SEE CANYON

  

SEE CANYON, Christopher Creek

One of the most popular hikes below the Mogollon Rim, See Canyon Trail #184 begins as an easy stroll but soon degrades into an insanely fun quagmire of logjams and sheer inclines on its 1,700-foot uphill haul.  Because of the claustrophobically narrow, deeply–wooded route, hikers like to bandy about the adage--“all you see is the canyon” when describing this trail.  However, to regard this as a deficit is to miss the point. Although majestic vistas are notably lacking on this trip, running water, wildlife and a wide variety of vegetation zones within the canyon make for a stunning visual journey.

Part of the adventure involves finding the trail.  Here’s how--from the parking lot, descend down through the wooden fence located to the right of the parking lot trailhead sign.  Bear left and head down toward the creek. Rock hop over the water, head up the bank and then veer right along a faint path to the signed intersection for the Highline and See Canyon Trails.  Turn left at the junction and hike north on #184.  The first mile of the trail crosses Christopher Creek several times before it leaves the streamside environment and enters the aforementioned frey on its way to the lip of the Mogollon Rim.

LENGTH:  7.5 miles round trip

ELEVATION:  6,160’ – 7,860’

RATING:  Moderate - difficult

DOG RATING: excellent 1st mile, challenging after that

KID FRIENDLY: yes--1st mile only

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  110 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From the intersection of SR87/260 in Payson, go 20 miles east (right) on 260 to the Christopher Creek Loop exit.  Continue on Christopher Creek Loop to FR 284, which is located directly across the road from the Tall Pines Market.  Follow FR 284 for 1.6 miles (ignore the many dirt spur roads; stay on the gravel) to the signed circular parking area.  NOTE: Road construction and lane restrictions on SR 260 will be slowing down traffic thru December 2011.

FACILITIES: restroom

INFO: :  Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest

(928) 474-7900, http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTSw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAIzTHkw!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110312&ttype=recarea&recid=35607&actid=50&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110160000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=FSE_003714&pname=Tonto+National+Forest+-+See+Canyon+Trail+184+%26+See+Spring+Trail+185

BONUS SIDE TRIP: SEE SPRING TRAIL #185

This short jaunt, which branches off trail #184 at the 0.65-mile point, stays close to the water and away from the difficult terrain.

LENGTH: 2.6 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 6,160’ – 6,640’

RATING: easy

DOG RATING: 3 paws

KID FRIENDLY: yes

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SPRINGS TRAIL

SPRINGS TRAIL # 633

Pinetop-Lakeside

Tricking creeks, manic wildflowers and herds of bellowing bovines wandering among errant blue herons distinguish this high country hike from your standard walk in the park. Short in length and easy on the feet, the trail loops through wildlife-friendly pine groves, dewy cienegas and sun washed pastures. Two creeks contribute to the area’s lush plant and animal life---Billy Creek feeds a swath of swaying grasses while Thompson Creek spawns a ridiculously green and moist riparian corridor.

LENGTH: 3.8-mile loop

ELEVATION: 7,140’ – 7,190’

RATING: easy

DOG RATING: excellent

KID FRIENDLY: yes

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 180 miles 1-way

GETTING THERE:

From Show Low, go southeast on SR 260 (toward McNary) to Bucksprings Road (located 2 miles before the Hon-Dah Casino).

Turn left at the stoplight and continue 0.6 mile to Sky-Hi Road (FR182), turn left and go 1.1 miles to the trailhead on the left.

INFORMATION: Pinetop-Lakeside Parks & Recreation, 928-368-6700 x 3, http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/TrailsFiles/SpringsTrail.htm



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MOUNT BALDY TRAILS RE-OPENED TODAY

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has re-opened the West Baldy, East Baldy and Crossover trails for hiking and equestrian use effective July 22, 2011. However, rangers warn users to stay alert for downed trees and other damage caused by this year's Wallow Fire.

MOENKOPI

MOENKOPI (a.k.a. Jack's Canyon)

Near Winslow

UPDATE JULY 2012:  area is closed indefinitely due to damage from the Canyon Fire.

There’s a whole lot of nothing along AZ 87 between the dusty streets of Winslow and the edge of the Mogollon Rim.  From the highway, this dismal strip of badlands and tumbleweeds appears to hold little opportunity for outdoor recreation.

