RED MOUNTAIN

RED MOUNTAIN 
Coconino National Forest

Of the more than 600 volcanoes that define northern Arizona’s landscape, only one offers an opportunity for hikers to walk into the innards of a dormant mountain of fire. For reasons not entirely understood by geologists, the northeastern flank of Red Mountain collapsed, exposing the intricate internal structure of the 740,000-year-old cinder cone. Tiny cinders crunch underfoot along the ponderosa-shaded trail that leads into a visually striking arena of towering stone pillars and contorted lava formations. A secured six-foot ladder must be climbed in order to get into the most spectacular part of the mountain where disintegrating layers of red, ocher and black cinders create a maze of clefts and canyons and to explore.

LENGTH: 2.5 miles
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6700' - 7000'
GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff. Connect to Highway 180 and continue north for 33 miles then turn left at mile marker 247. Follow the dirt road for .4 mile to the fenced parking area. There are no fees and no facilities at the trailhead.

VULTEE ARCH

VULTEE ARCH Red Rocks Secret Mountain Wilderness What resembles one of those plastic rock-scape thingies used in lizard terrariums and is named for a guy who crashed his plane? Give up? It’s one of the most-visited geological attractions in Sedona--Vultee Arch, a wide sandstone bridge tucked into the red-rock slopes of Sterling Canyon. In fact, the entire Vultee Arch trail oozes with the accouterments of a lizard paradise: warm sandy soils, lots of rocky ledges for soaking up sunshine and shady thickets of pungent pine-and-lavender-scented juniper and cypress trees. The fact that these same trappings also are a huge draw for people, explains the snarled masses of SUVs at the trailhead. Yet, working through the parking corundum is worth the effort to hike this trail to its end where lizards do push-ups on a bronze plaque placed in memory of the crashed plane guy and his wife in view of the arch that bears their name. LENGTH: 3.4 miles out-and-back RATING: easy ELEVATION GAIN: 500 feet FEE: A Red Rock Pass($5 daily fee) is required.  http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/passes/index.shtml

 INFORMATION: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, (928) 282-4119
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/vultee-arch-tr.shtml
GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 298 for  Sedona/Oak Creek.  Go left (west) on SR179  and continue into the town of Sedona. At the junction of SR179 and US89A (the “Y” traffic circle intersection) turn left onto Highway 89A and continue for 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road (FR 152C) and continue for 2 miles to the turn off for FR 152 on the right. Get on FR 152 and go another 4.4 miles to the signed Vultee Arch trailhead. FR 152 is a bumpy dirt road--although we've seen passenger cars at the trailhead, high-clearance vehicle is a better idea .

DOE MOUNTAIN

View from top of Doe Mountain

Bear Mountain as seen from Doe Mountain

Fancy carin marks a trail on top of Doe Mountain

DOE MOUNTAIN Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness One of the easiest ways to get high enough to enjoy great view vantage points in Sedona is to hike up the Doe Mountain trail. The short, well-worn trail switchbacks among low-growing juniper and cypress trees as it ascends to the top of the isolated red sandstone mesa. Here, many of the area’s most recognizable geological features, including Chimney Rock and Wilson Mountain, are visible in the distance. Once on the summit of the mesa, it’s possible to extend the hike by following one or more of the informal pathways that meander through the high desert scrub to scenic overlooks. LENGTH: 2 miles round trip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 4,600'-5,000'  GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the Sedona/Oak Creek exit 298. Turn east onto SR 179 and continue into the town of Sedona. At the junction of SR179 and US89A (the “Y” traffic circle intersection) turn left onto  89A and continue  3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road (FR 152C) and continue to the intersection with Long Canyon Road. From there, turn left to stay on FR 152C . At the intersection with Boynton Canyon Road, turn left onto Boynton Pass Road. Drive for about 1.2 miles to the trailhead on the right. FEE: Red Rock Pass required: http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml
  INFO:  Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-282-4119
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/doe-mtn-tr.shtml

