Take a hike with wildflower experts

McDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE WILDFLOWER WALK

Ever wish you knew a little more about the colorful springtime blooms that pop up all over the Valley? Then, join wildflower experts Marianne Jensen and Steve Jones this Sunday for an educational walkabout in the foothills of Scottsdale's McDowell Mountains.  In addition to learning a thing or two, the weather should be perfect and you'll get in a good hike.
WHEN:  Sunday, March 24, 2013
TIME: 7:45 a.m.
WHERE: Tom's Thumb trailhead--directions below.
LENGTH: 3 miles
RATING: moderate, appropriate for ages 10 and older
ELEVATION: 2800' - 2950'
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 all the way.

INFO:
http://mcdowellsonoran.org/event/displayEvent/297#sthash.DJygPv3H.xHnEvfDF.dpbs

Wilderness waterfalls

BARNHARDT FALLS

Tonto National Forest

entrance to the grotto

inside the grotto: March 16, 2013

view of the trail with "chevron folds" on left canyon wall

Late winter snowfall followed by suddenly warm days of spring combine for  a perfect storm for waterworks in the Mazatzal Wilderness.  Because of this, Barnhardt Trail #43 is a busy place from March through early April--peak season for snowmelt waterfalls. In addition to its spectacular display of cascades, the totally canyon bound route zigzags through a complicated stew of geological delights including some spectacular "chevron folds"---accordion-style bends in the canyon wall created by millions of years of tectonic forces.  Also, look for "fossil" waves in the quartzite.  These stone ripple marks are either preserved ocean-bottom wave action or fingerprints of currents of shallow rivlets. Throughout the hike, outcroppings of blush-colored quartzite and dragon-scaly shales are drenched by trickling springs, puddles of melted ice and roaring cascades of water plunging 2000 feet over rough cut cliffs.  Several stony ledges along the way offer excellent views of water flowing at the bottom of the canyon and the contorted rock formations.  A particularly grand vista can be seen at a the 2.80-mile point where a natural rock shelter embellished with clumps of pincushion cactus teeters above a vertical drop with big views of the Mogollon Rim.  Although trail #43 runs for six miles one-way, we like to hike up to the large slot canyon falls at the 3.14-mile point, climb to the semi-hidden grotto and then return the way we came.   Amazingly, some hikers walk right past the slot without even noticing the 100-foot, three-tiered cataract visible around a bend in the rock. The entry is marked by a gushing, double water chute as shown in the photo on the left. It takes a bit of scrambling to get into the grotto at the base of the falls, but the effort pays off in a memorable shower of icy spray and crystal clear plunge pools. 

the rock shelter

LENGTH: 6.5 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  4210' - 5580'

GETTING THERE:

From Shea Blvd and AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) in Fountain Hills, travel 51 miles north on 87 to FR 419.  This road is located just beyond the sign for Barnhardt Trailhead and 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.

INFO: Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35281&actid=50

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Video: Barnhardt Canyon waterfalls

BARNHARDT CANYON
Mazatzal Wilderness
The waterfalls along Barnhardt Trail #43 were running wild today. I'll be posting a trip report and photos from today's hike later, but, here's a video of the waterworks in the big grotto.

New & improved Arizona Trail maps now available.

JOIN THE ARIZONA TRAIL ASSOCIATION to gain access to these high-value trekking tools.

The Arizona Trail Association has announced a new series of online maps and elevation charts for each of the 43 passages along the Arizona Trail. The former maps have been replaced by these custom topographic Passage Maps with the Arizona Trail clearly defined, nearby trailheads, access roads, and more. They are available for viewing, downloading and printing under the Passages page.

Additionally, elevation charts for each passage have been reworked and are available to members only on the same Passages page. After you login as a member, just click the “YES” icon under Passage Profile. They are an excellent resource when planning your next Arizona Trail adventure.

The new maps and elevation charts are just a few of the useful tools available in the new Trail Resources page of the Arizona Trail website. Water sources, loop hikes, a contact list of trail stewards, and much more are available for your use. And if you haven’t used the Interactive Trail Map and explored all its features, that should be at the top of your list of next (virtual) places to visit.

