SLIDE FIRE 2014

SLIDE FIRE: May 20, 2014

Sedona

West Fork of Oak Creek: this has just burned ....

 UPDATE: 5-26-14: good news, fire damage to Call of the Canyon and West Fork of Oak Creek is not too bad. Check out this link for photos:
 https://www.facebook.com/SlideFireInfo

UPDATE 5-21-14: West Fork of Oak Creek is burning. No words.....

Here we go again---wildfire season.  This fire, which started this afternoon, is precariously close to West Fork of Oak Creek.  Although I haven’t received an official press release from the forest service yet, this is a no-brainer---don’t plan on hiking in the Oak Creek Canyon area any time soon.  The links below provide frequent updates on the fire. And, about that 3.5-mile switchback construction shut down on SR89A, you can now add 15 miles in both directions to the closure area. Pray, chant, cast good spells or dance for West Fork and the safety of our firefighters and local residents.

InciWeb:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3874/

Coconino National Forest:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoconinoNF

Wildfire Incident Reports:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5408975&width=full
FlagScanner:
http://flagscanner.com/fswildfire-new-fire-near-sedona-89a-is-closed/

SWITCHBACKS ON SR89A TO CLOSE FOR 5 WEEKS

HIGHWAY 89A PARTIAL CLOSURE BEGINS MAY 27, 2014

Sedona

Access to many trails above SR89A remain open.

A 3.5-mile segment of SR89A in Oak Creek Canyon will be closed for improvements beginning May 27, 2014. The 5-week project which will include repaving, guardrail upgrades and bridge repairs is expected to conclude July 2, 2014.

The closure is in the "switchbacks" area from the Pine Flat Campground to Vista Point Overlook (mileposts 387-390). The good news is that access to popular hiking trails like West Fork, Harding Springs and Thomas Point will not be affected by this closure.

CLOSURE INFO:

http://www.azdot.gov/docs/default-source/projects/sr-89a-pumphouse-wash-to-overlook-flyer.pdf?sfvrsn=2

HIKING TRAILS IN THE AREA:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55410&actid=50

RED BUTTE

RED BUTTE

Kaibab National Forest

Looking north toward Grand Canyon

Impossible to miss along AZ64 twenty miles south of the Grand Canyon, the russet stone pinnacle

known as Red Butte commands the landscape. Rising 866 feet above the flatlands of the Colorado Plateau, this geological wonder is comprised of ancient layers of sand, ocean deposits and river rubble capped with a layer of inky basalt.  Over the past 270 million years, the forces of nature have whittled away much of the rock, but the basalt cap preserved this sugarloaf-shaped cross section of earth history for us to climb.  A clean trail ascends the west face in a series of gradually steepening switchbacks with excellent views all the way up.  On the summit,  footpaths wander among scenic viewpoints, forest service relics, survey markers (see if you can locate all 8 of them) and a lookout tower which is staffed during fire season.  To the north, a primitive airstrip stretches across juniper and sagebrush plains with hazy views of the Grand Canyon shimmering on the horizon while the silhouettes of the San Francisco Peaks and Bill Williams Mountain are visible to the south.

Fire tower on the summit

LENGTH: 2.5 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:  6460' - 7426'

Bill Williams Mountain on the horizon

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to the AZ 64 junction in Valle. Turn north (right) and continue 11 miles to FR 320 at milepost 224.  Turn right and go 1.3 miles to FR 340, turn left and drive 0.9 mile to the FR340A, turn right and continue 0.3 mile to the trailhead. Dirt roads are sedan friendly and well signed.

INFO:

Tusayan Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest, 928-638-2443

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/specialplaces/recarea/?recid=11684&actid=119

Access roads are well signed

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200893174130363.1073741938.1795269672&type=1&l=7a9fae02b0

