ARIZONA TRAIL:
GILA RIVER CANYONS PASSAGE 16
The “golden
spike” moment for the Arizona Trail is marked only by a simple brass survey
post set in a concrete base banked with native rocks. Dedicated on December 16, 2011,
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| Trellis bridge over the Gila River below the golden spike site. |
the low-key
monument that sits above the banks of the Gila River near the town of Kelvin
denotes the completion of a decades-long effort to build a non-motorized
recreation trail from Mexico to Utah.
The monument bears the initials of Dale Shewalter, the “Father of the
Arizona National Scenic Trail. Sadly,
Shewalter did not live to see the completion of the trans-Arizona trail he
worked for beginning in the mid-1980s.
 |
| "Golden spike." |
The understated tribute on a ridge overlooking a river and trellis
bridge at the gateway to one of the trail’s most spectacular segments is an apt
tribute to the tenacious teacher, activist and adventurer.
 |
| ASARCO Ray Mine in distance |
It’s also the
keystone of one of the most technically-challenging and profoundly beautiful
segments of the 800+-mile route. David
Hicks, former Arizona Trail director who recently backpacked the 26-mile Gila
River Canyons Passage 16 enthusiastically recommends it for skilled hikers
looking for an epic experience. “I
feel it is only second to the Grand Canyon in scenic beauty--and, there are
many sections of the Arizona Trail that fit that description,” Hicks
gushed. “In the Gila River Canyons there
are some sections so remote that you will likely not see another person during
the time that you might spend in this passage.”
According to Francisco Mendoza, a Bureau
of Land Management Tucson Field office outdoor recreation planner, there are
many reasons why this section of the trail was the last to be completed. “There were the problems of access, rugged
terrain, protecting sensitive ecosystems and archeological sites and the need
to work with land owners, mine claims, ranching operations and government
agencies,” Mendoza said.
 |
| Gila River near Kelvin. |
As the man who
navigated the topographic challenges and a maze of permits and permissions, he
knows first-hand. “Mendoza can be called the Father of the Gila River Canyons
Passage,” says Hicks. “It was he who did
the initial scoping of the route and was the architect for the laying out
of this scenic segment.” His
work forged many positive relationships among the myriad entities that worked
together to create a world-class stretch of trail. The planning and assessment efforts
began in 2002 with field reconnaissance, negotiations and tons of paperwork
before ground work commenced.
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| Arizona Trail, Gila River Canyons Passage 16 |
“First assault happened in 2007,” says Mendoza. A
mixed bag of labor including youth crews, volunteers and contractors was used
in the trail construction. Although it’s technically done, the work goes
on. “The term ‘complete’ is relative,” Hicks says. “Sure, it’s
done, but ongoing regular maintenance is needed due to fires, erosion and
opportunities for improvements. The trail is not a stagnant path but a living Arizona
treasure that requires attention and funding to preserve it for generations to
come.”
 |
| Dave Hicks, Francisco Mendoza and John Matteson at the spike. |
(A recent hike on the passage
with Hicks, Mendoza, June Lowrey, public affairs officer for the Bureau of Land
Management and John Matteson, Arizona Trail regional trail steward, was
punctuated with removing stones, trimming catclaw and making plans to repair a
drainage.) The placid riverside start to the passage belies a wild and diverse trip through pristine backcountry with many
surprises along the way. For instance, the 15 miles of trail
near the communities of Kelvin and Riverside is one of only two sections of the
AZT that runs along a perennial flowing stream.
Beyond the water, the trail swings north, climbs steadily
for several miles and then opens to what Hicks describes as "jaw dropping
awesome scenery”. Gaping canyons,
amazing rock formations and miles of untainted natural beauty are the payoff
for making the grueling trek. Passage 16
ends in the middle of nowhere with no reliable water sources or easy exits, so
it’s imperative that those attempting it understand the route and have a
plan. “Eleven miles north of the river,
the passage ends.” Hicks says. “But trail users aren't done when they get to
that spot. There's another 12 miles of Arizona Trail in the Alamo Canyon
Passage 17 to the Picket Post Trailhead near Highway 60. It’s great backpacking.”
 |
| Rugged beauty of Alamo Canyon. |
LENGTH: 26 miles
one-way
ELEVATION: 1646- 3714’
GETTING THERE:
From US 60 in
Superior, go 15.2 miles south on State Route 177 to the Florence-Kelvin
Highway. Continue 1.2 miles south, cross the Kelvin Bridge and park where the passage begins
south of the bridge along Centurion
Road.
For more access
points and detailed route information:
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