Marvelous places with lots of trees

MOUNT ELDEN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA

Flagstaff

I grew up in the projects outside of Hartford CT.  As kids, the nearest semblance of the great outdoors for my friends and I was “Clay Mountain”, a vacant lot across the street, which the town folks used as an impromptu dump and summer car burning venue.  Next to chasing tar trucks through our asphalt jungle, escaping to Clay Mountain, with its scraggly, over-climbed trees, anemic scrub and festering pools of tetanus-infused toxic waste, was our go-to destination for recreation.  We thought we were the luckiest kids in the universe.    Of course, we really weren’t allowed to go there, but, well, what can I say?  Summer camp and trips to fishing lakes had exposed us to the bigger wonders of Nature, but our worlds were still too cloistered to grasp the concept that some kids actually lived within walking distance of marvelous places with lots of trees.

Grave of John Elden

Since then, my hiking habit has lead me to many easy-access, kid-friendly and educational outdoor classrooms.  One of my favorites is a familiar haunt to the lucky kids at Flagstaff’s Christensen School.  Mount Elden Environmental Study Area is a maze of short exploratory trails with intriguing names like “Forces of Nature” and “Walk Through Time”.  Located a stone’s throw from busy Flagstaff Mall and just a short walk from the school, the easy trails are intended to educate young and old alike about the natural and human history unfolding at the base of Elden Mountain.  The trails are a wiggle through a concoction of volcanic boulders, spring water, Ponderosa pines and blooming shrubs backed by a muffled soundtrack of trains and traffic along Route 66.  This forest-urban interface at the edge of a trailer park where everybody has chickens, kind of reminds me of my childhood stopping grounds---except without the biohazards---unless you count the underground gas lines.  Lucky kids.  Yet, in the middle of all this wonderful, walk-able wilds lies one not so lucky kid. Six-year-old John Elden, (the youngest son of the family for whom the mountain is named) who in 1887 was tragically killed by a renegade muleskinner’s errant bullet is buried beneath a sprawling Alligator juniper tree along the main trail just beyond the spring at the base of what was undoubtedly his own version of Clay Mountain.

Elden Spring

LENGTH:  2.5 miles (I actually hiked on Pipeline up to Oldham trail and back to add a few more miles, but, that’s not this story)

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION:  6800’ – 7200’

FACILITIES: none, but there are restrooms and ice cream (lucky kids) at the Mall.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Flagstaff.  Drive into town and head east on Route66/US 89 to the traffic signal at Flagstaff Mall.  Turn left on Cummings and drive 0.2 mile to the Christensen School, veer left onto El Paso and go 0.3 mile to a parking lot on the right across from Hamblin Road. The trailhead is the unsigned, white gate. 

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, hike 0.25 mile uphill on the pipeline road to a large wooden Elden Environmental Study Area sign.  Turn right and follow the main path that will lead to the spring, Elden homestead site and John Elden’s grave.  A few yards beyond the gravesite turn left and follow Pipeline Trail back to the trailhead.  NOTE:  explore the many side trails at will.  Just return to the main path to complete the loop.

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/recarea/?recid=55152&actid=104 

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BELL TRAIL

BELL TRAIL

Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness

Wet Beaver Creek

The weather is heating up and soon we'll be heading to higher elevations in search of cool summer trekking. But right now, with temperatures hovering between warm and torrid, a visit to the high desert, swimming holes of Wet Beaver Creek is just the ticket for a refreshing day trip.   Few things are more invigorating on a sweltering day than a dip in a canyon stream. The Bell Trail #13 leads to one of the most beloved of all Arizona swimming holes—“the crack”. Tucked into a slender slot canyon where the chilly, spring-fed waters of Wet Beaver Creek flow year-round, this natural water park attracts droves of visitors.

The hike in is completely exposed to the sun, but never strays far from the creek with its lush riparian vegetation, numerous shallow pools and slick-rock water chutes. At the 3.25-mile point, the trail comes to a junction near Bell Crossing. Although the official route veers right, crosses the creek and climbs 1,200 feet to the top of the Mogollon Rim, those in search of plunge must hang a left instead and head for the red cliffs that form “the 

Rapids at Bell Crossing

crack”.

LENGTH: 6.5 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 3,880 – 3,980 feet

FACILITIES: restroom, nearby camping

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 115 miles

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 to exit 298. Go left (east) onto Beaver Creek Road (Forest Road 618) and continue 2.1 miles to the trailhead on

The Crack

the left.

