Brown's Ranch Trailhead GRAND OPENING this Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013

BROWN'S MOUNTAIN SUMMIT

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Brown's Mountain

Desert hiking; how we have missed thee.  The return of cool temperatures and close-to-home Valley hiking gets an added boost this year with the opening of Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.

Everything old is new again in this beautiful swath of North Scottsdale desert.  For years, local hikers have been familiar with the maze of social trails orbiting Powerline Road north of Dixileta. With no enforced rules or designated routes to protect the area's cultural artifacts and fragile terrain, this "wild west" free-for-all recreation site was on its way to becoming either an outdoor slum or swanky golf community.  Instead, the City of Scottsdale and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy have restored the granite-and-saguaro landscape to a glorious nature preserve.  Cleaned up, packed with amenities and staffed during peak months by superstar volunteer trail stewards, roughly 60 of the planned 120 miles of recreational trails were opened to the public on June 10, 2013.  The choice of hiking trails here can be overwhelming, so a good way to get acquainted with this new section of the preserve is to scope it out from to its high point---Brown's Mountain.  Maps at the parking lot and plentiful trail signs make navigation a cinch---just head out from the trailhead and trek toward the big hill straight ahead. The real beauty of this trail system is its connectivity.  Endless combinations of loops or out-and-back routes can be created to suit hikers of all stripes.

Brown's Mountain Trail

LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip (trailhead to Brown’s summit and back)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2,710' - 3,253'

HOURS: sunrise -sunset daily

FACILITIES: paved parking, restrooms, water, horse hitch, bike racks, maps

GETTING THERE:

Brown's Ranch Trailhead: 30301 N. Alma School Pkwy. Scottsdale 85262.

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess exit #36, go 6.5 miles north on Pima to Dynamite Road.  Turn right and continue 2.7 miles to Alma School Road, turn left and go 1 mile to the trailhead.

NOTE: trailhead parking will be CLOSED from 1 p.m. Friday 10-18-13 through Saturday 10-19-13 noon for the grand opening event.  Park at Pinnacle Peak Patio (10426 E. Jomax) and take the shuttle, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Brown's Mountain Summit trail

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

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

http://mcdowellsonoran.org/#sthash.6vOglBRO.dpbs

MORE PHOTOS:

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Round 2 of Government shutdown closures on Coconino National Forest

NEW ROUND OF FOREST CLOSURES ON THE COCONINO

Just when you thought it couldn't get more crazy, the government shutdown is now forcing closure of campgrounds and other sites on Coconino National Forest.  Some of these sites would have normally closed for the year at the end of October anyway.  But others, even those run by private companies, are being forced to close.  Generally, undeveloped trailheads, hiking trails and forest access via number roads remain open. A full list is available here:
WHAT'S CLOSED AS OF 10-11-13:
http://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/shutdown-claims-last-of-campsites/article_9047c168-30a7-11e3-bb47-0019bb2963f4.html

INTERESTING FIRST-PERSON COMMENTARY FROM A BUSINESS OWNER WHO OPERATES SOME OF THESE CLOSED SITES:
http://www.coyoteblog.com/

Flagstaff fall color update: Oct 11, 2013

LAMAR HAINES MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA

Flagstaff

Veit's Cabin, Oct. 11, 2013

Aspen overload with a side of fresh snow is the big draw along Flagstaff’s Snowbowl Road this week.  Heart-shaped leaves on the willowy, white-barked canopies are showing a mixed pallet of ready-to-burst lemons, full bloom golds and past-prime caramels, so now is the perfect time for fall color hiking. Exploring the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area (a.k.a. Veit Springs) involves a short trek

Fresh snow, Oct. 11, 2013

packed with interesting ruins, pictographs and a wide, easy tread--which is why it buries the needle on the kid-pleasing scale. Allow plenty of time to stroll among the collapsed remains of homesteader Ludwig Veit’s 1890s cabin, an historical marker commemorating the work of conservationist Lamar Haines, and a concrete well with 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’

GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go 7.5 miles north on US180 to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and drive 4.2 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

MORE PHOTOS:

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Take the Sedona Hike Challenge 2013-14

