Ranger led desert oasis hike this Saturday

GUIDED HIKE OF CAVE CREEK'S DRAGONFLY TRAIL

Join Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
park ranger Kevin Smith on an informational tour of the Dragonfly
Trail. This lush route winds through a riparian habitat on Cave
Creek where an amazing assortment of plant, animal and insect
(dragonflies!!!) life thrives in a shallow ravine surrounded by
enormous saguaro cactuses. Ranger Smith will also point out a
prehistoric rock art site that many hikers stroll right past without ever
nowing it was there. Here's a chance to really gain an understanding
of this rare desert jewel.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov 3, 2012. 9:00 A.M. registration is NOT required.

LENGTH: 3.5 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2,400' - 2,200'

FEE: $3 per person.

GETTING THERE:

From
Loop 101 in Phoenix, 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 right just past the Spur Cross Stables (SCS) gateway.

INFO: Ranger Kevin Smith, 480-488-6623,
kevinsmith@mail.maricopa.gov

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/EventsDetailPublishers.aspx?EventID=18772

Payson fall color update: October 27, 2012

HORTON CREEK TRAIL # 285

Payson

Maple color below Horton Spring: Oct. 27, 2012

Fall color along the Horton Creek: Oct 27, 2012

I know, I know, we've all hiked this trail a million times,
and yet, (unbelievably) I have never visited it during fall foliage
season.  This gaping hole in my
hiking repertoire was rectified today. 
Issuing from a spring that gushes from a jumble of moss-embellished
stone at the base of the Mogollon Rim, Horton Creek spills downhill through a
mix of scrublands and deep coniferous-deciduous woodlands.  Fall color flaunts its best where trail
#285 parallels the waterway. 
Typically, in October, the creek is dry for the first mile or so, but
then runs in cool, shallow cascades for the remainder of the hike.  Today, we were delighted by a rich
display of mustard-colored boxelders, blaze-red maples and tawny orange
sycamores.  Although peak color is
days away for the lower trail, the high portion of the route is near
prime right now.

Arizona sycamores along trail #285

The foliage is especially vivid near a series of tiny
cataracts along the second and third mile  which are accessible via
numerous spur paths leading to the stream where color bearing trees and shrubs
dangle over liquid riffles mirroring  the warm
palette in churning watercolor whorls. Don't skimp---explore along creek because in another week or so, the color show will be done for another year.

LENGTH: 8 miles roundtrip (to Horton Spring and back)

RATING: moderate---rocky grade, loose footing

ELEVATION: 
5,360' - 6,420'

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 105 miles

TRAILHEAD FACILITIES: restroom

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) to the
intersection with AZ 260 in Payson.  
Head east (go right) on AZ260 and continue 17 miles to Tonto Creek Road
(a.k.a. Fish Hatchery Road and FR 289) on the left near milepost 268.  Follow FR 289 1 mile, cross the creek
bridge and park in the Horton Picnic Site lot to the left.  Roads are paved all the way.  To find the trailhead, hike back down
the road, cross the bridge and turn left onto a dirt road, hike the road a few
yards to the sign for trail #285.

Cataracts on Horton Creek

FEES:  none for
day hiking.

INFO:  Payson
Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, 928-474-7900

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35613&actid=50

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Sedona fall color update: late October 2012

A. B. YOUNG TRAIL #100

Oak Creek flows at the base of A.B. Young trail

Sedona

This hike has everything --water, high-desert ridges, a
grueling climb and a pleasant traipse through a pine/oak forest to the
historic East Pocket fire lookout.  Also, from late October through early November, the sycamores lining the lower part of the trail along Oak Creek come alive in vivid shades of amber and rusty gold.

The trail begins in the Bootlegger Day Use Area near site
number two.  From there, descend
the flagstone stairs to Oak Creek and follow the generic trail markers to the
creek. Boulder-hop the water and head toward the stone retaining wall where
there’s a metal “A.B. Young #100” sign. 
The ascent begins immediately through a cool, creek-side environment
that quickly transcends into a pine forest. After about the half-mile point,
the trail leaves the shade and begins switch backing up steep sun-drenched
cliffs on its way to the 7,196-foot West Rim of Oak Creek Canyon.  Many spectacular rock formations and
great views of the narrow canyon open up as the trail gains elevation.  Once on the rim, follow the carins into
the forest to the wooden “A.B. Young/Oak Creek” sign that marks the official
end of the trail. To reach the East Pocket fire lookout, continue for just
under a mile following a series of huge rock cairns. Staffed by a USFS worker
during the fire season, visitors are welcome in the funky old 1930s-style wooden
tower.