SADDLE MOUNTAIN

SADDLE MOUNTAIN VOLCANO

Flagstaff

San Francisco Peaks viewed from Saddle Mountain

In my book, trails like this one don't get enough respect. In the grand promised land of Flagstaff-area hiking, it's easy to understand why a perfectly decent destination like Saddle Mountain would fall off the radar. Visible from US 180 just north of the Kendrick wildlife viewing area, the extinct cinder cone volcano rises 700 feet above woodlands recovering from the 2000 Pumpkin and 1996 Hochderffer fires.  In fact, several hiking books and online sources focus so much on the wildfires when describing this trail that they have failed to acknowledge its headliner attraction: fabulous views. Certainly, this mountain's proximity to much more ambitious climbs (Kendrick Peak, Humphreys Peak) doesn’t help visitation either.  Get over it---I’m going out on a limb to highly recommend this trail. The hike itself is a moderate trudge up a service road which twists up the hill candy-cane-style, revealing sweeping, 360-degree landscape vistas that stretch all the way to the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert.  To the north, geological landmarks Red Mountain and Red Butte stand out on the flat plains of the Colorado Plateau while massive San Francisco Mountain commands the southern flank. On the summit, a visual spectacle of eroding cinder cones can be seen in northern Arizona’s volcanic field while communication transmitters hum in sync with alpine breezes. 

Kendrick Peak as seen from the trail

View from the summit of Saddle Mountain

LENGTH:  5.8 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 8,100' - 8,800'

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go 21 miles north on US 180 to FR 514 located at milepost 236.5.  SET YOUR ODOMETER---trust me. Turn right and travel 2.5 miles east on FR 514 (stay straight, ignore all side roads) to FR 550, turn left (north) and drive 1.9 miles to where there’s a small loop turnaround road on the left. This is FR 550A, but it’s not signed.  The road climbing the mountain on the left is the trail.  Park anywhere along the road, or, there’s also a small (one car) dirt turn out roughly 0.2 mile up FR550A if you want to shorten the hike.

INFO:

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

ARIZONA TRAIL TREK EVENT THIS FRIDAY IN FLAGSTAFF

 ARIZONA TRAIL TREK EVENT: FRIDAY MAY 16, 2014

Nothing says outdoor adventure quite like hiking the Arizona Trail and guzzling BEER! Come on up to the cool pines of Flagstaff ---the largest of the AZT Gateway Communities--- on Friday May 16th and enjoy a cold one with Sirena Dufault, who is passing through town on her 817-mile border-to-border hike from Mexico to Utah. With roughly two weeks to go before the completion of her journey and the goal of raising $20,000 for the promotion and maintenance of the Arizona Trail, the effort could use a major boost.

The festivities at Wanderlust Brewery will include music by Diamond Down String Band, trail talk and fun with fellow hikers, bikers and equestrains who love the Arizona National Scenic Trail

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2014 6-9 p.m.

WHERE: Wanderlust Brewery

1519 N. Main Street, Suite 202, Flagstaff

928-351-7952

EVENT INFO:

http://www.aztrail.org/azttrek/events/Flagstaff.pdf

DONATE ONLINE:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/arizona-trail-trek-stepping-up-to-support-the-arizona-trail

RIM COUNTRY LLAMA HIKES

RIM COUNTRY LLAMA HIKES 

Pine-Strawberry

The llamas of the Ranch at Fossil Creek

Several years ago after an alpine (4 a.m.) start and 15 miles of hiking 5000 feet up a Colorado 14er peak, I hauled my self up those last breathless few hundred feet to claim my victory moment, and encountered---llamas. A tour company that employs the llamas to do the heavy lifting, taking the load off the backs and feet of the climbers, had escorted a group of hikers to the mountaintop sherpa-style.  This--I learned--was the smart way to hike. Outfitted in rough-wove woolens and bell garlands that pinged in the brisk 14,000' winds, the rugged beasts (and a minor case of hypoxia) colored this Rocky Mountain wilderness in shades of Andes.  That was the day I added, "hike with llamas" to my bucket list.  As with most of the items on my list, this one mellowed into invisibility while I toodled around the state systematically working through an assortment of hiking objectives both epic and mundane. Finally through a serendipitous interest in day hikes offered in conjunction Arizona Trail Trek 2014, I was able to walk with the llamas of The Ranch at Fossil Creek. The convergence of Pine-Strawberry Trails Day and Arizona Trail hiker Sirena Dufault passing through the town on her 817-mile trans-state trek was the perfect recipe for an outdoor celebration.  On Sunday, May 4, 2014, llama wrangler, Joyce Bittner conducted a short loop hike as part of the festivities, which serve as a party style shout out to all the wonderful hiking opportunities in the area and also to support Sirena's goal to raise $20,000 for the maintenance and promotion of the Arizona Trail. In addition to miles of trails on the cool forests of the Mogollon Rim, there are plenty of other reasons to pay a visit to the twin hamlets of Pine and Strawberry. Craft events, races, historical tours, proximity to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and local business like The Honey Stand (try the Pine Wildflower honey) and That Brewery (yummy Arizona Trail Ale) complement the perfect summer escape.