SEDONA HIKE CHALLENGE 2013-14

Turkey Creek Trail

Need an excuse to take a hiking trip to Sedona?  Yeah, let me twist your arm, already.  Well, Red Rock Country's favorite trekker mecca --The Hike House--is once again sponsoring the Sedona Hike Challenge beginning November 15th and running through March 15, 2014.  Participation is so easy.  Just go online to sign up in your preferred category, hike 2 Sedona trails, upload photos documenting your journeys and you'll be entered into  drawings for gift packages filled with excellent outdoor gear and goodies. What could be better than that? And while you're in town, stop by the store, you'll be thrilled with the inventory, services and the staff's knowledge about local trails.
(This is NOT a paid endorsement---I just think it's cool.) 
SIGN UP:
http://shc.webpartnergroup.net
The Hike House:
http://thehikehouse.com

Sedona's West Fork of Oak Creek is OPEN during government shutdown

YES YES YES---West Fork of Oak Creek/Call of the Canyon is OPEN--umm....not anymore....

West Fork of Oak Creek: Oct. 13, 2012

UPDATE 10-10-13: call ahead--government shutdown is now encroaching on sites run by private concessionaires! READ UPDATES from the small business that operates this site:
http://www.coyoteblog.com/

Yes indeed, Arizona hikers sure love fall foliage season.   Thankfully, Sedona's premier autumn color trail is OPEN---even during the government shutdown. 
Trekkers come from all over the globe to see the high desert maples, oaks, willows and hop trees blaze in bittersweet scarlet and honey hues surrounded by soaring red rock walls. It's truely one of the top hikes to do in October.  Maximum leaf intensity happens mid-October but color begins breaking around the 10th and lasts through the month.  Also, don't forget that streamside sycamore-cottonwood color along Oak Creek peaks in late October thru early November.  Trails to try for riparian fall foliage in Sedona are: Baldwin, Huckaby, Red Rock Crossing and anything in Red Rock State Park.
INFO: West Fork concessionaire: 928-203-2900
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=55432&actid=50

FALL COLOR UPDATE: Mogollon Rim, October 5, 2013

U-BAR TRAIL

Pinchot Cabin to McClintock Draw

Barbershop Canyon, Oct. 5, 2013

Anchoring the east end of the Mogollon Rim’s iconic Cabin Loop system of trails, U-Bar #28 cuts an undulating path through rugged canyons, meadows and coniferous woodlands.  Although hiking the entire loop is a rigorous, multi-day endeavor, day-trippers can sample the remote north end by hiking from Pinchot Cabin to McClintock Draw. In October, brilliant fall foliage seems to melt out of the edgy topography. Gambel oaks peppered throughout the area’s pines and spruce glow like randomly-strung lights. Streamside boxelders and willows shine at the bottom of Barbershop Canyon while seas of frost-tinged brackens colonize every sodden, humus packed crack in the limestone terrain.

This sensory smorgasbord mitigates the pain of the trail's constant dips, climbs and the challenge of following a primitive tree-blazed route.

Gambel oak, Oct. 5, 2013

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, hike the old roads to Pinchot Cabin.  Here, a sign points to the start of U-Bar trail heading up the ridge behind the cabin. The route is marked by tree blazes—follow them and you’ll be fine. At the top of the ridge, pass a gate and continue on the road to a “T” intersection with FR95B and FR139G.  Go RIGHT here and follow the road to a stock tank off to the right. Just beyond it, the road splits with the trail heading off between the forks marked by a hiker sign and cairn. Now the trail is a distinct footpath. Continue past a large rusted water tank on the left. About 150 feet beyond the tank, turn RIGHT where the trail forks.  There’s a tree blaze with arrow here.  At 2.3 miles, cross FR139 and begin steep descent into Barbershop Canyon followed by a climb out to McClintock Ridge. At 3.0 miles, cross FR145 and follow FR9616A into McClintock Draw. See "more photos" below for pictures of critical junctions.

