HIKING FALL COLOR IN DECEMBER

HIKING FALL COLOR IN DECEMBER

December 7, 2011

Suspension bridge over Queen Creek

Color on December 7, 2011

Entering the Suspension Bridge, Dec. 7, 2011

If you missed the fall hiking season in northern Arizona his year, a second chance to view autumnal color has arrived in the deserts, and just in time to treat my visiting cousins from Connecticut (where fall foliage was ruined by a severe, October snow storm this year) to a beautiful hike under canopies of tawny leaves.  Our first stop was Boyce Thompson Arboretum where the annual fall festival, staring the famous Chinese pistachio trees, is in full swing this week.  Take the scenic High Trail, which is accessed via a wood suspension bridge and follows a ridge above Queen Creek for the best views of the vivid amber sycamore, blood-red pistachio and lemony cottonwood trees.

LENGTH:  up to 4 miles, maps available online and at the park

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION: 2,400’-2,600’

View from the High Trail

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to the signed turn off for the park located just outside the town of Superior. 

FEES:  $9 per adult, $4.50 for kids 5-12 and FREE for kids under age 4 and under.

HOURS:  Sept. – April: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May – Aug. 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.

DOGS: leashed dog are permitted. Bring poo bags.

INFO:  (520) 689-2811, http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/

RICHINBAR MINE RUINS

RICHINBAR MINE RUINS

Agua Fria National Monument

Approaching the Petroglyph Site

Mine Site Ruins

Few places in Arizona are as rich in history as the mesas and valleys of Agua Fria National Monument (AFNM).  Straddling the canyon-riddled grasslands along I-17 between Black Canyon City and Cordes Junction, the area's complex landscape can be viewed from behind the wheel of a car or by stopping at Sunset Point rest area.  However, it takes hiking into the guts of this wild place to really appreciate its significance.  Although most of the AFNM is very rugged terrain, this historic mining operation is one of only three spots on the monument that almost anybody can get to without much fuss.  (Pueblo La Plata and Badger Springs Wash are the other two).  The hike begins at a locked gate just off the freeway, following a dirt road past a windmill with water toughs for the cattle that graze the surrounding flatlands.

In just under a mile, the road reaches the cliffs overlooking Agua Fria River Canyon. This is a good place to get an overview of the layout and plan your exploring before descending to the site.  Concrete foundations and random heaps of rotting wood, rusty metal and barbed wire are all that remains of Richinbar Mine.  Clinging to the steep inclines above the canyon and below the low-slung mound of Joe’s Hill volcano, the mine operated from the 1880s to the 1940s under various owners harvesting tons of copper, lead, gold and silver.  Three major mine shafts—one at least 500 feet deep—are on the site.  Although they're cordoned off by barbed wire, it's wise to use extreme caution around these holes.  Much has been written about the mine and the hardy workers who lived and labored in this unforgiving terrain and the links below are excellent sources to peruse before taking this hike. 

But long before the rich ore drew modern day miners to the area, this place was inhabited by Native Americans who built seven major cities and hundreds of satellite dwellings that now stand as crumbling foundations throughout the monument.  The locations of most ruins are not publicized to aid preservation, however, there's a well-known petroglyph site here with elegant etchings of antelope and deer ---it's on the pinnacle to the far north of the mine.

First View of the Mine Site

LENGTH:  1.5 miles one-way to the mine. 

(We wandered around the site for a total hike of just under 4 miles).

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 3,370' – 3,497'
BEST SEASON: October - April

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 (roughly 35 miles) to the Sunset Point rest area.  From here, continue 1.7 miles to the turnoff for FR9006 on the right.  A windmill and stock tanks are your landmark. (If you reach Badger Springs Road, you've gone 2.3 miles too far). Turn onto FR9006 and park in the dirt lot being sure not to block the gate. The gate is usually locked, but it's easy (and legal) to squeeze through.   Roads are paved up to the dirt parking area.

