Some Kaibab National Forest trails temporarily closed

HIKING TRAILS ON BILL WILLIAMS MOUNTAIN TO CLOSE JUNE 19, 2013

View from Bill Williams Mountain summit

Fire season is in full-swing and again this year, due to extremely dry conditions and escalating fire dangers, Kaibab National Forest will close public access to the Bill Williams Watershed beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday June 19. This temporary closure will be in effect until conditions improve enough to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

Closure boundaries are between 4th St/CR73 (Perkinsville Road) on the east, FR122 to the south, FR 108 on the west and I-40 to the north. This means that the hiking trails on and directly around Bill Williams Mountain including Benham Trail , Bixler Saddle and the Bill Williams Trail are off limits until further notice. Additionally---if we do not get monsoon rains soon, Arizona national forests may be temporarily closed to public entry.  So, always do you homework before heading out for a summer hike.

INFO:

Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Line: 928-635-8311

Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5424423.pdf

Hike above Arizona's plateau lake country

HUTCH MOUNTAIN-GOOSEBERRY SPRING

Coconino National Forest 

A quiet little place with a surprisingly in-your-face outdoor experience, the Hutch Mountain trail showcases amazing views of Northern Arizona’s plateau country. This adventure consists of two parts: the visit to the tower and the trail hike. To find the trail, start at the gate near the parking area and hike up the dirt road for .12 mile to a point where the road swerves sharply to the right. From here, you’ll see the unmarked trail heading downhill. Along the trail, big views of Anderson Mesa dominate the first half-mile before the steep, narrow path dips into a shadowy canyon embellished with rich red earth and bold green swaths undergrowth splattered with blood-red berries and lemony daisies. The path ends at Gooseberry Springs campsite---a grassy depression in an airy mountain valley where there’s a spring that flows nearly year-round. To visit the tower, hike back up the trail to the main road, go left and continue uphill. Built in 1936, the 31-foot-tall tower hovers over a blanket of close-knit forests of fir, spruce and pine trees that melt into Northern Arizona’s volcanic highlands. 

LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 8,535 – 8,000 feet DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 180 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 339, Lake Mary Road (FR3). Go 33 miles south on Lake Mary Road to Forest Road 135 near milepost 311. Go 2.6 miles on FR 135, bear left at an unsigned junction and then left again onto Forest Road 135B. Go 2 miles on FR 135B to the parking area where an access gate sometimes bars vehicles from driving to the tower. No worries, though. Hikers can continue beyond the gate on foot. A high clearance vehicle is required. INFORMATION: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest: (928) 526-0866 

Fire restrictions at Secret Canyon & Loy Canyon trails

SECRET FIRE TEMPORARILY CLOSES TWO POPULAR SEDONA TRAILS
Coconino National Forest

Secret Canyon area

The lightning-caused Secret Fire which ignited on Saturday June 15th  is burning 30 south of Flagstaff in the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness.  As of this morning it is 40 percent contained, however access to the Loy Canyon, Secret Canyon and other trails in the immediate area are temporarily closed. Although it's usually too hot to hike there this time of year, be sure to check with the forest service before planning a visit to the area.
INFO & MAP:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5424426

Scottsdale's Brown's Ranch Trailhead now open!

BROWN'S RANCH TRAILHEAD NOW OPEN!

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The long awaited Brown's Ranch Trailhead in north Scottsdale was opened for public use on Monday June 10, 2013. Fifty-five miles of new and rebuilt non-motorized trails are now signed and ready to explore----and many more are planned as work continues to expand the system to the north and west. I'll be heading out there this weekend, so stay tuned for photos and a trip report.

Grand opening ceremonies are planned for Saturday October 19, 2013.

HOURS: gates are open roughly sunrise to sunset daily---a specific time schedule is available online.

FACILITIES: 200-car parking lot, restrooms, water, shade ramadas, equestrian staging area.

GETTING THERE:

30301 North Alma School Parkway, Scottsdale.

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess exit 36 and head north on Pima to Dynamite Road. Turn right (east) and go 2.9 miles to Alma School Pkwy, turn left (north) and drive less than a mile to the trailhead.