GETTING THERE:

Pine-Strawberry is located roughly 110 miles north of Phoenix on AZ87 (Beeline Hwy).

THE RANCH AT FOSSIL CREEK LLAMA HIKES

Half-day tours cost $65 per person ($40 for children under 12 years). Reservations are required.

928-476-5178

http://ranchatfossilcreek.com/hikes/

RIM COUNTRY INFO:

http://www.rimcountrychamber.com/OurCommunities/Pine.aspx

CONTRIBUTE TO ARIZONA TRAIL TREK:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/arizona-trail-trek-stepping-up-to-support-the-arizona-trail

RED ROCK PASS UNDER FIRE

SEDONA WRITER CHALLENGES THE RED ROCK PASS PROGRAM 

May 2014 issue

 

Is the Red Rock Pass program necessary and beneficial to protect and maintain one of the most heavily visited areas of the Coconino National Forest? Or, is it double taxation and straight up government exploitation of Sedona's rich outdoor recreational landscape? The jury is out. In the May 2014 issue of The Noise Arts & News, Sedona writer Cindy Cole grills new Red Rock District Ranger Nicole Branton about the program's purpose and challenges its legality. Whether public land fees ruffle your feathers or not, this is an interesting read for Arizona outdoor enthusiasts.

The Noise is available at 245 locations in Northern Arizona.

928-634-5001

http://thenoise.us/

More from the author:

http://cindycolewrites.com/

GOLDWATER LAKES TRAIL #396

GOLDWATER LAKES TRAIL #396

Prescott

Upper Goldwater Lake

When completed, Prescott's Circle Trail will make a 50-mile loop tour around the mile-high city using existing hiking trails, bike routes, roads and newly constructed paths. Swooping through a mixed bag of pine-wrapped mountains, creek side greenery, windy grasslands, municipal parks, national forests and high-country lakes, the route highlights the scenic diversity surrounding Arizona's original capital city.  More than a dozen trailheads along major roads make hiking the route in segments or via car shuttle treks a cinch.  One favorite segment for day hiking in warmer months is The Goldwater Lakes Trail #396. Massive canopies of Ponderosa pine, Alligator juniper and oak provide cooling shade as the route winds above the lakes and across the boulder-flanked ravine and crisp waters of Bannon Creek. Although the trail proper does not go to the lakes, obvious spur trails will get you there. The trek is anchored by two trailheads, which connect to longer national forest routes and, of course, the rest of the Circle Trail.

Granite Mountain & Thumb Butte visible beyond the trees

LENGTH: 4.7 miles one-way

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 5630' - 6165'

Spur trails lead to the water

GETTING THERE:

East Trailhead:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to the Cordes Junction interchange and head west on AZ69. Follow AZ69  to Senator Hwy/Mt. Vernon Ave., turn left and continue 4 miles the Watershed  #299 trailhead on the left. Trail #396 begins across the road.

West Trailhead:

Follow directions above, but continue past Mt. Vernon Ave to Montezuma St. (a.k.a. White Spar Dr, AZ89). Turn left and go 3 miles south to the White Spar Campground on the left.

Pools at Bannon Creek

Prescott Circle Trail & Maps:

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

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200824403331136.1073741934.1795269672&type=1&l=8d0b2f21d7

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Photo Contest 2014

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Photo Contest 2014

Climbing Sunrise Peak

Trekkers, now that one of the best ever hiking "high seasons"is drawing to a close, it's time to shuffle through all those terrific photos you took while exploring Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Each year, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy sponsors a focus on conservation photo contest to draw attention to the preserve's trails, facilities and educational opportunities. Selected photos will be eligible for prizes and displayed on the organization's website. Please participate, tell your friends and better yet, click the SUPPORT link to contribute to ongoing land preservation efforts. Photo entry deadline is May 31, 2014.