Arizona Trail Association:

http://www.aztrail.org/

Now blooming: Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

UNION PEAK-DESERT TORTOISE LOOP
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

Summit of Union Peak

Some friends just sent me photos of their hike yesterday in this northwest Valley preserve, , and WOW.  Now is the time to go see the wild poppies covering the slopes around Union Peak and Dixie Mountain!

Mexican Gold Poppy

Blackfoot daisy

chuparosa a.k.a. hummingbird plant

LENGTH: many trails, refer to trailhead sign for options RATING: easy-moderate ELEVATION:  1,600' – 2,200' DOGS: dogs must be on leash and handlers must pack out poo
KID FRIENDLY: yes
FACILITIES: no restroom or water. plenty of parking, trail map sign, and there’s a special lot for horse trailers
HOURS: 6 a.m to 7 p.m.  GETTING THERE: 

Desert Vista Trailhead:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to Jomax exit.  Go 0.2 mile on Jomax to Norterra Parkway, turn left (north) and continue 1.2 miles to North Valley Parkway.  Turn right (south) and go 0.2 miles to Copperhead Trail.  Turn left and go just a few yards  to Melvern Trail.  Turn left on Melvern and go 0.1 mile  to Desert Vista Trail on the right .  Follow Desert Vista through a gate that leads to the trailhead..

INFO: City of Phoenix, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

 http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/sonoran/index.html

Superstition Mountains wildflower hike

CROSSCUT-TREASURE LOOP

Tonto National Forest

Brittlebush: March 9, 2013

Blessed with a beveled topography leaning into sun-drenched exposure, the open rangeland of the western Superstition Wilderness is choice property for spring wildflowers. In addition to its fortuitous floral fortitude, the Crosscut Trail is very easy to get to, making it one of the most popular hikes for viewing annual blooms. A backdrop of abrupt volcanic escarpments that have been photographed and filmed to death (think, Jerry Maguire) add to the allure of this Apache Junction tourist magnet. 

Wild hyacinth & cholla cactus

Crosscut trail, which wanders 4.5 miles from First Water Road to Broadway in Mesa, also connects with a bevy of routes just outside the boundary of Lost Dutchman State Park.  The Treasure Loop is a favorite because it gets nice and high, brushing the base of geologic landmarks like the "Green Rock" and the "Praying Hands".  For flower lovers, the 500 feet of elevation gain and entry into damp drainage gullies, produces a variety of moisture-loving plants (Dainty Desert Hideseed) as well as those that thrive in more open and arid micro climates (Mexican Gold Poppies).   March and April are the best months for to see the blossoms before impending heat takes them out for another year. 

view from the trail

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

Follow Crosscut Trail (aka Jacob's Trail #58 and Jacob's Crosscut) 1 mile to the junction with Treasure Loop #56 and follow the signs.

LENGTH:  3.5 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2580'- 2060'

FACILITIES: none
GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel east on US60 to exit 196 (Idaho Rd/AZ88).  Go left at the off ramp and follow AZ88 7 miles to First Water Road (FR78) near milepost 201 on the right. Go 1 mile on FR78 to the signed Crosscut trailhead on the right. There is NO fee to park here.

Alternate access:  For access with restrooms, maps and picnic tables enter via Lost Dutchman State Park and use the maps posted at the trailheads. The park charges a $7 daily fee per vehicle.

INFO: Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, 480-610-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35455&actid=50

MAPS: Lost Dutchman State Park

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/map.html

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Barrier-free wildflower trails

JUDITH TUNELL TRAILS

South Mountain Park

Judith Tunell Challenge Trail, March 7, 2013

Recently re-paved and groomed these two trails make getting out into the desert easy for everyone.  Two connected loop routes offer choices for those with mobility concerns or families with little kids.  The Accessible Loop is 100% paved, flat and outfitted with benches, shade ramadas and interpretive signage giving insight to the local flora, fauna and human history.  The Challenge Loop, although also paved, features a slightly steeper grade leading to a scenic rest point overlooking downtown Phoenix.  Both loops are perfect choices for viewing spring wildflowers. Right now, brilliant Mexican Gold Poppies are spilling over the bajadas while vivid purple lupine and scorpionweed vie for attention among saguaros and hedgehog cactuses.  Today’s rain will surely amplify the colorful show, which usually runs wild through April.