MAP:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Northern+Preserve+Map.pdf

INFO:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve

Challenging decent to West Clear Creek

HEADWATERS TRAIL

Mogollon Rim

Looking for a challenge? This discombobulated, demolition zone of a trail offers a dour dose of adventure for denizens of danger. Perhaps that’s why, on any given weekend, droves of adrenaline junkies flock to this primitive route, which drops into the wild upper reaches of West Clear Creek.

The “trail” starts at an old, non-descript wood post at the northwest end of the parking area progressing downhill through an insanely steep quagmire of dead trees, moss-encrusted boulders and scree -- for a memorable, vertical plunge. The difficult climbing ends at the bottom of the canyon where the waters of West Clear Creek lap up against contorted, towering cliffs and slender sandbars. Beyond this point, wading, swimming and bushwhacking are required to continue exploring either up or downstream. Head left to see the famous “hanging gardens”—limestone cliffs imbedded with drooping green plants---or, go right and follow the waterway to a gallery of ancient rock art.

LENGTH: 1-mile roundtrip (from the rim to the creek)

ELEVATION: 6,600 – 5,950 feet

RATING: insane

DOG RATING: only very experienced dogs should attempt this trail

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 113 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From Payson, go north on AZ 87 (toward Pine-Strawberry) to AZ 260. Turn left (west) and follow 260 3.1 miles to Forest Road 144, near milepost 249. Turn right (east) and go 1.8 miles to Forest Road 149, turn left (north) and continue to a 3-way junction at Forest Road 142. Go right onto FR 142 and drive 0.9 miles to Forest Road 142E on the left---this is an easy-to-miss unmarked road—if you reach Forest Road 142F, you’ve gone too far. Follow FR 142E 2.7 miles to a large, unsigned parking area.

INFORMATION: refer to the Coconino National Forest map, USGS map, Calloway Butte

I.D. that tree

A HANDY REFERENCE FOR TRAIL-SIDE TREE IDENTIFICATION 

One of the great things about hiking is that it gets us out of the concrete jungle and into the natural world.  And, if you're anything like me, you enjoy learning about the plants, animals and geology decorating the trails.  Princeton University Press recently sent me a complimentary review copy of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees (Second Edition)  by David More and John White.

The hefty, volume features more than 2000 species accompanied by 5000+ illustrations of many of the most common trees that grow along northern Arizona hiking trails.  Tree descriptions are written as concise, approachable entries with adjacent, skillfully rendered watercolors of leaves, seed stages, bark, full plant scales and depictions of seasonal changes.  This is a comprehesive, user-friendly tool for identifying mid-to-high elevation trees in Arizona.  Although it's lacking in the desert species (specifically, our legumes like ironwood, Palo verde, mesquites) coverage is good for the trees we encounter on summer hikes: pines, firs, maples, willows and junipers. It will become available on June 19, 2013.

The section on aspens---my favorite tree

INFO:  Jessica Pellien, Princeton University Press

jessica_pellien@press.princeton.edu

THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TREES

Second Edition
David More & John White

Cloth | 2013 | $49.95 | ISBN: 9780691158235
832 pp. | 7 x 10 | 5,000+ color illus.

Pub date: June 19, 2013

Safe hiking in summer heat

SUMMER HIKING SAFETY

Beautiful. Hot. Deadly.

And so the 2013 summer hiking season begins---one hiker dead near Hoover Dam, a 21-year old dies from the heat at the White Tank Mountains and another was rescued with heat exhaustion in the Castle Dome mountains. And it's only June. These tragic heat-related hiking accidents should remind us that we must take extra precautions when recreating outdoors during summer. It doesn't take long for even the most physically fit hikers to succumb to heatstroke, heat exhaustion or hyponatremia. Now's the time to study up, plan your treks and hit the trail prepared to survive. Heat COULD kill YOU. Have you ever heard a news report in which the victims were not "experienced hikers"? Think on it. 

The national park service has an excellent checklist for summer hiking:

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SUMMER HIKING-HIKE SMART:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm

A cool creekside hike

HORSE CROSSING TRAIL

Mogollon Rim

East Clear Creek

A leisurely amble through the pristine and complex canyon system of upper East Clear Creek reveals wonders that even the most well traveled Arizona hikers will find astounding. There’s the epic views from the coniferous forest rim, a scenic drop into the canyon along a fossil-encrusted limestone trail, and an emerald-green riparian environment along the water.