INFORMATION: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-203-7500, 

http://fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bell-tr.shtml

Volunteer to replant Schultz Fire burn area

From: "Magee, Brienne U -FS" <bmagee@FS.FED.US>
Date: March 25, 2013 2:18:43 PM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest Information

Forest Service hosting public volunteer events to help replant Schultz burn area

Flagstaff, AZ – The Flagstaff Ranger District is inviting volunteers to help replant approximately 2,500 ponderosa pine trees in the Schultz Fire burn area. Public volunteer events will be held on three Saturdays in April. Each event is limited to 50 volunteers; those interested should sign-up in advance by contacting Justin Loxley, Flagstaff District Volunteer Coordinator, at jdloxley@fs.fed.us or 928-527-8213.

When:

Saturday, April 6

Saturday, April 13

Saturday, April 20 (Earth Day Weekend!)

Events begin at 8:30 a.m. and will last until approximately 1:00 p.m.  Volunteers should arrive by 8:30 to attend the safety briefing and planting demonstration.

Where: The planting areas are located off of Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420), approximately 12 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 89 and approximately 5 miles on forest roads.  The road should be suitable for most cars; however persons with low clearance vehicles are advised to drive carefully. Specific directions and details will be given at registration.

What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, long pants, gloves, hard hats or bike helmets if you have them, sunscreen, appropriate dress for the weather, snacks or lunch, and plenty of water. Planting tools will be provided by the Forest Service.

Who: Anyone eager to help with the Schultz Fire recovery efforts. Participants of all ages are welcome; minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

For other general information on the Schultz burn recovery and restoration efforts, contact the Flagstaff Ranger District at 928-526-0866 or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/Coconino. 

###

A pilgrimage to Mount Francis

MOUNT FRANCIS

Prescott

Near the summit of Mount Francis

Aspen Creek Trail

For me, planning this hike was torture.  Each time I put it on my calendar, my efforts were thwarted by rain, snow, hail or schedule conflicts.  I was beginning to feel as if the powers that be didn’t want me to bag this peak.  Then, out of the blue, just as the newly elected pontiff emerged as pope Francis, the weather cleared.  Was it a happy coincidence---or, a miracle?  Certainly, His Holiness has bigger concerns than my hiking itinerary, but I had to wonder (even though I’m not Catholic) if the break in the weather, a hike up Mt. Francis and a new pope named Francis aren’t--ya know-- connected.  Still, whatever your religious affiliations, it’s hard to deny that trekking in the "cathedral of the great outdoors" is a great way to renew the spirit.  Counts for church! Now, on to the hike details.

East Copper Spring

There's no shortage of hike-able peaks in the Prescott area and this sweet little find on the fringes of log-cabin-vacation-home-land holds its own among its loftier, more remote commrades.  Remarkably easy to access for a mountain trek, the route is a web of forest roads, ATV tracks and hiking trails.  To seasoned hikers, the tiny 800 feet of elevation change from the trailhead to the peak may seem like an outing for amateurs, however, once on the trail, unrelenting dips and climbs easily add up to three times the advertised ascent.  There are many ways to hitch together a loop hike using the labyrinth of dirt roads and footpaths circling the antenna-cluttered peak which resembles a lumpy knoll.  Therefore, a good map and a compass will be your best tools to avoid frustration and aimless wandering in this scrubby terrain of juniper and yucca. And so, in yet another weary homage to the slogan of this blog, we set off to conquer the mountain and record our journey for your hiking sanity.  Here's a description of our route:  from the trailhead, cross Copper Basin Road and pick up Aspen Creek Trail #48, follow the “48” signs 2.9 miles to the junction with East Copper Trail #260.  Turn right (north) and hike 0.5 mile to a 3-way junction with a gate. Head up the road with the gate to the summit of Mt Francis.  Once done exploring the peak, head back down to the first shed with antennas and turn right onto the road below the power lines.  Soon, you’ll pass thru another gate.  At this point, you’re on FR9402D.  Follow this aspen-fringed track to Copper Basin Road, turn right and hike roughly a mile back to the trailhead.  NOTE:  Along FR9402D, you will notice several side roads on the right blockaded with boulders.  According to my research, these theoretically head northeast to connect with trail #48.  However, we didn’t verify this.

Aspens along FR9402D

LENGTH: 7.8-mile loop

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 6266' - 7110'

FACILITIES: none

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 117 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Cordes Junction and the turn off for AZ69.  Head into Prescott on AZ69 (which will become Gurley St) and turn left (south) on Montezuma St. Continue 1 mile to Copper Basin Road, turn right and go 4.6 miles on Copper Basin to the Aspen Creek Trailhead on the right.  Roads are paved up to the last 1.6 miles, which is on sedan-friendly dirt.

