5ZFQdOUQWFrM-RF8hmp7SjCb24WN99PYpoMPhETxjpRCUL2bLynbkse7xIYCui7-xG2fWpDjLKhJy_oahufKsfe6CmdckyYvHwc742ayq1L3MLTf-_oI6c-51XD-aI7vCRq2kqlms/s1600/WestFork1WMSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkc5ZFQdOUQWFrM-RF8hmp7SjCb24WN99PYpoMPhETxjpRCUL2bLynbkse7xIYCui7-xG2fWpDjLKhJy_oahufKsfe6CmdckyYvHwc742ayq1L3MLTf-_oI6c-51XD-aI7vCRq2kqlms/s320/WestFork1WMSM.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just past tunnel area at 3.1 miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UvRr3Ptw22qxl3WQPO295-fiWEHQEuxCHTqDijrd7j9tnIL_NyUnDh_TkK-1Fn_W52_MEa87QIHs1jL4KzECUQ1cwC6lBOSH809Y7ewVh8ykSBarlc6qxUuo5Sk9Y3puhy5-L8QFLRc/s1600/WestForkGroup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UvRr3Ptw22qxl3WQPO295-fiWEHQEuxCHTqDijrd7j9tnIL_NyUnDh_TkK-1Fn_W52_MEa87QIHs1jL4KzECUQ1cwC6lBOSH809Y7ewVh8ykSBarlc6qxUuo5Sk9Y3puhy5-L8QFLRc/s400/WestForkGroup1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large pool. 3.75 miles in</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkEOz-LGhyphenhyphen14c52L-C6i0pr9cnNgqVFv-Nfz74IQvqiZ0SJ_5B6SCc9SDZyvSTX3EawvXBoLjkcgf6fPiY7TCtXkl08NIBwd03D616A4hELVn1fXa77pJSNmeEzcWzMhE67y7RXT30_E/s1600/WestForkPoolSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkEOz-LGhyphenhyphen14c52L-C6i0pr9cnNgqVFv-Nfz74IQvqiZ0SJ_5B6SCc9SDZyvSTX3EawvXBoLjkcgf6fPiY7TCtXkl08NIBwd03D616A4hELVn1fXa77pJSNmeEzcWzMhE67y7RXT30_E/s320/WestForkPoolSM.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW032ksZuwfdf4PhNOxdHOyx-Bgh4ZD77h6rgpqNLxHMhS293TyykP_DNnn7fZp45R9laNXnn3vpQVZ5wH_TDQQtuYYZ_MRJ3R2qfWKShuBmX69iSkbR1POcI4hvtuv2tEWTeTgh-N6qI/s1600/WestFork2SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW032ksZuwfdf4PhNOxdHOyx-Bgh4ZD77h6rgpqNLxHMhS293TyykP_DNnn7fZp45R9laNXnn3vpQVZ5wH_TDQQtuYYZ_MRJ3R2qfWKShuBmX69iSkbR1POcI4hvtuv2tEWTeTgh-N6qI/s400/WestFork2SM.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backpackers heading down West Fork</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR4ACDiL7jSFpvKiOhgBsRPPDMVuR7gwkeuRmUasNRIuSLSjfh8z9Uu1mB01nGa-mn4bMJb24yt7ILGYKqiCZVUiJNnqjr3eOEjd_mAh0zSMfa9dp1nxQ19RhgtjOZNq5Ck92OFKqs_M/s1600/WestFork1WMSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR4ACDiL7jSFpvKiOhgBsRPPDMVuR7gwkeuRmUasNRIuSLSjfh8z9Uu1mB01nGa-mn4bMJb24yt7ILGYKqiCZVUiJNnqjr3eOEjd_mAh0zSMfa9dp1nxQ19RhgtjOZNq5Ck92OFKqs_M/s320/WestFork1WMSM.jpg" width="212" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<b>Length: 6 miles out and back (official trail)</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: 200 feet </b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Easy to 3 mile point. Past 3 miles requires walking in water, scrambling over boulders and bush whacking- that's where it gets fun.</b><br />
<b>Recommened: All hiking levels to 3 mile point</b><br />
<b>Season: Spring, Summer, Fall</b><br />
<b>Hiking Time: 2 hours to 3 mile mark. Plan on extra time to explore and play in the water</b><br />
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<b>Directions:</b> From Phoenix take Interstate 17 North, Exit 298, just north of Camp Verde to State Route 179 North, turn left. Drive through Sedona to the "Y" junction with Highway 89A. (large roundabout) Turn right onto 89A, cross the large bridge over Oak Creek that enters the canyon. Drive 9 miles and watch for the sign for the Westfork trailhead, the trailhead and parking are on your left. The parking area is called "Call of the Canyon".Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-91412719422515344962012-07-04T15:27:00.004-07:002012-07-04T15:40:03.306-07:00Horton Creek<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-wBXulVrZT2QlUptAKt7ZT-EqLjOfP9DtnyuLvNO-RkA5CyXnkdZYRssx_yR_R09DmGXveXSBxOUE26ju2v9OzOxYnVkXNt3Ge6XdBgwVV0B_c6OhIKoEEhd1GTWVk45wnD9-oVT2E8/s1600/YellowFloweronHortonCreekWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-wBXulVrZT2QlUptAKt7ZT-EqLjOfP9DtnyuLvNO-RkA5CyXnkdZYRssx_yR_R09DmGXveXSBxOUE26ju2v9OzOxYnVkXNt3Ge6XdBgwVV0B_c6OhIKoEEhd1GTWVk45wnD9-oVT2E8/s400/YellowFloweronHortonCreekWM.jpg" width="265" /></a>This is a great hike east of Payson just below the Mogollon Rim. The trail is easy to follow, fairly flat except for a gradual hill towards the turn around point of the hike and follows a beautiful creek known as Horton Creek. The trail is out and back, with the trail leading to the head of Horton Creek where the spring literally comes right out of the side of the mountain. The spring is 3.3 miles from the trailhead. This is a great hike to do on a hot summer day as the trail stays within 200 yards of the creek the entire trail, except the hill at the end of the hike. There are large trees providing shade the majority of the hike. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IkSMsHM_MbTlud9BoN1cg1I-16zqan3opNyZQocVU-FlP4_GEa7Ubz39Bxw9yKMMo3ZLREibdwnJc5ydEkjeWVVsr2HT3pRuNllD5ZtifXlqkbSEtRnBAU5iIf2YdTo0bd9f8nxKPAU/s1600/HortonCreek1SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IkSMsHM_MbTlud9BoN1cg1I-16zqan3opNyZQocVU-FlP4_GEa7Ubz39Bxw9yKMMo3ZLREibdwnJc5ydEkjeWVVsr2HT3pRuNllD5ZtifXlqkbSEtRnBAU5iIf2YdTo0bd9f8nxKPAU/s320/HortonCreek1SM.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
The trail is located 15 miles east of Payson on Hwy 260. Turn left on Tonto Creek Road (FR 289) and drive 1 mile to the upper Tonto Campground. Do not stop at the first campground on your left. Keep driving to the second campground on your right. Pass the entrance to the campground, cross a cement bridge and park on your left in the signed parking area. The trail begins back across the bridge and up the road toward the campground. You will see signs directing you to the trail.<br />
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The trail starts by dropping you down into a dry creek bed. Follow the trail for half a mile next to the the dry creek bed. Don't worry you will come to the water soon. The trail will follow next to the creek for the most part. A few spur trails will branch of to your right heading down to the creek. These are worth taking as several spots on the creek are incredibly beautiful. Beautiful lush green trees, yellow flowers and small water falls make this area a little paradise. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8nEIa9nMOhtKwNeBhoccg20SVyDhVJb-8asXbZQ3gbbCJ_rBEA5VggKHd_C1rhoIxrY4ftnMGLLRdNgNusbOp5gZDy3cyt3AJpfxqYytnZNSNKbUrZJ83cO9inb2L37p4RdwyiqI7jU/s1600/HortonCreek4WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8nEIa9nMOhtKwNeBhoccg20SVyDhVJb-8asXbZQ3gbbCJ_rBEA5VggKHd_C1rhoIxrY4ftnMGLLRdNgNusbOp5gZDy3cyt3AJpfxqYytnZNSNKbUrZJ83cO9inb2L37p4RdwyiqI7jU/s400/HortonCreek4WM.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