Sandwiched between two reservoirs, East Clear Creek slices into soft sedimentary pediments leaving behind a meandering sheer-walled canyon.  This 50-mile-long ribbon of life-giving water flows northeast from Blue Ridge Reservoir to Clear Creek Reservoir near Winslow where it merges with the Little Colorado River.  Although traversing the entire length of this gorge would involve technical climbing skills, swimming and rafting, all that’s needed to hike the Horse Crossing trail #20 is a pair of boots and a day pack.  Exploring the mid-section of the creek, Horse Crossing is hemmed in by hard scramble rock escarpments.  At the bottom of the canyon, running water sculpts sandstone walls that look like dunes tilted on their sides in layer-

cake formation.  Tens of millions of years ago, the landscape surrounding East Clear Creek was part of a vast ocean and the fossilized remains of sea-dwelling algae, coral and brachiopods are strewn about like scattered bones.  Like all of the “crossing” trails on the Mogollon Rim, this one continues up the opposite side of the canyon. However, it’s more fun to bush whack and wade for several miles up or downstream where clouds reflected in mirror-like pools in the worn sandstone gives the impression of walking on the sky.

LENGTH: 3 miles round-trip (on trail)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 6,900’ – 6,400’

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 170 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From Payson, travel north on AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) to Clints Well.  From there, continue on AZ87 for another 9.4 miles to the turn off for Forest Road 95 (between mileposts 299 and  300).  Turn right (east) on FR 95 and drive 4 miles to Forest Road 513B.  Go left (east) on FR 513B and continue 2 miles to the trailhead.  A high-clearance vehicle is required on FR 513B.

INFO:  Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, (928) 477-2255
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=54988&actid=50

Wander down Dirtyneck Road

DIRTYNECK ROAD

Near Clints Well

Ferns galore

While attempting a less-than-successful exploratory hike on the Mogollon Rim this past week, we stumbled upon this easy dirt road hike on the western lip of Dirtyneck Canyon (see separate blog entry for the canyon hike).  Because it's situated in an area that gets lots of moisture runoff and lingering snow, the route is smothered in healthy oaks and oceans of whispering ferns.  A stock tank roughly halfway in is the pub of choice for local forest beasts that leave their impressions along its muddy fringes.  Look for signatures of elk, raccoon, possum, skunk, rabbit, squirrel, deer, and the meandering scribbles of traveling caterpillars on the "critter dance floor". Beyond the tank, the road dips downhill to emerge in the impossibly green meadows of Fortynine Canyon---it’s an unsigned junction where FR6089 goes right.  This is easy to miss---look for a 4x4 road going up a steep embankment on the left, the route heads right (northeast) directly across and continues for just under a mile to AZ87.  However, if you want an extra treat, head left into Fortynine Canyon.  Here, the road follows a moist drainage leading to a spring and a group of old cabins resembling a tiny pioneer hamlet.  If you go this way, the road bends north near the cabins and ends at AZ87.

Stock tank 

LENGTH: 6 miles roundtrip

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION:  7385' - 6923'

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 90 miles 1-way (from Shea Blvd. & AZ87)

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) to Payson.  Continue north on AZ87 past Pine-Strawberry to the junction with AZ260.  Set your odometer.  From here,  north on AZ87 to FR 613 on the right--this is roughly 2.5 miles north of FR300 Rim Road and between mileposts 282 and 283.  Turn right and follow FR 613   0.8 mile (veer left at the Fortyfour Canyon sign)  to where there are signs for "Dirtyneck Canyon" and FR6089 on the left. Park in the pullout and hike north on FR 6089.
MORE PHOTOS:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4170806247190.1073741854.1795269672&type=1&l=c94d2d5bed

No Tonto Pass required on June 8, 2013

WATER HIKES WITHOUT THE FEES

Tonto National Forest

Lower Salt River

Tonto National Forest announced today that the Tonto Pass, which is required at more than 50 day-use recreation sites including Salt and Verde River locations, will be waived on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Here's your chance to explore waterside trails at Bartlett Reservoir, Saguaro Lake and the Lower Salt River sites---like Coon Bluff, Butcher Jones, Jojoba Trail, Pipeline Canyon and the Palo Verde Trail.  (See my trail index for individual hike details). 

The Tonto Passes, which are required at certain developed, high-impact, day-use areas like lakes and rivers, usually sell for $6 and are good for 24-hours. This fee waiver does NOT apply to campgrounds.