LENGTH: 8 miles  as described here including access detour

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 7,000' - 7,620' (1500’ accumulated gain)

GETTING THERE:

From Payson, travel north on AZ87to just before milepost 300 and turn right onto FR95.Go 6.5 miles on FR95 to a bridge over East Clear Creek and veer right to stay on FR95.  Continue 4.5 miles to FR139A (a few yards past a sign for Houston Draw), turn left and go 0.2 mile to the trailhead marked by a sign for Fred Haught Trail.   NOTE: as of September 2013, FR 95 is closed between FR139G and 139A. To get to the Fred Haught trailhead, park at the roadblock and hike 0.5 mile on FR95. Roads are good gravel/dirt with winding mountain grades—sedans okay.

INFO: Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-477-2255

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55418&actid=50 

MORE PHOTOS:

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Travel alert for FR 95 on the Mogollon Rim

FR95 CLOSED BETWEEN FR139G AND 139A
Hikers, if you are planning a route beginning at the Fred Haught trailhead--which is the northern access point for Cabin Loop trails U-Bar, Houston Brothers, Fred Haught and AZ Trail--be advised that construction has closed FR95 where Houston Draw bisects the road.  Looks like a new culvert is being installed, and who knows how long that will take with the government shutdown. No worries, though, you can park at the blockade and hike  0.5 mile on  FR95  to the trailhead. Also, access to Kinder Crossing off FR95 is NOT impacted by this closure. Seriously---do not attempt to drive thru---here's what you will encounter:

Construction at Houston Draw

Houston Draw on FR95 

What's open in Arizona during government shutdown?

Many National Forest recreation sites operated by private companies remain OPEN during the government shutdown.  These include:

SEDONA:

Crescent Moon / Red Rock Crossing,
Grasshopper Point
,West Fork / Call of the Canyon
,Manzanita,
Cave Springs,
Chavez Crossing
,Pine Flats East and West 
Oak Creek Visitor Center,
Clear Creek,
 Beaver Creek

PAYSON:
Christopher Creek
,East Verde,
Houston Mesa,
Ponderosa,
Sharp Creek
,Tonto Creek

FLAGSTAFF:
Ashurst Lake,
Bonito,
Dairy Springs,
Lake Mary Day Use Area,
 Lakeview,
 Locket Meadow,
O'Leary Group,
Pinegrove

NORTH RIM GG:
Demotte
,Jacob Lake

TUCSON:
Rose Canyon Lake,
Spencer Canyon,
Showers Point Group,
Whitetail

http://news.morningstar.com/all/market-wired/MWR1055914/many-federal-recreation-areas-in-arizona-remain-open-during-the-government-shutdown.aspx

AZ State Parks OPEN during government shutdown

ARIZONA STATE PARKS & NATIONAL FORESTS WILL BE OPEN DURING GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

UPDATE: 10-10-13: the government shut is now forcing closure of national forest sites operated by private businesses.  Not sure why.  Check this out for first-hand updates from an owner/operator of many of these sites:
READ UPDATES from the small business that operates this site:
http://www.coyoteblog.com/
Hikers,
Although our National Parks may  temporarily shutter during the government shutdown, our ARIZONA STATE PARKS will be open for business. Access to National Forests is open, However, NF OFFICES and online camping reservation website, http://www.recreation.gov are closed. Hiking and dispersed camping are not impacted. Although I have not received any press releases regarding specific NF campground closures--it's probably a good idea to call ahead (oh, but the offices are closed)  for status of fee-camping areas. Many of these are managed by volunteer site hosts or private concessionaires  who may be keeping the gates open during the government shutdown. If you are looking for alternative places to camp, you can make reservations online:
http://azstateparks.com
WHAT'S OPEN IN ARIZONA:
http://news.morningstar.com/all/market-wired/MWR1055914/many-federal-recreation-areas-in-arizona-remain-open-during-the-government-shutdown.aspx

ABINEAU-BEAR JAW FALL FOLIAGE HIKE

ABINEAU-BEAR JAW LOOP

Flagstaff

Abineau Canyon, Sept. 28, 2013

Coaxed by freezing night temperatures and the season’s first light dusting of snow, the aspens on the north face of Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks are turning to gold.  On Saturday, Sep. 28^th, the trees above 10,000’ were well on their way to peak color while those lower on the mountain were just developing a faint, lemony tinge.  This means prime time for high elevation fall foliage hiking has arrived. Because of its cool, canyon bound location on the mountain, leaves saturate and drop early and quickly on the Abineau-Bear Jaw loop. So head out this week to enjoy this classic autumn trek.