Petroglyphs

INFO:

Agua Fria National Monument: general info and maps

https://www.blm.gov/visit/agua-fria

Arizona Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project: historical info and photos

http://www.apcrp.org/RICHINBAR/Richenbar_Text_Mast_013009.htm

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HUMBOLDT MOUNTAIN

HUMBOLDT   MOUNTAIN

Tonto National Forest

Looking East Over the Verde River Valley

UPDATE: 9-26-20 The Sears Fire is burning in this area. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/

View from the Summit

Sometimes I just feel like a brainless hike up a hill with no route finding, treacherous terrain or precarious precipices. Just. Up.  Thankfully, Humboldt Mountain meets this criteria and it's not too far from downtown Phoenix.  You've probably seen this hill and wondered about it ---there's a huge, white “golf ball” (as it’s commonly called) on the summit that’s visible from the back roads north of Cave Creek and Carefree. The white ball, which is an FAA radar station used for air traffic control, shares the summit with a fire tower and a hardware jungle of tech equipment.  The hike involves walking up a narrow road of crumbling asphalt via a series of gentle switchbacks and a combination of flat and fairly steep segments.  The 2005 Cave Creek Complex Fire took a toll on the area's vegetation, but recovery is underway and desert shrubs are popping up everywhere.  With every few feet of elevation gain, the views get bigger and better.  Much of the lower road winds through cactus-studded grasslands with Cave Creek Mountains, Pinnacle Peak and New River Mesa on the horizon.  Higher up, the road winds around to the eastern slope of the mountain where there the sprawling Verde River Valley and Horseshoe Lake come into view. Just below the summit, the one and only hairpin turn in the road kisses the edge of a scenic saddle.  Here, sycamore-and-cottonwood cluttered drainages appear as  twisted meanders nearly 2,000 feet below.  From this saddle, the final uphill slog to the summit rewards with more excellent views and the revelation that “golf ball” is hardly an accurate description of the FAA tower. It is most indubitably, a soccer ball.

LENGTH:  7.8 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 3,570' – 5,204'
BEST SEASON: October - April

Saddle View

GETTING THERE:

From Loop 101 in North Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit and go 13 miles north on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road.  Turn right (east) and continue on Cave Creek Road (a.k.a. FR 24, Seven Springs Road) to FR 562 (Humboldt Mountain road) located between MCDOT mile markers 9 and 10.  The turnoff is easy to miss—it’s on the right, paved and there’s a “562” sign about 100 feet up the road.  Park in the turnouts along FR24 and FR562 and hike up FR562 to the summit. 

HINT: If you get to Seven Springs Recreation Area, you have gone roughly 2 miles too far.

INFO:  Cave Creek Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, (480) 595-3300


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LOST DOG WASH-RINGTAIL-OLD JEEP LOOP

LOST DOG WASH-RINGTAIL-OLD JEEP LOOP

Ocotillo on Ringtail Trail

McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale

Lost Dog Wash Trail

Thompson Peak from Taliesin Overlook

Now, here's a trail after my own heart.  Although the eponymous canine didn't have such luck---it's nearly impossible for hikers to get lost on this trail. That's because this desert path bumping up against the 'burbs of North Scottsdale is lovingly maintained and outfitted with directional signage at every critical point.  Not exactly the best trail choice for solitude or a “wilderness feel”, this popular path's benefits are its ease-of-tread, proximity to town, beautiful views and nice trailhead facilities. Also, for those living in less than fit bodies due to Arizona summer hibernation, this trail makes for an effortless segue into the winter hiking season. 

Sandwiched between a sea of terracotta tile roofs and the foothills below the peaks of the McDowell Mountains, Lost Dog Wash is kind of a peanut-butter-and-jelly hike---easy to make and everybody loves it. For comparison, the Tom's Thumb hike—one of the tougher trails in the preserve-- is a Tofurkey Rubin hike---more exotic and not for everyone.

Given that I only had a couple of hours to hike this week, Lost Dog Wash was a natural choice. However, to add interest, I made a loop hike using 3 short trails. The Lost Dog trail is extremely popular and is usually crowded with hikers, runners, dog walkers and mountain bikers.  This loop option (details below) briefly escapes the spokes and spandex via the Old Jeep Trail.  The preserve also boasts a team of trail stewards—highly trained and knowledgeable outdoor enthusiasts who volunteer their time to educate the public about this precious swath of desert.  I hiked with one of them today for about a mile and learned quite a bit from him before we hiked off on divergent paths.  The stewards also lead public hikes and there’s one coming up this Thanksgiving morning called “More Pie Please”.  To join this free, easy, 3-mile hike, meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Lost Dog Trailhead (see below) and preemptively work off the calories for your extra slab of pecan pie (or Tofurkey Rubin).