The trail continues up towards the rim with the last mile consisting of a gradual hill switch backing its way up the base of the rim. This is not a difficult hill and can be managed by most people, including young children. At the top of the hill the trail intersects with the Highline Trail. Turn right and follow the trail for about 200 yards to the Spring. This is a great spot and several people had backpacked and were camping in the area. Once you reach the Spring this is your turnaround point and it's an easy hike back down the trail to your car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRt2Nr0I01AHSTbzhljLZ-Td7poc5om4XnUl2Z4jj6GhVdlj2LZ2rXTzswNOrf-53EDWfnx1J7bD96TcVe3KNduDPbUoROqKL71ev0vHJDqD6P4IyeDEKk5hwou0ghvLvhVAQEbRtwwM/s1600/HortonCreek2SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRt2Nr0I01AHSTbzhljLZ-Td7poc5om4XnUl2Z4jj6GhVdlj2LZ2rXTzswNOrf-53EDWfnx1J7bD96TcVe3KNduDPbUoROqKL71ev0vHJDqD6P4IyeDEKk5hwou0ghvLvhVAQEbRtwwM/s320/HortonCreek2SM.jpg" width="212" /></a>I would recommend this hike to any hiking level. Small children will enjoy playing in the water, as will adults such as myself. The trail was fairly busy the day I hiked it on a Saturday. But not overly crowded. Definitely put this on your list of hikes to do in Rim Country.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-3SPEZd1iguhg7DCrqRg__nWit4C4S4KwIrWej71EsbcXkY8ubqd89KvTIHQm1fiF2-dMjbWahCIMgiExcfqbD_48Tusy-yk-g6dskrW-Foi2sG_8tq96oaICNY3MI-ikNG5q04toKQ/s1600/HortonCreek3SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-3SPEZd1iguhg7DCrqRg__nWit4C4S4KwIrWej71EsbcXkY8ubqd89KvTIHQm1fiF2-dMjbWahCIMgiExcfqbD_48Tusy-yk-g6dskrW-Foi2sG_8tq96oaICNY3MI-ikNG5q04toKQ/s320/HortonCreek3SM.jpg" width="212" /></a><b>Length: 6. 6 miles out and back</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: 1,183 feet</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Easy- Recommended for families with small children</b><br />
<b>Season: Spring, Summer, Fall</b><br />
<b>Hiking Time: 3-4 hours with a lot of time used to enjoy the creek and the spring at the end of the trail.</b><br />
<b>Directions: See narrative- passenger car</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPQIv50C1rTKqoomr2ng14iz0SpNcCOdWrkStVDPoGPBN61v_VjZ9EzT5lyrjlyazpQ97g-QNHQZ4-ooyJrKAXrQIr9-MsJ6f1ceQH1CkHvIn_WDqhh2T8qNW_caTGXK-ZFM0Rk2c_Bs/s1600/HCLog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPQIv50C1rTKqoomr2ng14iz0SpNcCOdWrkStVDPoGPBN61v_VjZ9EzT5lyrjlyazpQ97g-QNHQZ4-ooyJrKAXrQIr9-MsJ6f1ceQH1CkHvIn_WDqhh2T8qNW_caTGXK-ZFM0Rk2c_Bs/s320/HCLog1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99i7xKA_CP9Alv39iIOnqNwJj_Tfb-gBfLIMz-tPNp8ICZXIThqgUCwacQ920ya9WW5X5SYYqoFmKAIQghAEo0K-exp6lXcKlP_wDxsWOSCqrvmmOntE9Ud91cn1Gn57svYkafl8I1So/s1600/HCLog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99i7xKA_CP9Alv39iIOnqNwJj_Tfb-gBfLIMz-tPNp8ICZXIThqgUCwacQ920ya9WW5X5SYYqoFmKAIQghAEo0K-exp6lXcKlP_wDxsWOSCqrvmmOntE9Ud91cn1Gn57svYkafl8I1So/s320/HCLog2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-2440461414531854992012-03-30T22:06:00.003-07:002012-03-30T22:08:58.642-07:00Rogers Canyon Trail - Superstition Wilderness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxII1K3iBrObGm2C9Tt5Uu1UwvWtx577nOr3rQGRKkM6zEhQh_erUnYXB5QUIUvK3siu-IqvRWPLL2mSIQ1uhr17WTVTCA22J8oBofqOVPg7biF1wOV2rOCQB7Juy_SMqoapkzmqOaMc/s1600/small+roger+cany_007Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxII1K3iBrObGm2C9Tt5Uu1UwvWtx577nOr3rQGRKkM6zEhQh_erUnYXB5QUIUvK3siu-IqvRWPLL2mSIQ1uhr17WTVTCA22J8oBofqOVPg7biF1wOV2rOCQB7Juy_SMqoapkzmqOaMc/s320/small+roger+cany_007Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a>I did this hike in March, probably the best time of year to hike here in the desert. Lots of green and nice temperatures. This was a great hike. One of the best I have done yet in the Superstition Mountains. The best part of this hike is the well preserved Salado Indian Ruin set back in a cave at mile 4. That, and the surprisingly large amount of trees makes for a perfect hike. It almost takes as long to drive to the trailhead from Hwy 60 as it does to hike to the ruins. However, the drive to the trailhead is scenic as well, with a lot of saguaros and great views as you climb up the mountain side. As long as the road is in good shape, ie: no recent rains, then a passenger car should be able to make it, although a higher clearance vehicle is recommended. There is one large hill at the end that you may need to walk up instead of attempting to drive if you are in a passenger vehicle. Directions to the trailhead are at the end of this post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iNutuRco-JtmkcVHktwtCqjVvL7xor-ZG99XuBsEweWnXbXcMgzoWNk65W3WXTeBVRaeqHFYHLVLRuW5rl0AY_dvZMqw3w-1ACfwMOlK5OkkK2bQmJ8NvTbZ6QwWeH3p-oPaIH6Z9gk/s1600/small+roger+cany_001Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iNutuRco-JtmkcVHktwtCqjVvL7xor-ZG99XuBsEweWnXbXcMgzoWNk65W3WXTeBVRaeqHFYHLVLRuW5rl0AY_dvZMqw3w-1ACfwMOlK5OkkK2bQmJ8NvTbZ6QwWeH3p-oPaIH6Z9gk/s320/small+roger+cany_001Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a>The trailhead is at 4,800 feet in a small basin full of juniper trees, oak and manzanita, which is a refreshing change from the low desert scenery on the road below. Rogers Canyon Trail starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead and heads initially out on the Reavis Ranch Trail. Follow the sign past the main trailhead sign in the direction of the Reavis Ranch Trail to your left. You will hike this for 1.7 miles until you come to the Rogers Canyon junction. The beginning of the Reavis Ranch Trail gives you a great view into Rogers Canyon that you will be hiking into. The hike starts flat and soon begins to drop off into several ravines towards the creek below. Once you reach the Rogers Canyon Trail junction the hike is mainly a gradual decent from then on to the Indian Ruins. At the junction of Rogers Canyon Trail go to the left.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwR-e1VqVlZK74Ff93zO3nn79tc8Z0ZeIkjKtmcKcrIk46aGhb9eEbFY_ajsQFaRIfMif_OzcF5MBMTdqj2AviTKjFVLbzrg8x-HklaHIgeE4pmaXG9gFqU_ZqLpilMgAGN7e2uyj6oU/s1600/small+roger+cany_003Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwR-e1VqVlZK74Ff93zO3nn79tc8Z0ZeIkjKtmcKcrIk46aGhb9eEbFY_ajsQFaRIfMif_OzcF5MBMTdqj2AviTKjFVLbzrg8x-HklaHIgeE4pmaXG9gFqU_ZqLpilMgAGN7e2uyj6oU/s320/small+roger+cany_003Resize.JPG" width="212" /></a>At this point the trail begins to wind closer to the creek bed. It was mainly dry while we were there, but small areas of spring water were running at times. The trail crosses the creek bed several times as you wind down the canyon. This area is beautiful, covered in large Arizona Sycamore trees. We passed several groups who had backpacked in and were camping under these fantastic trees. This is definitely something I will have to go back to do. A few sections of the trail are a bit hard to follow. Several spur trails lead off, but they seem to eventually wind themselves back the the main trail. If you have to start doing a bit too much bushwacking then you've gotten off the main trail.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpAwOun44Mh70ld38MIEflm_C5fkjpZtEFK8iqHrcxeKLVQ03IyuWOM7KThQrpjrQ1T8buCYlSc2bW7MOD96LFua-DnfJJni5F7HSGJYo9YY04HqdEYjlSeGoeJdP4QFXUYjdki4qfoQ/s1600/small+roger+cany_004Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpAwOun44Mh70ld38MIEflm_C5fkjpZtEFK8iqHrcxeKLVQ03IyuWOM7KThQrpjrQ1T8buCYlSc2bW7MOD96LFua-DnfJJni5F7HSGJYo9YY04HqdEYjlSeGoeJdP4QFXUYjdki4qfoQ/s320/small+roger+cany_004Resize.JPG" width="212" /></a><br />