However, this grit-cloaked backyard of the boondocks holds a secret.  Just a few miles beyond the pavement, a fracture in the landscape harbors a lusty green oasis and some of the best sport climbing routes and exploratory hiking paths in the state. A short spur trail heading west (go left) from the trailhead register through a grove of junipers leads to the edge of Jack’s Canyon, which is also known as Moenkopi, a Hopi word meaning “place of running water”.  From here, a mildly steep trail drops from the sun-parched savanna into a grape vine-laced riparian corridor hemmed in by striated limestone walls. Myriad footpaths on the canyon floor weave among cottonwood trees, junipers and willows forming a maze of hiking options.  Adventurous hikers may choose to venture beyond the beaten paths to bush whack and scramble into the remote reaches of this Garden of Eden in the middle of nowhere. 

LENGTH:  up to 4 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION:  6,245’ – 6,097’

RATING:  moderate, exploratory

DOG RATING: fair

KID QUOTIENT: just okay

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 153 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From Payson, go 62 miles north on AZ87 to milepost 313 (roughly 30 miles south of Winslow).  Turn left (west) onto Forest Road 9736F, pass the gate (close it behind you) and set your odometer.  At 0.3 mile, turn left at the fork, continue to another fork at the 0.5-mile point, veer right and continue 0.7 mile to the trailhead.  A high clearance vehicle is required.

FACILITIES: restroom, primitive camping

INFO: Mogollon Rim Ranger District, 928-477-2255

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/jacks-canyon.shtml

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ARIZONA TRAIL PASSAGE 34: BISMARCK LAKE TO SNOWBOWL ROAD

ARIZONA TRAIL PASSAGE 34: BISMARCK LAKE TO SNOWBOWL ROAD

Flagstaff

one of 3 aspen glens on the route

section of trail above Hart Prairie

One of the most scenic segments of state traversing Arizona Trail, Passage #34 (San Francisco Peaks) is 32.3 miles in length.  However, day hikers in search of a shorter out-and-back excursion can sample the prettiest (in my opinion) part of this passage by trekking from Bismarck Lake to Snowbowl Road.

Bismarck Lake was just a puddle on July 16, 2011

From the lake trailhead, the route heads east through shady fir forests and alpine meadows, meeting the turnoff for the lake at the 1-mile point.  From here, it’s 0.2 miles to the water.  The lake itself is a shallow volcanic crater that fills with water during spring snowmelt and monsoon season ranging in size from a tiny mud puddle to a substantial pond---you never know what you’ll find.  Once done exploring the lake, head back to the junction and continue 0.2 mile east (toward the mountains) to the Arizona Trail (AZT) junction.  Go right (south) here and begin the 2.5-mile trek to Snowbowl Road.  Along this segment, three hauntingly beautiful aspen glens break up wildflower-cluttered fields lined with Douglas fir and limber pines.  Views of the peaks are interspersed with glimpses of Hart Prairie, Kendrick Peak and Bill Williams Mountain to the west.  Near the end of the hike (you’ll know you're close when you pass the “Mexico 610 miles” sign), AZT intersects a two-track where a sign reading “Arizona Trail under construction” is visible across the road.  To get to Snowbowl Road from here, veer left and follow the dirt road uphill. There’s never a dull moment on this breezy, cool, high-altitude hike.

section of trail near Snowbowl Road

LENGTH: 8 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 8,800 -9,300 feet

GETTING THERE:

BISMARCK LAKE TRAILHEAD:

From Flagstaff, go north on US 180, pass milepost 225 and turn right onto FR 151 (south entrance to Hart Prairie Road).  Follow FR 151 6.4 miles to FR 627 (signed for Bismarck Lake), turn right and continue 0.6 mile to the trailhead. FR 151 and 627 are maintained dirt passable by sedan.

SNOWBOWL ROAD TRAILHEAD:

From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to milepost 223 and turn right onto Snowbowl Road (FR 516). Continue uphill on FR516 roughly 6.5 miles to the “Aspen Corner” parking area.  Note: this is an unsigned pullout area on a curve in the road surrounded by wood, split rail fencing.  To find the trail from here, hike into the woods following an old dirt road beginning on the west (left) side  of Snowbowl Road for about 0.2 mile to the AZT intersection located just before where the road enters an open meadow.  At the intersection, take a right (north) and follow the signs.  Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_34.html

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PHOENIX MAGAZINE SUMMER HIKING GUIDE

Still available by phone: call 480-664-3960 to order.

