SUNSET-LITTLE BEAR-LITTLE ELDEN LOOP

SUNSET-LITTLE BEAR-LITTLE ELDEN LOOP Coconino National Forest UPDATE: As of Oct 20, 2016, Little Bear Trail is BACK OPEN. The trail had been closed for 6 years due to damage from the June 2010 Schultz Fire.
Because there are so many fine trails in Flagstaff’s Dry Lake Hills, deciding which to hike can be difficult. This “three-fer” loop hike solves the dilemma. Combining a trio of crowd-pleasing trails, this route swings around high altitude hillsides in lazy-Susan-style for a smorgasbord of sights and varying levels of difficulty. Each trail embodies a unique collection of sweet spots and curiosities. Little Bear, one of the newest trails in the area, is a narrow cut on a steep slope wandering among fir forests, crumbing bluffs and stone escarpments overlooking Sunset Crater and the Painted Desert. Sunset Trail showcases glimpses of the San Francisco Peaks as it makes a substantial climb through mixed pine-oak forests and fragrant alpine meadows. Little Elden-- the easiest segment—heads northwest through fern-laden foothills and stands of spruce trees to complete the loop. HIKE DIRECTIONS: The hike begins on the Sunset Trail with a 1.6-mile uphill climb to the Little Bear Junction. Turn left (northeast) and head 3.5 miles downhill on Little Bear to the Little Elden junction. Go left (northwest) and hike 1.7 miles back to the trailhead. HIGHLIGHTS: undulating route with lots of variety LENGTH: 6.8 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 7,200-9,000 feet RATING: difficult DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to Shultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420) at milepost 218.6. Turn right and continue 5 miles on FR 420 to the Sunset Trailhead on the right. INFORMATION: Peaks Ranger District (928) 526-0866, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/little-bear-tr.shtml

WATERLINE ROAD-TUNNEL TRAIL

WATERLINE ROAD-TUNNEL TRAIL Coconino National Forest   Closed to motorized vehicles except for those used by forest service workers to maintain springs on the northeast slope of San Francisco Peaks, this wide road makes for a pleasant stroll with exceptional views of northern Arizona’s cinder cone fields. The gradual ascent is a cinch to follow and can be hiked in segments using maps available on the Forest Service Web site. Although ambitious trekkers can opt to sprint the entire length in a day, a popular alternative is to make an out-and-back hike to a 25-foot-long tunnel blasted out of a rampart of volcanic rock. HIGHLIGHTS: easy route, unique lava tunnel LENGTH: 14 miles one-way or 4 miles roundtrip to the tunnel and back ELEVATION: 8,000-10,400 feet or 9,400 to the tunnel RATING: easy DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to milepost 218.6 and turn right onto Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420). Continue 6.5 miles to Forest Road 146, turn left and go 0.7 miles to a locked gate. Park in the pullouts long the road. Roads are maintained dirt/gravel and passable by sedan, however high clearance is recommended. INFORMATION: Peaks Ranger District (928) 526-0866, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/waterline-tr.shtml