The canyon becomes deeper and hoodoo formations begin to appear along the upper sides of the canyon. Continue to follow the trail until you come to an area where the canyon narrows and next to a large boulder a cairn marks the side trail to the Indian Ruins. You will see two large caves in the side of the canyon to your right. This is at mile 4.1. Head up to the the ruins and take the time to explore the area. Please do not walk on the Indian Ruin. There are three ruins. Two lower ones and one above the lowest ruin. To access the upper ruin you will need to scramble up the cliff left of the lower cave. It is worth going up to look at. This ruin is set far back in the cave and still has the roof intact. You can also see the fingerprints left by as the mud was spread on the walls when it was built over 700 years ago by the Salado Indians. Remember, do not damage or graffiti the ruins.<br />
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We ate our lunch in the shade of the cave next the ruins and enjoyed an amazing view out into the green canyon. We then headed back the way we come and out to the trailhead. The hike took us 6 hours. But we were taking our time to enjoy this amazing area. <br />
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Make sure you have plenty of water for this hike. There are springs in the area, but were not providing much water. In all this was just under a 9 mile out and back hike.<br />
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<b>Length: 9 miles</b> <b>out and back</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: -1,1333 (which means you gain it on your hike out- most of it is at the end of the trail towards the Rogers Trough Trailhead)</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Moderate- Easy to hike, but keep in mind it is 9 miles.</b><br />
<b>Season: Fall, Winter, Spring</b><br />
<b>Kids: Recommended 12+. The length is the issue with kids</b><br />
<b>Fee: None</b><br />
<b>Hiking Time: 5 hours minimum hike time and 1 hour drive time from hwy 60 </b><br />
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<b>Directions from Mesa: Drive east on the US 60 towards Superior. Once you pass the Florence Junction watch for a turn on your left marked Queen Valley. Take Queen Valley Road and follow for 1.5 miles to Hewitt Station Road. Turn right onto the dirt road. Follow for approximately 5 miles to FR 172. Turn left and cross Queen Creek. This may be running with water at certain times of the year. Follow the road for 14 miles until FR172A. (Just before FR172A is the large hill that a passenger vehicle may not be able to drive up) at the top of the hill the road T's. Take the road to your left and follow for another .4 miles to the trailhead. </b><br />
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<b><u>Do not attempt in a passenger vehicle if the road is wet or too rutted out. 4-wheel drive will be needed. </u></b><br />
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<a href="http://superstition-sar.org/downloads/iron_mountain.pdf" target="_blank">Click for a Topographic Map of Area</a><br />
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-85944907766507612572012-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:002012-12-13T16:55:02.863-08:00Picketpost Mountain, Superior Arizona<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail pretty much follows the shadowline</td></tr>
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Picketpost has been on my list for a couple years now. I finally made it out and hiked to the top of this fortress shaped mountain in Superior, Arizona. I would not recommend this trail for the casual hiker, as it gains 1,990 feet in elevation in 2 miles with exposed ledges and some scrambling. The trail starts out simple enough and then heads up through a chute leading to the flat top of Picketpost. This trail has a steep ascent and exposed ledges in some locations. That being said, this was a great hike that I enjoyed immensely. The biggest challenge for me was avoiding all of the cactus as the trail is not very maintained.<br />
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In the photo to the left the trail pretty much follows the shadow line to the top of the mountain. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP12MfzaAu-LBSOMpk4XAiaD2hiCm0ymOEGtyNR-PKCRu5RslnrU_hw6Thbjpa9BnmyYmJ_UKtcdXifPaYb1OT42OxwHOu4rTqgj_3_5c_K2e2pffPaphRqt_4dZVkIOWZWzJo9kj1MOU/s1600/PicketPostHike_001Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP12MfzaAu-LBSOMpk4XAiaD2hiCm0ymOEGtyNR-PKCRu5RslnrU_hw6Thbjpa9BnmyYmJ_UKtcdXifPaYb1OT42OxwHOu4rTqgj_3_5c_K2e2pffPaphRqt_4dZVkIOWZWzJo9kj1MOU/s400/PicketPostHike_001Resize.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the trail is this slippery gravel surface</td></tr>
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To locate the trail drive east on the US 60 from Apache Junction towards Superior,. At approximately mile post 221 look for the sign directing you to the PicketPost Trail on your right (south). Take this road and follow it past an old windmill. The road will T shortly, turn left follow to the end to the trailhead. The drive is only a few minutes from the highway. Upon exiting I followed the old jeep trail through the gate for about .5 miles. The road stays to the right of the dry stream bed for about .5 miles. Look for a cairn that marks the trail leading across the dry stream bed towards Picketpost Mountain to the left. Follow this trail directly towards the mountain. The trail then begins to gradually climb at this point in the lower foothills of picketpost. Pay attention to the rocks in this area, there are beautiful quartz shards scattered all over the area. Follow the trail up the side of the hill, which was burned out from a fire a while back. The trail then crosses over a small ravine and you are on the side of Picketpost Mountain. From here the trail heads pretty much straight up the side of the mountain with a few switchbacks.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXxZ0djplckGji8vSQkrBq1F_o46MzMVSipbKfOMI18z_EmeDv2jcvnPVtPb4ForlWW9izHboSL7g_bVQayqiQeDNJe_DRwM9G_MgF4CeFHJQzi-0fRm6RCuJ7uuqfhtP9og4ZOFC1To/s1600/PicketPostHike_003Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXxZ0djplckGji8vSQkrBq1F_o46MzMVSipbKfOMI18z_EmeDv2jcvnPVtPb4ForlWW9izHboSL7g_bVQayqiQeDNJe_DRwM9G_MgF4CeFHJQzi-0fRm6RCuJ7uuqfhtP9og4ZOFC1To/s400/PicketPostHike_003Resize.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chute</td></tr>