July 2011 issue

Costco Display

Hey hikers, pick up the JULY issue of PHOENIX magazine for some great summer hikes---not found on this blog!

All trails have been personally hiked, photographed and reported by yours truly, and, so far, none of these trails are on fire.

Here’s where you can find PHOENIX magazine: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreens, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, Area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE : 480-664-3960

PARTS OF SEVERAL CORONADO NF RANGER DISTRICTS HAVE RE-OPENED

Here's one place that's back open on the Santa Catalinas.  For more info  about what's open for hiking in southern AZ forests, visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/

ROSE CANYON LAKE

Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

With its pleasantly cool, canyon location on Mt. Lemmon, nearby camping, and convenient access to restrooms, drinking water and even a snack shack, Rose Canyon Lake draws the crowds on hot summer days. A 0.4-mile paved trail on the west side of the lake stays close to the water and is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers while a dirt trail on the opposite bank climbs to scenic rocky perches. Both trails are complemented by seating and plenty of shade making for effortless exploring around this tiny high altitude lake.

LENGTH: 0.7 mile total

ELEVATION: 7,000’

RATING: easy, partially barrier free

DOG RATING: dogs must be on leash and stay out of the water

KID FRIENDLY? absolutely

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 150 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From I10 in Tucson, take the Grant Road exit 256 and go 8.7 miles east to Tanque Verde Road. Turn left and continue 3.4 miles to Catalina Highway, go left and drive uphill 17 miles to the turn off for Rose Canyon Lake (FR 9) between mileposts 17 and 18 on the left. Follow the access road to the end. Roads are 100% paved.

FEES: There’s a $5 Catalina Highway daily fee per vehicle and an $8 day use fee per vehicle at the lake.

FACILITIES: restrooms, supply store, camping, picnic area, drinking water

PROGRAMS: interpretive programs, fishing, no swimming or boating

INFO: Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, (520) 749-8700

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/lakes/rose_cyn_lake.shtml

MOGOLLON RIM TRAILS RE-OPEN

The Tonto-Coconino National Forest closures  on the Mogollon Rim which have been in effect since June 17, 2011 have been LIFTED as of 8 a.m. this morning. This week's rains added sufficient moisture to the forests to prompt the opening. However, fire danger is still high, so, hike respectfully.

View from Rim Lakes Vista Trail

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN

BLUE RIDGE TRAIL 

Pinetop-Lakeside

One of the major loop routes near Pinetop-Lakeside, the layout of Blue Ridge Mountain Trail #107 resembles a wagon wheel with “spokes” that link to the Ice Cave and Springs Trails. This shady, undulating roundabout smothered in oaks and pines, skirts the slopes of the volcanic mountain via old logging roads and tapered footpaths.  As the trail’s high point is wrapped in woodland, there’s no appreciable summit-conquering experience. However, a deteriorating sign at the apex marks the achievement while intermittent clearings reveal views of White Mountain peaks scattered over a misty blue horizon.

LENGTH: 8.7-mile loop

ELEVATION: 6,950’ – 7,656’

RATING: moderate

DOG RATING:  moderate

KID FRIENDLY?: moderate

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 180 miles one-way

GETTING THERE: 

Trailhead #2:  From Show Low, go southeast on SR260 (toward McNary) to Bucksprings Road (located 2 miles before the Hon-Dah Casino).  Turn left at the stoplight and go 0.6 mile to Sky-Hi Road (FR182), turn left and go 1.5 miles to FR 187, turn left again and go 0.3 mile to the large trailhead on the right.

Trailhead #1:  from trailhead #2, continue up FR 187 roughly 3 miles to the parking area on the left.

INFORMATION: Pinetop-Lakeside Parks & Recreation, 928-368-6700 x 3,

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/TrailsFiles/BlueRidgeTrail.htm

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SOME APACHE-SITGREAVES FOREST CLOSURES LIFTED

Hikers, although some restrictions have been LIFTED, access to  hiking trails in the Springerville, Alpine and Clifton ranger districts are still off limits.  Hiking trails  in the Black Mesa and Lakeside ranger districts are now OPEN.