CAVE CREEK TRAIL #4

CAVE CREEK #4 Tonto National Forest Traversing a swath of classic Arizona Upland Sonoran Desert terrain, Cave Creek trail is a study in environmental diversity and human history. . The trail can be directly accessed from either the Seven Springs area or from the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Either way, hikers will encounter lots of dips and twists in the well-worn path as it wanders among remains of early ranching operations, old mines and a smattering of ancient Hohokam petroglyphs and ruins. Although recent wildfires scorched the eastern end of the trail, the gurgling waters of Cave Creek are feeding a resurgence of the sycamore and cottonwood trees that formerly crowded intermittent pockets of riparian plant life that thrive below saguaro-studded hillsides. The creek runs at its fullest during springtime when a riot of wildflowers paint the desert vistas in vivid shades of orange, purple and red. LENGTH: 10.4 miles one-way RATING: Moderate ELEVATION: 3,500 – 2,440 feet GETTING THERE: East trailhead: From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit. Go north on Pima Road for 13 miles to Cave Creek Road. Turn right (east) onto Cave Creek Road (which will turn into Forest Road 24) and continue 9.5 miles to the Cave Creek Trailhead. West trailhead: From the intersection of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road head north on Cave Creek Road about 2.5 miles to Spur Cross Road. Turn north and drive 4.5 miles to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. From the parking area, hike 2 miles up Spur Cross Trail (which becomes Forest Road 48) to the Cave Creek trailhead. There’s a $3 daily fee per person. Exact change is required for the self-serve kiosk. INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/ccrd/CaveCreekTrail4.pdf or (480) 595-3300 maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/maps.aspx or (480) 488-6601

CRITTERS

You never know what you'll run into while hiking in Arizona. MOURNING DOVE FAMILY: photo by Arlene B. GILA MONSTER: photo by Gary A. TARANTULA: photo by Pete S. CACTUS WREN: photo by Arlene B. LIZARDS: photo by Mare WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE: photo by Pete S.

MORE CRITTERS

ARIZONA TRAIL CRITTERS Just a sample of the critters we run into while hiking in Arizona. GREATER ROADRUNNER: photo by Arlene B. CHUCKWALLA: photo by Pete S. COYOTES: photo by Arlene B. BLACKTAIL RATTLESNAKE: photo by Mare HORNED LIZARD: photo by Cheryl D.

PERALTA CANYON

PERALTA CANYON Superstition Wilderness The blistering heat of summer kicks the Sonoran desert into survival mode. During daytime, the sun’s heat sends critters scurrying for cover, wilts foliage and mutes the songs of insects and birds. Yet, under the resurrecting respite of darkness, the desert transforms into a hauntingly beautiful hiking destination. This year, the Full Buck Moon*—which will emerge within minutes of sunset—will rise on the weekend of July 28th. Although lunar glow is surprisingly bright, night hiking in the desert is still risky business. That’s why it’s smart to select familiar trails for post-sunset treks. For Valley hikers, one of the most intriguing nighttime destinations is the popular Peralta Canyon trail near Apache Junction. Moonlight bathes the jagged hoodoos that hover above this well-worn local path in an unforgettable, dreamy mauve and ocher haze. As dusk creeps through the canyons, the fragrance of night-blooming cacti--accompanied by a serenade of crickets and frogs—rides on the sultry desert air. If you begin hiking around sunset, you’ll reach the Fremont Saddle—the turnaround point for the hike--in time to witness the celestial dance of twilight as it fades to black. On the craggy saddle, in the embrace of utter darkness, the sight of the moon drifting across the night sky beguiles the senses as it drags an eerie cloak of lunar light over the desert canyon below. *In folklore, July’s full moon is named to celebrate the budding of new antlers on deer and elk. It’s also known as the Full Thunder Moon or Full Hay Moon. Source: Farmers Almanac LENGTH: 4.5 miles round-trip (out-and-back hike to the Fremont saddle) RATING: moderate ELEVATION GAIN: 1,400 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take US 60 east to about 8 miles past Apache Junction and look for the “Peralta Trailhead” sign on the side of the road. Turn left onto Peralta Road (Forest Road 77) and drive 8 miles to the trailhead. Information: fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/wilderness/superstition Information about sunset & moonrise dates, visit: spacearchive.info/moonrise-moonset-phoenix.txt