INFO:

City of Prescott Mile-High Trail System

http://cityofprescott.net/services/parks/trails/

Prescott National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=67483&actid=50

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Take a hike with wildflower experts

McDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE WILDFLOWER WALK

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

Tom's Thumb Trailhead:

From the loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit 36 and continue 5 miles north on Pima to Happy Valley Road.  Turn right (east) and go 4.1 miles on Happy Valley to Ranch Gate. Turn right on Ranch Gate, follow it 1.2 miles then turn right onto 128th St. and continue 1 mile on 128th to the signed trailhead. Roads are paved all the way.

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

Wilderness waterfalls

BARNHARDT FALLS

Tonto National Forest

entrance to the grotto

inside the grotto: March 16, 2013

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

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

the rock shelter

LENGTH: 6.5 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  4210' - 5580'

GETTING THERE:

From Shea Blvd and AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) in Fountain Hills, travel 51 miles north on 87 to FR 419.  This road is located just beyond the sign for Barnhardt Trailhead and roughly 0.25 mile south of the town of Gisela.  Turn left and go 4.8 miles on FR 419 to the trailhead.  FR 419 is a rutted one-lane track.  Although sedans are frequently sighted at the trailhead, a high clearance vehicle is recommended.

INFO: Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest

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

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Video: Barnhardt Canyon waterfalls

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

New & improved Arizona Trail maps now available.

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

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

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

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

Arizona Trail Association:

http://www.aztrail.org/

Now blooming: Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

UNION PEAK-DESERT TORTOISE LOOP
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

Summit of Union Peak

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

Mexican Gold Poppy

Blackfoot daisy

chuparosa a.k.a. hummingbird plant

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

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

INFO: City of Phoenix, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

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

Superstition Mountains wildflower hike

CROSSCUT-TREASURE LOOP

Tonto National Forest

Brittlebush: March 9, 2013

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

Wild hyacinth & cholla cactus

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

view from the trail

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

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

LENGTH:  3.5 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2580'- 2060'

FACILITIES: none
GETTING THERE:

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

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

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

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

MAPS: Lost Dutchman State Park

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

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Barrier-free wildflower trails

JUDITH TUNELL TRAILS

South Mountain Park

Judith Tunell Challenge Trail, March 7, 2013

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

Scorpionweed & Gordon's Bladderpod

LENGTH:  1 mile (two 0.5-mile loops)

RATING: easy, barrier-free

ELEVATION:  1370’ - 1440

GETTING THERE:

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

INFO & MAPS:

City of Phoenix, South Mountain Park

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

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Urban wildflower hike

TERRACE TRAIL

Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

Globemallow, March 7, 2013

Wolfberry, March 7, 2013

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

Terraced waterfall & cottonwood trees

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

RATING:  easy---rocky, unpaved route

ELEVATION:  1,100’

DOGS:  leashed dogs are allowed only on paved trails

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

GETTING THERE:

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

"Ghost" the feral dog

INFO & MAP:

City of Phoenix, 602-262-6863

Audubon Visitor Center, 602- 468-6470

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

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CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP TRAIL

CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP

Payson

Water on the Cypress Trail: March 2, 2013

Snow on North Boulders Loop: March 2, 2013

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

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

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

LENGTH:  7.3 miles round trip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  4485’- 4932’

GETTING THERE:

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

ALTERNATE ACCESS TO THE LOOP:

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

INFO:

Payson Area Trails System (PATS)

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

Four Forest Restoration Initiative update

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

Coconino National Forest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wildflowers of the wild west

COFFEE FLAT to WHITLOW CANYON

Superstition Wilderness

corral at Whitlow Canyon

Fairy Duster

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

Water on the Dutchman's Trail

HIKE PLAN:

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

LENGTH:  9.2 miles roundtrip

RATING:  easy- moderate

brittlebush

ELEVATION:  2287' - 2680'

FACILITIES: restrooms

GETTING THERE:

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

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

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

MAP:

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

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3773484274389.112505.1795269672&type=1&l=39845a911a

Desert wildflower season 2013

WILDFLOWER HIKING SEASON 2013 GETS OFF TO A COLORFUL START

Mexican gold poppy: Feb. 23, 2013

Red Maids: Feb. 23, 2013

Desert Rock Pea: Feb. 23, 2013

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

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