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As you head up the trail you will have a few sections requiring you to scramble up and over rocks, the trail will lead to your right toward the long chute. This is the route up the mountain. As you near the chute be careful of your footing. The hardest section is here as you have to scramble over several rocks and a few are exposed ledges. Follow the cairned trail and faded paint arrows up the chute. Several trails branch off but my recommendation is to stay on the trail to the left. Once you get up this rocky section you will have a steep section full of cacuts and slippery loose rocks leading up to the black cliffs directly above you. Again use the trail to your left as it makes for a less steep ascent. At this point you are near the top, continue up the trail and you will shortly be on top of the mountain. Keep following the trail all the way across the top of the mountain to a small rocky hill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht450KAa9hBg9UGfTbzk9bLG_ZRaCZ2XhNF2Ke25kjFovxUHsbmIPHGZgC6y8Q1cWtJZeE8sy55GQAr5qsQhDYbh2VUF81XgNl0vC6TjRt-3SEKIJGHa_MNNRfPMynCO1YyDN0gK4dV_4/s1600/PicketPostHike_004Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht450KAa9hBg9UGfTbzk9bLG_ZRaCZ2XhNF2Ke25kjFovxUHsbmIPHGZgC6y8Q1cWtJZeE8sy55GQAr5qsQhDYbh2VUF81XgNl0vC6TjRt-3SEKIJGHa_MNNRfPMynCO1YyDN0gK4dV_4/s400/PicketPostHike_004Resize.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Chute</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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On top of this is the summit and a mailbox where you can sign in to register your accomplishment. The view from up here is great. You are rewarded with a 360 degree view of the desert below. On a clear day you can see all the way to Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, the Superstitions, Four Peaks, and to the south Mt. Lemmon above Tucson. In my opinion the descent on this trail is much more challenging as the trail is covered in loose rock which is difficult to gain your footing on in some sections. Make sure of your footing and take your time on your way back down to avoid any falls. Remember when you are near the steep black cliffs to stay on the trail that leads the farthest to your right as you did on the way up. As this will be a less steep descent before you enter the chute. I hiked this trail out and back in 4 hours taking my time to enjoy the hike and the view on top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4S5YgNbjbJ-LHtrUXi-d3ovQLv1H6uA6Gpz2ILxZIJKXV-B_pKMAwbYdvhnQy76ZySeJgJ0BkYheP3Sqs_kw6elua2nVVnL3wp3TkscjXimANfju7moytpI_-2HDAdkSxZ0K2XXkBto/s1600/PicketPostHike_002Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4S5YgNbjbJ-LHtrUXi-d3ovQLv1H6uA6Gpz2ILxZIJKXV-B_pKMAwbYdvhnQy76ZySeJgJ0BkYheP3Sqs_kw6elua2nVVnL3wp3TkscjXimANfju7moytpI_-2HDAdkSxZ0K2XXkBto/s400/PicketPostHike_002Resize.JPG" width="400" /></a><b>Length: 4.3 miles out and back</b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: 1,990 feet</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Difficult</b><br />
<b>Season: Fall, Winter, Spring</b><br />
<b>Kids: Not recommended under 12 and only if they really enjoy hiking and are not afraid of heights</b><br />
<b>Fee: None</b><br />
<b>Hiking Time: 4 hours</b><br />
<b>Note: Exposed ledges, heights and loose rock</b><br />
<b>Gear: Hiking shoes with excellent traction</b><br />
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-13814911753599444762011-11-05T22:37:00.000-07:002011-11-05T22:40:31.968-07:00Cat Peak Loop - Usery Mountain Park.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4_NUYNkTLFEicH7dyiCR81vq_ZVuHffH3Gy62A7KiGHh_XFCAPtbQWD2O36o42LQCdlcbG4AIrdLChJu4_d4xEEszfCVyvymk4vDBE5BModo-p3324DG48lz3hWpQOjBiNR6cp9kvF4/s1600/catspeak_069Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4_NUYNkTLFEicH7dyiCR81vq_ZVuHffH3Gy62A7KiGHh_XFCAPtbQWD2O36o42LQCdlcbG4AIrdLChJu4_d4xEEszfCVyvymk4vDBE5BModo-p3324DG48lz3hWpQOjBiNR6cp9kvF4/s1600/catspeak_069Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4_NUYNkTLFEicH7dyiCR81vq_ZVuHffH3Gy62A7KiGHh_XFCAPtbQWD2O36o42LQCdlcbG4AIrdLChJu4_d4xEEszfCVyvymk4vDBE5BModo-p3324DG48lz3hWpQOjBiNR6cp9kvF4/s320/catspeak_069Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a> After work this week I felt like a nice hike to get out and enjoy the amazing fall weather in Arizona. I headed up to one of my favorite trailheads and one I really don't think people know that much about. The trailhead is at the North end of Meridian Road in East Mesa. The trail head allows access into the Tonto National Forest and links up with the Pass Mountain Trail, which also cuts through Usery Mountain Park. The great thing about this trailhead, you can access the Pass Mountain trail and other Usery Mountain Park trails such as Cat Peak without paying the entrance fee. 'Nuff said.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdei3CuHTP5Pvtdvu1AzVKspDZ2ZrsQPK8zEjIhBwvfZBcwnah2u8JL6VTlStA3WjOsfo-U1j2gjJTdSnongxzcvbhqUOuARm4VWwr4XMaseidg2FtuI6D8nc-kaulytXL9jaqswoTAJ8/s1600/catspeak_033Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdei3CuHTP5Pvtdvu1AzVKspDZ2ZrsQPK8zEjIhBwvfZBcwnah2u8JL6VTlStA3WjOsfo-U1j2gjJTdSnongxzcvbhqUOuARm4VWwr4XMaseidg2FtuI6D8nc-kaulytXL9jaqswoTAJ8/s320/catspeak_033Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Peak</td></tr>
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To locate the trailhead; exit the US 60 on Ellsworth road and drive north. Turn right on Southern and then left on Meridian. Follow to the end of the road. You can't miss it as you will run right into it. To hike the Cat Peak Loop you must find the Pass Mountain Trail and head south. This can be a tad tricky if you are not paying attention. There are several spur trails leading off in the area. Upon leaving your car cross into the Tonto National Forest Boundaries through the access gate. Follow the well worn trail to your left. You will wind about 200 yards and come to a 4 way split in the trail. Take the trail straight ahead of you marked by a large cairn. You will then come to the edge of a ravine. The trail goes left here or straight down the ravine. Follow the trail into the ravine and up the other side. You will then come to another fork. This is the Pass Mountain Loop trail. For this hike to Cats Peak take the trail to your left. The trail winds around the to the south of the Pass Mountains. The trail is lined with saguaros and other cactus. I would suggest hiking this trail in the evening as the colors in the cactus come alive in the evening sky. The trail is pretty easy and dips in and out of a few drainage's. This is a great hike to take your kids on or family from out of town to show them the area.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjBLZVuM1MtwejbBWtLw0LQYXPtnArn1M5cs50qcJmrztRUKxHpEsj0SfR_OpVNCkv7XlM_3j60-fBXPgEc14MaUdMWu6CWk6JSJEKEfcqkvvmP6MLT1N36FHtQqkgctbC0ewJZIzDGY/s1600/catspeak_035Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjBLZVuM1MtwejbBWtLw0LQYXPtnArn1M5cs50qcJmrztRUKxHpEsj0SfR_OpVNCkv7XlM_3j60-fBXPgEc14MaUdMWu6CWk6JSJEKEfcqkvvmP6MLT1N36FHtQqkgctbC0ewJZIzDGY/s320/catspeak_035Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nhm8MT3djpxyLeUqSr5AAFYJeJ_qJba4zacCvQS05tEIKmMw_WgyLW7A3vl9n0RW8T_FrVt6321CTMOFJNWJNBSlDvJP7C3DrBnMXaoRhKKmGd2B1pa7Ca5evAqMipY28PaMA4QzYOI/s1600/catspeak_042Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nhm8MT3djpxyLeUqSr5AAFYJeJ_qJba4zacCvQS05tEIKmMw_WgyLW7A3vl9n0RW8T_FrVt6321CTMOFJNWJNBSlDvJP7C3DrBnMXaoRhKKmGd2B1pa7Ca5evAqMipY28PaMA4QzYOI/s320/catspeak_042Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cholla Forest</td></tr>
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After hiking about 1.5 miles you will come to another fork that is marked with a sign for Cat Peak Trail. Follow the trail through the gate entrance to your left. Cat Peak is a loop around two peaks. I opted to head to my right. One interesting section is just after you round the first turn in the hill and near the back side. There is a large Cholla "forest" that the trail cuts right through. This would be a great place for low light photography.