LENGTH:  7.9-mile loop

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION:  8530' - 10,400'

Waterline Road: Sept 28, 2013

GETTING THERE:

Abineau Canyon, Sept. 28, 2013

From Flagstaff, travel north on US180 (Fort Valley Rd) to milepost 235.2 and turn right onto FR 151 (Hart Prairie Road, north access).  Continue 1.6 miles on FR 151 and connect to FR 418.  Drive 3.1 miles on FR418 to FR9123J  (signed for Abineau-Bear Jaw), turn right and go 0.6 mile to the trailhead.

Dirt/cinder roads are rutted but passable by carefully driven sedans.  Access via FR418 from 89A now requires 4x4 due to washouts.

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55058&actid=50

MORE PHOTOS:

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Flagstaff fall color Sept. 28, 2013: UPDATE

Sept 28, 2013

Today on Abineau-Bear Jaw trail. Aspen color, cool temperatures and SNOW. Will post details tomorrow.

Bridge over riffled waters

SHOW LOW BLUFF

Bridge over Show Low Creek

Dedicated in June 2012, this loop route is the newest addition to the White Mountains Trails System. Because of its convenient location, short length and moderate tread, this trail is a popular choice for family jaunts and leisurely strolls. A paved path debarking from the trailhead leads to a rustic stone bridge spanning Show Low Creek.  Here, horses can sometimes be seen grazing in green pastures. Beyond the bridge, the trail enters a forest of oaks, pines and high desert yuccas for a short climb among basalt boulders to the top of the loop where a

sign points to the Woolford trailhead. It's a bit confusing here---go right to complete the loop, or, for a longer hike, head toward Woolford to get to the bluff’s high point for nice views from the juniper grasslands above town.

LENGTH: 1.5 miles

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 6350' - 6400'

GETTING THERE:

The SR260/US60 junction in Show Low, go 1 mile south on SR260 (White Mountain Road) to near milepost 284 and  turn left at the sign for Show Low Bluff trail.  There's a second trailhead off Woolford Road.

INFO:

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/trails/TrailsFiles/ShowLowBluffTrailA.htm

MORE PHOTOS:

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Creek hike with a mountain summit

BLUE RIDGE TRAIL via BILLY CREEK CONNECTOR

Pinetop-Lakeside

Billy Creek

The cool, spring-fed waters of Billy and Thompson creeks anchor this deeply wooded mountain circuit. Perfect for a late summer or autumn trek, the route is located just off Pinetop-Lakeside’s main drag making for a quick up-and-around day hike with lots of variety.

One of the beautiful things about the Blue Ridge Trail is that it can be accessed via either of its two trailheads or by way of Ice Cave Trail, Springs Trail or Billy Creek Connector. But, if creekside trekking is what you're after,  the later provides the best water exposure. Along its 0.75-mile, course, Billy Creek Connector is augmented with footpaths leading to bramble-embellished quiet spaces at the water's edge.  Go right at the Blue Ridge Trail loop junction and hike through 2 miles of fragrant wet meadows to the Springs Trail turn off and the beginning of the 600-foot climb to the summit of Blue Ridge Mountain through airy, oak-pine woodlands, red earth, volcanic boulders and marauding cattle.  Blue diamond markers and location beacons help keep hikers on course where dirt fire roads muddle the map. Occasionally, tree cover parts just enough to reveal White Mountain vista views, however, do not expect the stereotypical treeless, wind-in-your-face, summit-conquering experience---- there are just too many trees..  If you have the stamina, take a side trip on the Ice Cave Trail, which leaves from the return leg of the loop. It's roughly 2 miles one-way (near mile post 8)  to the lava tube cave. Would be spelunkers be warned, hiking/climbing into the cave is not allowed.

Near the top of Blue Ridge Mtn

Billy Creek

LENGTH: 9.9-mile loop

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  6880' - 7656'

GETTING THERE:

Billy Creek trailhead:

In Pinetop-Lakeside, go south on AZ260 (White Mtn Blvd) to milepost 252 (just past Darbi's) turn left onto Pinecrest Rd. and continue 0.1 mile to the trailhead. Parking is very limited and for passenger vehicles only---do not block private drives. 