Arizona Game & Fish Press Release:

Good news for outdoor recreationists: Several forest closures lifted

   July 8, 2011

Big Lake

   Access is reopened to Big Lake and other popular areas There’s good news for anglers, campers and others  who like to recreate in high country areas that had been closed due to the Wallow Fire and other area fire concerns. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has reopened several popular areas of the forests to public use. The Sitgreaves National Forest closure order affecting areas, roads and trails in the Black Mesa and Lakeside Ranger Districts and the Promontory Butte area was lifted as of noon yesterday (July 7). Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Sitgreaves portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. These restrictions prohibit fires, campfires, and use of charcoal, coal or wood stoves, except in fire grills and grates provided by the Forest Service in developed recreation sites. Use of gas-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is allowed. Smoking is not allowed except within an enclosed vehicle or building. The Apache National Forest closure order for several major recreation areas was lifted at noon today (Friday, July 8), including Big Lake, Crescent Lake and the adjacent developed campgrounds; the Greer lakes and the nearby developed campgrounds; Lee Valley and Winn Campground, Nelson Reservoir, and Luna Lake.   The specific areas opened in the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts include:

• Big Lake and Crescent Lake Recreation Areas including: Big Lake boat ramps and parking areas, Big Lake Visitor’s Center; Big Lake Administrative Site, Big Lake store and marina, South Cove boat ramp and parking area, Railroad Cove boat ramp and parking area. Current access to Big Lake is by Highway 273 only (Sunrise Highway) as Highway 261 is still closed and unsafe for motor vehicle use due to damaged guardrails.


• Greer Lakes Day Use Area including the following: Greer Lakes picnic area, Greer Lakes boat ramps and parking areas, Bunch Reservoir, River Reservoir, and Tunnel Reservoir. 


• Lee Valley Reservoir Day Use Area including the following: boat ramp and parking area, and the lake itself. 


• Rolfe C. Hoyer and Benny Creek Campgrounds and Squirrel Springs Picnic Area, Winn Campground, Springerville Ranger Station, Alpine Ranger Station. 


• 
  
  


• Luna Lake Day Use including the following: boat ramps and parking areas, Luna Lake Store and Marina, and the lake itself. 


• 
  
  


• Nelson Reservoir Day Use Area including the following: north end boat ramp, north end parking area, fishing piers, NFS land underlying Nelson Reservoir, and the lake itself.

Stage 2 fire restrictions will remain in place, which means that no campfires will be allowed, even in developed campgrounds. Lee Valley Reservoir, Luna Lake, Crescent Lake, and the three Greer lakes are for day use only.  Reservations at the Big Lake and Greer campgrounds can be made starting on July 8 by calling 1-877-444-6777 or on the web at www.recreation.gov . The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Sipe Wildlife Area is also reopened to the public. Access is via the primary road from the north crossing Forest Service lands. Note that the last section of roadway crossing Rudd Creek into the wildlife area may be closed temporarily without notice if a flooding event occurs due to summer rains. This condition is expected to persist through the remainder of the summer.  Please note that the remainder of the Apache National Forest is closed to public entry at this time due to the many safety hazards present in the aftermath of the Wallow Fire. The Clifton Ranger District remains closed to public entry at this time until sufficient rain has fallen. Please check the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/ to view the Wallow Fire Area Closure Order and Public Safety Amendment No. 3 with a list of all roads opened for access on the Apache Forest. Forest Service Law Enforcement officials are concerned that the public may be tempted to venture into closed areas to look at the effects of the Wallow Fire, but they ask the public to please be patient as crews clear hazardous trees near the roads. As the summer rainy season progresses, the threat from high water in certain drainages is very real. Please stay in areas open for public use. Warning: The Forest Service reminds individuals who violate road closures that they could be cited resulting in fines of $5,000 for individuals, and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months.   You can check the 593 Public Information Line for further updates by calling (928) 333-3412, or on the website at http://593info.org , or the ASNF website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/ .