Scorpionweed & Gordon's Bladderpod

LENGTH:  1 mile (two 0.5-mile loops)

RATING: easy, barrier-free

ELEVATION:  1370’ - 1440

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel south on Central Ave., which will dead end at the park entry gate.  Pass through the gate, take the first left and continue 0.1 mile to the Environmental Education Center.  Trail begins behind the center.

INFO & MAPS:

City of Phoenix, South Mountain Park

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/hiking/index.html

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Urban wildflower hike

TERRACE TRAIL

Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

Globemallow, March 7, 2013

Wolfberry, March 7, 2013

She appeared out of a pile of rubble to check me out as I photographed wildflowers on the flood plain.  The beautiful white pitbull mix kept both her distance and a watchful eye on my wanderings, never letting me get more than a few dozen yards of her. I dubbed her “Ghost”. Sadly, feral dogs and cats are common in this 5-mile stretch of the Salt River, which cuts through Phoenix just south of downtown.  Surrounded by quarries and construction industries, this 595-acre City of Phoenix multi-purpose project spanning from 19^th Ave to 28^th Street was developed to restore the native riparian life zone, improve flood management and open new recreational opportunities.  The formerly blighted river corridor was cleared, water pumped in and thousands of native plants reintroduced into created wetland marshes, mesquite bosques and cottonwood-willow habitats. Even with all the improvements, the sights and sounds of the heavy industry end of town are ever present ---planes overhead, earth movers groaning in the quarries that flank the river and unfortunate piles of trash carried in on the wind.  Still, it’s important to keep in mind how extraordinary it is that this place even exists.  And, for me that’s the draw.  Although the Terrace Trail is one of the least attractive of the area’s hiking routes, I find it fascinating to marvel at the variety of life inhabiting this sliver of green wedged between freeways and barrios.  Beautiful life such as globemallow, wolfberry and popcorn flowers mix with water fowl, rabbits, lizards and misplaced beasts like Ghost, who I last saw loping off toward 19^th Avenue.

Terraced waterfall & cottonwood trees

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

RATING:  easy---rocky, unpaved route

ELEVATION:  1,100’

DOGS:  leashed dogs are allowed only on paved trails

HOURS: sunrise to sunset or 7 p.m. whichever comes first

GETTING THERE:

There are many access points.  I used the 7^th Ave trailhead just south of US 60. Hike west from &th Ave to 19th Ave. 

"Ghost" the feral dog

INFO & MAP:

City of Phoenix, 602-262-6863

Audubon Visitor Center, 602- 468-6470

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/riosalado/index.html

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CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP TRAIL

CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP

Payson

Water on the Cypress Trail: March 2, 2013

Snow on North Boulders Loop: March 2, 2013

The seasons of spring and fall share a common, landscape transforming magic.  While autumn is famous for painting the Arizona high country in warm fiery hues, spring brings on a rush of “pop up” snow melt rivers to our deserts.  March and April are the best months to view the transient water works in the Payson area.  There’s still enough snow on the peaks and hiding out in shady canyons to keep ravines and gullies flowing, but it won’t last long. Located close to town in a surprisingly untamed terrain of weathered granite dells and abrupt mini-canyons, the Cypress-Boulders Loop, is an ideal place to experience snowmelt runoff.  The trail is shared-use and open to hikers, equestrians, bikes and ATVs, and thus sees lots of action especially during this prime time.  When we hiked here this week, water was everywhere and we found ourselves hopping rivulets and ogling at water chutes cascading over bare rock every few minutes.  Forests of pines, junipers and of course cypress trees mixed in with open, boulder-studded fields form a patchwork of shade and sun along the route.  Although this hike would be pretty anytime of year, cool temperatures and rare water make it exceptional in spring.

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, follow Cypress Trail 2.5 miles to the junction for Boulders Trail.  Take either the north or south leg and hike the 2.7-mile loop back to this junction, then retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

LENGTH:  7.3 miles round trip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  4485’- 4932’

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on SR87 (Beeline Hwy) to Payson.  At the intersection of SR87 and SR260, go right and follow 260 less than a mile to Granite Dells Road on the right just past the Safeway.  Go 1.9 miles on Granite Dells to a small easy-to-miss sign for Cypress Trail.  There’s no official parking area, just find a spot along the road being mindful of the private driveways in the area.