INFO:

Billy Creek Connector:

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/trails/TrailsFiles/BillyCreekConnectorA.htm

Blue Ridge Trail:

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/trails/TrailsFiles/BlueRidgeTrailA.htm

MORE PHOTOS:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4695308159410.1073741885.1795269672&type=1&l=dad0c05875

Fall Color Report: Sept. 21, 2013

MOGOLLON RIM: 9-21-2013

Spotted these aspens across from the Horse Trap trailhead near Willow Springs Lake today--AZ260 between milepost 284-285.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY 2013

Saturday, September 28

Honanki Heritage site, Sedona

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of National Public Lands Day---the largest single day of volunteer work in the nation-- by participating in one of the 28 events going on in Arizona. Choose from Verde River Days at Dead Horse Ranch SP, trail maintenance, clean up at South Mountain Park and the public release of California condors at Vermillion Cliffs. So whether your prefer to get your hands dirty or simply take a stroll, check out the NPLD website for a list of AZ events. Also, it's a fee-free day at  National Parks, State Parks and the Red Rock Pass normally required for Sedona area venues (like Palatki and Honanki Heritage sites) will also be waived.  

http://www.publiclandsday.org/npld-sites/search?state=arizona&distance%5Bsearch_distance%5D=25&distance%5Bpostal_code%5D=&distance%5Bsearch_units%5D=mile&field_site_type_value_many_to_one=All

Arizona State Parks

WHAT TO DO AT AZ STATE PARKS IN OCTOBER

Did you know that during the Great Recession, volunteers came to the rescue to save our state parks?  All those wonderful trails and campgrounds are open, clean and ready for your next outdoor adventure. So how about showing some appreciation by visiting a park this month. Don't know where to start? Just pick up the OCTOBER issue of PHOENIX magazine and check out my article (Great Escapes, pg 56) for recreational suggestions, special October events in the parks and also how you can get involved. And, oh yeah, you can eat that 4000-calorie breakfast on the cover if you go hiking later.

ON SALE NOW

Here’s where you can find PHOENIX magazine: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreens, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, Area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960

National Forest 2013 Fall Color Hotline is now active

2013 FOREST SERVICE FALL COLOR HOTLINE IS NOW OPEN

Barbershop Trail, (1st week in October) Mogollon Rim

And, we're off!  Fall color hiking season is now underway and the hotline is up and running.  The first report for region 3 (southwest )  states that there is no color yet in Arizona.  Coconino National Forest reports that peak color is expected  to happen during the first 2 weeks of October.  Keep in mind, that "peak" is just that---the hump.  So, look for foliage in the higher elevations beginning in the last week of September.

Wilson Meadow (1st week in October), Flagstaff 

Coconino National Forest weekly updates:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/learning/nature-science/?cid=stelprdb5351327

USDA R3 weekly updates:

1-800-354-4595

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r3/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5323844

Sinagua equinox event

V-Bar-V Heritage Site Fall Equinox Hike & Presentation

Ancient peoples of the Verde Valley were consumate astronomers who left a treasure trove of solar calendars and other etchings in the russet sandstone around Beaver Creek.  This Sunday, researcher and author Ken Zoll will be speaking on the petroglyphs of  V Bar V and hosting the autumnal equinox LIVE as it  passes over one of the site's Sinagua sunwatchers.  This is a rare opportunity to see both earth science and archeological research in action.  The hike is an easy 1 mile roundtrip.

WHEN:  Sunday Sept 22, 2013

TIME: 1 p.m.

FEE: $5 per vehicle or valid Red Rock of Federal Interagency Pass

GETTING THERE:

Take I17 north to the Sedona exit 198, turn right and go 2.8 miles on FR618 to the site.

INFO:

Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 

928-203-2900

http://www.redrockcountry.org/recreation/cultural/v-bar-v.shtml

Equinox excursion with fall color

PRIEST DRAW & HOWARD DRAW

Flagstaff

As the annual autumn equinox (Sept 22) brings the promise of cooler temperatures in the Valley, it also heralds in a brief season of hybrid summer-fall hiking in Arizona's higher elevations.