Submerged foliage

LENGTH:  6 miles
round trip

RATING: 
difficult

ELEVATION: 5,100’ – 7,196”

FACILITIES: restroom

FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required: there’s a permit kiosk at
the trailhead that takes paper, plastic and coins. http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Sedona-Oak Creek exit
298 for SR179.  Head left (west) on
SR179 and continue to the Sedona “Y” intersection of SR 179 and US89A. Veer
right (north) through the traffic circle and continue 8.8 miles to the
Bootlegger Day Use Area near milepost 383. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO:  Red Rock
Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-282-4119

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/abyoung-tr.shtml

New trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

MARCUS LANDSLIDE TRAIL

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Marcus Landslide Trail: Oct. 20, 2012

approaching some "mushroom" rocks

A little bit of history was made this morning as stewards of
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve stepped out on the inaugural guided hike
of the brand new Marcus Landslide Trail. 
Freshly cut, the new route is an homage to the complex
geology of the north side of the McDowell Mountains.  Colorful signs along the trail enlighten hikers about the
surrounding terrain---including an explanation of how the area’s signature “mushroom” rocks formed.  But of course, the main attraction is
the ubiquitous landslide.  I must
add that, to really appreciate this trail, take one of the steward-led
hikes.  Our leader today was steward
Don, and I was blown away by all his knowledge and professional speaking
skills.  Learn about upcoming
guided hikes here: http://mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/guidedHiking

If you didn't know it was there, you'd probably never even
notice this massive slump in the mountainside. Discovered in 2002 by a pair of
local geologists, the nearly mile-long wreckage  is
comprised of an estimated 25.8 billion pounds of rubble---that's enough
material to fill Sun Devil Stadium six times.  The slide occurred during the  Pleistocene Ice Age about a
half-million years ago when a colder, wetter climate may have instigated the
slide which shaved 1,200 feet off the ridgeline releasing energy equivalent to
an atomic bomb blast.   The
trail, which is named for former ASU geography professor Melvin Marcus, loops
among the slide's components giving a comprehensive overview of the magnitude
and scope of the event. The hike takes off from the new Tom's Thumb Trailhead
(officially opened Oct. 18, 2012) following an easy grade through typical
desert scrub with views of the Fountain Hills area, Verde River and
Superstition Wilderness.  Incredibly, the preserve receives no tax dollars and is
funded entirely by contributions to the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy from
hikers like you (and generous major contributors). This is pretty amazing when
you consider the impressive facilities, quality of staff and meticulous trail
maintenance.  So, when you’re
checking out upcoming hikes, leave a donation to help ensure ongoing protection
of our Sonoran Desert hiking trails.

Preserve steward, Don talks geology

LENGTH: 3.7-mile loop (4.2 miles with optional side trips)

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION: 2800’ – 2,500’

HOURS: sunrise to sunset daily

FACILITIES: restrooms, NO water

DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed on trails but not on guided hikes

FEE: NONE-- unless you take a connecting trail into adjacent
McDowell Mountain Regional Park. 
Then, it’s $2 per person---exact change required for the self-pay permit
station.

GETTING THERE: 
Tom's Thumb Trailhead:

From the loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road
exit 36 and continue 5 miles north on Pima to Happy Valley Road.  Turn right (east) and go 4.1 miles on
Happy Valley to Ranch Gate. Turn right on Ranch Gate, follow it 1.2 miles then
turn right onto 128th St. and continue 1 mile on 128th to the signed trailhead.
Roads are paved (finished just this past week!) all the way.

Tom's Thumb trailhead

INFO:

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy: http://mcdowellsonoran.org/home

480-998-7971

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

http://mcdowellsonoran.org/trailhead/displayHike/10

Earthly Musings: the blog of geologist Wayne Ranney

http://earthly-musings.blogspot.com/2011/01/look-at-marcus-landslide-in-mcdowell.html

Arizona Geological Survey

http://www.azgs.az.gov/MarcusLandslide_2008.shtml

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New Tom's Thumb trailhead opens today.

Tom's Thumb: iconic pinnacle in the McDowell Mountains 

The long awaited Tom's Thumb trailhead was officially opened this morning.  In addition to providing convenient access to hiking and climbing in the northern reaches of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the trailhead also serves as a gateway to the park's newest attraction--the Marcus Landslide Trail.  Sure to be a big draw for geology buffs and casual hikers alike, the 4-mile interpretive route explores Arizona's second largest landslide.  A special grand opening event is planned for this Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 beginning at 8 a.m.. There will be guided hikes, climbing demos and lots of fun things to do in celebration of the return of "hiking weather" to the Valley.