ALTERNATE ACCESS TO THE LOOP:

Go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into FR435 after 1.3 miles) and park at the Monument Peak trailhead on the left just before a roadblock.  From here, hike down to the roadblock on FR435 and hike 0.5 mile (crossing 3 concrete bridges) to the Boulder Loop trailhead—look for a sign on the cliff wall on the left.  The trail begins on the dirt road heading downhill to the right. NOTE: From the first P.A.T.S. sign above the gorge, the trail continues directly across the gorge.  (NOTE: when we hiked this trail in April 2017, this access trail had been washed away. To reach eh trail, continue another 0.25 mile down FR435 and follow the ATV track to cross the gorge) You can see the signs high on the opposite embankment. 

INFO:

Payson Area Trails System (PATS)

http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/payson-area-trails-system-fd7b3

Four Forest Restoration Initiative update

Forest Service Provides Early Opportunity to Preview 4FRI Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Coconino National Forest

As avid hikers, we should all be aware of restoration and woodland health efforts planned for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.   Today, the forest service released to the public a draft of the plans and how they may impact the landscape.  Our input is encouraged.  Let's be proactive in assuring forest health is maintained while protecting access to public lands.  Here's the press release and link to the draft statement:

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Forest Service is providing the public with an early opportunity to preview the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).  The DEIS for the first analysis area on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests has been posted to the 4FRI website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/4fri/planning.

In response to public input, the Forest Service will offer a 60-day formal comment period on the DEIS, which will begin with the publication of the Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register.  The NOA is expected to be published in late March.

In order to allow additional time for public consideration of this extensive document, online access to the DEIS is being made available by the Forest Service prior to the official start of the formal comment period.

“There are numerous individuals and groups with an interest in this document,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart.  “We wanted to provide as much time as possible for people to digest the information and begin to form comments and questions.”

When the official NOA is published, the Forest Service will announce dates for public meetings.  The public meetings will provide interested individuals the opportunity to learn more about the DEIS and comment on its contents.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/4fri/planning

Wildflowers of the wild west

COFFEE FLAT to WHITLOW CANYON

Superstition Wilderness

corral at Whitlow Canyon

Fairy Duster

Early spring brings a magical transition to the Superstition Wilderness.  It's a time when winter-worn shrubs and the gray stubble of last year's flora make a yawning renewal.  Right now, the craggy, hilly terrain is awash in splendor-hinting shades of green with the first of the early blooming wildflowers already beginning to show on sunny side of the mountains.  Although most any trail in the Superstitions would be good for viewing wildflowers, the routes leaving from the Peralta trailhead are particularly productive due to the way water rolls down from hoodoo edged ridgelines over loose-soil slopes before settling into deeply incised canyons where mesquite and Palo verde trees play nurse maid to myriad fragile perennials.  For our first wildflower hike of the year, we selected a mostly unshaded route to catch the early bloomers. This week we observed spotty specimens of wild hyacinth, fiddleneck, scorpion weed, buckwheat, brittlebush, red maids, filaree and Mexican gold poppies.  Best of all, an abundant crop of sprouts teased for a better-than-average wildflower season to come. Color was best along the Dutchman's Trail, especially where riparian life zones thrive around lingering pools of water.  At 2.6 miles, we turned onto the Coffee Flat Trail with the goal of visiting the mesquite bosque and old stock corral at Whitlow Canyon. The corral is a collection of knotted barbed wire and rusty signs drenched in rugged old west character.  Before heading back the way we came, we took a break beneath a twisted mesquite tree surrounded by greenery that will soon burst into fields of golden poppies .

Water on the Dutchman's Trail

HIKE PLAN:

From the Peralta trailhead, begin hiking east on Dutchman's Trail #104.  At 2.6 miles veer right at the signed junction for Coffee Flat Trail # 108.  Follow #108 for 1.7 miles to the prominent wash of Whitlow Canyon, cross the wash and within a few yards, look for a cairned "Y" intersection.  Take the right fork to get to the corral. See "more photos" for images of these unsigned waypoints.