SCHULTZ FIRE UPDATE

SCHULTZ FIRE IMPACT ON HIKING TRAILS JUNE 2010 UPDATE FOR COCONINO NATIONAL FOREST: Schultz Fire Closure Area Reduced Date: July 14, 2010 Contact: Coconino Supervisor's Office - 928-527-3600 Flagstaff, AZ —The Coconino National Forest is reducing the size of the emergency fire closure around the Schultz Fire area to allow more recreational access to areas that have been deemed safe. Though the new closure order is currently in effect, Forest Service personnel are in the process of repositioning the closure signs according to the new boundaries through today and should be finished by tomorrow. One of the greatest safety concerns within the fire area is the hazard of dead trees falling over, which will be a safety issue for a long time. In addition, because of the severity of the burn and lack of vegetation, loose rocks are rolling down the hillside posing a safety concern. The following trails and roads fall under the new reduced closure area: Schultz Pass Road (FR 420, from Schultz Pass to the north) Lockett Meadow Road (FR 552) Waterline Road (FR 146) Elden Springs Road (FR 556) Little Bear Trail Little Elden Trail Deer Hill Trail Inner Basin Trail Lockett Meadow Campground and Little Elden Springs Horse Camp Fire closures are implemented as standard fire operations procedure for public safety and firefighter safety. This modified closure to public access is in force until September 15, 2010 or later if necessary. The Closure Order and map is at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/nepa/forest-orders/04-10-06-f.pdf. The U.S. Forest Service is still seeking information concerning the person or persons responsible for causing the Schultz Fire. To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the Schultz Fire. The Forest Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The Schultz fire was caused by a campfire that was abandoned without being properly extinguished in the area of Schultz Tank, Little Elden Trail, and Forest Road 420. Please call the Schultz Fire Investigations hotline at (928) 527-3508 if you have any information. Fully contained as of June 30th, this 23-square-mile, human-caused blaze took out some great trails in Flagstaff's Dry Lake Hills area. However, many others were spared and plans are already in the works to re-vegetate the burned area before erosion takes its toll. Here's the run down on what trails are open and which are closed: OPEN AS OF JULY 1, 2010: • Elden Lookout Trail • Fatmans Loop • Sandy Seep • Humphreys Peak • Kachina Trail • Christmas Tree Trail • Brookbank Trail • Pipeline Trail • Upper and Lower Oldham Trails • Rocky Ridge Trail • Schultz Creek Trail • all of Fort Valley Trail system CLOSED INDEFINITELY: • Freidlein Prairie Road • Schultz Pass Road • Elden Lookout Road • Little Bear Trail • Weatherford Trail • Inner Basin Trail • Waterline Road-Tunnel Road • Sunset Trail (from Brookbank junction to Schultz Creek Trail) • Little Elden Trail (from Heart Trail junction to Sunset Trail) I'll be posting photos from our 2009 hikes in this area soon.

MORE SUMMER HIKING TRAILS!

PHOENIX magazine Summer Hiking Guide: ON SALE NOW. Don’t let triple digit summer temperatures put a damper on your hiking habit. Keep on trekking with the July issue of PHOENIX magazine which features 21 high-country trails-personally hiked and rated by yours truly--to help you beat the heat. Extra bonus: check out three of MY DOGS modeling hiking gear on page 47. AVAILABLE AT: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreen’s, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, and area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960

ICEHOUSE CANYON

ICEHOUSE CANYON TRAIL Pinal Mountains, Globe
 It’s a bit tricky to stay on track, but with some attention to detail, hiking to the cool pockets of aspens and maples high on the slopes of the Pinal Mountains is an exhausting yet memorable adventure. From the trailhead, hike a short distance uphill along Forest Road 112 to the Telephone Trail on the right. Follow the Telephone Trail for two-tenths of a mile to the Icehouse Canyon Trail junction, hang a right and go downhill and through a dry wash. Next, pass through a cattle guard and continue up to the top of a rise. From there, go left and follow the road for a half-mile to a junction where there are spring-fed water troughs and salt licks for the domestic cattle (and black bears) that inhabit the area. Veer left and continue on the Icehouse Canyon Trail following the signs to FR 651 (7,560 feet), the turn around point for this hike. To visit Signal Peak (7,812 feet) and Pinal Peak (7,848 feet), continue up the road toward the radio towers and follow the signs. IMPORTANT NOTE: Pinal trails are notoriously overgrown and rife with obstacles. In addition, directional signage is sparse--so hikers must have excellent map and route-finding skills in order to safely navigate these trails. A good map resource is the National Geographic Maps, Salt River Canyon, Tonto National Forest #853. INFORMATION: www.natgeomaps.com/ti_853 LENGTH: 10 miles round trip ELEVATION: 4,520 – 7,560 feet RATING: difficult. BEST SEASONS: March - November (warm in summer) DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 95 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Highway 60 east to Globe. Once in Globe, follow the “Besh-Ba-Gowah Ruins, Globe Ranger Station” signs through downtown to Icehouse Canyon Road (FR 112). Turn right onto FR 112 and continue for 4.2 miles to the Icehouse CCC campsite which is indicated by a brown sign that says: “197, 192”. INFORMATION: (928) 402-6200, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/grd/IcehouseTrail198.pdf

HORTON CREEK-HORTON SPRING

Horton Creek-Horton Spring Tonto National Forest This popular trail never fails to please. Following shady Horton Creek for most of its length, this beautiful trail treats hikers to a non-stop show of waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, wild berries and forests of maples, alders and pines. The semi-grueling uphill jaunt pays off big time at Horton Spring where icy water gushing from a rock cliff tumbles over moss-encrusted boulders into the creek. Its impossible to get tired of this classic Arizona trail. LENGTH: 8 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 5,360 – 6,420 feet RATING: moderate BEST SEASONS: March - November DOG RATING: 3 paws DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 108 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go right (east) and continue on 260 for just under 17 miles (near milepost 268), turn left onto Fish Hatchery Road (Forest Road 289) and go 1 mile to the parking area. From the parking area, hike back down the road, cross the bridge and follow the road to the Horton Campground and the signed trailhead. INFORMATION: Payson Ranger District (602) 225-5200, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/prd/HortonCreekTrail285.pdf