INFO & MAP: http://mcdowellsonoran.org/trailhead/displayLocation/8

TOM'S THUMB HIKE: http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com/2010/02/toms-thumb.html

Off the beaten path Sedona fall color hike

BEAR SIGN TRAIL #59

Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness,
Sedona

Although not apparent from the
trailhead, the remote upper reaches of Bear Sign Trail host
surprisingly rich woodlands of deciduous trees that transform into a
canopy of color in early autumn. To find these hidden thickets, hike
on the juniper-and-scrub-lined Dry Creek Trail to the Bear Sign
junction, veer left and pick up the trail heading uphill. Much of the
path parallels boulder-filled ravines lined with sycamore, willows
and cottonwoods eking out a living where water collects among
gigantic bounders. Throughout the hike, haphazard webs of Canyon
grape vines sprawl in viral abundance forming delicate veils of
diffused sunlight. An especially photo-worthy section of the route
passes through a concentrated stand of Arizona cypress trees. The
spindly trunks and shaggy bark of this tenacious species are marred
by claw marks, scat and gnawed stumps-- the “bear signs” for
which the trail is named. No worries though, the black bears that
roam this area are shy creatures and will usually skulk off unnoticed
when roused by approaching hikers. To learn more about hiking in bear
country, visit: Southwest Be Bear Aware:
http://www.bebearawaresw.org/

LENGTH: 3.5 miles one way

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 4,800 -5,450 feet

BEST TIME FOR FALL FOLIAGE:  mid-to-late October

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles

GETTING THERE:

From the "Y"
intersection of AZ 179 and AZ89A in Sedona go left (toward
Cottonwood) and continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right, go
2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152), hang a right and
continue 4.5 miles to the Dry Creek #52 trailhead located past the
Vultee Arch parking loop on the left. A high clearance vehicle
is required on FR 152.

FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is
required

INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red
Rock District 928-203-2900

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bear-sign-tr.shtml

Sedona fall color update: Oct. 13, 2012

WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK

Sedona

West Fork of Oak Creek: Oct. 13, 2012

Now that autumn's first freeze and snowfall have snuffed Flagstaff's aspen show, Arizona's annual fall foliage spectacular has migrated  south into Red Rock Country.  Brilliant color is blooming now in Sedona’s most famous
canyon.  Today, we hiked under a
canopy of blaze-red maples, tawny oaks and boxelders dripping in honey
gold.  But, there’s still plenty of
green getting ready to turn, so it looks like (frosty weather not withstanding) this
week will be primo for autumn color. The rocky, but easy trail  is packed with 13 creek crossings (...that's 26 for a roundtrip hike) on stepping stones and logs. Shoes with good traction are a must and a trekking pole is helpful.  Also, plan to arrive early at the trailhead or else be prepared to wait for parking, as this world-celebrated trek attracts thousands of casual walkers (who rarely go more than a mile), day hikers and hard core canyoneers.  We even encountered a wedding party in full regalia---and hiking boots!

Oct. 13, 2012

LENGTH:  3.3
miles one-way (on trail) OR up to 14 miles (with wading, swimming &
climbing)

ELEVATION: 
5,280’ – 5,520’

RATING:  easy
(on trail), moderate –difficult beyond trail’s end

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 298 (Oak
Creek-Sedona) for SR 179.  Go left
(west) on SR179 and continue to the “Y” intersection with SR89A in Sedona.  Veer right (northeast) on 89A and go
10.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area (between mileposts 384 &
385) on the left (west) side of the road. 
Roads are 100% paved.

Green woodland starting to turn, Oct. 13, 2012

FEE: $9 daily fee per vehicle. $2 per-person-daily-fee for
walk-in or bike-in.

HOURS:  9 a.m.
to 8 p.m. (summer), 9 a.m. to dusk (winter). The gate usually opens around 8
a.m.. Use the self-pay kiosk if an attendant is not available. The parking lots
fills up quicky on weekends and high seasons---so arrive early.

INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/westfork-tr.shtml,
(928)
282-4119

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Maple color this week on the Mogollon Rim 2012

Bigtooth maple trees are turning red on Rim Road 300, connecting forest  roads and trails this week.  They fade fast, so get out there before this weekend's cool weather snuffs the show.

Maples along FR 139 on the Mogollon Rim

 

It's a good time to check out these trails:

Barbershop, U-Bar, Fred Haught, See Canyon, Horton Creek, Houston Brothers.

Flagstaff fall color update, Oct. 6, 2012: HURRY!

Flagstaff fall color has arrived fast and furious for 2012.  What a difference from 2011 when peak foliage color dilly-dallied until mid-October.  Not so this year.  The high elevations (above 10,000')  are already past peak in many spots, while mid-high locations (8,000'-9,000') are at peak NOW.  We drove Hart Prairie Road (7,000') today and observed that it's approaching peak color.  Hurry.

Bear Jaw Trail, 8,600', Oct 6, 2012

ABINEAU-BEAR JAW LOOP

Flagstaff

Past prime aspens at 10,000', Oct 6, 2012

An October drive up Flagstaff's Highway 180 reveals views of
golden aspens on the lofty slopes of the San Francisco Peaks.  Yes, the first showings of autumnal
color bloom up high, so to hike among leaves that blaze like day-glo paint you
must climb the north face below Humphreys Peak.  There's a, app trail for that---Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop.  This rugged route begins in an
innocuous alpine meadow but soon enters avalanche-scarred coniferous-aspen
woodlands for a steady climb (unmitigated by switchbacks) that leads to a
both-kinds-of-breathtaking ridge (10,280') below Arizona's tallest peak.  Here, the wind-addled tundra-like
landscape is dotted with stands of white firs framing views of Northern
Arizona's volcanic highlands. Beyond this highpoint, the route follows the
serpentine path of Waterline Road where willowy aspens rustle and flourish
along its flanks.  Whereas the
Abineau leg of the loop is mostly about pines, spruce and fir, the Bear Jaw
return is all about aspens, with glens so thick they mimic whiteout conditions.
Here, on the downhill trek, mountain-borne breezes kick up flurries of heart-shaped
leaves from the canopies into eddies of gold that tickle the air and carpet the
forest floor.  It's really an
awesome spectacle. 

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

Hike 0.4 mile on the access trail and turn right to begin on
the Abineau Trail---which gets the climbing over quickest. Hike 1.9 miles uphill to the junction with Waterline Road
(sign says no access to Humphreys Peak). Turn left here and hike 2.1 miles to the signed turn
off for Bear Jaw Trail on the left. 
Follow Bear Jaw 2.4 miles back to the first junction and retrace your
steps 0.4 mile back to the trailhead on the access path. 

Bear Jaw Trail, 8700', Oct. 6, 2012

LENGTH: 
7.2-mile loop

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 
8530' - 10,280'

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US180 (Fort Valley Rd) to
milepost 235.2 and turn right onto FR 151 (Hart Prairie Road, north
access).  Continue 1.6 miles on FR
151 and connect to FR 418.  Drive
3.1 miles on FR418 to FR9123J 
(signed for Abineau-Bear Jaw), turn right and go 0.6 mile to the
trailhead.

Roads are semi-okay dirt, passable by carefully driven
sedans. 

Near the top of Abineau Trail, Oct. 6, 2012

INFO:  Flagstaff
Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-526-0866

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55058&actid=50

FALL COLOR INFO & UPDATES:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/learning/nature-science/?cid=stelprdb5351327

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Fall color update: Mogollon Rim, Oct 4, 2012

Fall foliage is just beginning to emerge on the Mogollon Rim.  Today we noted lots of sulfur yellow in Boxelders, spotty groves of amber oaks and gold-kissed aspens on..... 

Oak color, October 4, 2012

HOUSTON BROTHERS TRAIL #171

Mogollon Rim

Wild geranium

The densely wooded terrain of the Mogollon Rim is riddled
with water-sculpted canyons and bizarre fossiliferous limestone
formations.  The fractured earth
makes for an interesting mix of flat-floored forests and steep gorges where
water collects and cool air settles in pockets of perennial, mossy
dampness.  These secluded, moist
microclimates feed communities of Big-tooth maples, willows, boxelders and oaks
that burst out in flaming color palettes when nudged by the cool nights and low
light of early autumn.  The Rim’s
Cabin Loop system of trails wiggles among spring-fed meadows and water
harboring draws that play host to autumnal splotches of honey-and-crimson-colored
foliage. The best part about Rim country fall color is its relative rarity---it
pops up willy-nilly  among the pines and firs making each "find" feel more special than the
last.  Cabin Loop trails
Barbershop, U-Bar, Fred Haught and--as we visited today---Houston Brothers--all
dole out visually delicious color spots that add elements of treasure hunting
thrills to the routes.

Fall color at Aspen Spring, Oct 4, 2012

LENGTH:  7 miles
one-way

RATING: easy. follow the tree blazes where the path is faint.

ELEVATION: 7,000'-7,774'

GETTING THERE:

From Payson, travel north on AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) to Clint's
Well.  From here, continue 9.4 on
AZ87 to just before milepost 300 and turn right onto FR95.  Follow FR95 6.5 miles to a bridge over
East Clear Creek and veer right to stay on FR95.  Continue 4.5 miles to FR139A (a few yards past a sign for
Houston Draw), turn left and go 0.2 mile to the trailhead marked by a sign for
Fred Haught Trail.   Roads are
good gravel/dirt with winding mountain grades—sedans okay.

INFO: Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Coconino National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=54994&actid=50



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