ENTER THE PHOTO CONTEST HERE:
http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/contestEntry2#sthash.mqPtcEIa.dpbs

AGUA FRIA CONSERVATION AREA

AGUA FRIA CONSERVATION AREA

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

A bend in the Agua Fria River

Closed to motorized vehicles since 2007, this 2,405-acre riparian corridor is recovering from years of abuse.  Until recently, this mesa-flanked swath of the Agua Fria River which flows into the north end of Lake Pleasant was full of trash and off-road vehicles were destroying the waterway and its native wildlife habitats.  Although it’s located just 4 miles from busy Interstate 17, and motorized traffic is allowed in the surrounding Table Mesa Recreation Area, there’s a pronounced wilderness feel here.  Water levels fluctuate with the seasons, but even in the driest months, tiny pools and rivulets feed emerald bands of cottonwoods, willows and mesquite bosques that host swarms of birds including swifts, doves, raptors and even elusive Vermilion Flycatchers.  Along the sandy riverbanks, colorful tufts of wildflowers and two species of native wild tobacco embellish the homes of egrets, herons and killdeer while framing the footprints of myriad forest critters.  From the trailhead, it’s a 2-mile hike to the northern shore of the lake. Follow the closed roads or faint footpaths to explore and appreciate how restoration efforts are giving this hauntingly beautiful site a second chance at life.

Critter footprints with Indian Mesa in the distance

LENGTH: 4 miles round trip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 1983’ – 1640’

FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle (bring exact amount for self-serve pay station)
SEASONAL CLOSURES: Area may be closed during Bald Eagles are nesting. Check Lake Pleasant Regional Park website before visiting.

Thistle at the base of Wild Burro Mesa

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to Table Mesa Road exit 236.  Turn left, cross the freeway, make a right and then a left onto Frontage Road. Continue 1.1 mile to a fork near a rock quarry and veer right.  At 1.6 miles, go left at a second fork and left again at a 3^rd fork at 3.8 miles. At the 4.2-mile point, cross a cattle guard (corral area on left) and continue another 0.4 mile to the signed parking area. Dirt roads are sedan-friendly.

Tree tobacco plants can grow to 20' in height

INFO & MAPS: Lake Pleasant Regional Park

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant/AguaFria.aspx

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200789362095127.1073741933.1795269672&type=1&l=b098350bba

UPCOMING ARIZONA TRAIL TREK 2014 DAYHIKES

UPCOMING ARIZONA TRAIL TREK 2014 DAYHIKES

AZT near Sandy's Canyon

During the month of May, Arizona Trail thru-hiker Sirena Dufault will be trekking north over the Mogollon Rim and through Flagstaff on her way to the Utah border. She'll be stopping along the way for meet-and-greet events and day hikes with supporters. Here's just a sampling of upcoming AZT Trek events for you to connect with outdoor enthusiasts, learn about the trail and speak with Sirena to understand how this program will benefit the 817-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. Sirena’s objective is to raise $20,000 for the maintenance, promotion and protection of the AZT. So far, the fundraising effort is at 25% of goal. All events are free, however, donations are appreciated, and if you cannot get to an event, you can donate online by clicking the link below. If you're reading this blog, you must be a hiker---so, please step up and help support Arizona's premier trail. 

Sunday, May 4, 2014:  Llama Dayhike from the Pine Trailhead

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-trail-trek-llama-dayhike-from-the-pine-trailhead-registration-10711501389

Thursday, May 15, 2014: Sandy’s Canyon to Flagstaff

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-trail-trek-sandys-canyon-to-flagstaff-registration-10707032021

Saturday, May 17, 2014: Schultz Pass Road to Snowbowl Road

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-trail-trek-schultz-pass-road-to-snowbowl-road-registration-10707363011

DONATE:

http://www.aztrail.org/azttrek/donate.html

BLACK CANYON HERITAGE PARK

BLACK CANYON HERITAGE PARK

Black Canyon City

A sign at the park entry urges visitors to close the gate to “keep the cows out”. Here, in a valley between I17 and the Bradshaw Mountains, there may well be marauding bovines, however, Black Canyon Heritage Park is all about sheep, fish and preservation of a rare stream side ecosystem.