During the final week of September, high country trees break with whispers of a warm autumnal palette above meadows awash in a slurry of hanger-on summer blooms and past-prime grasses. This glorious dichotomy of balmy sun and biting breezes serves up perfect trekking with a side of camera-ready photo opportunities.  An interesting area to explore this subdivision of hiking nirvana is Priest and Howard Draws.  Although it's pretty much an off-the-radar kind of place for hiking, the wildly contoured limestone walls of these side-by-side  shallow canyons are major "draws" for the sport of bouldering.  Complementing the surrounding vegetation, a bank of caves, roofs, tunnels and pocked-and-cracked walls result in unmitigated visual overdose.  Add to that the hordes of mat-packing climbers hanging upside down and scaling the rock superfly style, and you've got a hike of extraordinary interest.  The draws delve through woods and fields for roughly 1.5 miles to a point where the cliffs disappear.  Here, footpaths continue on sans the manic mix of geology, athleticism and natural elements on a seasonal cusp.

Late September color in Howard Draw

LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 6,900' - 6650'

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Lake Mary Road exit 339, which is south of the I40 interchange just before entering Flagstaff.  Turn right, and at the bottom of the off ramp, turn right again.  Continue 5.4 miles south on Lake Mary Road (FR3) to Crimson Road---this is on the right hand side of the road just past the Canyon Vista Campground turnoff.  Turn right on Crimson and  then make an immediate left onto CR 132.

Continue 3 miles on CR132 (which is good gravel) to a dirt road on the right signed "Priest Draw parking area".  This is FR238, a deeply rutted (watch that entry drop), unmaintained road where a high-clearance is required.  Follow FR238  0.3-mile to the parking corral.   AREA IS DAY USE ONLY.

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3149979527160.102024.1795269672&type=1&l=0d98653800

Fall foliage 2013

GET READY FOR ARIZONA FALL COLOR 2013

Abineau-Bear Jaw trail: late Sept.

Hikers, time to start dusting off the cool weather gear  because we are just a couple of weeks away from the start of fall foliage season.  With all the recent crazy weather in the high country, it's still too early to predict peak color days or quality of the season.  However, based on my past experiences, some of the first trails to take  on autumnal glow are Flagstaff's Inner Basin and Abineau Bear Jaw.  The aspens usually begin changing there in mid-to-late September. Here in Arizona, the show goes on for a good 3 months, trickling down through the lower elevations painting Sedona and the Mogollon Rim during October and the deserts November-December.
The USDA Fall Color Hotline---which provides weekly updates--should be activated in the next few days .  I'll also be posting weekly updates here.

USDA FALL COLOR HOTLINE: 1-800-354-4595, press 3 for AZ.
http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/2013/

The “Pluto” of Flagstaff’s volcanoes

A1 MOUNTAIN

Flagstaff

Bill Williams Mtn as seen from the rim

Way back in 1930, from a telescope perched on Flagstaff's Observatory Mesa, Percival Lowell discovered the planet Pluto---er, the "trans-Neptunian object formerly known as Pluto".  Stripped of its solar system membership in 2006, the plutiod suffers the same ignoble status as the volcano that built the hill from which it was discovered. From space, the conical, volcanic form of A1 Mountain is clearly visible. However, because more impressive mountains and a coniferous cloak obscure the geological wonders of this 300,000-year-old cinder cone, it's considered a minor character in the Flagstaff volcanic field. Although it's small and often abused by target shooters and dirt bikes, the hill deserves more respect. A1 Mountain and its molten issue have made significant impacts on the surrounding landscape, birthing  many of west Flagstaff's gnarled lava formations including Observatory Mesa. A closed forest road (unsigned 9218D) serves as the trail for this hike.  Unmitigated by switchbacks, the route goes straight up the hill with the last 0.2-mile being quite steep with tricky footing.  At the crest of this final haul hikers emerge on the lip of the volcano's inner crater, but, due to its heavily forested condition, this is difficult to discern. The only clues are swales of vivid green grasses and tiny pools of rainwater in a ring of gigantic Ponderosa pines confined in a surround of vertical igneous walls. Within a few yards of the lip, the road splits, looping up to the summit, down into the crater's east face breach and back again.  From the high points, breaks in tree cover reveal views of Bill Williams Mountain, Wing Mountain and the western plains of Kaibab National Forest.  To the east, the white dome of Lowell Observatory resting on the ejecta of this beautiful massif opens nightly to survey the universe.

inside the crater

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 7700' - 8302'

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go west on I40 to exit 190, A1 Mountain Road (FR506). Follow FR506 for 2.6 miles to FR518B, veer left (set your odometer) and continue 1.4 miles to a culvert marked by 3 light-colored boulders on the left side of the road and reflector posts.  The trail begins a few yards beyond at an unsigned road on the left.    There's plentiful parking a few steps little farther up FR518B. A high-clearance vehicle is required.