The trail then curves around to the back of the peak and you come to another sign marking the trails intersection with The Blevin's Trail. Follow the sign to your left and continue with the loop. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiomw-0HhrYn2qua0HOzs5VOgX7SN6smnZSsfHJ2B7twsw4o0yub_2Vbs_XOnhpTyuqCkUxV5Hr07xntcgVAam1eDpFnfyXdrtu31EUb9ya7PWzItskXFsOgP1F4KMflL9XtSFF-w98Cw/s1600/catspeak_068Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiomw-0HhrYn2qua0HOzs5VOgX7SN6smnZSsfHJ2B7twsw4o0yub_2Vbs_XOnhpTyuqCkUxV5Hr07xntcgVAam1eDpFnfyXdrtu31EUb9ya7PWzItskXFsOgP1F4KMflL9XtSFF-w98Cw/s320/catspeak_068Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wu-CBWyTQoSM7Sy33-SB4RE3pl1QmNVGn3AO3Mj1tWsDtICY9SpSppWDOfCXWm8qSqv7qztZ_lQ2EZejJo9xwfRHKE175dj3Ik0de1gaEW4eVzAf5ixAGYZbaWozA_VtWKsNhXWgUkI/s1600/catspeak_058Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wu-CBWyTQoSM7Sy33-SB4RE3pl1QmNVGn3AO3Mj1tWsDtICY9SpSppWDOfCXWm8qSqv7qztZ_lQ2EZejJo9xwfRHKE175dj3Ik0de1gaEW4eVzAf5ixAGYZbaWozA_VtWKsNhXWgUkI/s320/catspeak_058Resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Cat's Peak Pass</td></tr>
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A few hundred more yards and you come to another sign. You can go straight and keep heading on the main loop or head to your left following the Cat Peak Pass Trail. I opted for this route, hoping the trail would take me to the top of the peak. I was wrong. The trail climbs just a bit and then heads down again linking back up with the loop trail. One nice advantage to this option is you get a nice view of the Superstition Mountains as you crest the small hill.
Follow the trail to the right and you will soon be back where you started at the Cat Peak Loop starting point. Head back to your right along the Pass Mountain Trail to the trail head.<br />
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There is nothing to grand on this hike, but it is a great evening hike to enjoy the cactus and the views of the Superstition Mountains.
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<b>Hike Details:</b><br />
<b>Length: 4 miles </b><br />
<b>Elevation Gain: 160 feet</b><br />
<b>Difficulty: Easy</b><br />
<b>Kids: All ages recommended</b><br />
<b>Hiking Time: 1-2 hours</b><br />
<b>Fee: None if accessed off Meridian Road. </b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-52326636044177427412011-10-30T13:14:00.000-07:002011-10-30T19:09:46.871-07:00Angels Landing - Zion National Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE_H0I9z8b_6WC3aV04ZyR56lrctnbDBiGHM5QN6lpgT8liBCMCMuXJP6_7q9DhpXnHPkiFrPsRvtll8dK8EI4jRMzr8OfsbHjePZeOcfo2ahrzWdrZPDJtAWKPk9PqhlquluAF4jmT0/s1600/AL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE_H0I9z8b_6WC3aV04ZyR56lrctnbDBiGHM5QN6lpgT8liBCMCMuXJP6_7q9DhpXnHPkiFrPsRvtll8dK8EI4jRMzr8OfsbHjePZeOcfo2ahrzWdrZPDJtAWKPk9PqhlquluAF4jmT0/s400/AL4.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Angels Landing</i></td></tr>
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If you are not afraid of heights, sheer cliffs, drop-offs of 1,000+ feet on both sides, rocky terrain, and 1,500 feet elevation gain in 2 miles then this hike is for you. You will be rewarded with a killer view of Zion Canyon and the personal satisfaction when you are back down on the canyon floor of looking up at the behemoth of Angels Landing and saying "I stood on top of that!" Back when I attended college in Southern Utah, I hiked this many times. But I recently did it again for the first time since 1998. I had forgotten how gnarly the "neck" part of the hike is out onto Angels Landing. This hike is extremely rewarding and one of my all time favorites. <br />
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In my prior post I posted a <a href="http://hikingthesouthwest.blogspot.com/2011/10/angels-landing-zion-national-park-utah.html">video</a> of part of the hike. You can check it out to get an idea of what this "experience" is like. Again, like I said earlier it is not for anyone afraid of heights or even beginner hikers. There have been numerous deaths due to falls off of the trail on Angels Landing. If you trip up or slip in some of these sections you could fall over 1,000 feet. It isn't a hike to take lightly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsVXWHAfn7ztWRTIbq2ZDvjSvl2li4Y8rGaq3rdqffXuZ9JGANGBQuJKmJLErCrJydF-y8lhzx6x1oEk2ncHP4PKBzJgIUovP2w4WRhRVE3Ol_G5KeGOK0HOajFkS5sm-d1MPOKZgs0c/s1600/AngelsLanding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsVXWHAfn7ztWRTIbq2ZDvjSvl2li4Y8rGaq3rdqffXuZ9JGANGBQuJKmJLErCrJydF-y8lhzx6x1oEk2ncHP4PKBzJgIUovP2w4WRhRVE3Ol_G5KeGOK0HOajFkS5sm-d1MPOKZgs0c/s400/AngelsLanding2.jpg" width="400" /></a>The trail is located in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm">Zion National Park.</a> One of the most beautiful places in Utah. You access the trail from across the road from the Grotto Picnic area. If you look across the road and look to your right you will see a towering sand stone formation jutting out from the main canyon wall, this is Angels Landing and at the end of this hike you will be standing on top of that narrow neck. The trail is a total of 5 miles out and back. The first 2 miles of this hike is spectacular in its own accord. It's the last half mile out on the narrow neck that you start entering a high risk zone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVcW6K8r6vlqHcw43Ez2CzItkJXd_XxCTQrx1bJcUsmsjP_0fZ_wN31Ws1FxLlNGyw4rJibbLa9PbLxIrYWkEeBDSYpsJErZc__ewRHwhyphenhyphenAqQvu41SnFZnDLSTZkXI3pRFUyRuJ1Jb_Q/s1600/AL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVcW6K8r6vlqHcw43Ez2CzItkJXd_XxCTQrx1bJcUsmsjP_0fZ_wN31Ws1FxLlNGyw4rJibbLa9PbLxIrYWkEeBDSYpsJErZc__ewRHwhyphenhyphenAqQvu41SnFZnDLSTZkXI3pRFUyRuJ1Jb_Q/s320/AL3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A really bad picture of "Walter's Wiggles"</i></td></tr>
