SCHULTZ FIRE REHABILITATION PLANS

Good news hikers---the forest service has rolled out the Schultz Fire rehabilitation plan. Last summer, this blaze devastated many of our beloved hiking trails around Flagstaff's San Francisco Peaks including: Little Bear, Brookbank, Sunset,Heart and others. Recovery will take decades and the public has been invited to help in the restoration efforts. Please read the official press release below and then contact the forest service if you can pitch in!

NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service
Coconino National Forest

For Immediate Release
March 28, 2011

Forest Service completes planning process for Schultz Long-Term Rehab Projects

Flagstaff, AZ – The Flagstaff Ranger District is happy to announce the completion of the planning process for the Schultz Fire Long-Term Rehabilitation Projects on the Coconino National Forest. These projects will improve public safety in the areas affected by the Schultz Fire as well as address the long-term recovery needs of forest resources.

Rehabilitation efforts will include reconstructing and maintaining forest roads and trails, removing hazard trees, stabilizing cultural and recreational sites such as Bonito Amphitheater, promoting revegetation through planting and protection efforts, and constructing the Copeland Canal fence. Implementation on some projects will begin this spring and will continue over the next few years.

The public can anticipate opportunities to help with some of those recovery efforts, beginning with the Copeland Canal fence. “Now that we’re through with the planning portion, and we can focus on implementing the projects, we’ll be looking for ways to include the community,” says Mike Elson, Flagstaff District Ranger. “The first opportunity for the public to help is just around the corner. April 9 and 10, we’re seeking volunteers to help construct a fence around the Copeland Canal behind Fernwood.” The completion of the fence will allow the Forest Service to move forward with lifting the closure in the area. Other opportunities to volunteer in the more distant future may include trail reconstruction and replanting in portions of the burn area.

All of these long-term projects are separate from the ongoing work to address flooding. Continued Burned Area Emergency Response efforts will take place this spring and summer; an assessment in the spring will determine the effectiveness of the previous aerial seeding and mulching, as well as the need for further measures.

To learn more about the Shultz Long-Term Rehabilitation Projects, or for details on the Copeland Canal Volunteer Weekend, contact the Flagstaff Ranger District at 928-526-0866.







FIRE CLOSURE ORDER & MAP: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/nepa/forest-orders/04-10-13-f.pdf

www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF
www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM
Superior
So far, 2011 has been a disappointing year for desert wildflowers. For instance, last week, I drove up to Payson on SR87, which normally is lined with manic penstemons, lupines, poppies and globemallow---but not this year. Desperate for a wildflower fix, I decided to head out to Boyce Thompson Arboretum today. This beautiful Arizona state park features both native and global arid climate plants organized into a series of easy loop trails. Trail exhibits include Australian Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, Upland Sonoran, a riparian corridor along Queen Creek, a South American Desert loop and countless others. Although the wildflower show was less than awesome, it was better here than anywhere else I’ve seen this year. I also discovered that boojum trees are pretty cool. So are Mescal Bean trees, Chinese Pistacia and the resident buzzards. There’s so much to see it’s ridiculous and park volunteers are veritable fountains of information---seriously, they nearly exploded my brain on the hummingbird trail. Anyhooo, since this is a HIKING blog, I must say that I wandered nearly 4 miles within the park and still didn’t see everything.
The best part for me was crossing the suspension bridge (which sways as you walk) over Queen Creek to access the “high trail”. Nearly a mile in length, the high trail is carved out of the cliffs above Queen Creek and offers some sweet views of the volcanic topography near Picketpost Mountain and Superior.
LENGTH: up to 4 miles--free park trail maps available at the entrance
RATING: easy-moderate
ELEVATION: 2,400’-2,600’

GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to the signed turn off for the park located just outside the town of Superior.
FEES: $7.50 per adult, $3.00 for kids 5-12 and FREE for kids under age 4 and under.
HOURS: Sept. – April: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May – Aug. 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
DOGS: leashed dog are permitted. Bring poo bags.
INFO: (520) 689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum
MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52402&id=1795269672&l=9ee8fd99c1