LENGTH:  9.2 miles roundtrip

RATING:  easy- moderate

brittlebush

ELEVATION:  2287' - 2680'

FACILITIES: restrooms

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel east on US60 to Apache Junction.  Continue roughly 8 miles to Peralta Road (FR77) located between mileposts 204 and 205.  There’s also a sign indicating "Peralta Trailhead". Turn left and follow Peralta Road 7.2 miles to the trailhead. 

INFO: Mesa Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, 480-610-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=35495&actid=30

MAP:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5163340.pdf

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Desert wildflower season 2013

WILDFLOWER HIKING SEASON 2013 GETS OFF TO A COLORFUL START

Mexican gold poppy: Feb. 23, 2013

Red Maids: Feb. 23, 2013

Desert Rock Pea: Feb. 23, 2013

Wild hyacinth, aka Blue Dicks: Feb. 23, 2013

Desert wildflowers are popping up all over the low deserts this week.  With a decent amount of cultivating winter rain and warming temperatures, the show is off to a good start. Here's a sampling of what's blooming in the Superstition Wilderness right now.  Stay tuned for updates and wildflower hike trip reports. Can't wait?  Click on the "wildflower" link in this blog's trail index for dozens of top blossom-viewing trails.

GPS withdrawal at Skunk Tank

SKUNK TANK-CAVE CREEK LOOP

Tonto National Forest

Cave Creek Trail

New River Mesa as seen from Skunk Tank Trail

Except for an A minus I once achieved in a grad school statistics class, I've never been particularly gifted with numbers.  This might explain my befuddlement over the actual length of Tonto National Forest’s Skunk Tank-Cave Creek Loop hike.  Additionally, inconsistent signage and conflicting published reports didn't help rectify the numbers.    It's pretty common knowledge that forest service trail signs are rounded up or down to convenient fractions.  Trail segments that are actually 0.3 mile might well be posted as .25 mile and 0.6 mile as 0.5 mile.   Yup, that's me splitting hairs for no good reason, and yet, over 10 miles or more, with 5 trail junctions, the discrepancy can add up and escalate into a hot topic especially along that last mile which always feels longer than its advertised range.  A check of various hike books, maps and web sites declare this trail length at anywhere from 9.2 miles to 12 miles.   So, I geared up for a 12-miler, grabbed my GPS and stepped out to get my own read.  Now, I wasn't about to place too much trust in my GPS either.  That's because on past hikes, GPS-totting trekkers in my group have all come up with different mileage reads on their devises----BIG differences, like 2-3 miles.  But, since my devise is brand new and set up to acquire all those extra Russian satellites, I figured, why not give it a try.

But, I refuse to be a GPS junkie---checking moving speed and elevation profiles every half-mile and robotically announcing the results to bored travel companions as if it mattered.  Nope. Set up, hit track, waypoint when necessary and don't look again until trail's end.  We began the loop hiking counterclockwise to take on Skunk Tank Trail #246 (note: some trail signs mistakenly say Skunk "Creek").  This open-to-the-sky segment makes a steady climb over rolling desert hills dotted with cactus and the sprouts of what may be a good wildflower season .  At 1.4 mile from the 246 junction, run off from Quien Sabe (means: "who knows") Spring spills down a narrow gully.  The spring itself is 0.3 mile up the gully, but it's a bushwhack to get there, and frankly, not worth the effort.  Skunk Tank Trail tops out at a 4100' lookout point with dizzying views of New River Mesa, Humboldt Mountain and Quien Sabe Peak. 

From here, the route plunges downhill toward Skunk Tank on a slim path cut into sloping, exposed (not for acrophobics) hillsides.  The tank is a lovely willow-ringed oasis where swarms of birds and other local wildlife---like mountain lions and deer---gather to quench their thirsts and maybe score a meal. Pass through the tank's rustic barbed wire fence and soon the junction with Cave Creek Trail #4 comes into view signaling the final leg of the hike.  This is also the best part because trail #4 moves among the waters of Cave Creek, lofty canyon walls, a lush riparian ecosystem and two rare crested saguaros.  Back at the trailhead, my GPS read 10.385 miles.  I'm gonna call it 10.4-miles, and "who knows" if it's really 10.6 or 10.2. Who cares?