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The hike begins relatively flat for the first half mile. The trail then begins to ascend right up the side of the cliff. The trail at this point has literally been carved into the sandstone wall. The trail switchbacks up and opens up into a canyon called Refrigerator Canyon. This is a narrow canyon and its name describes it perfectly. Due to it's location and how narrow it is it stays shaded most of the day. This is a beautiful canyon, lined with trees and plants. This section is flat, which gives you a bit of reprieve from the hike up the side of the cliff you just did. The trail then heads to your left and to a section called "Walter's Wiggles." This is a great part of the trail, tight switchbacks zigzag up the side of the cliff again, they were built using rock and are quite an impressive feat of trail building. This section is a bit of a lung burner. Here is a better photo of <a href="http://www.zionnational-park.com/images/albums/pages/d-walters-wiggles_jpg.htm">Walter's Wiggles</a>. Upon reaching the top you are on Scout Lookout, which is 2 miles from the trailhead. The trail head in two directions here. one heads to your left to the West Rim Trail and the other to your right out onto the neck of Angels Landing. This is also a great spot if you do not have the stomach to head out on the neck to sit and relax, enjoy the view and head back down the trail. For those who need a bit more the "fun" is about to begin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WSdjZwF-HHW9yn2T5G-TmbNalNZhJVdSIxRFLPADiD6UHSeQnGAArsRq3mGggNLBM3YIpEooLFWATsGa2S70OKSVdumo_PiilslLI-MSXjkErR-81oGDfgUh_UzIY13KlSVe12bbRX4/s1600/AL8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WSdjZwF-HHW9yn2T5G-TmbNalNZhJVdSIxRFLPADiD6UHSeQnGAArsRq3mGggNLBM3YIpEooLFWATsGa2S70OKSVdumo_PiilslLI-MSXjkErR-81oGDfgUh_UzIY13KlSVe12bbRX4/s320/AL8.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First obstacle. </i></td></tr>
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The trails first obstacle to get out on the neck is one, if you don't feel comfortable doing you probably should not go any further as the obstacles along the neck are similar to this one and some more challenging. Most of this section of the trail is lined with chain, to give you added comfort and a bit of a helping hand as you navigate your way along 1,000 foot drop offs. The first obstacle heads out onto an exposed sandstone slab lined with chains you must move up and around. Making a mistake along here, is not an option. Watch your feet and take your time. One added element to this trail is the the amount of use it receives. Plan on plenty of people with all skill levels making their way out and back. At times you have to wait to let them by as the trail is very narrow. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0aAQlUCbLLprSA3AIr5ocSVoQ78-mKeEl_ftRsXLsehOpIhyd09NSQK3aY_CZcL96Rlg9ijfTZqIr5cbHzxHJxAE9b3i38tHAeEVxszLHt7OyGMci9RccGK0zQd1m22QXl2cqpMU5Es/s1600/AL6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0aAQlUCbLLprSA3AIr5ocSVoQ78-mKeEl_ftRsXLsehOpIhyd09NSQK3aY_CZcL96Rlg9ijfTZqIr5cbHzxHJxAE9b3i38tHAeEVxszLHt7OyGMci9RccGK0zQd1m22QXl2cqpMU5Es/s320/AL6.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr2mQXUJKFf-_85TtaAG8KDYobWGuHq81e9URFaJSi55UB4b4RXF3rX1FJ-Dhn6VRQc9LCAxOSy7Gq0u-WwDf1QwluH2ol8AjnBCW5pXwYssofNIfodR3qaNVRg6Q7ORYjEFezHIJRoM/s1600/AL7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr2mQXUJKFf-_85TtaAG8KDYobWGuHq81e9URFaJSi55UB4b4RXF3rX1FJ-Dhn6VRQc9LCAxOSy7Gq0u-WwDf1QwluH2ol8AjnBCW5pXwYssofNIfodR3qaNVRg6Q7ORYjEFezHIJRoM/s320/AL7.jpg" width="240" /></a>You then come to a narrow section, where the trail is literally as wide as your wingspan with drop off's on each side. This part is amazing, but again watch your feet. You then head to the left of the neck and right along the edge of the cliff. This section is in the video. If you are afraid of heights then you will know it at this spot. Past this section you will look up and see the trail heading up along the narrow neck. There are several obstacles that must be maneuvered along this section. One, that got my heart pumping and scared me was a section where you are on an exposed cliff and have to step up into a carved step and grab the chain. Don't look down! I hiked this with my brothers and of course the goal was to not touch the chains the entire hike. They succeeded. I did not. You will have half a mile of these obstacles and then you come out on top of Angels Landing. It is incredible. The neck is wider and allows for you to relax and take in the amazing 360 degree view of Zion Canyon. Take your time up on top to just sit and take it all in. There is a reason this is called Angel's Landing. It is beautiful. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN90EkYv3tWy40CnBoLpk-USntaqjpvXd7ODvB7rAsBMLC1_VzjuBdymqaUdxweI4tC0mfeLEOpBlaN_PliELKtjy7lfEIpiiP1oYRz5AYy6uE8IhMFQ6lAVubapdeoz8n6mjJZKk81DY/s1600/ViewofZioneditSmallWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN90EkYv3tWy40CnBoLpk-USntaqjpvXd7ODvB7rAsBMLC1_VzjuBdymqaUdxweI4tC0mfeLEOpBlaN_PliELKtjy7lfEIpiiP1oYRz5AYy6uE8IhMFQ6lAVubapdeoz8n6mjJZKk81DY/s400/ViewofZioneditSmallWM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you get ready to head back down, keep two things in mind. When you walk over and look at what you scrambled up and realize you have to go down it, it is a bit daunting. TAKE YOUR TIME!!! Your legs will be tired and most of the obstacles are more difficult to navigate going down than up. Once you get across the neck and back to Scout Lookout turn around and look at what you just accomplished. You will amaze yourself with what you accomplished. It is a great feeling. It's all down hill from here back to your car which is great on the lungs, but tough on the knees and toes. Check out this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hiker_girl/4788213179/in/photostream">link</a> to see specific points on this photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb-IRb2VFWKOHVqsAK55XPUEx5ZfTDPA933sq6FyiDiOOElfa85Qm-QkIyQGt1N5mx4VEQapw61ky1owmPRblJHEAUWQU0IEb62mm9lKfUX3IA6ryu5mSDheEgvZGjmhHLCPciaT_3bY/s1600/AL9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb-IRb2VFWKOHVqsAK55XPUEx5ZfTDPA933sq6FyiDiOOElfa85Qm-QkIyQGt1N5mx4VEQapw61ky1owmPRblJHEAUWQU0IEb62mm9lKfUX3IA6ryu5mSDheEgvZGjmhHLCPciaT_3bY/s640/AL9.jpg" width="640" /></a>This is one of my all time favorite hikes. You get a bit of a adrenaline rush, a great work out and an incredible view. Those three pack a punch you don't want to miss. <br />
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<strong>Hike Details</strong><br />
<strong>Length:</strong> 5 Miles<br />
<strong>Elevation Gain:</strong> 1488 feet<br />
<strong>Difficulty:</strong> Strenuous<br />
<strong>Kids:</strong> Not recommended<br /><strong>Hiking time:</strong> 5 hours<br /><strong>Fee:</strong> $25.00 per vehicle Zion Natl Park entrance fee<br />