   

HARRY I. DALTON-DRAGONFLY LOOPS

HARRY I. DALTON-DRAGONFLY LOOPS

Jewel of the Creek Preserve, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

Entering the Jewel of the Creek

Riparian area

Relaxing in cottonwood air conditioning

Cave Creek

Don’t you just hate it when the National Weather Service issues a “heat advisory” with an “expiration date” of a few days?  Seriously, folks, if you live in the Valley, you know the “alert” has an annual effective date of May 1^st through October 1^st.  Given that outdoor recreation in triple digit heat can be deadly, this can be problematic for hikers.  Although driving north to hike in the pines is one way to escape the inferno, there are some sweet summer trails right here in the Phoenix area-- but you’ll need to start early and find a trail with cool cottonwoods. Standing beneath a cottonwood tree on a sweltering summer morning is like being in an air-conditioned room.  The trees suck up moisture at night and exhale cool air during the day, creating shady respites from the heat.

The Dragonfly Trail, which opened in April 2009, was engineered to showcase the desert foothills and thriving riparian environment along the perennial pools of Cave Creek, where lots of cooling cottonwoods grow tall and wide.  We can thank the efforts of the Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) for securing the preservation of this delicate eco-system and for also raising the funds needed to plan for and build the trail.

NOTE: This hike describes only the 1-mile loop section of the Dragonfly Trail.  The entire route (part of the Maricopa Trail) is 2.6 miles in length and makes a great winter hike.

Another early morning summer destination brought to you by DFLT is New River Preserve (see separate blog entry).

LENGTHS: (including access road hike):

Harry Dalton Nature Loop: 0.75-mile

Dragonfly:  1.7 miles

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION: 2,400’ -2,200’

FEE: $3 daily fee per person (exact change is required at the self-serve permit kiosk)

DOGS:  please respect this fragile riparian preserve by keeping dogs on leash, and pack out all waste.

KIDS: excellent choice

HORSES: not allowed

GETTING THERE:

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, exit at Cave Creek Road and drive 15 miles north to Spur Cross Ranch Road.  Here, you’ll turn left, then right, then left again through a tricky intersection to stay on Spur Cross Ranch Road.  Continue 4.2 miles north to the dirt parking area on the left just past the Spur Cross Stables (SCS) gateway.

INFO:

MAP: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/pdf/2011/spur-cross-8x11.pdf

MARICOPA COUNTY PARKS:

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/

DESERT FOOTHILLS LAND TRUST:

http://www.dflt.org/

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ICE CAVE

ICE CAVE TRAIL

Pinetop-Lakeside

Porter Creek

Porter Creek

Ice Cave

Turnoff for Ice Cave

Scott Reservoir

Although alluring images of icicles and dark, stony passages might come to mind when mulling over the name of this celebrated White Mountain trail, it’s best to approach this hike as a journey instead of a destination. That’s because the signature feature-- “ice cave”--is little more than an anticlimactic side trip on an otherwise striking trail.  Surrounded by chain link for preservation, the cave is actually a lava tube that spews cool air year-round. As a destination, this dusty sinkhole disappoints, but the beautiful journey picks up the slack.  The hike begins on a dirt road that passes by a row of ranch homes before encountering the marshy margins of Porter Creek where profuse clusters of cattails and fragrant grasses populate the dewy cienega that hosts the trail on its way to Scott Reservoir. At the 1-mile point, the route bends away from the water and begins a mild, pine-shaded uphill climb. The ice cave (a.k.a. Blue Ridge Cave) is located a few yards off the main trail near the 2-mile point where the protective fence is barely visible off to the left. The spur path is marked by a low rock wall and two blue diamond markers tacked to a tree.  After visiting the cave, hop back on the main route and continue for another 1.5-miles to Blue Ridge Trail #107 junction, the turnaround point for this hike.

LENGTH:  7 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 6,700’ – 7,200’

RATING:  moderate

DOG RATING:  3 paws

KID FRIENDLY?: moderate

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  175 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From Show Low, go southeast on SR260 (toward McNary) to Porter Mountain Road (FR 45).  Go left at the stoplight and continue 1 mile to the trailhead on the right. 

INFO: Pinetop-Lakeside Parks & Recreation, 928-368-6700 x 3,

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/TrailsFiles/IceCaveTrail.htm

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