PARSONS TRAIL, MAY 2009

2023 UDATE: THIS TRAIL HAS BEEN HEAVILY DAMAGED BY FIRES, IS IN TERRIBLE CONDITION AND THE FOREST SERVICE IS NO LONGER MAINTAINING IT. Parson's Trail Coconino National Forest Revisited this remarkable canyon last summer and, as always, had a blast. Lots of water, massive red-rock cliffs, riparian forests and interesting geology make this hike a perennial favorite. Enjoy these new photos. HIGHLIGHTS: Spectacular canyon, swimming holes, riparian forests LENGTH: 7 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 3,700 – 3,200 feet RATING: easy DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 150 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 for 90 miles to exit 287 for AZ 260. Go left (west) on 260 and continue for 14 miles to the town of Cottonwood. Once in Cottonwood, go straight through town on Main Street and Broadway (US 89A) following the signs to Tuzigoot National Monument toward the town of Clarksdale. Turn right onto the signed road to Tuzigoot, cross the Verde River Bridge (at the half-mile point) and take the first left onto Sycamore Canyon Road (CR 139). The road turns into maintained dirt and then merges into Forest Road 131. Continue for 10.5 miles following the FR 131 and the Sycamore Canyon road signs to the trailhead where there are no facilities. The dirt roads are passable by sedan but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. INFORMATION: Red Rock Ranger District  www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/parsons-tr.shtml

18 HIKES NOT FEATURED ON THIS BLOG!!

PHOENIX magazine Summer Hiking Guide: on newsstands June 24, 2010. Don’t let triple digit summer temperatures put a damper on your hiking habit. Keep on trekking with the July issue of PHOENIX magazine which features 21 high-country trails-personally hiked and rated by yours truly--to help you beat the heat. Extra bonus: check out three of MY DOGS modeling hiking gear on page 47. AVAILABLE AT: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreen’s, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, and area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960

EAST VERDE RIVER WALK

EAST VERDE RIVER WALK Tonto National Forest As most access points for the East Verde River along Houston Mesa Road remain closed due to the 2009 Water Wheel Fire (as of May 2010), it’s still possible to (legally) experience the cool swimming holes, lush riparian vegetation and reed-rimmed beaches of this perennial waterway via the pullouts along the road to East Verde Estates north of Payson. Well-known among the locals, this place attracts droves of visitors in search of shady picnic spots and refreshing swimming holes--especially on weekends. Hiking in this area is a make-it-up-as-you-go venture, requiring bush wacking, wading, and trudging through soft sands. Although this part of the East Verde isn’t nearly as spectacular as the Houston Mesa strip where amazing waterfalls flow year-round ---for now, this is as good as it gets. LENGTH: optional easily 2-miles one-way RATING: easy—but rocky and sandy, wading ELEVATION: 4,900 feet BEST SEASONS: March -November GETTING THERE: From Payson, go north on SR 87 to the turnoff for East Verde Estates located between mileposts 257 & 258. Turn left and continue 0.2 miles to a parking lot on the left where there’s a restroom and picnic tables. Additional parking is available in a lot that veers right just yards from the SR 87 turnoff. INFORMATION: Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900

WATER WHEEL FIRE UPDATE

UPDATE: APRIL 1, 2011 Good news, hikers, as of April 1, 2011, the Water Wheel-Ellison Creek area off Houston Mesa Road north of Payson has been reopened for day use ONLY. Due to the 2009 human-caused Water Wheel Fire, this primo hiking destination has been off limits-- but no more. Here’s the rub---there’s now an $8 per person day use fee. Self-service kiosks are posted at key access points. Hikers must deposit cash (bring exact change) into provided envelopes and carry the detachable permit stub while inside the fee area. Forest Rangers are aggressively enforcing this new fee---and fines are much more than $8!! WATER WHEEL CLOSURE UPDATE: MAY 8, 2010 Drove up to Payson today to hike and decided to check out the damage caused by last summer’s Water Wheel fire on my way back. Although Houston Mesa Road is now open, there are signs posted long the 1–mile strip where the Water Wheel, First Crossing, Second Crossing and Third Crossing campgrounds are located that warn “no stopping or standing” and the campgrounds are posted with “area closed” signs. The fire charred more than 700 acres, yet, to my amazement, the beautiful old sycamores at the Water Wheel site are intact. Just beyond, though, the hills are burnt down to stubble and it look pretty messy and dangerous. So, please obey the forest service warnings and do not wander into these areas until they are deemed safe again. SEE MY ENTRIES FOR EAST-VERDE-ELLISON CREEK AND WATER WHEEL FOR PRE-FIRE PHOTOS. INFORMATION: inciweb.org/incident/1872, (928) 474-7900
MAP:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5208054.pdf