Pipeline Canyon

INFO:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5422617

TONTO PASS INFO:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/tonto/home/?cid=fsbdev3_018749&width=full

Flagstaff's Waterline Road re-opened

WATERLINE ROAD-TUNNEL TRAIL

Coconino National Forest

the famous tunnel

Closed since the June 2010 Schultz Fire, this popular non-motorized Flagstaff trail has been RE-OPENED as of May 31, 2013. Although firefighters and recreation staff have spent more than 3600 hours removing hazards like burned trees, hikers are advised to be constantly aware of their surroundings and remain on the lookout for risks while using Waterline Road.  

The wide route, which  is used by forest service workers to maintain springs on the northeast slope of San Francisco Peaks,  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.

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, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/waterline-tr.shtml

Upcoming fee-free days and work events in Red Rock Country

RED ROCK PASS FREE DAYS

Palatki Heritage Site

Just in time for National Trails Day and Get Outdoors Day, the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District has announced that they will WAIVE FEES at most trailheads and day-use sites in the Sedona area on Saturday June 1 and Saturday June 8, 2013. This includes the archeological sites Palatki, Honanki, and V Bar V. Areas NOT included are Call of the Canyon (West Fork of Oak Creek), Grasshopper Point and Crescent Moon Ranch. ALSO, more fee-free day are coming up for National Public Lands Day (Sept 28) and Veterans Day weekend (Nov 9-11)

INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, 928-203-2900

http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/

Boynton Canyon

PUBLIC TRAIL WORK EVENTS on JUNE 1, 2013

Forest service personnel are recruiting volunteers to assist with light trail maintenance at the Boynton Canyon and Cathedral Rock trailheads. Those who wish to participate should come prepared with helmet, gloves, protective eyewear, long-sleeved top, long pants, boots, water and sunscreen. Meet up time is 9 a.m.

CONTACT: Forrest Saville 928-203-7509.

Marginalized mountain gets some love

O'LEARY PEAK

Flagstaff

Destination: O'Leary Peak in background

Hiding in plain sight between Sunset Crater National Monument and Arizona's loftiest mountain is O'Leary Peak--- a dormant lava dome volcano with a character unlike its geological neighbors.  Normally, this trail sees only little-to-moderate hiking traffic, but this week was different.  First, the annual Arizona Highways Summer Hiking Guide hit newsstands and features O'Leary as one of its favorite destinations (nice pick, Robert!). And, I selected this trail for my contribution to the Grape-Nuts Summit Sampler event.  So, good  'ol O'Leary is suddenly getting the recognition it deserves. What turns hikers off about this route is that it's on a closed gravel road (no, you cannot drive to the summit unless you're with the forest service) all the way to the top.  However, it's a big mistake to discount this hike because of that.  In fact, because this no-route-finding-no-worries trail eliminates the need for maps and GPS, hikers are freed up for unrestricted gawking at the surrounding San Francisco Volcanic Field.  It’s helpful to dust off your Geology 101 textbook prior to hitting this trail.  That's because you'll be treated to a mélange of volcanic formations included lava flows, cinder cones, a strato volcano (San Francisco Mountain/Humphreys Peak) and of course O'Leary itself which is comprised of mostly an igneous rock called dacite. The climb is an unmitigated haul up the mountain's south face.  Switchbacks transition from wide and gradual to short and abrupt near the summit.  The effort pays off though with birds eye views of Sunset Crater National Monument that could otherwise only be seen by helicopter.  As the trail reaches its high point, there are terrific views of the Painted Desert, Grand Canyon and the more than 600 volcanoes that populate the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. On the summit, an official elevation sign beneath a fire tower makes for the perfect way to commemorate the climb with photos.  The tower is not ordinarily open to visitors, however on our visit, the forest service worker invited us up--and we, of course, handed her some Grape-Nuts Fit samples!

Taking a break on the summit

LENGTH: 10 miles roundtrip

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 6956' - 8916'

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the junction with I-40 just south of Flagstaff.

Head east (right) on I-40 and continue to the junction for AZ89 NORTH at exit 201.

Follow AZ89 north to the entrance for Sunset Crater at milepost 430.3.

Turn right onto Sunset Crater Road (FR545) and go 1.7 miles to FR545A, which is signed for O’Leary Group Campground. Turn left on FR545A and go 0.25 mile to the parking area on the right near the gate for O’Leary Lookout.