<strong>Trail Access</strong>: April 1st - October 30th Zion Canyon is accessed via shuttle. Private cars are allowed in Zion Canyon the rest of the year. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to ride the shuttle and get off at the Grotto shuttle stop. The rest of the year, when the shuttles are not operating, drive into the canyon and park at the Grotto. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking back down the neck you hiked across and up</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-54252946528010672882011-10-26T21:02:00.000-07:002011-10-30T13:38:09.567-07:00Angels Landing- Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0Zion National Park, Virgin, UT 84779, USA37.2085734 -112.982125337.0062339 -113.2979823 37.4109129 -112.66626830000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-34315956900508963282011-10-25T22:11:00.000-07:002011-10-25T22:16:29.147-07:00Lower Salt River Float<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpbUulEFBU7osbwSZ0hhmrBW0WvpIG5M_TeV2jAfz1K3X7yLcqTDvS68YXL9m5Ad6aB3oCeXZvWdPUaXX7-GV7tF3qDp0Grq3hK2cQa6th4WtUMRGG29yGAar_xdMrhZ6jDWX95T4Qt0/s1600/DSCF6233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpbUulEFBU7osbwSZ0hhmrBW0WvpIG5M_TeV2jAfz1K3X7yLcqTDvS68YXL9m5Ad6aB3oCeXZvWdPUaXX7-GV7tF3qDp0Grq3hK2cQa6th4WtUMRGG29yGAar_xdMrhZ6jDWX95T4Qt0/s320/DSCF6233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One of the most popular recreations near the Phoenix Metro area is floating the Lower Salt River. After living in the valley for 7 years I finally took a day and floated down the river. This is a low stress, kick back and enjoy the day type of float trip. There are a few "ripples" but for the most part it is pretty smooth all the way down. There are two ways to do the float. One you can contact the local company that runs a bus load full of people, with there large inner-tubes, music, and beer. The company will drop you off and pick you up at the end of your float. I for one like my way instead. Get up as early as you can, before "that" crowd gets there and have the river to yourself, along with the abundant wildlife<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdHdMQ0ivVBJwoucruD7KbrGX0qbymC6HvskRpZOD1RYKEXzvVL-AAtCy6OLSO6zDB1puWgigNNfInIvzopgfXagkN7TnkFh_mAZ-U3Rz3-lpA0vZlBbgak9btWA6jiKg7Sc6hFgrkn4/s1600/DSCF6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdHdMQ0ivVBJwoucruD7KbrGX0qbymC6HvskRpZOD1RYKEXzvVL-AAtCy6OLSO6zDB1puWgigNNfInIvzopgfXagkN7TnkFh_mAZ-U3Rz3-lpA0vZlBbgak9btWA6jiKg7Sc6hFgrkn4/s320/DSCF6269.JPG" width="320" /></a>In order to do this you will need two cars or someone willing to shuttle you and obviously a sturdy raft, or kayak. There are several outdoor stores in the valley that will rent you equipment for the day if need be. Check Sport Chalet or REI. The portion of the river that I floated started at the rest area before the Stewart Mountain Dam, just below Saguaro Lake. We floated approximately 9 miles to the Phon D Sutton Recreation Area. It took us about 4 hours of leisurely making our way down the river.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8TIlk4bvy98vWV6hJJMv12auIUBmwv7DMxNx_0BE_9mlUvGMWXJgG7aKmKB8zMJ6TiqUwnte9ruenk8CUMWxkyjebL_TexgpvWN5uwGPr9LkS9nBof7QZF7xFA4dfHo8u8_1BwLR1Qk/s1600/Wildmustang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8TIlk4bvy98vWV6hJJMv12auIUBmwv7DMxNx_0BE_9mlUvGMWXJgG7aKmKB8zMJ6TiqUwnte9ruenk8CUMWxkyjebL_TexgpvWN5uwGPr9LkS9nBof7QZF7xFA4dfHo8u8_1BwLR1Qk/s320/Wildmustang.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Along the river you will see plenty of wildlife, especially if you are up early before the crowd. During our float we saw many bird species including: hawks and herons. Other birds you may see include: Bald eagle, osprey, peregrine falcon, egret, and waterfowl We were also able to see several wild mustangs that roam the area in a large herd. Other animals you may see in the area are: Bighorn sheep, deer, javelina, coyotes, foxes, and beavers. <br />
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Keep in mind you will need a <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6BdkOyoCAPkATlA%21/?ss=110312&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003771&navid=160000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Tonto%20National%20Forest-%20Passes%20&%20Permits">Tonto Pass</a>, you may purchase a day pass at most convenience stores near the river. To <a href="http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/waters_lowersalt_river.shtml">reach the river</a> drive nort on Power Rd from the US60 or 202. Power Rd will turn into Bush Hwy which follows the course of the river.<br />
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Also keep in mind that although this is a very mild river unfortunately many people have lost their lives while on this section of the river.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2ZfBm2xKRrgmTuxXJnC0v7bPY9aAXlh39AZlBNKh4v9pLFnCQgeiBH1XeqXviE_NuF3JJQAva4oF3zo_xfpNXxsxivCmzOeTyQS-FYXuSRhG4hdWPYoPJis3FwrYNOUutQ1RidtZb6Y/s1600/DSCF6238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2ZfBm2xKRrgmTuxXJnC0v7bPY9aAXlh39AZlBNKh4v9pLFnCQgeiBH1XeqXviE_NuF3JJQAva4oF3zo_xfpNXxsxivCmzOeTyQS-FYXuSRhG4hdWPYoPJis3FwrYNOUutQ1RidtZb6Y/s320/DSCF6238.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The river is not always flowing at enough rate to run. Check <a href="http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv/?site_no=09502000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060">this site</a> before heading out for up to date water flow rate. The best rates to float are 1200-1800 cubic feet per second.Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0N Bush Hwy, Tonto, AZ 85264, USA33.542539281398852 -111.5483093261718833.436668281398852 -111.70623782617187 33.648410281398853 -111.39038082617188tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5293286853810060550.post-10940966631905875852011-01-29T14:19:00.000-08:002011-01-30T09:56:34.125-08:00Salome Jug- Canyoneering<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Warning: Technical Canyon</span></b></span><br />
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<ul><li> Hiking time: <b>5 hours</b> </li>
<li> Estimated hiking distance: <b>5.1 miles</b> </li>
<li> Elevation gain: <b>650 feet</b> </li>
<li> USGS Topo Maps: <b>Armer Mountain, Greenback Creek</b> </li>
<li> Difficulties: Much swimming, some downclimbing, one large (<i>30ft</i>) rappel into a deep pool and one small rappel </li>
<li> Special equipment: Harnesses and rappelling gear, <i>80ft</i> rope, <i>20ft</i> webbing, one rappel ring, drybags </li>