BOULDERS TRAIL

BOULDERS LOOP TRAIL Payson From the looks of the deteriorating Tonto National Forest sign at the trailhead, this route was, at one time, an official Forest Service trail, which after succumbing to neglect, found some love within the Payson Area Trails System (P.A.T.S.). However, even with its new patrons overseeing maintenance, this scenic trail has yet to attract much hiker love. Maybe that’s because erosion has taken a toll on the area, and the road to the trailhead is now blocked off a half-mile from the FS sign. In fact, the old Tonto Boulders/Cypress trailhead is currently teetering on the edge of a gaping gorge and will likely fall away with the next strong monsoon. But fear not, a new trailhead has been relocated a few yards north and (for now) appears to be on stable ground. As its name implies, this trail is all about boulders. The trek is like wandering through an outdoor “art walk” among the wind-and-water-worn pink granite sculptures of southeast Payson’s Granite Dells area. In addition, the trail weaves around Stewart Creek and various watersheds that sustain a healthy forest of Ponderosa pines, cypress, juniper and riparian galleries choked with sycamores, alders and cottonwoods. According to a local hiker I ran into on the trail, this route gets few visitors. She walks the trail several times a week and rarely runs into anybody. Given that this close-to-town trail has many fine qualities--this is very surprising. Although P.A.T.S. rates this hike as “more difficult”---probably because of the loose footing and several mildly steep segments—I’m comfortable plopping it into the moderate range. The loop is made up of two trails—North Boulders and South Boulders. I elected to hike counterclockwise, beginning on the North trail, which turned out to be a good decision because most of the climbing is along this section. This hidden gem-of-a- trail deserves a lot more love than it gets---so head out there hikers, and do kissy-face with this under appreciated, sexy route. LENGTH: 4-mile loop (including 1 mile on FR 435) ELEVATION: 4,550’ – 4, 750’ RATING: moderate BEST SEASON: year-round, best water March-April GETTING THERE: From the intersection of SR87/260 in Payson, go less than a mile east on SR260 to Granite Dells Road (located just past the Safeway center). Turn right and go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into FR435 after 1.3 miles) and park at the Monument Peak trailhead on the left just before a roadblock. From here, hike down to the roadblock on FR435 and hike 0.5 mile (crossing 3 concrete bridges) to the Boulder Loop trailhead—look for a sign on the cliff wall on the left. The trail begins on the dirt road heading downhill to the right. NOTE: From the first P.A.T.S. sign above the gorge, the trail continues directly across the gorge. You can see the signs high on the opposite embankment. The remainder of the route is well signed except for a short section that passes through a corridor of granite. Here, look for cairns marking the way and soon you’ll pick up the P.A.T.S. signs. OTHER ACCESS POINTS: see the PATS Web site for additional connecting trails. INFO: Payson Area Trails System http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/HikingTrails/PaysonAreaTrailsSystem/BouldersLoopCypressTrails.aspx MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51834&id=1795269672&l=d71015189a

WOLF CREEK FALLS

WOLF CREEK FALLS
Prescott
Wolf Creek is dry most of the year, but when winter snow on the Bradshaw Mountain peaks begins to melt, this waterway comes alive for a few weeks each year. Just before the creek dumps into the Hassayampa River, it tumbles through a narrow granite gorge spilling icy water over slick rock into drop pools 90 feet below the cliffs. A quarter-mile “waterfall alley” features two major falls as well as water chutes, natural dams and cascades.

HIKE DIRECTIONS: from the Groom Creek trailhead, hike across Senator Highway to the Horse Camp entrance. The hike begins at the “383” sign at the south side of the camp gate. From here, follow trail #383 (some of the signs say: 383/384) one mile to the junction for trail 384. Tricky spot: a fallen tree near the third 383/384 sign hides the path---the arrow on this sign points straight up and the bottom of the sign has been cut into a point. The correct trail is indeed straight ahead BEHIND the fallen tree; not off to the left or right. Beyond this point, keep an eye out for “384” signage to stay on track. After about 2.5 miles, the trail meets a wide dirt road (CR 101). Cross here and head toward the metal gate blocking a road heading steeply downhill---this is the continuation of trail 384, although you won’t see any signage until you reach Wolf Creek in 0.3 mile. Here, hop the creek, veer right and follow it to the falls. The upper falls are only about 0.1 mile in and are easy to get to while the lower falls can be seen at 0.4 mile but to get to them requires some scrambling and bush whacking. Once done exploring the falls, return the way you came OR complete the loop by following the 384 signs posted in a clearing above the falls.

LENGTH: 6 miles roundtrip to the falls and back OR 7.5 mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 6,200 – 5,600 feet
BEST SEASON: Year-round. The falls run best during spring snow melt (March-April) and after summer monsoon rains.

GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to Cordes Junction. Exit onto SR 69 west and proceed through the towns of Mayer, Dewey and Prescott Valley to the town of Prescott. Continue on SR 69/Gurley Street through Prescott to Mt. Vernon Ave. Turn south (left) onto Mt. Vernon Ave. (which will turn into Senator Highway) and continue 6.4 miles to the Groom Creek Trailhead on the left. The hike begins across the road at the Horse Camp Gate. Roads are 100% paved.