HUNTER CREEK 2010

HUNTER CREEK Tonto National Forest We made a return trip to this quiet little place on May 1, 2010. There was lots of water and nice, cool weather. This easy, water-themed stroll through sunny meadows and pine groves is an excellent off-the-beaten-path hiking destination. Because there’s no real trail, this trip into a bucolic glen appeals to those in search solitude. To find the route, hike uphill from the parking area, pass a gate and drop into the streambed. Here, it’s a good idea to mark your entry point, as it’s easy to miss on the way out. Once at the creek, head right (south west) and follow the babbling brook, taking time to explore terraced waterfalls, a spring, and a crumbling stone foundation. This is also a good place to test your animal track identification skills on the dozens of footprints that clutter the muddy banks of the creek. LENGTH: 2- 5 miles roundtrip RATING: easy ELEVATION RANGE: 6,100-6,160 feet BEST SEASONS: March - November DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles GETTING THERE: From Payson, go east on Highway 260 for 25 miles to Colcord Road (Forest Road 291). Go right and continue .3 mile and park on an unmarked dirt road on the right where there’s a barbed wire gate visible roughly 40 yard farther up the road. INFORMATION: 602-225-5200 or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

GORDON CREEK FALLS 2010

GORDON CREEK FALLS Payson One of my favorite "who-knew" hikes was especially fine on May 1, 2010. With all the rain we had this winter, the falls were magnificent! They should be running well for a few more weeks before slowing down for the summer---so get out there soon! Just minutes from downtown Payson, in a fragrant ponderosa pine forest, Gordon Creek Falls spills over a 25-foot escarpment into a cool swimming hole. The falls run best from late March through mid-May and after summer monsoons. BEST SEASON: March - October LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 6,200’ DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles northeast GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on SR87 to the intersection with SR 260 in Payson. From there, go east (right) on SR260 for roughly 25 miles to Colcord Road (Forest Road 291) near milepost 277. Turn right and go southeast for 1.3 miles and park in a turnout near a green gate just south of some power lines. To get to the falls, hike down the FR291 a few yards to a road that’s blocked with a “road closed” sign. Shimmy under the fence if necessary  (it's legal) and hike down the dirt road. Pass through a gate and go left at the crossroads. At the second fork, go right. Turn left at the third junction and continue to the creek. From here, go right and follow the creek to the falls. Total one-way hiking distance to the falls is 1.5 miles. INFORMATION: Tonto National Forest (928) 474-7900 or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