<li> ACA Rating: <b>3B III <img src="http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/odds/3star.JPG" /></b> </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QGPdScsaDcdE4k3QiE84L0KUYfNYQA1T3D20exzMjwIvwjviK3BnJFeJrXY4F_lD5Jp0GzEqvINT0YO1oV3XIwrCy1siTerAkjLvLWaSZUzA5a2v_ps8pCx461e8Jb0rGbzJ975r7x8/s1600/_DSC1656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QGPdScsaDcdE4k3QiE84L0KUYfNYQA1T3D20exzMjwIvwjviK3BnJFeJrXY4F_lD5Jp0GzEqvINT0YO1oV3XIwrCy1siTerAkjLvLWaSZUzA5a2v_ps8pCx461e8Jb0rGbzJ975r7x8/s640/_DSC1656.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Salome Jug from the hiking trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn0ahvqp8TbaNCHeqk3RjB1xhi9T5IRG1zB7k9q4CZMXb7jRC1KCpXRYlsXyM3Ozhn8Bp8t6eK20n8v7rA6DuKaHhcIRarsqeyx1IMGKENNdll_cdlI7KW5Pfnu9ihHf-MQbIsoWdlGc/s1600/_DSC1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn0ahvqp8TbaNCHeqk3RjB1xhi9T5IRG1zB7k9q4CZMXb7jRC1KCpXRYlsXyM3Ozhn8Bp8t6eK20n8v7rA6DuKaHhcIRarsqeyx1IMGKENNdll_cdlI7KW5Pfnu9ihHf-MQbIsoWdlGc/s320/_DSC1789.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second to last Swim. The water was cold here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Located on the far Northeastern side of Roosevelt Lake is a slot canyon known as Salome Canyon or simply, "The Jug." This canyon requires technical know how, including rappels. Please do not attempt unless you are properly outfitted. Also check weather conditions- the last place you want to be when it is raining is in a slot canyon. The Salome Creek has cut through the granite rock and formed a mile long slot canyon. It starts out relatively easy, with boulder hopping and wading in the stream, but quickly cuts into the granite becoming narrower and deeper the further down the canyon you go. There are numerous sections that must be swam. The two longest sections of swimming coming at the very end where the slot opens up into a ravine. The longest swim is nearly 100 yards. Several natural water slides are found throughout the canyon which make for a good time sliding down and into the pools.<br />
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The best time to do this trip is May, June and September. We did the trip in September. The water level was fairly high due to rain the previous week. There is one 30 foot rappel towards the end of the canyon. This is the fun one. You have several options. - if the water level is high enough, you could jump- but I'm to much of a wimp for that. 2- rappel of the chains to the right of the waterfall or 3- have some fun and have someone belay you right down the waterfall. I opted for this, it was loud and the water was strong, but you couldn't wipe the grin off my face.<br />
We also used the rope to belay off a small 10 foot drop off. During the last storm it appeared a flash flood had washed away a previous route. <br />
This trip is exhausting. It is also cold, as you are in the water while in the canyon nearly the entire time. However; we did not use wet suits- it is not that cold, especially in September. Once you finish the slot canyon you have a hike up and out along an old jeep road back to your car.<br />
<h3><b>Trailhead Directions</b></h3><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx3gGX79PAHuJ5-S7Sa-Fo4_gnG0dBo_D0XRubWtz1fSFmFXbh0myXzUKvq-2YlS7yx0hW_8B2HG6VGplZF6CaXSe_YX_pu2VHusO-pHJeLjV_EdyxCiKNYt131GfRZSYsr9Dc_XrnAA/s1600/meleaningrock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx3gGX79PAHuJ5-S7Sa-Fo4_gnG0dBo_D0XRubWtz1fSFmFXbh0myXzUKvq-2YlS7yx0hW_8B2HG6VGplZF6CaXSe_YX_pu2VHusO-pHJeLjV_EdyxCiKNYt131GfRZSYsr9Dc_XrnAA/s400/meleaningrock.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me under an Awesome Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the intersection of State Highways 87 and 188 about <i>60mi</i> northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, drive southeast on SR 188 for <i>19.4mi</i> through Punkin Center to mile post 255. Turn left following the sign for the A+ Cross Road and note the odometer reading. The dirt road drops down into the wide river valley and, after about a mile, crosses the stream at a broad ford where the water is usually only about six inches deep. On the other side continue on the good dirt road following the posted sign for Salome Creek. At a fork where dirt roads go left continue straight as the road becomes asphalt. This asphalt road ends at a boatramp and campground but, about <i>1.8mi</i> before that (and <i>2.3mi</i> from SR188), you must turn left onto a dirt road signposted A+ Cross Road. This turn is easily missed but if you arrive at the boatramp just backtrack <i>1.8mi</i>. The dirt road winds in and out of various drainages as it climbs. Soon the imposing mass of Dutchwoman Butte comes into view ahead to the east. As you come to the last ridge between you and the Butte, you will easily find the A+ Cross Trailhead, <i>10.1mi</i> from SR188 at <i>33<sup>o</sup>46.24'N 111<sup>o</sup>8.17'W</i>. The parking area is on the left side of the road. Except in winter, the ford and the dirt road are passable in a 2WD vehicle but a high ground clearance, 4WD vehicle is preferable.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trail </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTZUPs0asZcPFILMePmbRvIhF4wn6i0XWuMyy71KoR8ALN3tDNfenf0MgvGWJ89Capk-YV9OuiBZVhcTQe7aEUyrLZnev2cIcjnQRCmTwZVJMHJQ8HLCi4GgXBBO2MMJhOqhnxjy5q4M/s1600/theJugfalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTZUPs0asZcPFILMePmbRvIhF4wn6i0XWuMyy71KoR8ALN3tDNfenf0MgvGWJ89Capk-YV9OuiBZVhcTQe7aEUyrLZnev2cIcjnQRCmTwZVJMHJQ8HLCi4GgXBBO2MMJhOqhnxjy5q4M/s400/theJugfalls.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 foot waterfall into "The Jug"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The trail leading to the slot canyon is an old jeep trail. It heads down into the ravine on your right. It is a 2.4 mile hike until you reach the slot canyon. You will see a sign that says "Salome Wilderness Area." Walk up the path a ways and follow one of the numerous spur trails to the creek. You can find many easy access points into the slot canyon as it pretty much starts from nothing. Head into the creek and start finding your way downstream. The further you go, the more difficult, hence more fun, the hike becomes. The slot canyon is only 1 mile. But it is slow going. Once you reach the waterfall you are nearly out of the canyon. Rappelling off this is the highlight of the trip. The swim after the rappel is close to 100 yards. You will reach a small landing and see the opening of the slot canyon, which pools into a ravine. The last swim is long but head towards the tree on the far right of the pond. Exit and you will see a trail heading into the brush. Follow this trail, marked by cairns, up the hill. This trail will meet up with the old Jeep trail you hiked down. By the time you reach the top you are going to be dry as remember it is a 2 mile hike up and out. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPwxiFfw43iKSEvfx8nqz-k-t5U-VxsA8p8P2ldLN3GGSlYBbW-6fWadWdAgWmsFlavA9f4fLmnOtJzlcOjvRx_D1GISuhgWMDzohHC4Fz4w4aRqpiEhwENb4PnYHuMil9FDq5K6XYeQ/s1600/RESIZE_075CROWDER.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPwxiFfw43iKSEvfx8nqz-k-t5U-VxsA8p8P2ldLN3GGSlYBbW-6fWadWdAgWmsFlavA9f4fLmnOtJzlcOjvRx_D1GISuhgWMDzohHC4Fz4w4aRqpiEhwENb4PnYHuMil9FDq5K6XYeQ/s400/RESIZE_075CROWDER.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This trip will definitely be on the yearly to do list. However, I plan on camping someone in the area the next time around, as driving back to the valley after this trip makes for a very very long day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799883882655929657noreply@blogger.com0