View of San Francisco Peaks from the trail

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55146&actid=50

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4140707774747.1073741853.1795269672&type=1&l=3428fd70f7

Reminder: come out and climb a mountain with me this Saturday

FREE SAMPLES ON THE MOUNTAIN THIS SATURDAY MAY 25, 2013

actual product

Hikers---just a reminder that I'll be handing out free samples of Post Grape-Nuts Fit cereal on Flagstaff's O'Leary Peak this Saturday.  In addition to the goodies, this trail features over-the-top views of Sunset Crater National Monument. So---what's keeping you at home?

DATE:  Saturday, May 25, 2013. NO RSVP---just show up and start hiking. 

TIME:  we'll be on the mountain from approx. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

LENGTH:  10 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 6956' - 8916' 

RATING: moderate-difficult (you are responsible for your own gear and safety, this is not a sponsored hike)

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the I40 interchange in Flagstaff.  Head east (go right) on I40 to exit 201 for US89 north.  Go roughly 10 miles north on US89 and turn right at the sign for Sunset Crater National Park (FR545).  Follow this road 1.5 miles and turn left at FR545A for O'Leary Campground.  Continue 0.3 mile to a free parking apron at the summit road gate.  Do not park in the campground---unless, of course, you plan to camp there and pay the fee.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
http://www.grapenutssummitsampler.com/
ABOUT O'LEARY PEAK:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110304&ttype=recarea&recid=55146&actid=24&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&pname=Flagstaff+RD+-+O'leary+Peak+Trail

Road to West Clear Creek to close May 23

FOREST ROAD 215 TO BULL PEN TO CLOSE ON THURSDAY

UPDATE: Bull Pen will reopen for day use only (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.) on November 2, 2013. 
If you're headed out to the West Clear Creek area this holiday weekend, please read this new release before planning your route.

From: "Smith, Brady -FS" <bradysmith@FS.FED.US>
Date: May 21, 2013 12:45:13 PM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest

NEWS RELEASE                   

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service

Coconino National Forest

www.fs.usda.gov/coconino                                        

www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF

www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

For Immediate Release

May 21, 2013

           

Public Affairs Contacts:

Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest, 928-527-3490

Brienne Magee, Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-527-8290

Hazard trees prompts temporary closure of Bull Pen area

Flagstaff, AZ – The Bull Pen area, located about 10 miles east of Camp Verde off Forest Road 215, will be closed temporarily beginning Thursday (May 23) due to a large number of trees that pose a hazard to the public.

“Forest Service personnel have discovered hanging dead limbs and hazardous trees in areas frequently used by visitors for camping,” said Heather Provencio, district ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District.  “We take the safety of the public seriously and the closure will last until the Forest Service can complete a formal risk assessment, mitigate the hazard and deem the area safe for public entry.”

This closure prohibits all public entry into the area including camping, day use, hiking, and access to West Clear Creek via Forest Road 215.

Due to the large number of hazardous trees in the area and the flood potential at areas used by visitors for camping near the creek, Forest Service personnel will be considering management options that may include designated camping locations and designated parking.

Bull Pen is a popular camping and picnicking area along West Clear Creek during the summer with visitors camping under the towering sycamores and cottonwood trees.

Violation of this closure is subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months jail time.

For more information about the Bull Pen area and closure, please contact the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center at 928-203-7500.  Members of the public who want to provide comments on future management of the area should do so by submitting a comment form via http://go.usa.gov/b3aX.

###

Respectfully,

Brady

--------------------------------------

Brady Smith, MBA

Forest Public Affairs Officer

Coconino National Forest

Tel:  (928) 527-3490

To the pit

LE PETIT VERDON

Flagstaff

Rim above Sandy's Canyon and the pit

Let's call this one Sandy's Canyon with a twist.  I happened to be in the area of Mormon Lake last week and decided to make a quick run into the canyon on my way back just to take a peek at the recent  damage from the Fisher Fire. At the trailhead, I got distracted by that pesky sign where Sandy's Canyon/AZ  Trail goes left and Canyon Vista  heads right. As I wasn't really on a schedule, it seemed like to perfect time to make the detour to satisfy my curiosity about the Canyon Vista trail.  As it turns out-- what is an appetizer for hikers is the main course for rock  climbers. Canyon Vista trail dips downhill to Le Petit Verdon---a popular climbing area better known as "the pit".  Here, soaring limestone walls with bolted routes provide dozens of ways to explore the crags in vertical format.  Although it's an enjoyable side trip for hikers, this is the domain of sport climbers, so be respectful when passing near them, or better yet, observe their spiderman-like athletics from a distance.  Once done marveling at the climbers, head back up (and down again) for a trek into Sandy's Canyon.  The fire damage isn't too bad. 