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 120 miles one-way.
INFO: Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, 928-771-4700
MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51341&id=1795269672&l=191d4ba945

MONUMENT PEAK

MONUMENT PEAK LOOP
Payson
This easy loop trail swings around the base of 5,092-foot Monument Peak—a pyramid-shaped granite monolith in southeast Payson. In my opinion, this hike is the “jewel in the crown” of the Payson Area Trails System (P.A.T.S.)—mostly because of the seasonal stream and the variety of terrain it contains. Kudos to P.A.T.S. for wrangling and weaving a web of old roads and footpaths into a cohesive collection of easy-to-follow trails flanking the suburbs of Payson. A work-in-progress, P.A.T.S. already boasts dozens of miles of finished routes with plans in the works for many more. A key feature of these trails is their accessibility. Trailheads are obvious and the routes are well maintained and marked with abundant signage, so hikers of all skill levels can enjoy carefree walks in the forest.
LENGTH: 3-mile loop
ELEVATION: 4,630’ – 4,795’
RATING: easy

GETTING THERE:
From the intersection of SR87/260 in Payson, go less than a mile east on SR260 to Granite Dells Road (located just past the Safeway center). Turn right and go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into FR435 after 1.3 miles) to the parking area on the left. Begin the hike at either the east or west trailhead sign.
BEST SEASONS: all year, but best from October - May

INFO: Payson Area Trails System
http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/HikingTrails/PaysonAreaTrailsSystem/MonumentLoopTrail.aspx

MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51185&id=1795269672&l=8671c8675c

RACKENSACK CANYON

RACKENSACK CANYON
Cave Creek

Occupying a non-descript crack in the landscape just a few miles north of the tony golf communities of Cave Creek, Rackensack Canyon retains an “old west” ambience. A 2005 wildfire swept through this part of the Tonto National Forest, but it’s amazing how fast the canyon’s vegetation is recovering.
Although it’s kind of “out there” in terms of ease-of-access, Rackensack is no secret to bird watchers, wildflower aficionados, equestrians and hikers alike. This year, we selected a warm sunny day following a couple of rainy weeks to visit this place, which several hiking friends assured us, would be teeming with spring wildflowers. We were disappointed.
Although we found some isolated blooms, the canyon was mostly barren. Our “finds” for the day included a single Desert Golden Poppy, one primrose, a tangle of wild cucumber vines and intermittent patches of Desert Rockpea and Goodding’s Vervain.
Looks like 2011 is not going to be a good year for desert wildflowers.


LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip to the water tank; 5.40 miles roundtrip to Rackensack Spring
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 3,362’ – 4,158’

GETTING THERE:
From Loop 101 in North Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit and go 13 miles north on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road. Turn right (east) and continue on Cave Creek Road 8.5 miles (past the Sears Kay Ruins) to where the pavement ends. From here, go another 0.4 mile to a wide parking apron on the right. For reference, there’s a “do not block drive” sign across from the parking area marking the start of the hike. NOTE: Cave Creek Road is also referred to as “Seven Springs Road” and FR24.
Do not block the dirt side roads; there are some private properties in the area that use them.
HIKE DIRECTIONS: From the parking area, cross to the west side of the road and follow the old tracks OR drop into the canyon on the east side of the road and bush whack your way roughly 2 miles to Camp Creek.
BEST SEASONS: October - April
ROAD CONDITIONS: Paved up to the last half-mile and passable by sedan in dry conditions. Do not attempt after heavy rain, as the road may be flooded.
INFO: Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District
(480) 595-3300
RESOURCES:
ARIZONENSIS—great resource for identifying plants, animals and geology.
http://www.arizonensis.org/sonoran/places/rackensack.html
http://www.arizonensis.org/sonoran

WILDFLOWERS of the SONORAN DESERT—a local hiker and plant enthusiast shares his sightings:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wildflowers-of-the-Sonoran-Desert/94940691403
http://phoenixwildflowers.com/

THEY'RE BAAAAAAAAK

RATTLESNAKE ENCOUNTER
Had my first rattlesnake encounter of 2011 today while hiking near Cave Creek. This handsome fellow (or gal---I wasn't about to check) was at least 4 feet long and boasted a very healthy girth---obviously a well-fed specimen.
This is a Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atroy). This species can grow up to 66 inches in length and is notorious for being responsible the vast majority of snake bites on humans in the United States. Arizona also is home to 12 additional species of rattlers (14 if you count the arena football and baseball teams named for them)--more than any other state. Arizona Game and Fish has a handy online resource for identifying and learning to safely share our public lands with snakes.
ARIZONA GAME & FISH SNAKE INFO:
http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/arizona-rattlesnakes.shtml

SPRING WILDFLOWER SEASON 2011

WILDFLOWER SEASON IS HERE!

Arizona's 2011 spring wildflower season got off to a slow start, but thanks to some much needed rain in the last couple of weeks followed by warmer temperatures, the show has begun.
Here's a couple of links to local-based hikers who update about wildflower sightings regularly:

ARIZONENSIS—great resource for identifying plants, animals and geology.
http://www.arizonensis.org/sonoran/places/rackensack.html
http://www.arizonensis.org/sonoran

WILDFLOWERS of the SONORAN DESERT—a local hiker and plant expert shares his sightings:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wildflowers-of-the-Sonoran-Desert/94940691403
http://phoenixwildflowers.com/


Also, search this blog for "wildflowers" for a selection of desert hiking trails known for colorful and abundant blooms.

Happy trails!