LOOP DIRECTIONS:

Begin on Lost Dog Wash Trail (LD) and hike 0.5 mile to the Ringtail Trail (RT) junction.  Go right and follow RT 0.5 mile to the LD Overlook at emergency marker RT5.  Visit the overlook, then return to the trail and go another 0.2 mile to the junction with Old Jeep Trail (JT).  Go left (north) on JT and hike 1.4 miles to where the trail reconnects with LD.  Continue straight on LD.  In another 0.5 mile, you'll come to the turn off for Taliesin Overlook.  Although LD trail continues another 0.4 mile past the overlook, I made this the turnaround point for the loop.  Hike back to JT junction, but this time, go right (south) and follow LD 1.6 miles back to the trailhead.

LENGTH: 5.3 mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  1,755' – 2,092'

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, shade ramadas, horse hitching posts 

HOURS: sunrise to sunset (it's illegal to be in the preserve outside these hours)

KID FRIENDLY: yes

DOGS: leashed dogs allowed.  Handlers must immediately pick up poo and pack it out.

GETTING THERE:

From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take exit 41 for Shea Blvd., turn east (right) and go 4.2 miles to 124^th Street. Turn left (north) on 124^th Street and go 1 mile to where the road dead-ends at the trailhead.

INFO: City of Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy:

http://mcdowellsonoran.org/

MAP: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/trails/trails+images/Preserve+Trails+South.pdf

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CORONA DE LOMA TRAIL

CORONA DE LOMA TRAIL

South Mountain Park, Phoenix

It was from the summit of Quartz Peak in the Sierra Estrellas where I acquired a deep, visual understanding of the three-mountain-range structure of South Mountain Park (SoMo).  From the top of that isolated peak, the trio of parallel ranges running east-west at the southern fringe of downtown Phoenix, rolled out below, and suddenly, it all made sense.  The layout of the park, roads, trailheads, the cosmic fugue---everything. But then again, put me on any mountain summit, and clarity ensues.

In order, from north to south, the ranges are (with sample trails) Ma-Ha-Tauk (Alta Trail), Gila (Holbert, National Trail) and Guadalupe (Desert Classic).  That day on Quartz Peak, I realized that although I was very familiar with the trails on Gila and Ma-Ha-Tauk; I still had a lot to learn about the other side of the mountain.  With that goal in mind, I set off for Corona de Loma Trail.

Save for a couple of mildly confusing junctions, this trail on the back (Ahwatukee) side of  SoMo is a great way to climb to a summit ridge with much less traffic than on other similar treks in the park like Kiwanis, Holbert and Telegraph Pass. 

Exposed to the sun and covered in scree, the trail winds up the mountain via long switchbacks passing by deranged-looking ironwood trees, cactuses, milky white quartz, shimmering micas and outcroppings of decaying metamorphic stone.   Geology buffs revel in the complexity of rock both underfoot and on the horizon featured on this hike, but even those whose rock knowledge begins and ends with a 3^rd grade “grow your own crystal” kit will appreciate  the bizarre  rock sculptures-- like the one I call "snakehead"-- that line the trail.

LENGTH:  6.4 miles roundtrip (including access trail from Warpaint TH)

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  1,370' – 2,360'

KID FRIENDLY: best for older kids, kinda steep in several places

TRAILHEAD FACILITIES:  none

DOGS: must be on leash, rough terrain for paws, handlers must pack out poo
BEST SEASON:  October -April

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go south on I-10 to exit 159 for Ray Road.  Go west (right) on Ray Rd. and continue 0.3 mile to 48^th Street.  Turn north (right) and go 0.3 mile to Knox Road.  Turn west (left) and follow Knox 1.8 mile to Warpaint Drive on the right.  Drive 0.2 mile north on Warpaint to the trailhead on the right.  There are two unsigned “trailheads” here. The one you want for this hike has a wooden fence lining the entry. There’s only parallel parking along the street. Pay attention to no-parking zones as this trailhead is in a busy residential area. 

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, hike roughly 0.1 mile to a “Y” junction where there’s a rusty sign post with arrows.  Go right here and hike 0.7 mile to a second “Y” junction with a metal post with the number “43” scratched into it.  Go left (you’re now on the Desert Classic Trail) and continue 0.2 mile to sign post “46”.  This is the turnoff for the access trail to Corona de Loma, although no signs indicate this.  Turn right at this junction and continue 0.2 mile (stay straight at an unsigned cross path a few yards up) to the signed turn off for Corona de Loma on the right.  The path is obvious but unsigned as it climbs up to a high ridge, dips into a narrow canyon and then climbs up again to Buena Vista Lookout where it intersects the National Trail.

See the “more photos” link below for pix of the critical junctions.