A1 Mountain seen from FR506

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4581972366086.1073741870.1795269672&type=1&l=534847c146

Wildflower wetlands

SINCLAIR WASH & RIO DE FLAG

Flagstaff Urban Trail System

Rio de Flag

Last weekend in Flagstaff, the morning air had a telling, damp crispness to it.  Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean the summer wildflower season is winding down. But, in the moist corridor of Rio de Flag, high country flora will be blooming through late September.  Sinclair Wash Trail, which begins at Fort Tuthill Park and ends at the Arizona Trail off Route 66, is a major artery of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS).  Winding through a diverse mix of terrain and connecting with 8 other trails, the floral sweet spot of this wide, mostly flat trail is the wetland area near Sawmill County Park. A short but steep descent from the playground drops hikers in the middle of Rio de Flag---a waterway created as part of the town's water reclamation program. The mile-long segment follows the stream through a limestone canyon festooned with oak archways and climbing vines. Where the trail approaches the I40 underpass, a cattail-choked marsh fosters a plethora of plant and animal life.  Here, the late summer wildflower checklist includes: globemallow, wild chrysanthemum, sunflowers, clovers, wild geranium, Red-osier dogwood, coneflowers, aquatic buttercups, New Mexican vervain and alfalfa.

wetlands

LENGTH: 5.7 miles one way. 2 miles roundtrip for the Rio de Flag section only.

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 6805'- 6988"

GETTING THERE:

Sawmill County Park (short hike):

In Flagstaff, go east on Butler Ave to Lone Tree, turn right, continue to Sawmill Road on the left and follow the signs to the park.

Fort Tuthill County Park (long hike):

From I17 south of Flagstaff, take exit 337 for AZ89A and "county fairgrounds". At the end of the off ramp, continue straight into Ft. Tuthill Park and follow the signs to trailhead parking.

Prairie coneflower

INFO: City of Flagstaff

http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=1809 

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Epic views from a White Mountains mesa

TIMBER MESA

Pinetop-Lakeside

Recently upgraded to incorporate an extra 1.5 miles of White Mountain scenic vistas, this undulating hike loops through a mix of shaded coniferous woodlands and sun drenched pinion-juniper scrub.  Route finding was also improved with the addition of location markers (T1-T29) placed every quarter-mile and blue diamond tree blazes that eliminate confusion where fire roads intersect the trail #636.  After a short climb (mitigated by long switchbacks) epic views begin to emerge. The western edge of the mesa-- buttressed by volcanic boulders--overlooks Jacques Marsh wetlands and Scott Reservoir, where, in late summer, acres of wildflowers transform the high country prairies into a sort of Monet painting replete with muddled hues, reflective waters and shocking splats of gold all brushed and blended in unbridled strokes over a living canvas. This hilltop art galley goes on for roughly 2 miles before the trail veers east, ducking in-and-out of damp ravines, deadwood lizard habitats and spare high points with a start-to-finish cache of alluring natural and human-made curiosities.

LENGTH: 7.9-mile loop (including 0.4 mile on  access path)

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 6,640' - 6,960'

FACILITIES: none

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on SR87 to the SR260 junction in Payson.  Head east (right) and follow SR260 to milepost 350 and the stoplight at Porter Mountain Road (FR45) in Pinetop-Lakeside.  Turn left at the light and go 2.2 miles (veer right at the 1.7-mile point to stay on FR45) to the trailhead sign.  Turn left and continue 0.1 mile on a  dirt road (watch that rut!) to the trailhead.

MAP:

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/trails/TrailsFiles/TimberMesaTrail%20A.htm

INFO:
Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, 928-368-2100

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=64818&actid=50

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