Cave Creek water: Feb. 16, 2013

LENGTH:  10.4 loop

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  2980'-4100'

FEES: a Tonto Pass is NOT required at the hiker trailhead, but may be required if you park at other recreation sites in the area.

GETTING THERE:

Cave Creek Trailhead (as described here): From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit 36 and go 13 miles north on Pima to Cave Creek Road.  Turn right (east) and go 12.5 miles on Cave Creek Road (a.k.a FR 24 and Seven Springs Road) past Seven Spring Recreation Area to Cave Creek trailhead on the left located between MCDOT mile markers 12 and 13.  Roads are a mixture pf pavement and good dirt passable by passenger cars when dry. Two minor creek crossings on cement are required—do not attempt after heavy rains.

HIKE PLAN:

From the trailhead, pick up Cave Creek Trail #4 and hike 0.6 mile south to the Cottonwood Trail #247 junction.  (NOTE: winter 2013 flooding has washed out much of this area.  Cairns and red trail tape have been placed have been placed as temporary navigation tools).  Follow #247 less than a mile to the Skunk Tank Trail #246.  Follow #246 to Cave Creek Trail #4, turn right and follow it back to the trailhead.

INFO:

Cave Creek Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, 480-595-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35249&actid=50

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Snow! Snow!

Snow on the McDowell Mountains: Feb 20, 2013

Doesn't  this make you wanna ditch work and go hiking?  Here's the view from my office window in Scottsdale this afternoon.  Rare desert snow on a sunny afternoon. Oh to be on a McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail right  now!

Take your best shot at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

McDowell Sonoran Preserve 2013 Photography Contest

If you've been reading this blog for more than 15 seconds, you already know I'm a huge fan of Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. We hikers have them to thank for preserving irreplaceable desert land on the outskirts of our suburbs and also for building a stunning network of trails for our enjoyment. And, the work continues with plans to expand recreational opportunities in the Brown' Ranch area this year. Haven't been there yet? Now is the perfect time. Spring wildflower season is here and the McDowell Mountains area's rich biodiversity makes it a premier location for bloom spotting.  May I suggest the Bell Pass and Gateway Loop Trails.....

As an extra incentive to draw visitors to the preserve, the Conservancy has launched its 2013 Focus on Conservation photo contest. This year's categories are biodiversity, sustainability, families and fitness. So grab your camera and submit your best shot for a chance to be featured in an online gallery.

Whether you head out on your own or as part of one of the organization's guided hikes, it's a great way to get to know all about this North Valley jewel of a hiking destination.

DEADLINE: May 31, 2013

CONSERVANCY INFO:

http://mcdowellsonoran.org/home#sthash.3FUHEKX2.dpbs

PHOTO CONTEST INFO:

http://mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/contestEntry2#sthash.vU42smVx.dpbs

Hike to Devil's Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools

SOLDIER PASS-BRINS MESA-CIBOLA PASS-JORDAN TRAIL LOOP

Coconino National Forest, Sedona

Devil's Kitchen

Seven Sacred Pools

For a short trek, this little loop packs in plenty of variety.  First up, is Devil's Kitchen---Arizona's largest sinkhole. Formed by a series of catastrophic geological events, the hole will continue to grow over time and the AZ Geological Survey considers the area unstable and hazardous. Although it might look tempting, the sinkhole is just not safe to explore beyond the trail. A link below leads to an AZGS article about Devil's Kitchen and includes lots of interesting maps and data.   Beyond the slump, head left and hike less than a mile  to see the "seven sacred pools", a chain of shallow ponds scoured from red sandstone that reflect both blue sky and colorfully-layered canyon walls.  Once done exploring the pools, follow the trail through a calming landscape of cypress, juniper and yuccas to the sign for Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness.  Here, an unsigned, but obvious footpath heads right for a mildly steep quarter-mile side trip to the Soldier Pass Arches. Past the arches, the route makes its final ascent to the Brins Mesa Trail junction.  At just under 5,000' the views here are breathtaking and breath saving as it's all downhill trekking from here.  Continuing southeast on the Brins Mesa Trail, the route dives into a canyon land of Paleozoic-age sandstones singed by the 2006 Brins Fire.  A haunting landscape of blackened stubble mixed in with healthy high desert flora splatters the gorges in earthy shades of green.  A mid-segment lookout point provides unobstructed vistas of Sedona, and sometimes, graceful waterfalls can be seen washing over distant crags. 