Spawned by a generous donation of land, community activism and the help of numerous grants including one from the National Park Service Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, this 25-acre park opened in November 2012.  Thus far, 23.5 acres of riparian desert along the Agua Fria River have been restored with constructed streams, lush vegetation and ponds stocked with native fish. Two barrier free loop trails wander among cattail coves, willow-cottonwood forests and a pine-shaded picnic area with interpretive signs detailing the area’s sheep herding heritage. Located just over a mile north of a major trailhead for the Black Canyon National Recreational Trail, this pretty little place makes for an interesting side trip or post hike lunch spot.

LENGTH: 0.8 mile

RATING: easy, barrier free

ELEVATION: 1915’ – 1945’

FEES: none, however donations can be made online
DOGS: not allowed

Red-winged blackbird

GETTING THERE: 33955 S. Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City.

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to exit 242 for Rock Springs/Black Canyon City. Go west (left) to Old Black Canyon Hwy. (Frontage road), turn right (toward BCC) and continue 1.2 miles to the park on the right just north of Schoolhouse Road.

INFO:

http://blackcanyonheritagepark.org/ 

https://www.facebook.com/blackcanyonheritagepark
MORE PHOTOS:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200755189760840.1073741932.1795269672&type=1&l=2a64409da6

Midgley Bridge trailhead temporarily closed

MIDGLEY BRIDGE TRAILHEAD IN SEDONA TO BE CLOSED APRIL 21-MAY 9, 2014

Midgley Bridge spans Oak Creek

UPDATE 4-30-14: closure has been extended from May 2 to May 9, 2014.
If you're planning a hike on Sedona's Wilson Canyon/South Wilson Mountain trails in the next couple of weeks, you won't be able to use the "Midgley Bridgely" trailhead on AZ89A near milepost 376.  That's because it's being temporarily closed for improvements that will include (finally) an accessible toilet. (Yup, I can hear you cheering). A fenced enclosure will prohibit public access during construction.  North Wilson trail can still be accessed at the Encinoso picnic area farther up the road near milepost 379.
For more information, contact the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, at 928-203-2900.

Fisher Fire closes some Flagstaff trails

UPDATE: April 14 9:00 a.m.: Fire is 75% contained and mop up operations are beginning. The forest service will not be issuing further updates, so you may need to call the ranger for closure info.
Hikers---please avoid the trails around Flagstaff's Fisher Point (Sandy's Canyon, Fay Canyon, Skunk Canyon The Pit, Arizona Trail) until further notice

Fisher Point

NEWS RELEASE                 
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino <http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino>                                        
www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF <http://www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF>
www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest <http://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest>

For Immediate Release
April 13, 2014
       
Public Affairs Contact:
Heather Noel, (Acting) Public Affairs Officer, 928-527-3490

Fisher Fire – 8:00 a.m. update

Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Fisher Fire, reported at 3:00 p.m. on April 11th, is located near Fisher Point in Walnut Canyon approx. five miles southeast of Flagstaff in the vicinity of the Fisher Fire from last year.

The fire remains at 175 acres and is 50% contained.  Today, crews will grid and mop up as topography and fuel conditions allow.  Terrain is steep with rolling rocks and snags.  No growth was reported on the fire and all lines held.  No structures are threatened.

Today, temperatures today could reach 71 degrees with winds becoming westerly and increasing in strength with possible 45 mph gusts this afternoon; the relative humidity is forecast between 10-15%.   The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for today in effect from noon to 8:00 p.m. MST due to strong winds and a low relative humidity.

The public should remain aware of area closures around the vicinity of the fire which include some of the trail system.  Reducing the risk to firefighters and the public is our first priority in every fire management activity.

Local, state, tribal, and Federal agencies support one another with wildfire response, including engagement in collaborative planning and the decision-making processes that take into account all lands and recognize the interdependence and statutory responsibilities among jurisdictions.