INFO AND MAPS: City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation:

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

FOR COOL INFO ON SoMo geology, visit the GEMLAND Website:

http://www.gemland.com/index.html

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DIXIE MOUNTAIN LOOP

DIXIE MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL

Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

Next time you’re considering  giving up your right to vote—hike this trail first. Like many people these days, you’re probably feeling over taxed, over worked (or under employed) and powerless to intervene with anything governmental.  Folks, I submit the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve---a  recreational oasis that WE THE VOTERS decided was worth saving from development.  In 1998, voters approved the Growing Smarter Fund to conserve tracks of our beautiful Upper Sonoran desert.  So far, the city has purchased 7,000 of a proposed 20,000 acres for this north Phoenix preserve.  With obesity on the rise, strapped budgets and increasing healthcare costs, it's good to live in Phoenix---we have the largest municipal park system in the nation  with hundreds of miles of free hiking/biking trails to help us save money and stay healthy. Wherever you live in the Valley, you're probably not far from a hiking trail.  So, it's not necessary to spend big bucks on video-driven exercise toys or gym memberships to stay/get in shape—just lace up your boots and hit the trail.

Cholla cactuses along Dixie Loop

View from Western Vista summit

Located just a few clicks east of I-17 on the fringes of a residential area, this pristine island of desert features panoramic views of the entire Valley.  You'll see the  Hieroglyphic Mountains to the west, Cave Creek and New River  Mountains to the north, and Camelback and Piestewa Peaks to the south.  Luminescent  “jumping” cholla, sweet-smelling creosote and arroyas choaked with acid-green Palo verde trees decorate  the paths, providing ample nesting places for the resident Gila woodpeckers, Gambel quails, lizards and red-tail hawks.

So before you join the ranks of the “poo-pooing-perceived-powerless”, get off the couch, hit the trail and prepare to be awestruck. Who knows, you (or somebody you know) may also be inspired to become a registered voter.

LENGTHS:

Dixie Mountain Loop: 4.62 miles, including the Hawks Nest access trail.  OR 5.74 miles including both optional summit spurs.

Hawks Nest: 0.40 mile one way

Dixie Mountain Summit: 0.22 mile one way

Western Vista: 0.34 mile one way

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 1,600' – 2,251'. Most of the loop trail hugs the 1,700' level. Western Vista spur: 2075', Dixie Mountain Summit: 2,251'

DOGS: dogs must be on leash and handlers must pack out poo

KID FRIENDLY: yes
BEST SEASON: October -April

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

For general information: 602 262-7901

REGISTER TO VOTE: Maricopa County Elections Department, 602-506-1511.

http://phoenix.gov/election/elect5.html

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SUGARLOAF HILL

SUGARLOAF SUMMIT LOOP

Sedona

View from the summit ridge

Chimney Rock

Capitol Butte (a.k.a. Thunder Mountain)

Funny how things work out sometimes.  One fine day in late October, I drove to Sedona with plans to hike the Allen’s Bend trail. T’was not to be.  For whatever reason, the gate on the road to the trailhead was locked, so I wandered over to another trail, hiked for a couple hours and tried again---still locked.  Oh well. Chalking this up to fate, I saved the $8 access fee (which I subsequently squandered on a six-pack of local ale), and went for a cup of coffee to mull over where to go instead.  Using the forest service recreation guide that came with my Red Rock Pass, I looked for  a trail I hadn't already done and decided on Thunder Mountain—part of Sedona's North Urban Trail System. However, when I arrived at the trailhead (which also provides access toTeacup and Sugarloaf trails) , I learned that  Thunder Mountain trail is short, flat and kinda boring, but alas, to the east, a red rock butte with people milling around on its summit caught my attention---Sugarloaf. The trailhead sign had a map of the route, so (after locating the owners of an errant beagle wandering the parking lot), off I went.

Although the way is marked by signs and basket carins, this hike is located just north of a residential area with many informal paths intersecting the main trails.  Therefore, you'll need to pay attention to stay on course.   From the trailhead sign, hike 0.5 mile along the Teacup Trail  to a small saddle marked by a basket carin with a wooden post sticking out of it. To reach the summit, hang a right here and make the quarter-mile climb to the top of Sugarloaf's bald crest.  Considering that this hill is hemmed in by much higher  and vastly more impressive rock features, views from its apex  are surprisingly excellent.  Local geological landmarks including Capitol Butte (a.k.a. Thunder Mountain), Chimney Rock and Coffee Pot Rock clutter the landscape.  To the west, the hazy silhouette of Mingus Mountain  soars above the Verde River Valley.  To complete the loop, hike back down to the carin/post, turn right and follow the (somewhat difficult-to-follow) path back to the trailhead.  To extend your hike, click on the web site link below to learn about connecting trails and other loop options from the Sugarloaf trailhead.