HIDDEN VALLEY

HIDDEN VALLEY South Mountain Park, Phoenix The grey stone walls of Fat Man Pass have been worn to a shiny slick veneer by countless hikers who have sucked in their guts to squeeze through the foot-wide gap—the first of three fun rock scrambles in Hidden Valley. The hike starts on a leg of the National Trail, heading downhill and skirting desert ridges to the Hidden Valley junction at the 1.5 mile point. It’s there that Fat Man Pass presents the first obstacle…but, don’t worry, it’s easy to circumvent the narrow channel and pick up the trail on the opposite side. A short distance later, a natural tunnel made of fallen boulders is easy to pass through. Just past the tunnel, the trail reconnects with the National Trail. Go left at the junction and head back to Buena Vista Lookout. LENGTH: 3.5 miles roundtrip ELEVATION GAIN: 400 feet RATING: easy-moderate GETTING THERE: There are numerous ways to get to Hidden Valley. Here is one option. From Phoenix, follow Central Ave. south to the well-signed park entrance. Follow the signs leading to the Buena Vista Lookout. This is about a 6-mile drive to a nice parking area with great views. There is a “Hidden Valley” sign at the east end of the parking lot indicating the start of the hike. You are actually on a section of the National Trail. Hike about 1.5 miles to the junction for Hidden Valley and follow the sign. This section of the trail takes you through the famous “Fat Man’s Pass” as well as a natural tunnel. Once through the tunnel, reconnect with the National Trail by heading west (left) and follow it back to the Buena Vista trailhead. Admission is free. The park is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. See the park website for additional access points. INFORMATION: phoenix.gov/parks/hikesoth.html

LOWER LaBARGE CREEK

LOWER LABARGE CREEK Superstition Wilderness Tucked into the sun-drenched cacti-studded hills surrounding Canyon Lake, a little-known path leads to a surprisingly lush pool of water, complete with its own sandy beach. Although the middle of the desert might not sound like a good place to find fall foliage, a hike into the lower reaches of LaBarge canyon rewards with torch-bright clusters of Velvet ash, Arizona sycamore, Goodding willows and Fremont cottonwood trees. To find this hidden oasis of color, follow Boulder Canyon Trail #103 for roughly a half-mile to the top of a rise and look for a faint, unmarked path that leaves the main trail and heads right and downhill into LaBarge Creek. Once at the creek, simply hike upstream among the boulders and seasonal pools. Accenting the colorful flora, are veins of jasper and quartz crystals which splatter the craggy canyon walls in shades of ruddy-red and ivory. Fragrant stalks of desert lavender, rustling reeds and frothy clumps of pampas grass add the finishing touches to the canyon’s jumbled crags and rubble-strewn floor. LENGTH: 5.6-mile out-and-back RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 1,680 – 2,300 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Highway 60 east to Apache Junction to the Highway 88 (Idaho Road) exit. Turn left at the off ramp light and continue on Hwy-88 for approximately 15 miles to the Canyon Lake Marina between mileposts 210 and 211. The trail begins at the sign for Boulder Canyon Trail #103 across the road. A Tonto Pass is NOT necessary if you park in the designated trailhead spaces. Information: fs.fed.us/r3/tonto or call Mesa Ranger District (480) 610-3300

FOSSIL CREEK: Bob Bear Trail

FOSSIL CREEK Bob Bear Trail

PERMITS REQUIRED 
April 1st - OCT 1st.
Info & Permits:
https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863
Temporary closures may go into effect for various reasons. Check before you go.

