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Y BAR TRAIL # 44
Tonto National Forest, near
Payson
 |
| Y Bar Trail on the edge above Shake Tree Canyon |
Woe be to my judgment when I
equate a trail's greatness with how much I want to puke while hiking
it. I mean that in a good way. Trails that have lots of strenuous elevation
gain and dizzying exposure are personal favorites. Heights, cliffs and
edge-hugging bends all provide an adrenaline-fueled euphoria that can
sometimes muddle decision making skills. While learning to conquer
fear and build confidence are perks of the sport, it's important to
crank up the brain cells when approaching the thin veil that
separates exciting from stupid. Agonizing but ultimately wise hiking
choices I have made include missing a summit because of an
ear-infection-induced case of vertigo and abbreviating a recent trek
on Y Bar Trail #44 when my group encountered more ice and snow than we were prepared to tackle safely. Next time. Although
tame in comparison to some other notoriously arduous Arizona hiking
trails, Y Bar still has several opportunities to pause for thought.
The trail is steep, rocky and requires traversing of talus slopes
and narrow, cliff-clinging turns with deep drop offs. On days when
it's clear of obstacles, this challenging trail within the Mazatzal
Wilderness is achievable by most well-conditioned, adequately
equipped hikers. Do not underestimate the slowing power of constant
elevation gain and unstable footing. Bring along extra water and food
as this hike will likely take longer than you estimate. Even the most
athletic hikers will want to allow extra time to soak in the scenery.
The hike begins with a
moderate climb through juniper, oak and agaves with big views of the
Mogollon Rim and Highway 87 a thousand feet below. After a series of
switchbacks, the trail swings west, heading deeper into the
wilderness where it dips into Shake Tree Canyon then moves up along
the jostled terrain of Cactus Ridge to emerge on a magnificent,
windy saddle. Here, 7,903-foot Mazatzal Peak towers above a craggy
back country of rock pinnacles, scorched trees and fathomless scoured
basins. The trail ends at the Windsor Saddle where it meets up with
Mazatzal Divide Trail that's also part of Arizona Trail Passage #23.
Unless you've researched and geared up for one of the marathon loop
treks returning on either the Barnhardt or Rock Creek Trail, make
this your turn around point.
LENGTH: 4.6 miles one way
RATING: difficult
ELEVATION: 4,200' - 7,100'
GETTING THERE:
Barnhardt Trailhead:
From Shea Blvd. and State
Route 87 (Beeline Hwy.) in Fountain Hills, travel 51 miles north on
SR87 to Forest Road 419. This road is located just beyond the sign
for Barnhardt Trailhead roughly 0.25-mile south of the town of
Gisela. Turn left and go 4.8 miles on FR 419 to the trailhead. FR 419
is a rutted one-lane track. Although sedans are frequently sighted at
the trailhead, a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Trail heads
left at a sign a few yards up the Barnhardt Trail.
INFO: Tonto National Forest
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