LENGTH: 2.2 miles roundtrip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 4,300' – 4,900'

KID FRIENDLY: yes

DOGS:  allowed, but must be on leash. There's a poop bag dispenser at the trailhead.
BEST SEASON: October - May

FACILITIES: none

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

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

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  130 miles one way

GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on I17 to exit 298 for SR179, Sedona-Oak Creek. Go west (left at the offramp)  to the “Y” intersection of SR179 and US89A in Sedona, veer left through the traffic circle (toward Cottonwood) and continue 2 miles on 89A to Coffee Pot Drive on the right (located between Soldier Pass Road and Dry Creek Road). Go 0.5 miles on Coffee Pot to Sanborn Drive, hang a left, and continue 0.1 mile to Little Elf Drive where a generic “hiker’ sign points right.  Turn onto Little Elf and follow the signs 0.2 mile to the Sugarloaf Trailhead. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-282-4119

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/north-urban-tr-east.shtml

SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011: SECRET CANYON

SECRET CANYON TRAIL #121

Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona

A community of pinion pines, juniper and assorted cactuses at the trailhead belie what lies ahead on Secret Canyon Trail. Epic views of Sedona’s red rock landscape dominate the first 1.75 miles of this hike before the trail makes a sharp westward swerve at the mouth of the canyon. From here, the route leaves the shade-less chaparral plunging into a streambed where torrential spring water runoff and blowing dust have carved bizarre sculptures in the sandstone escarpments flanking the path. Residual pools of water stand at the bases of moisture-hungry cottonwoods with heart-shaped, lemony leaves.

Near the 5-mile point, the trail enters “the narrows”, a series of slick-rock corridors hemmed in by a vertical fortification of sandstone with clusters of blood-red maples and rusty-orange oaks bursting from the rubble-strewn canyon floor. Beyond this point, the trail degrades into a quagmire of scree and undergrowth, which is why most hikers make the narrows their turnaround point. However, those with good route-finding skills can opt to scramble, squeeze and scoot along a sketchy footpath for another half-mile.

LENGTH: 5.5 miles one-way

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 4,500 – 5,100 feet

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 134 miles

GETTING THERE:

From the “Y” intersection of SR179 and SR 89A in Sedona, go left through the traffic circle (toward Cottonwood) and go  3.2 miles west on 89A to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152). Turn right and follow FR152  3.4 miles to the trailhead on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152.

FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required. http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml

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

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/secret-canyon-tr.shtml

HART PRAIRIE FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011

Just heard from Neil Chapman, Hart Prairie Preserve Program Manager.  Aspen color on Hart Prairie is just about over for this year.  By this weekend, it's done.  

SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011: HUCKABY TRAIL

Fall color is arriving later than usual along the US 89A strip of Oak Creek this year. Although we found sprigs of blazing red sumac and some nice golden sycamores, willows and common hop trees, peak color has yet to arrive. The next couple of weeks will be splendid. 

Crossing Oak Creek--you WILL get wet

HUCKABY TRAIL

Sedona

Arizona sycamore

Ever drive up US89A to the spot near Grasshopper Point and Midgley Bridge?  Yup—it's a madhouse, especially in autumn when the sycamores, cottonwoods and willows lining Oak Creek take on gorgeous tawny hues.  Swarms of visitors scramble for coveted parking spots along this scenic and precipitous curve in US89A in order to hike, bike or simply take in the views from the road.  An alternative way to get to the sweet color spots under the bridge with (somewhat) less congestion is to begin hiking three miles downstream at the Schnebly Hill trailhead and follow the Huckaby Trail to the creek.

This relatively new trail (est. 1998) starts out in classic Sedona, yucca-and-cypress-studded, high-desert terrain, then dips into the shady, riparian corridor of Oak Creek Canyon via a series of moderately challenging twists and turns.  Near the 2.3-mile point, the route meets the creek where you’ll have to rock-hop or do a knee-deep wade to the west bank in order to complete the final 0.3-mile  uphill leg to US89A and the north end of Midgley Bridgley.

LENGTH:  5.2 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  4,500' – 4,300'

FACILITIES: Huckaby Trailhead: restroom, picnic tables.  None at Midgely Bridge trailhead.