  HIKE DESCRIPTION:Hidden within the walls of a 1,600-foot-deep canyon carved out of rose-tinted sedimentary rock, Arizona’s largest and most diverse riparian area stands in stark contrast against the surrounding arid landscape. Saturated with robust greenery, countless gushing springs, soaring cliffs and refreshing swimming holes, a hike along the Fossil Springs Trail is a veritable road to a desert Garden of Eden. No serious Arizona hiker’s portfolio is complete without a trip down this classic trail. Extremely popular, the Fossil Springs trail holds many delights. The hike begins in the high desert above the canyon where scrub oak, stunted junipers, manzanita, cliff rose, and skunk bush cling to red rock escarpments. There’s little shade for the first three miles, so it’s smart to carry a gallon or more of water per person on this hike. At the bottom of the canyon, the trail becomes somewhat difficult to follow. To find your way, just head toward the canopy of green and you’ll soon encounter a series of progressively larger pools of water in the sandstone. The real adventure begins beyond the pools. After a short scramble through a jungle of cottonwoods and humungous sycamore trees, the sound of gushing water fills the air. Here, at the base of a knarled tree is the first of many springs that pump gallons of icy water per minute into Fossil Creek. At this point, the trail takes on a tropical rainforest flavor. Dozens of species of trees and shrubs grow tall and wide in the rich soil while tangled masses of Canyon grape, yuccas and beds of bright yellow columbine and monkey flowers contribute to an impenetrable undergrowth community. Arizona walnut, alder and hackberry trees make an admirable showing amid massive specimens of water-loving sycamores. The trail continues along the banks of the creek passing numerous pools complete with rope swings and wet dogs. Roughly one mile from the first spring site, the trail reaches an old concrete dam and flume system that at one time diverted Fossil Creek water to a couple of power generating plants downstream. Happily for water-loving hikers, the flume was recently de-commissioned, sending a roaring cascade of water over the cliffs into swimming holes where, on any given weekend, swarms of manic Labrador retrievers and their human companions thrash happily in the warm, mineral-rich spring water. HIGHLIGHTS: Arizona’s largest riparian habitat, splendid waterfalls, gushing springs and sycamore-canopied alcoves. LENGTH: 7 miles round-trip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 3,800’ - 5,100’ Driving distance from Phoenix: 110 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Payson, travel north on Highway 87 to the town of Strawberry. From Strawberry, go left onto Fossil Springs Road (Forest Road 708) and continue for roughly 5 miles to the signed trailhead turnoff on the right. Finding the route: From the trail register, go right and downhill a short distance to an intersection with a dirt road. From there, turn right and descend along a wide path into the canyon. Facilities: vault toilet at the trailhead

BLUE RIDGE

BLUE RIDGE Passage #28 of the Arizona Trail Coconino National Forest In 1994 a group of dedicated hikers formed the Arizona Trail Association to fulfill the dream of a geophysicist, teacher and long-distance runner. The seeds of the Arizona Trail were planted back in the 1970s when Dale Shewalter thought it would be cool to hike the Appalachian Trail, but instead, moved to Arizona. Once in the Grand Canyon State, Shewalter quickly succumbed to the geological diversity underfoot and set out exploring. By 1985, he had blazed his way from Nogales to Flagstaff by linking existing trails and roads spawning a plan for a state-traversing hiking path. Over its 750-mile route, the Arizona Trail passes through virtually every eco-system in the state. From its origin in the desert near the Mexican border to its terminus on the Kaibab Plateau, the trail is designed to showcase Arizona’s diverse landscapes. Divided into 43 “passages” the route can be tackled in manageable chunks. The Blue Ridge passage samples the canyon-riddled high country south of Flagstaff. Best experienced as a 2-day backpack or one-way car shuttle hike, the trail is mostly flat except for where it plunges into the awe-inspiring gorges of East Clear Creek and General Springs canyon. Throughout the hike, the blue-green ridges, for which the trail was named, take center stage on the pastel horizon. HIGHLIGHTS: Pleasant introduction to the northern segments of the Arizona Trail featuring scenic views and a plunge into East Clear Creek Canyon. LENGTH: 15.8 miles, one-way RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 7,300’ – 7,500’ Driving distance from Phoenix: 165 miles one-way GETTING THERE: North access: From Payson, go north on Highway 87 to Forest Road 138 (road signs say Moqui Campground). Turn right onto FR 138 and continue for about 100 yards. The trailhead is on the east (left) side of the road. South access: From Payson, go north on Highway 87 to Forest Road 300 (General Crook Trail). Follow FR 300 (stay straight) for 12 miles to a turnoff on the left that leads to “Battle of Big Dry Wash” historical marker. From there, turn left and follow the power lines for roughly a third-of-a-mile to the General Springs trailhead. Information: (928) 477-2172 or fs.fed.us/r3/Coconino or aztrail.org