LENGTH: 1 mile roundtrip or 3.8 miles with Sandy's Canyon

RATING: easy (uneven, rocky surfaces)

ELEVATION: 6800' - 6600'

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to just south of I40 in Flagstaff and turn right  onto  exit 339 for Lake Mary Road (FR3).  From the bottom of the off ramp, turn right continue 5.5 miles south to Canyon Vista Campground on the left near milepost 300.  There's a small no-fee parking area  

Climbers in the pit

for hikers.

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55034&actid=50

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4092078719051.1073741850.1795269672&type=1&l=8a9d2ae00c

Hike with me on Saturday May 25, 2013

POST GRAPE-NUTS FIT SUMMIT SAMPLING EVENT

O'Leary Peak on the horizon

Hi Hikers,  As one of 60 hikers selected from across the USA to participate in the 60th anniversary celebration of the first ascent of Mt. Everest, the folks at Post cereals have provided me with FREE SAMPLES of  Grape-Nuts Fit to give out during a commemorative climb up Flagstaff's O'Leary Peak.  Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay ate Grape-Nuts on their historic 1953 trek.  Look for me (or my volunteer sherpas) and claim your goodie.  Hikers who make it to the summit have the option of appearing in photos (or not) with the official summit flag which I'll post here after the event. Hope to see you on the mountain!  Mare

DATE:  Saturday, May 25, 2013. NO RSVP---just show up and start hiking. 

TIME:  we'll be on the mountain from approx. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

LENGTH:  10 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 6956' - 8916' 

RATING: moderate-difficult (you are responsible for your own gear and safety, this is not a sponsored hike)

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the I40 interchange in Flagstaff.  Head east (go right) on I40 to exit 201 for US89 north.  Go roughly 10 miles north on US89 and turn right at the sign for Sunset Crater National Park (FR545).  Follow this road 1.5 miles and turn left at FR545A for O'Leary Campground.  Continue 0.3 mile to a free parking apron at the summit road gate.  Do not park in the campground---unless, of course, you plan to camp there and pay the fee.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
http://www.grapenutssummitsampler.com/
ABOUT O'LEARY PEAK:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110304&ttype=recarea&recid=55146&actid=24&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&pname=Flagstaff+RD+-+O'leary+Peak+Trail

Meet hike book author Bruce Grubbs tonight

Author and outdoor enthusiast Bruce Grubbs will be speaking and also signing his new book tonight at the Arizona Hiking Shack.  The Creaky Knees Guide features 80 easy Arizona hikes selected for seniors, boomers and families with young kids.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 7 p.m.
ARIZONA HIKING SHACK
3244 E. Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-944-7723
http://www.hikingshack.com

RIO DE FLAG

RIO DE FLAG NATURE TRAIL

Flagstaff

Inside the canyon

Another in my series of  “who knew” hikes, this one hides behind Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona.  After shrugging it off for years, I finally made the detour this weekend and was pleasantly surprised.  Instead of the dull “edutainment” trail I was expecting, this one is free of signs and packed with interest.  The trail begins on the rim of a 50-foot-deep, sheer walled canyon, then descends via a set of stone stairs into a beautiful riparian corridor cluttered with arroyo willows, brambles and Rocky Mountain irises.  Winding among enormous volcanic boulders and Ponderosa pines, the route cuts a figure-eight path with a couple of fun detours.  First, look for another stone staircase that leads up to the canyon’s west rim, here, you’ll follow a rambling, leaf-littered path to an aspen-ringed cove and the stony harbor of an intermittent spring.  Also, on the east rim near the museum, a simple path paralleling US180 leads to a wooden observation deck with a pond and green swale fed by the trickling waters of Flagstaff’s only “river”.