FEE: A Red Rock Pass is required: $5 daily fee per vehicle. The permit kiosk at Huckaby trailhead was not working on 10-22-11.  That's why it's smart to purchase your pass at  local vendors like Circle-K, cuz, the trailhead kiosks seldom work (at least in my experience). We also saw a ranger checking windshields for passes today. Check out this link to learn more about the Red Rock Pass Program:

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

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 mile one-way

GETTING THERE:

SCHNEBLY HILL TRAILHEAD:

From Phoenix, go  north on I-17 to exit 298 (SR179 for Sedona-Oak Creek).  At the bottom of the offramp, turn left (west) and follow SR179 to Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona, located at the  traffic circle/bridge over Oak Creek (and before the Talaquepaque center).  Veer right thru the traffic circle, and go 0.8 mile  on Schnebly Hill Road to the trailhead (signed for Margs Draw, Munds Wagon and Huckaby) on the left.  Roads are 100% paved.

MIDGELY BRIDGE TRAILHEAD:

From I-17, follow SR179 to the “Y” junction with US89A in Sedona. Veer right through the traffic circle and go 1.9 miles north on 89A to the parking area on the northwest side (left) of the bridge.  The trail begins under the bridge.  Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-282-4119

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/huckaby-tr.shtml

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PAYSON FALL COLOR REPORT 2011: MOGOLLON RIM

BARBERSHOP TRAIL #91

LENGTH: 4.5 miles one way
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 7,200 – 7,600 feet
PEAK COLOR: early to late October
GETTING THERE: From the intersection of SR87 and SR260 in Payson, go east (right) on SR260 and drive 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300, which is located across from the Rim Visitor Center). Follow FR 300 for 23 miles to Forest Road 137. Turn right on FR 137 and drive 4 miles to the trailhead, which is located across the road from Buck Springs Cabin. FR300 is maintained dirt--usually ok for passenger cars but with a few dodgy spots.
INFO: Coconino National Forest, Mogollon Rim Ranger District, (928) 477-2255,
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/barbershop-tr.shtml

Typical view along Forest Road 300 "Rim Road"

SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011: WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK

Just got back from Sedona where fall color is really starting to show.  The next two weeks should be primo.  These photos were taken yesterday. 

WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK

Sedona

Combining all of what makes Arizona's Red Rock Country great, this trail through a wilderness of rock, water and wetland vegetation really draws the crowds.  Soaring walls of buff-and-salmon-colored sandstone squeeze the trail into a sliver-like break in the landscape where the chilly waters of Oak Creek cascading over slick rock have sculpted stony bends and bizarre overhangs in the soft stone.  Perennial water feeds a rich strip of trees, shrubs and grasses forming a stunning contrast with the surrounding high desert where cypress, yuccas and cactuses put down tenacious roots in the arid, sandy soils.

Because of its extraordinary beauty,

everybody knows about this place. Every. Body.  And not just Arizonans---it's common to hear fellow hikers on this world-famous trail chatting in Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Farsi and countless other languages.  Seriously, people come from everywhere to experience this rare pocket of paradise in the high desert---especially in fall.  You'll see why about 10 minutes into the hike. 

LENGTH:  3.3 miles one-way (on trail) OR up to 14 miles (with wading, swimming & climbing)

ELEVATION:  5,280’ – 5,520’

RATING:  easy (on trail), moderate –difficult beyond trail’s end

KID FRIENDLY:  yes

DOGS: must be on leash

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 298 (Oak Creek-Sedona) for SR 179.  Go left (west) on SR179 and continue to the “Y” intersection with SR89A in Sedona.  Veer right (northeast) on 89A and go 10.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area (between mileposts 384 & 385) on the left (west) side of the road.  Roads are 100% paved.

FEE: $9 daily fee per vehicle. $2 per-person-daily-fee for walk-in or bike-in.

HOURS:  9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (summer), 9 a.m. to dusk (winter). The gate usually opens around 8 a.m.. Use the self-pay kiosk if an attendant is not available. The parking lots fills up quicky on weekends and high seasons---so arrive early.

INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/westfork-tr.shtml, (928) 282-4119

MORE PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1841083445576.71688.1795269672&type=1&l=59f322dec0

SEDONA FALL COLOR

BEAR SIGN TRAIL #59

Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona

Although not apparent from the trailhead, the remote upper reaches of Bear Sign Trail host surprisingly rich woodlands of deciduous trees that transform into a canopy of color in early autumn. To find these hidden thickets, hike on the juniper-and-scrub-lined Dry Creek Trail to the Bear Sign junction, veer left and pick up the trail heading uphill. Much of the path parallels boulder-filled ravines lined with sycamore, willows and cottonwoods eking out a living where water collects among gigantic bounders. Throughout the hike, haphazard webs of Canyon grape vines sprawl in viral abundance forming delicate veils of diffused sunlight. An especially photo-worthy section of the route passes through a concentrated stand of Arizona cypress trees. The spindly trunks and shaggy bark of this tenacious species are marred by claw marks, scat and gnawed stumps-- the “bear signs” for which the trail is named. No worries though, the black bears that roam this area are shy creatures and will usually skulk off unnoticed when roused by approaching hikers. To learn more about hiking in bear country, visit: Southwest Be Bear Aware: http://www.bebearawaresw.org/

LENGTH: 3.5 miles one way

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 4,800 -5,450 feet

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles

KID FRIENDLY?: sorta. Trail is rocky and you have to hike 2 miles before getting to the best color, some kids might melt down.

GETTING THERE:

From the "Y" intersection of AZ 179 and AZ89A in Sedona go left (toward Cottonwood) and continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right, go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152), hang a right and continue 4.5 miles to the Dry Creek #52 trailhead located past the Vultee Arch parking loop on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152.

FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required

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

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bear-sign-tr.shtml

GRIFFITH’S SPRING CANYON

GRIFFITH’S SPRING CANYON

Flagstaff

Located 23 miles north of Sedona along scenic highway 89A, Griffith Canyon itself is is only mildly impressive.  However, this "little canyon that could"  makes it mark on the map by collecting and funneling water downhill into two of Sedona's major gorges--Pumphouse Wash and Oak Creek Canyon.   From the trailhead, the route seems kind of ho-hum, but hang in there-- good stuff lies ahead if you know how to explore.  The official trail is wide, flat and easy-to-follow, tracing the edge of the cliffs above the marshy-green canyon.  Where the route bottoms out, several obvious spur footpaths leave the main trail and head into a steep-walled riparian corridor.  Richly lined with wildflowers, Virginia creeper, wild roses and  plenty of poison ivy, the exploratory paths wind through a mucky swale dotted with shallow pools, trickling channels and a tiny wetland ringed with cattails before it dead-ends in about 0.25 mile in a bog near a fenced stand of aspen sprouts.  

LENGTH:  1.2 mile loop (plus 0.5 more with optional canyon explore)

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  6,919’

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic table

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  152 miles one way

KID FRIENDLY?  Yes

TRAILHEAD OPEN: April – October.  Trailhead is closed in winter.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix:  go north on I-17 to exit 337 for US 89A south (located roughly 7 miles south of downtown Flagstaff).  From the end of the off ramp (at the entrance to Fort Tuthill Park), turn left (south) and continue 2.4 miles on 89A to the signed turnoff for Griffith’s Spring.  The short, dirt/gravel road to the parking area is rutted but passable by sedan.

From Flagstaff: go south on I-17 to exit 337 and follow directions above.

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-526-0866

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mormon_lake/griffiths-spring-tr.shtml

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR 2011: Peaks are Peaking

Just called the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline.  They report COLOR IS PEAKING in the Coconino National Forest mountains---that means Flagstaff, folks.

FALL FOLIAGE HOTLINE: 1-800-354-4595

(hotline updated once a week on Fridays)

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR 2011: LAMAR HAINES MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA

These photos were taken October 14, 2010.  I'll be heading up to Flagstaff tomorrow to see how the color is progressing this year.  Stay tuned. 

LAMAR HAINES MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA

“Two springs run here”. Although it’s impossible to know for sure, that’s the popular interpretation of the cryptic pictographs painted on the cliffs above the source of Veit and Canadian Springs on the southwest slope of Flagstaff’s Agassiz Peak. The ancient artwork is just one of many interesting sights along this woodsy trail, which is why it buries the needle on the kid-pleasing scale. Allow plenty of time to explore the ruins of homesteader Ludwig Veit’s 1890s cabin, an historical marker commemorating the work of conservationist Lamar Haines and a concrete well and pond for collecting spring water along this aspen rich, 160-acres of wet meadows and old growth forest.

LENGTH: 1.6-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 8,600’ – 8,800’

KID FRIENDLY: yes!!

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 158 miles one way

GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go 7.5 miles north on US180 to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and drive 4.5 miles to the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area trailhead on the right. Parking is very limited.

SITE ADMINISTERED BY: Arizona Game & Fish Department

http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_lamar_haines.shtml

pictographs above the springs

FOREST SERVICE FALL COLOR HOTLINE: 800-354-4595

Updated weekly from mid-September through mid-
November.

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR PRIMER:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml

MORE PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1305019644316.39276.1795269672&l=014a360396&type=1

PRESCOTT FALL COLOR 2011: NORTH MINGUS MOUNTAIN

View from the top of Mingus Mountain, Oct. 10, 2009.

Surprise!  Flagstaff got snow this week.  Six inches on the peaks and a dusting at the lower elevations.  Although warmer temperatures today and through the weekend are likely to melt the white stuff; for those who prefer hiking without encountering snow, try the Prescott area.  Here's one very scenic fall color hike with excellent views of the Verde Valley, Jerome and Sedona:

Oaks and maples converge on the trail 

Near the top, the trail hugs rock escarpments and crosses a volcanic rock fall

NORTH MINGUS MOUNTAIN,Prescott National Forest An eclectic mix of scenery and forests are the highlights of the North Mingus Trail No.105. Although there are two trailheads for this route, most hikers choose to start at the top of Mingus Mountain and hike downhill. That’s because the route is easier to follow when hiked in this direction. Right from the start, this popular trail will “wow” you with magnificent views from atop a pine-shaded hang glider launch pad. Here, the rugged Verde Valley rolls out 1,600 feet below. The hike begins with a pleasant stroll across the mountain summit under a canopy of warm gold Gambel oaks huddling beneath enormous confirs. After this short “warm up” section, the trail dips downhill along the north face through colorful corridors of Bigtooth maples, boxelders and velvet ash. Soon, the path enters an enchanting passage where a mass of volcanic boulders cascade down a slender slot canyon where vertical stony walls and a stand of aspens thrive in the cooler microclimate. Past the aspen grove, the trail enters a more arid clime with intermittent sections of grasslands, fields of agave and ridgelines studded with whispy mountain mahogany. An abandoned mine marks the point where the trail merges with an old Jeep road that leads downhill to Mescal Spring, the turnaround point for the hike. This trail also can be hiked one-way using a car shuttle at each trailhead. LENGTH: 8.5 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 6,000 – 7,800 feet GETTING THERE: Mingus Mountain trailhead: From Jerome, go 7 miles southwest on Highway 89A to Mingus Mountain Road (Forest Road 104). Turn left and continue on FR 104 for 2.4 miles to where it ends at a “T” intersection in the campground. Turn left here and go uphill to the trailhead near the hang glider launch pad. This option starts at the summit and goes downhill-- you'll climb up on the way out. Mescal Spring trailhead: From Jerome, go 4 miles southwest on Highway 89A. Just before sign for Prescott National Forest, between mileposts 339 and 338, turn left onto an unmarked dirt road (Forest Road 338). FR 338 is a very rough 4x4 road so those without appropriate vehicles should park in the turnouts along the highway.  Continue down FR 338 for a half-mile to the cement tank that marks Mescal Spring. From here, veer right (southwest) and go uphill. Bear left at all unmarked junctions until you reach the signed turn off for trail No. 105 on the right. This route adds one mile to the hike description above. This option starts at the bottom of the mountain. INFORMATION: Verde Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, 928-567-4121, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/verde/nomingus105.shtml

FLAGSTAFF FALL FOLIAGE 2011: ASPEN NATURE LOOP

Nice crisp weather in Flagstaff over the past few days will coax out the color below the peaks making this  a perfect week for leaf-peeping! Got kids in tow?  Try this short, easy fall foliage trek:

ASPEN NATURE LOOP

Flagstaff

A dusting of snow covers the San Francisco Peaks

For those who want to experience Arizona’s fall foliage on foot but don’t have much time or hiking experience; this scenic loop trail at the base of Flagstaff’s Snowbowl ski area is just the ticket. Although short in length, this trail packs its dance card with views of the San Francisco Peaks and Kendrick Mountain, yawning vistas reaching all the way to Williams, lush meadows and, of course, brilliant aspen “conga lines” adorned in wispy honey-colored crowns.

The view on October 14, 2010

LENGTH: 1.8-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 9,270’ – 9,540’

KID FRIENDLY?: yes!

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 160 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go 7.5 miles north on US180 to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and continue 6.2 miles to the Humphreys trailhead on the left. Hike begins on the northwest side of the parking lot. Roads are paved up to the parking lot.

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest: 928-526-0866

FOREST SERVICE FALL COLOR HOTLINE: 800-354-4595

Updated weekly from mid-September through mid-
November.

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR PRIMER:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml

MORE PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1305053445161.39280.1795269672&l=0fc39bbdb2&type=1