VERDE RIVER GREENWAY

VERDE RIVER GREENWAY Clarkdale One of only a handful of free-flowing waterways remaining in Arizona, the Verde River flows south from its origins in the Big Chino aquifer near Paulden to the confluence with the Salt River on the outskirts of Metro Phoenix. The Verde River Greenway is a segment of the desert stream designated as “wild and scenic” to be preserved for its recreational, ecological significance and historical values. Burgeoning with riparian gallery forests, fish, birds, spectacular scenery and a population of rare river otters, the area is a favorite destination for birding, swimming, canoe & kayaking and hiking. Although most visitors to this area respect its fragility and unique beauty---a few fringe members of the human race still manage to foul the landscape with the accouterments of their games---beer cans, spent ammo shells, food wrappers and (my personal favorite) paintball wads. (Note to self: insert video clip of Sly Stallone with machinegun here—aaaaaaAAARRRRRR). As I would not expect those who shoot up Milwaukee’s Best beer cans along the banks of a national treasure to appreciate my diatribe on sanitation and habitat preservation, I will skip directly to the topic of what you and I can do to help clean up after these bozos. Check out the Web site link below for Friends of Verde River Greenway. This tenacious group of volunteers organize regular clean-up events. Why not pitch in---there’s one coming up on Saturday, May 8, 2010. LENGTH: up to 36 miles RATING: easy with some mild route-finding ELEVATION: 3,300 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 105 miles GETTING THERE: CLARKDALE ACCESS: From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 for 90 miles to exit 287 for AZ 260. Go left (west) on 260 and continue for 14 miles to the town of Cottonwood. Once in Cottonwood, go straight through town on Main Street and Broadway (US 89A) following the signs to Tuzigoot National Monument toward the town of Clarkdale. Turn right onto the signed road to Tuzigoot, cross the Verde River Bridge (at the half-mile point) and take the first right onto a dirt road that leads to a large array of parking circles. From here, work your way down to the water and follow the river. DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK ACCESS: From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to Camp Verde (exit 287) and take Highway 260 west to Cottonwood. Turn left on Main Street (89A toward Clarkdale) and continue to 10th Street. Turn right on 10th St. and proceed over the Verde River Bridge to the park entrance. From the park entrance, take the second right on the road leading to the Mesquite Day Use Area. The trail starts in the left parking area. THERE IS A FEE TO ENTER THE PARK. INFORMATION: Friends of Verde River Greenway: http://verderivergreenway.org/ Dead Horse Ranch State Park: http://azstateparks.com/parks/VERI/index.html

LOST GOLDMINE TRAIL

LOST GOLDMINE TRAIL Superstition Wilderness--kinda Looking for a place to indoctrinate your friends from Ohio to the glories of the desert Southwest--without the hassle of extreme terrain, bushwacking and befuddling routes? Then, try the Lost Goldmine Trail for a stress-free yet brag-worthy place to bring your out-of-town pals for an easy, photogenic hike. There’s no telling how many shots of this trail may have appeared on holiday cards sent from the Midwest. I’m guessin’---billions. One of the newer trails to grace the desert just outside of the Superstition Wilderness Area, this easy route is (when compared to other trails in the area) a leisurely stroll. Mostly flat and well-signed, Lost Goldmine Trail is a big draw for hikers, bikers and folks on horseback. Situated at the base of some truly magnificent volcanic cliffs, the route passes through pristine Sonoran desert terrain. Because of its non-challenging nature and excellent specimens of saguaro, jojoba, cholla and manic spring wildflowers, this scenic path makes for a classic desert outing. Expect lots of human company when hiking this trail from Fall through Spring---add snakes to the mix beginning early-April. LENGTH: 5.75 miles one-way RATING: easy ELEVATION: 2,000 – 2,100 feet BEST SEASONS: October - April GETTING THERE: West Trailhead: From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to Kings Ranch Road in Apache Junction. Turn left (north) and follow Kings Ranch Road to 2.8 miles to Baseline Road. Turn right and follow Baseline to Mohican, turn left and left again on Valleyview. Go 1.5 miles on Valleyview to Cloudview, turn right and continue to the large, signed parking area. Roads are paved up to the last 1.5 miles and are sedan-friendly. East Trailhead: From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to about 8 miles past Apache Junction (near mile post 204) and look for the “Peralta Trailhead” sign on the side of the road. Turn left onto Peralta Road (Forest Road 77) and drive roughly 7 miles to the signed trailhead on the left. FR 77 is maintained dirt with a few rough spots. Although passable by sedan, high clearance vehicles are recommended. DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 45 miles INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/wilderness/superstition

SHOOFLY VILLAGE RUINS

SHOOFLY VILLAGE Tonto National Forest Located on the northern edge of Houston Mesa, five miles north of Payson, Shoofly Village archeological site offers visitors a glimpse of an ancient Arizona culture. The 4-acre compound is comprised of 87 ruins occupied between 1000 and 1250 C.E. by people who farmed and hunted the surrounding high-desert grasslands. A network of paved trails winds among crumbling foundations, courtyards and a massive prehistoric “condominium” while abundant interpretive signs, picnic ramadas and restrooms make for a convenient and educational day trip. LENGTH: 0.25-mile loop RATING: easy, accessible ELEVATION: 5,240-5,280 feet BEST SEASONS: March - November DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 105 miles one way GETTING THERE: From Payson, go two miles north on State Highway 87 north to Houston Mesa Road, turn right and continue to Mesa del Caballo where there’s a sign for the ruins. INFORMATION: Call (602) 225-5200 or visit paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/InterpretiveCenters/ShooflyIndianRuins/tabid/141/Default.aspx