SUMMARY
DATE OF DETECTION:  April 11, 2014
CAUSE:  Confirmed human-caused, specific cause undetermined; investigation ongoing.
CURRENT SIZE:  175 acres
CONTAINMENT:  50%
LOCATION:  Fisher Point area, Flagstaff
AGENCY:  USDA Forest Service
RESOURCES:  7 Hotshot Crews, 3 Type Two Crews, 2 dozers, 5 water tenders, 1 lead plane, 1 Air Attack, 1Type 1 and 1 Type 3 helicopter, 10 engines, and numerous fire personnel.

 

###

Respectfully,

Heather

**************************************
Heather M. Noel
Public Affairs Officer (Acting)
U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest
1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Office (928) 527-3490  Cell (406) 370-7370
hmnoel@fs.fed.us <mailto:hmnoel@fs.fed.us>
**************************************

WILLOW SPRINGS CANYON

WILLOW SPRINGS CANYON

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Willow Springs Canyon

Popular with hikers, bikers and anglers alike, the trails around Willow Springs Lake provide both access to the water and miles of pine-shaded solitude on the Mogollon Rim. For many outdoor enthusiasts, a trip around 7.6-mile Bike Loop #534 serves as an inaugural exposure to the area.  This trek begins on that trail, but then drops into the canyon behind the dam at the north end of the lake. From the Horse Trap trailhead, hike 0.2 mile to the first signed junction, head right and continue to a fork.  Here, the bike trail veers right while an old road heads left toward the lake.  We went left and   hiked to the dam on the fisherman trails along the water's edge, however, the bike trail will get you there as well in about the same distance. Once at the dam, make an easy scramble down into Willow Springs Canyon and trek north following the creek.  The way is clear and easy for 1.5 miles, winding through alpine meadows and protected wildlife habitat.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the osprey nests teetering on the tops of dead pines.  The canyon narrows gradually, transforming the hike from a sunny stroll to a bushwhack through a quagmire of deadfall and boulder-choked channels. Determined hikers who are prepared for a challenging journey can continue upstream to where the stream meets Chevelon Canyon 3.5-miles north of the dam. Otherwise, for an easy trek, just turn back when the going gets messy.

Easy hiking for about 1.5 miles

LENGTH: 7.6 miles (easy) 10.70 miles (to Chevelon Canyon)

RATING: easy or difficult

ELEVATION: 7635’ – 7300’ (7040’)

GETTING THERE:

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 31 miles east on SR260 to the Horse Trap trailhead on the left between mileposts 284 and 285.

Entering the quagmire

Nesting osprey

INFO: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=45185&actid=44

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200721695083494.1073741931.1795269672&type=1&l=a47608502a

Field Trip app in the news

Screen shot of a hike

Okay, so I'm gonna brag a little bit here.  Unbeknownst to me the Google app "Field Trip" that features my Arizona Hiking content was on national TV this morning. The Today show tech guy Willie Geist demonstrated the product calling it his "favorite app" and also "a life-changer".  View the clip below and download the FREE app by clicking on the icon on my home page.

http://www.today.com/tech/its-life-changer-willies-favorite-app-will-tell-you-where-2D79484674

ARIZONA TRAIL RINCON VALLEY PASSAGE 8

ARIZONA TRAIL RINCON VALLEY PASSAGE #8

Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead to Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Cienega Creek is a reliable water source

Also known as the "three bridges" section, Passage 8 of state-traversing Arizona Trail winds through a swath of desert south of Tucson.  Although it's one of the shortest and easiest of the 43 passages that comprise the 817-mile trail, this 14.8-mile trek is special because it's home to the first stands of saguaro cactuses encountered when hiking the trail from south-to-north. The hike begins at the Gabe Zimmerman trailhead with a contemplative stroll around memorials to the victims of the January 2011 Tucson shooting that wounded Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. From here, the route descends into Davidson Canyon and the fringes of Cienega Creek Natural Preserve where perennial waters and shady cottonwoods make for a popular camping and water stocking spot. (Note: if you want to leave the trail and explore around the creek, permits are required. See link below.) Beyond the creek, the trail roams under and around three railroad trestle bridges then heads north into Colossal Cave Mountain Park.  The privately operated park offers camping, water and tours of subterranean limestone caverns and is a good turnaround point for a day hike. The passage continues on to Hope Camp at the border of Saguaro National Park where you can continue north to Utah or hike three miles west to the nearest car shuttle location at the Loma Alta trailhead.

