Reminder: come out and climb a mountain with me this Saturday

FREE SAMPLES ON THE MOUNTAIN THIS SATURDAY MAY 25, 2013

actual product

Hikers---just a reminder that I'll be handing out free samples of Post Grape-Nuts Fit cereal on Flagstaff's O'Leary Peak this Saturday.  In addition to the goodies, this trail features over-the-top views of Sunset Crater National Monument. So---what's keeping you at home?

DATE:  Saturday, May 25, 2013. NO RSVP---just show up and start hiking. 

TIME:  we'll be on the mountain from approx. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

LENGTH:  10 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 6956' - 8916' 

RATING: moderate-difficult (you are responsible for your own gear and safety, this is not a sponsored hike)

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the I40 interchange in Flagstaff.  Head east (go right) on I40 to exit 201 for US89 north.  Go roughly 10 miles north on US89 and turn right at the sign for Sunset Crater National Park (FR545).  Follow this road 1.5 miles and turn left at FR545A for O'Leary Campground.  Continue 0.3 mile to a free parking apron at the summit road gate.  Do not park in the campground---unless, of course, you plan to camp there and pay the fee.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
http://www.grapenutssummitsampler.com/
ABOUT O'LEARY PEAK:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110304&ttype=recarea&recid=55146&actid=24&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&pname=Flagstaff+RD+-+O'leary+Peak+Trail

Road to West Clear Creek to close May 23

FOREST ROAD 215 TO BULL PEN TO CLOSE ON THURSDAY

If you're headed out to the West Clear Creek area this holiday weekend, please read this new release before planning your route.

From: "Smith, Brady -FS" <bradysmith@FS.FED.US>
Date: May 21, 2013 12:45:13 PM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest

NEWS RELEASE                   

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service

Coconino National Forest

www.fs.usda.gov/coconino                                        

www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF

www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

For Immediate Release

May 21, 2013

           

Public Affairs Contacts:

Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest, 928-527-3490

Brienne Magee, Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-527-8290

Hazard trees prompts temporary closure of Bull Pen area

Flagstaff, AZ – The Bull Pen area, located about 10 miles east of Camp Verde off Forest Road 215, will be closed temporarily beginning Thursday (May 23) due to a large number of trees that pose a hazard to the public.

“Forest Service personnel have discovered hanging dead limbs and hazardous trees in areas frequently used by visitors for camping,” said Heather Provencio, district ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District.  “We take the safety of the public seriously and the closure will last until the Forest Service can complete a formal risk assessment, mitigate the hazard and deem the area safe for public entry.”

This closure prohibits all public entry into the area including camping, day use, hiking, and access to West Clear Creek via Forest Road 215.

Due to the large number of hazardous trees in the area and the flood potential at areas used by visitors for camping near the creek, Forest Service personnel will be considering management options that may include designated camping locations and designated parking.

Bull Pen is a popular camping and picnicking area along West Clear Creek during the summer with visitors camping under the towering sycamores and cottonwood trees.

Violation of this closure is subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months jail time.

For more information about the Bull Pen area and closure, please contact the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center at 928-203-7500.  Members of the public who want to provide comments on future management of the area should do so by submitting a comment form via http://go.usa.gov/b3aX.

###

Respectfully,

Brady

--------------------------------------

Brady Smith, MBA

Forest Public Affairs Officer

Coconino National Forest

Tel:  (928) 527-3490

To the pit

LE PETIT VERDON

Flagstaff

Rim above Sandy's Canyon and the pit

Let's call this one Sandy's Canyon with a twist.  I happened to be in the area of Mormon Lake last week and decided to make a quick run into the canyon on my way back just to take a peek at the recent  damage from the Fisher Fire. At the trailhead, I got distracted by that pesky sign where Sandy's Canyon/AZ  Trail goes left and Canyon Vista  heads right. As I wasn't really on a schedule, it seemed like to perfect time to make the detour to satisfy my curiosity about the Canyon Vista trail.  As it turns out-- what is an appetizer for hikers is the main course for rock  climbers. Canyon Vista trail dips downhill to Le Petit Verdon---a popular climbing area better known as "the pit".  Here, soaring limestone walls with bolted routes provide dozens of ways to explore the crags in vertical format.  Although it's an enjoyable side trip for hikers, this is the domain of sport climbers, so be respectful when passing near them, or better yet, observe their spiderman-like athletics from a distance.  Once done marveling at the climbers, head back up (and down again) for a trek into Sandy's Canyon.  The fire damage isn't too bad. 

LENGTH: 1 mile roundtrip or 3.8 miles with Sandy's Canyon

RATING: easy (uneven, rocky surfaces)

ELEVATION: 6800' - 6600'

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to just south of I40 in Flagstaff and turn right  onto  exit 339 for Lake Mary Road (FR3).  From the bottom of the off ramp, turn right continue 5.5 miles south to Canyon Vista Campground on the left near milepost 300.  There's a small no-fee parking area  

Climbers in the pit

for hikers.

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55034&actid=50

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4092078719051.1073741850.1795269672&type=1&l=8a9d2ae00c

Hike with me on Saturday May 25, 2013

POST GRAPE-NUTS FIT SUMMIT SAMPLING EVENT

O'Leary Peak on the horizon

Hi Hikers,  As one of 60 hikers selected from across the USA to participate in the 60th anniversary celebration of the first ascent of Mt. Everest, the folks at Post cereals have provided me with FREE SAMPLES of  Grape-Nuts Fit to give out during a commemorative climb up Flagstaff's O'Leary Peak.  Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay ate Grape-Nuts on their historic 1953 trek.  Look for me (or my volunteer sherpas) and claim your goodie.  Hikers who make it to the summit have the option of appearing in photos (or not) with the official summit flag which I'll post here after the event. Hope to see you on the mountain!  Mare

DATE:  Saturday, May 25, 2013. NO RSVP---just show up and start hiking. 

TIME:  we'll be on the mountain from approx. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

LENGTH:  10 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 6956' - 8916' 

RATING: moderate-difficult (you are responsible for your own gear and safety, this is not a sponsored hike)

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the I40 interchange in Flagstaff.  Head east (go right) on I40 to exit 201 for US89 north.  Go roughly 10 miles north on US89 and turn right at the sign for Sunset Crater National Park (FR545).  Follow this road 1.5 miles and turn left at FR545A for O'Leary Campground.  Continue 0.3 mile to a free parking apron at the summit road gate.  Do not park in the campground---unless, of course, you plan to camp there and pay the fee.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
http://www.grapenutssummitsampler.com/
ABOUT O'LEARY PEAK:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110304&ttype=recarea&recid=55146&actid=24&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&pname=Flagstaff+RD+-+O'leary+Peak+Trail

Dates set for 2013 Phoenix Summit Challenge

Start shaping up for Phoenix Summit Challenge 2013

Hikers, take your marks. The Valley's annual ultimate hiking event will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013. And, nope, I'm not missing a day. The event is now a 1-day happening with the Seven Summit Challenge, Phoenix Five (or Four) and All Access competitions being held on the same date. Details are still in the works, but registration usually begins in August. Stay tuned.

CONTACT: City of Phoenix Park Ranger, Elizabeth Smith: elizabeth.smith@phoenix.gov, 602-262-7393

Website:

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/specials/summit/index.html

Meet hike book author Bruce Grubbs tonight

Author and outdoor enthusiast Bruce Grubbs will be speaking and also signing his new book tonight at the Arizona Hiking Shack.  The Creaky Knees Guide features 80 easy Arizona hikes selected for seniors, boomers and families with young kids.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 7 p.m.
ARIZONA HIKING SHACK
3244 E. Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-944-7723
http://www.hikingshack.com

Hike tested, hike approved

LIP PROTECTION FOR SUMMER HIKING

Product field-test

The heat is on---time to break out the industrial strength sun protection.  As we Arizona hikers are well aware, our state's high elevations and 360 sunny days each year means slathering on the sunscreen is a must. Although I've found plenty of satisfactory skin protection products, nothing seemed to keep my lips from drying and cracking---oh, except for that stuff that felt like caked wax and tasted like tar.

So when the folks at Jack Black contacted me about field-testing the newest editions to their UVA/UVB SPF 25 lip balm collection, I was happy to oblige. They sent me some samples ($15 retail value) and, I gotta say, this stuff is quite good.  First of all, instead of sitting on my lips like gummy sludge, the balm soaks in fast and stays put---this feature alone was enough to sell me on the product. No more messy residue on my hydration pack hose.  Another plus---the balms come in 0.25 oz tubes instead of sticks so they won't melt all over your gear.  The formulas are packed with soothing ingredients and come in adult-palate-pleasing varieties like Mango & Mandarin, Lemon & Chamomile and my pick-- Black Tea & Blackberry. Points for not being candy-sweet---I've always avoided flavored lip treatments because of their artificial twang, but these have a subtle, natural character.  They're  $7.50 each (don't squawk---they're super concentrated and really last) and are available at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks.  Side note, Jack Black products are marketed for men---however (female, here) I can vouch that these lip balms are gender-neutral.

SHOP ONLINE:

http://www.getjackblack.com/

Stairways to the rio

RIO DE FLAG NATURE TRAIL

Flagstaff

Inside the canyon

Another in my series of  “who knew” hikes, this one hides behind Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona.  After shrugging it off for years, I finally made the detour this weekend and was pleasantly surprised.  Instead of the dull “edutainment” trail I was expecting, this one is free of signs and packed with interest.  The trail begins on the rim of a 50-foot-deep, sheer walled canyon, then descends via a set of stone stairs into a beautiful riparian corridor cluttered with arroyo willows, brambles and Rocky Mountain irises.  Winding among enormous volcanic boulders and Ponderosa pines, the route cuts a figure-eight path with a couple of fun detours.  First, look for another stone staircase that leads up to the canyon’s west rim, here, you’ll follow a rambling, leaf-littered path to an aspen-ringed cove and the stony harbor of an intermittent spring.  Also, on the east rim near the museum, a simple path paralleling US180 leads to a wooden observation deck with a pond and green swale fed by the trickling waters of Flagstaff’s only “river”.

Rio de Flag

LENGTH:  0.6-mile loop

RATING:  easy (rocky, uneven surface)

ELEVATION: 7048’ – 7120’

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to Flagstaff.  Continue through town and connect with US180 (Fort Valley Road).  Go roughly 3 miles north on US180 to past milepost 218 and turn left into the parking lot for the Museum of Northern Arizona.  Trail begins near the museum entrance.

MORE PHOTOS

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4085906204742.1073741849.1795269672&type=1&l=ffd043b0c5

An easier way to conquer the Arizona Trail

ARIZONA TRAIL SHUTTLE SERVICES

Every so often I receive event and information rich e-newsletters from the Arizona Trail Association. You can get them too by becoming a member.  But until you do---I wanted to share this very cool beta regarding shuttle services for hikers/bikers.  From the May 8, 2013 newsletter:

If you are planning on hiking or mountain biking the Arizona Trail one segment at a time, consider leaving the driving to someone else. There are a variety of shuttle services available throughout the state, including some that will even take you from the Tucson airport to the start of the Arizona Trail near the U.S./Mexico border. Check out the Shuttles page for contact information.

An increasingly popular option is to gather a group of friends together to tackle an entire passage of the AZT in one day. Most shuttle services can arrange a pick-up and drop-off at Arizona Trail trailheads, and with a larger group you’ll save money.

Some of the preferred shuttle services include:
Southern Arizona:  Southwest Trekking
Central Arizona:  Gnar Gnar Tours
Northern Arizona:  All Star Grand Canyon Tours

ARIZONA TRAIL ASSOCIATION:
http://www.aztrail.org/

Watershed sentinel

APACHE MAID MOUNTAIN

Coconino National Forest

Summit of Apache Maid Mountain: 7307'

Just east of  I-17, 30 miles south of Flagstaff, the isolated silhouette of Apache Maid Mountain  juts above a muted emerald expanse of juniper-dotted grasslands.  Because of its unchallenged dominance on the landscape, a climb up this peak rewards with breath taking vistas of Sedona's red rocks, the mountains of Prescott and the canyon-riddled watershed highlands of Wet Beaver Creek and the Verde River. Although this peak also can be conquered via a 17-mile one-way (3864' - 7307') hike on the Apache Maid Trail that begins on the Bell Trail at Wet Beaver Creek, the way is difficult, dry and best suited for highly experienced hikers.  However, if getting to the high point is your main objective, then scratch the tortuous miles  and instead tackle the massif from its base.   The trail is FR 620, a wide red-soil track hacked out of the mountainside.  Twisting  up the south and west faces of the hill in long, gradual hairpin coils the road makes for a pleasant, not-too-tough climb through a mishmash of Ponderosa pines, oak and scrub while a frenzy of wildflowers  splatters color on disturbed road shoulders and sun washed meadows.  About a half-mile from the top, a jumbled boulder ledge frames exceptional views of Red Rock Country as an abrupt break at the edge of a spralling windswept prairie. On the summit, a fire lookout built in 1961 teeters over its watershed ward.  The tower is open  by invitation only when a worker is present, otherwise, visitors may relax at the picnic table tucked into a shady glen of oak trees.

Apache Maid Lookout

LENGTH: 9.2 miles roundtrip (shorter options described below)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 6063' - 7307'

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic table and hitching post on the summit.  Nearby camping.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix travel north on I17 to exit 306 for Stoneman Lake.  Turn right and go 6.4 miles on Stoneman Lake Road (FR 213)  to the signed intersection for FR229.  Follow FR229 (heading toward Apache Maid LO) 4.5 miles and bear right at a "T" intersection with FR230 to stay on FR229. Continue 0.4 mile to a curve in the road where FR 229 swerves left and FR 620 bends to the right. Here, there's a green gate marking the entrance to Apache Maid Cabin. Park in the turnoffs along the road.  From here it's a 4.6-mile one-way hike to the summit. Alternatively, you can continue driving up FR620 to a parking apron at a gate that's  1.8 mile from the summit. We also noted good parking opportunities near FR 2938J which is 3.4 miles from the summit and also cuts about 200 feet of climbing. 

ROAD CONDITIONS: FR 213 is paved for a while then turns to good dirt suitable for all vehicles. FR 229 and beyond is a mix of smooth dirt and deeply rutted, washboard.  Although we saw sedans parked along the way, a high-clearance vehicle is a much better idea. 

oak trees along the trail

INFO: Coconino National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55216&actid=50

Rent Apache Maid Cabin:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55214&actid=101

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4061686159256.1073741848.1795269672&type=1&l=f05075e90c

Liquid gold of the backwoods

LYNX CREEK GOLD PAN DAY USE AREA

Prescott

In the grand scheme of things, gold may be precious, but here in Arizona, water is like gold.  Although we have our fair share of creeks, lakes and rivers, it's not like say, Seattle where it’s so damp, moisture is taken for granted. Our water is as rare and beloved as any gem that ever  adorned Elizabeth Taylor. This relative scarcity of surface wetness means that water hikes are an especially big deal here in the Grand Canyon State.  And, with the annual onslaught of dreaded triple-digit heat now smothering the Valley, more of us will be craving luscious creek side escapes in the coming months.  Of course, some of the best water-themed hikes require navigating miserable roads and planning meticulously timed arduous treks into the backwoods of the Mogollon Rim and beyond.  However, there are a few places where water flows just yards from maintained beaten paths.  One good place to try is the gold-panning area north of Prescott's Lynx Lake.  Here, footpaths and two short trails thread among creek side willows, fragrant pines, dredge tailings from former gold mining operations and trickling rivulets heading toward the Lynx Lake dam. The water here is shallow and flow varies with snowmelt and rain but the area's nice shade, easy access and proximity to myriad recreations opportunities make this a sweet kick off spot for a day of exploring. 

LENGTH:

Trail 444:  0.5 mile one-way

Highlands Trail 442: 1.2 miles one-way

ELEVATION: 5425' - 5656'

RATING: easy, exploratory

FACILITIES: vault toilet at site

HOURS: day use only

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the Cordes Junction interchange for AZ69.  Head west toward Prescott on AZ69 to the stoplight at Walker Road which is just past the Costco and milepost 293. Turn left and follow Walker Rd 1.2 miles to Lynx Creek Road (FR9401, signed Lynx Creek Ruins/Salida Gulch), turn left and continue 0.4 mile to the "gold panning" trailhead on the right.  

INFO:

Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/rocks-minerals/recarea/?recid=67279&actid=59

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4036000037119.1073741847.1795269672&type=1&l=ccd08cb061

Bill Williams Mountain Road re-opens

Hikers (and outdoor enthusiasts)  woo hoo!---just in time for the summer hiking and driving season:

Jacqueline C. Banks
Public Affairs Officer
Kaibab National Forest
(928) 635-8314
jcbanks@fs.fed.us
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab <http://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab>
www.fs.usda.gov/4fri <http://www.fs.usda.gov/4fri>
www.flickr.com/kaibabnationalforest <http://www.flickr.com/kaibabnationalforest>
www.twitter.com/KaibabNF <http://www.twitter.com/KaibabNF>

Kaibab National Forest Reopens Bill Williams Mountain Road

WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The Kaibab National Forest has reopened Bill Williams Mountain Road, Forest Road 111, for public use.  The road was closed over the winter due to safety concerns.

While the road has reopened, members of the public should exercise caution while driving in the area due to maintenance work that will be occurring over the next few days.

For additional information, please contact Deirdre McLaughlin at the Williams Ranger District, (928) 635-5662, damclaughlin@fs.fed.us.

  

Hike a "gold country" gulch

SALIDA GULCH LOOP TRAIL

Prescott

Lynx Creek

When it comes to historic gold ore hot spots in Arizona's hills, the mountains around Prescott held the mother lode.  Defunct mining operations have pretty much depleted the area’s precious metal deposits, leaving behind dredge tailing and pipe dreams for prospectors. Lynx Creek flows through the heart of this gold country and is a popular spot for recreational treasure hunters panning for dust and nuggets.  The Salida Gulch trail #95 begins at a section of the creek that is undergoing restoration from the effects of decades of mining.  It's a beautiful   riparian strip with crisp water tumbling over a pebbly waterway that hikers must cross to pick up the trail. Roughly 0.1 mile beyond the creek, pass a gate and then look for the turn off for trail #95 on the right.  The loop begins within a few yards---go left for the shady "gulch" leg or right for the sunny "ridge" side-- it all circles back.  I began with the gulch leg---a 1.6-mile trek through a narrow, stone-entrenched canyon.  Views are sparse on this east side of the loop but intermittent streams and runoff channels foster a cooling canopy of pine-oak woodlands and blooming shrubs.  At about the half-mile point, a prominent prehistoric rock art gallery of decorative coils, intricately sketched game animals and mystifying human forms are incised into massive grey boulders to the left of the trail.  There's another panel farther up the path, but it's not so easy to spot.

Woodlands on the gulch side of the loop

A mile beyond the petroglyphs, the trail makes a sharp turn and begins climbing to the ridge above the gulch.  This 2.4-mile leg leaves the forests and enters a scrubland of junipers, yucca and manzanita with views of Prescott's famous Granite Mountain and the towers on Spruce Mountain.  At one point, you can look down on the gulch leg of the loop winding below off to the right.  For a trail located just about a mile south of a busy Costco shopping center and adjacent to popular Lynx Lake Recreation Area, this easy-on-the-feet hike is surprisingly quiet and enjoyable.

View of Granite Mtn from the ridge 

LENGTH:  4.5-mile loop (includes access trail 9263)

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  5050' - 5742'

FEES: none at this site

FACILITIES: none, but there's a vault toilet at the gold panning site

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the Cordes Junction interchange for AZ69.  Head west toward Prescott on AZ69 to the stoplight at Walker Road which is just past the Costco and milepost 293. Turn left and follow Walker Rd 1.2 miles to Lynx Creek Road (FR9401, signed Lynx Creek Ruins/Salida Gulch), turn left and continue 1 mile to the trailhead at the forest boundary sign.  Begin hiking on trail 9263, hop the creek and look for the trail 95 junction in about 0.1 mile.

INFO: Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/recarea/?recid=67337&actid=50

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4035904074720.1073741846.1795269672&type=1&l=9c889347d5

CSI: Flagstaff hiking trail

UPDATE: May 2013, a suspect has been apprehended. The hunt is on for the person who started this month's Fisher Fire and the forest service is asking for your help.  ....watch out for that backpack and hiking stick, though.

...nope, it's not this guy.

 

From: "Smith, Brady -FS" <bradysmith@FS.FED.US>
Date: April 25, 2013 11:25:07 AM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest

NEWS RELEASE                   

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service

Coconino National Forest

www.fs.usda.gov/coconino                                        

www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF

www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

For Immediate Release

Apr. 25, 2013

Public Affairs Contacts:

Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest, 928-527-3490

Brienne Magee, Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-527-8290

Forest Service law enforcement seeking Fisher Fire person of interest

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Law enforcement with the Coconino National Forest are seeking a person of interest regarding the human-caused Fisher Fire which began on April 13 about four miles southeast of Flagstaff near Fisher Point and grew to approximately 35 acres.

The person is described as a white male who frequents the area wearing a brown coat and black T-shirt with a black hat. This person may have a backpack and use a walking stick.

Anyone with information regarding this individual or has seen someone matching this description in that area please contact law enforcement at 928-527-3552.

###

Get your grebe on at Kachina Wetlands

KACHINA WETLANDS via HIGHLANDS TRAIL

Flagstaff

Kachina Wetlands: April 2013

Hidden on a high Flagstaff mesa just about a mile off I17 is a walk able, 70-acre waterfowl wonderland.  The Kachina Wetlands is a collection of 8 shallow ponds constructed to manage treated effluent water. The project, which began in 1988 with the cooperation of various agencies including NAU, AZ Game & Fish and Coconino County, has auxiliary goals to improve wildlife habitat and foster native vegetation. Although some of the ponds are not operational right now, the site is still prime real estate for winged beasts.   Thick growths of cattails and other aquatic plants coupled with  mid-pond islands provide safe havens from marauding elk and hungry forest critters for the hundreds of species of birds and waterfowl that frequent the area.  The marshy pools are aflutter with grebes, mallards, coots, sandpipers, nighthawks, woodpeckers, swallows, chickadees, jays, warblers, blackbirds and soaring birds of prey.  Until recently, the only hiking opportunity here was the mile or so of circumference paths.  That all changed when the Highlands Trail-- which connects to Ft Tuthill Park-- was completed in 2009.  Woodsy but unremarkable, the easy, urban-class Highlands Trail stays close to civilization dodging public roads and private properties on its 3.7-mile track from the park to the wetlands. The trail wanders through a checkerboard of pine-oak woodlands (with occasional views of San Francisco Peaks and Mormon Mountain), skirts a few suburban backyards and crosses AZ89A before reaching the wetlands. 

LENGTH: 9.6 miles round trip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  6890' - 7040'

BEST SEASON: open year-round, but bird sightings are best spring-fall

DOGS: dogs MUST be on leash and stay out of the wetlands ponds

FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic tables, camping at the park

GETTING THERE:

Fort Tuthill County Park (as described here):
From Phoenix travel north on I17 to exit 337 for AZ89A and "county fairgrounds". At the end of the off ramp, continue straight into Ft. Tuthill Park and follow the main road to the Yavapai Ramada parking lot.

Kachina Wetlands (direct access):

From Phoenix take I17 north to exit 333 for Kachina Village.  Go left off the access road, drive under the freeway and take the first right on Tovar Trail. Follow this road 1.5 mile to the corner of Tovar Trail and Lohali Trail, park on the right and pass through the gate to the wetlands.

Yellow-headed blackbird

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the Ft Tuthill Yavapai parking lot, hike south on the road on the west side of the amphitheater to where Soldiers Trail (marked by green lathe-style signs) crosses.  Head west (go right) and follow Soldiers Trail roughly .30 mile to a signed, but un-named junction.  This is the access path for Highlands Trail.  Turn left here and within 0.2 mile you'll come to the north end of the loop portion of Highlands Trail.  Go either way and continue 1 or 1.3 mile to AZ89A.  Cross the road and continue 2.5 miles on Highlands to Kachina Wetlands.  There are several trails circling the ponds.  When done exploring, return the way you came or take the opposite leg of the Highlands loop back to the parking area. NOTE: Ft Tuthill Park has an "official" trailhead serving all its trails.  If you begin there, add another mile to the overall distance shown here.

Peaks view along Highlands Trail

INFO & MAP:

Fort Tuthill County Park, Coconino County Parks & Recreation: 928-679-8000

http://coconino.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=279

Kachina Wetlands:

NAU management plan:

http://www2.nau.edu/~gaud/ponds/ponds2.htm

Northern Arizona Audubon bird checklist:

http://www.northernarizonaaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Kachina-Wetlands-Bird-Checklist.pdf

MORE PHOTOS:

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Hike around an iconic Sedona rock formation

LOWER CHIMNEY ROCK & SUMMIT ROUTE

Sedona

Chimney Rock

Next to Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock is one of the most iconic sandstone formations in Sedona.  Visible from just about everywhere in downtown Sedona, this singular, russet pillar (actually three clustered spires) stands sentry beneath the cream-colored behemoth of 6355' Thunder Mountain (aka Capitol Butte). Soaring to 4995', this natural sculpture cuts an impressive silhouette because of how it's isolated along a limestone ridge.  However, even with two of Red Rock Country's most recognizable geological formations looming 

Little Sugarloaf

above the trail, it's the "baby sister"---4872' Little Sugarloaf---that gets all the attention on this hike because the route makes a wide loop around the layered cone of this mini-mount.  A wooden "summit" sign marks the start of an optional spur path to the top.  The worthwhile diversion is short but mostly on slick rock, so proceed with care.  From the summit, views stretch all the way to Prescott, Jerome and Flagstaff. 

LENGTH:  2.9 miles

Lower Chimney Rock Loop: 1.5-mile loop

Summit Route: 0.7 mile one-way

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 4550' - 4600' or 4870' with summit

FEE: A Red Rock Pass is required.  $5 daily fee.

http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml

HOURS: dawn to dusk daily

Butterfly on cliff fendlerbush, April 2013

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to exit 298for AZ179, Sedona-Oak Creek.  Head west (go left) and continue to the "Y" intersection of AZ179 and AZ89A in Sedona.  Veer west (left) through the traffic circle and continue 3.2 miles on AZ89A to Dry Creek Road.  Turn right and go 0.4 mile to Thunder Mountain Road, turn right and go 0.5 mile to the Thunder Mountain trailhead on the left.

INFO:  City of Sedona

http://www.sedonaaz.gov/sedonacms/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=5126 

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Urban exercise hike

ALVORD LAKE

Phoenix

It was one of those Saturdays.  You know, those sacrificial weekend days given to yard work. While out  rushing around to the various plant nurseries in the area, I came across Cesar Chavez Park.  Even though I've known about it for years, I never really considered it a hiking destination.  However, when curiosity got the better of me, I made a quick detour between chores and discovered a very pleasant walking path and an unexpected, welcome leg stretch. The park is packed with ammenities like swing sets for the kids and is also part of the Arizona Game & Fish Urban Fishing Program.  The easy, paved walking path circles the 25-acre lake and has nice views of South Mountain, the Estrella Mountains and  plenty of water fowl.

LENGTH: 1.1 mile loop

RATING: easy, paved, barrier-free

ELEVATION: 1012'

HOURS: 5:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

FACILITIES: picnic tables, shade ramadas, boat ramp, fishing, playground, restrooms.