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, follow the access path 0.2 mile to the first junction and turn left to pick up the Soldier Pass Trail.  Hike roughly 0.7 mile to the wilderness sign where an optional side path leads to a series of natural arches.  This side trip will add 0.5 mile to the hike.  Continue another 1.0 mile on Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Trail.  Turn right here and hike 2.0 miles to the Cibola Trail, turn right and go 0.6 mile to Jordan Trail, turn right again and hike 0.3 mile to the Soldier Pass junction, turn left and hike 0.2 mile back to the trailhead.

LENGTH:  5-mile loop (5.5 with arches detour)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:  4,450'- 4,930'

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

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

HOURS: the Soldier Pass trailhead is gated and open only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

There's alternate access off Jordan Road.

GETTING THERE: Use the FREE SEDONA SHUTTLE: 928-203-5252, SedonaShuttle.com

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to exit 298 for Sedona/Oak Creek. Turn left (west) onto SR179 and continue to the traffic circle intersection at SR89A.  Veer left through the circle heading toward Cottonwood on SR89A.  Between milepost 372 and 373, turn right onto Soldier Pass Road, drive 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows, turn right and continue 0.25 mile to the short drive to the trailhead on the left.

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55392&actid=50

GEOLOGY ARTICLE

http://azgeology.azgs.az.gov/archived_issues/azgs.az.gov/arizona_geology/winter09/article_devilskitchen.html

A waterfall for all

WATERFALL CANYON

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

Pool at the base of Waterfall Canyon: Feb. 12, 2013

Approaching the slot canyon

How many people can fit into the 12' x 12' box canyon at the end of White Tank Mountain Park's Waterfall Trail?  By my observations, at least 16--while a constant que waits on deck to rotate in.  Perhaps a better question might be; what on earth could possibly be so interesting that 16 people would want cram into such a place?  Welcome to one of Arizona's premier mostly-barrier-free hiking destinations. This extraordinary trail's popularity is bolstered by its wide, flat surface which is advertised as suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers for at least the first 0.6-mile.  However, I've seen wheeled trekkers make it all the way up to the final 300 yards where a set of stone stairs leads to the box canyon---and beyond with a little assistance.  This is a beautiful thing.  Because so many of Arizona's special hiking trails require physical stamina and equipment lists beyond the scope of casual day trippers, it's good to know that Waterfall Canyon offers a glimpse of desert splendor to anyone willing to get out of  their car.  Besides the sometimes-flowing-sometime-not waterfall, galleries of ancient rock art line the entire route. "Petroglyph plaza"--an open-air amphitheater with benches--displays several major design panels with trailside signs explaining their significance.

Just below the waterfall, another considerable heritage site includes an eclectic mix of astronomical, hunting and magical designs tapped into boulders.  Here, the trail meets stone stairs for a short climb to the waterfall box canyon.  Inside, a trio of  stone walls, worn smooth by a million rainy seasons, jut vertically skyward from a  white sand beach and plunge pool echoing a serinade of digital camera clicks and whizzes.

Crowd in Waterfall Canyon

LENGTH: 2 miles round-trip

RATING: easy, barrier-free up to the last 300 yards.

ELEVATION:  1500' - 1700'

DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed

FACILITIES: restrooms

FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go 18 miles west on I10 Loop 303.  Go north and contnue on 303 to Olive.  Turn left (west) on Olive and proceed 4 miles to the park entrance. Once in the park, follow the main road (White Tank Mountain Rd) 2 miles to Waterfall Canyon Road.  Turn left and go 0.4 mile to the signed trailhead on the left.  NOTE: 2013 road construction plans may cause detours.  Visit the  park web site or call ahead for details.

Art in "petroglyph plaza"

INFO: White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Waddell AZ 623-935-2505

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/default.aspx

MAP:

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/pdf/2012/white-tank-8x11.pdf

MORE PHOTOS:

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