Rio de Flag

LENGTH:  0.6-mile loop

RATING:  easy (rocky, uneven surface)

ELEVATION: 7048’ – 7120’

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to Flagstaff.  Continue through town and connect with US180 (Fort Valley Road).  Go roughly 3 miles north on US180 to past milepost 218 and turn left into the parking lot for the Museum of Northern Arizona.  Trail begins near the museum entrance.

MORE PHOTOS

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An easier way to conquer the Arizona Trail

ARIZONA TRAIL SHUTTLE SERVICES

Every so often I receive event and information rich e-newsletters from the Arizona Trail Association. You can get them too by becoming a member.  But until you do---I wanted to share this very cool beta regarding shuttle services for hikers/bikers.  From the May 8, 2013 newsletter:

If you are planning on hiking or mountain biking the Arizona Trail one segment at a time, consider leaving the driving to someone else. There are a variety of shuttle services available throughout the state, including some that will even take you from the Tucson airport to the start of the Arizona Trail near the U.S./Mexico border. Check out the Shuttles page for contact information.

An increasingly popular option is to gather a group of friends together to tackle an entire passage of the AZT in one day. Most shuttle services can arrange a pick-up and drop-off at Arizona Trail trailheads, and with a larger group you’ll save money.

Some of the preferred shuttle services include:
Southern Arizona:  Southwest Trekking
Central Arizona:  Gnar Gnar Tours
Northern Arizona:  All Star Grand Canyon Tours

ARIZONA TRAIL ASSOCIATION:
http://www.aztrail.org/

Watershed sentinel

APACHE MAID MOUNTAIN

Coconino National Forest

Summit of Apache Maid Mountain: 7307'

Just east of  I-17, 30 miles south of Flagstaff, the isolated silhouette of Apache Maid Mountain  juts above a muted emerald expanse of juniper-dotted grasslands.  Because of its unchallenged dominance on the landscape, a climb up this peak rewards with breath taking vistas of Sedona's red rocks, the mountains of Prescott and the canyon-riddled watershed highlands of Wet Beaver Creek and the Verde River. Although this peak also can be conquered via a 17-mile one-way (3864' - 7307') hike on the Apache Maid Trail that begins on the Bell Trail at Wet Beaver Creek, the way is difficult, dry and best suited for highly experienced hikers.  However, if getting to the high point is your main objective, then scratch the tortuous miles  and instead tackle the massif from its base.   The trail is FR 620, a wide red-soil track hacked out of the mountainside.  Twisting  up the south and west faces of the hill in long, gradual hairpin coils the road makes for a pleasant, not-too-tough climb through a mishmash of Ponderosa pines, oak and scrub while a frenzy of wildflowers  splatters color on disturbed road shoulders and sun washed meadows.  About a half-mile from the top, a jumbled boulder ledge frames exceptional views of Red Rock Country as an abrupt break at the edge of a spralling windswept prairie. On the summit, a fire lookout built in 1961 teeters over its watershed ward.  The tower is open  by invitation only when a worker is present, otherwise, visitors may relax at the picnic table tucked into a shady glen of oak trees.

Apache Maid Lookout

LENGTH: 9.2 miles roundtrip (shorter options described below)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 6063' - 7307'

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic table and hitching post on the summit.  Nearby camping.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix travel north on I17 to exit 306 for Stoneman Lake.  Turn right and go 6.4 miles on Stoneman Lake Road (FR 213)  to the signed intersection for FR229.  Follow FR229 (heading toward Apache Maid LO) 4.5 miles and bear right at a "T" intersection with FR230 to stay on FR229. Continue 0.4 mile to a curve in the road where FR 229 swerves left and FR 620 bends to the right. Here, there's a green gate marking the entrance to Apache Maid Cabin. Park in the turnoffs along the road.  From here it's a 4.6-mile one-way hike to the summit. Alternatively, you can continue driving up FR620 to a parking apron at a gate that's  1.8 mile from the summit. We also noted good parking opportunities near FR 2938J which is 3.4 miles from the summit and also cuts about 200 feet of climbing. 

ROAD CONDITIONS: FR 213 is paved for a while then turns to good dirt suitable for all vehicles. FR 229 and beyond is a mix of smooth dirt and deeply rutted, washboard.  Although we saw sedans parked along the way, a high-clearance vehicle is a much better idea. 

oak trees along the trail

INFO: Coconino National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55216&actid=50

Rent Apache Maid Cabin:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55214&actid=101

MORE PHOTOS:

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