One of the "three bridges"

LENGTH: 4.7 miles to Colossal Cave

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 3098' - 3650'

Arizona Trail heading into the Rincon Mountains

Gabe Zimmerman trailhead

GETTING THERE: Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead:

From Phoenix, go south on I10, take exit 281 in Tucson, go 3 miles southeast, then north on the frontage road (Marsh Station Road) to the trailhead on the right.

INFO & MAPS: Arizona Trail Association

http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_08.html

Colossal Cave Mountain Park: 520-647-7275

http://www.colossalcave.com/welcome.html

CIENEGA CREEK NATURAL PRESERVE: 520-877-6158

http://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=1515

Where's Sirena? Part 2

Hikers join Sirena on AZT Passage 8

ARIZONA TRAIL TREK: March 14-May 31, 2014

Sirena greets hikers at an event in Vail on March 29th

During the month of April, Arizona Trail thru-hiker Sirena Dufault will be trekking north through the Santa Catalina Mountains and into the Superstition Wilderness to raise awareness and funds to maintain and promote the state-traversing Arizona Trail. She'll be stopping along the way for meet-and-greet events and day hikes with supporters. Here's just a sampling of upcoming AZT Trek events for you to connect with outdoor enthusiasts, learn about the trail and speak with Sirena to understand how this 817-mile trek will benefit the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 UPCOMING EVENTS & HIKES:

KEARNY: Fri. April 11: fun and, food and  fundraising at Union Hall:

http://www.aztrail.org/azttrek/events/Kearny.pdf

SUPERIOR: Wed. April 16: Picketpost trailhead day hike.  Registation required, sign up here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-trail-trek-picketpost-trailhead-registration-10706777259

SCOTTSDALE: Sat. Apr. 26: more fun, food and fundraising at Juan Jaime's Tacos & Tequila

http://www.aztrail.org/azttrek/events/Scottsdale.pdf

Teaching moment on Arizona Trail Passage 8 

CONTRIBUTE:

Visit the Indiegogo page today and make a pledge of support for the Arizona Trail:

www.indiegogo.com/projects/arizona-trail-trek-stepping-up-to-support-the-arizona-trail

STAY IN TOUCH:

Trail reports from Sirena:

https://www.facebook.com/Arizona.Trail.Association

FOLLOW on Twitter:

@AZTRAIL #AZTrek 

LEARN & JOIN:

AZT website: http://www.aztrail.org/

http://www.aztrail.org/azttrek/

JANE RAU BARRIER FREE TRAIL

JANE RAU TRAIL

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Granite boulders on Jane Rau Trail

Thank you, Jane Rau. We are all enjoying the results of your passion for land conservation.  As one of the original mavericks behind the McDowell Sonoran Land Conservancy, Ms. Rau's steady determination to preserve the pristine Sonoran Desert around Scottsdale spans decades and continues to this day. Shepherding this ambitious dream into reality was no walk in the park, but Jane and battalions of volunteers like her, persevered so that we hikers can, well, take a walk in the park. A barrier-free tribute trail to this tenacious mover-and-shaker loops through a delightful wash area in the Brown's Ranch parcel of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Wide, flat and adorned with interpretive signs and Palo Verde shaded benches, the trail was dedicated on March 22, 2014 making it the Valley's newest destination for effortless walks with strollers, wheelchairs, antsy kids and hiking enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels.

Abundant blooming plants on the trail

Interpretive signs embellish the trail 

LENGTH: 0.5-mile loop

RATING: easy, barrier free

ELEVATION: 2710' - 2747'

HOURS: dawn to dusk daily

RULES: no bikes or horses, leashed dogs are allowed

GETTING THERE:

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

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess exit 36. Go 6.5 miles north on Pima to Dynamite, turn right and continue 2.7 miles to Alma School.  Turn left and go 1 mile to the trailhead. There’s restrooms, water and maps at the trailhead.  There are no fees, but voluntary donations can be made online:

INFO & MAPS: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/visitThePreserve#sthash.MBebI9NY.dpbs

City of Scottsdale:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve