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Friday, July 15, 2011

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

ROSE CANYON LAKE

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

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

Monday, July 11, 2011

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,