WOODS CANYON LAKE

WOODS CANYON LAKE Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest In September of 1993, an unsuspecting hiker went into the thicket surrounding Woods Canyon Lake to answer nature’s call and got more than relief. Lurking in the brush was, as she described it, a very large, hairy, human-like creature who left footprints the size of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus. She did not get a photo, nor did the many other people who claim to have sighted the elusive beast in the Mogollon Rim’s lake country. Known in legend as Bigfoot, it’s not surprising that the shy missing-link would feel at home at the lake. After all, who wouldn’t want to live where wild roses and ferns embellish the shores of a lake teeming with fish, cranes and beavers while a canopy of Douglas firs filters the sunlight and provides cozy, secluded alcoves? More a stroll than a hike, the trail hugs the water’s edge as it skirts dense grasses, woods and dells. Although usually busy, this popular recreation area is so quiet; you can hear fish jumping and the soporific sound of canoes bobbing on the water. There are lots of places along the trail to stop and enjoy the sights, and when nature calls, remember to bring your camera. LENGTH: 3 miles RATING: Easy ELEVATION: 7,500 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Highway 87 north to Payson. In Payson, connect to AZ 260 and drive east for 30 miles to just past milepost 282 and turn left onto Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) at the Woods Canyon Lake sign and go 4 miles to the lake. Park by the store and pick up the trail at either end of the parking lot.

ABBEY WAY

ABBEY WAY Sierra Ancha Wilderness In the forest south of Young, an obscure trail named for 70s eco-guru, Edward Abbey (1927-1989), snakes gently up to the highest point in the Sierra Ancha hills. Passionately protective of the southwest’s wilderness areas, Abbey wrote numerous environmental classics, including, The Monkey Wrench Gang and Desert Solitaire. He did some of his writing while working for two seasons as a forest service lookout in the fire tower on the summit of Aztec Peak. It is sadly ironic that stretches of Abbey Way were burnt to a crisp by the 2000 Coon Creek fire. Among the charred wooden corpses, survivor pines stand unscathed with seedlings beneath their branches. Abbey once said, “There are no vacant lots in nature.” Scrub oak, Arizona maples, agaves and wildflowers are new tenants amid the fertile remains of old growth. The summit, relatively untouched by the fire, features sandstone cliffs that had been the shoreline of an ancient Cambrian sea. Views from the top are unlike any in Arizona. Imagine taking the red rocks of Sedona, the Coconino limestone cliffs of the high county, some pine trees from Payson and the stream-side maples of New England, tossing them into a blender and flinging the results over the earth’s surface. Breathtaking. Whether you are a fan of its namesake or not, Abbey Way is a damn good trail. LENGTH: 4 miles round trip from the trailhead. 7 miles round trip from the gate. RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 6,400 to 7,750 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take US 60 to just before Globe. Go north on SR 188 to 288 (Young Road). Follow 288, a dirt road, for about 14 miles to FR 487. Look for the sign: “Workman Creek Recreation Area”. Drive 16 miles on 487 to the gate with a sign reading: closed Dec. 15 – Mar. 31. You can park at the gate or drive an additional 1.5 miles to the 151 trailhead. But then, you’ll miss hiking past the cliffs and waterfalls. Passenger cars okay.