GETTING THERE:

From central Phoenix, go south to Baseline Road, go west to 35th Ave  turn south and follow the signs to Cesar Chavez Park at 7858 S. 35th Ave.

INFO:

City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation, 602-262-6111

Arizona Game & Fish Urban Fishing Program

http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/urban_lake_alvord.shtml

An educational “add-on” hike

ELDEN PUEBLO

Flagstaff

Add caption

Once the meeting place of the Sinagua people, this archeological site located a few yards from busy AZ89 is now a major stop off for tourists, students and hikers alike. Brochures available at the trailhead correspond with numbered stops along the wide, flat gravel trail.  Each of the 15 sites tells a tale of life and culture in the village which at its high point was home to as many as 200 people.   Although short, plan on spending at least an hour to observe and read about the building techniques, life ways and archeological research.  A visit to this interesting roadside attraction is a good way to wind down after a longer hike in the area.

LENGTH: 0.1 mile loop

NEARBY HIKING TRAILS:

Old Caves Crater,

Elden Environmental Study Area,

Pipeline Trail,

Sunset Crater National Monument,

O'Leary Peak

RATING: easy, barrier-free (gravel)

ELEVATION: 6940'

HOURS: open year-round

FEES: none

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the I40 interchange in Flagstaff.  Head east (right, toward Albuquerque) and connect with AZ89 north.  Follow AZ89 to milepost 420 and start watching for the "Elden Pueblo" sign, which is just south of Townsend-Winona Road. Turn left and park in the gravel lot. 

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest

Elden Pueblo Program Manager: 928-527-3452

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/outdoorlearning/recarea/?recid=55092&actid=119

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Fisher Fire is 100% contained.

....close shave.  No word yet as to when Sandy's Canyon Trail will re-open.

From: "Magee, Brienne U -FS" <bmagee@FS.FED.US>
Date: April 16, 2013 3:04:11 PM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest

April 16 Update:

The Fisher Fire is 100% contained and 35 acres (slightly smaller size due to more accurate mapping last night). Cause is still under investigation. This was human caused, as there was not any lightning in the area, but specific cause has yet to be determined.

Brienne Magee

Public Affairs Specialist

Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino NF

5075 N Hwy 89

Flagstaff AZ 86004

o: 928-527-8290

bmagee@fs.fed.us

Fisher Fire update

UPDATE: 4-17-2013
Although the Fisher Fire has been declared "100% contained" as of yesterday afternoon, there's still no word as to when the Sandy's Canyon and AZT segment near Fisher Point will be re-opened.  Here's a link to the fire map:
http://azdailysun.com/map-of-fisher-fire/pdf_547c7218-a62e-11e2-bdbe-0019bb2963f4.html

Hikers, because Sandy's Canyon trail is one of my favorites,I've been following this fire very closely and will post forest service press releases as they send them to me.  Looks like fire fighters are making progress.....

Sandy's Canyon: fire was approximately here...

From: "Magee, Brienne U -FS" <bmagee@FS.FED.US>
Date: April 15, 2013 9:15:54 AM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest

April 15, 2013

           

Fisher Fire update, 8:30 a.m.

Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Fisher Fire crept and smoldered last night, but did not grow in size. Firefighters have a line around the fire and will continue to strengthen them today. Fire managers want to be sure lines hold through the high winds, however, before they declare an increase in containment.

Size: Approximately 40 acres

Containment: 50%

Location: near Fisher Point approximately four miles south of Flagstaff and two miles northeast of Lake Mary Road and the Canyon Vista Campground.

Date Reported: Saturday, April 13 at approximately 4pm

Cause: Human caused, under investigation

Resources: Approximately 100 personnel including four hotshot crews (Flagstaff Hotshots, Prescott Hotshots, Pleasant Valley Hotshots, and Blue Ridge Hotshots), engines, water tenders, a dozer and several overhead

Closures: The Sandy’s Canyon Trail and Arizona Trail at Fisher Point have been temporarily closed.

Smoke may be visible from the Flagstaff area and will drift to the east; expect smoke to be noticeable in Walnut Canyon, I-40, and the Continental Country Club area.

###