18 HIKES NOT FEATURED ON THIS BLOG!!

PHOENIX magazine Summer Hiking Guide: on newsstands June 24, 2010. Don’t let triple digit summer temperatures put a damper on your hiking habit. Keep on trekking with the July issue of PHOENIX magazine which features 21 high-country trails-personally hiked and rated by yours truly--to help you beat the heat. Extra bonus: check out three of MY DOGS modeling hiking gear on page 47. AVAILABLE AT: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreen’s, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, and area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960

EAST VERDE RIVER WALK

EAST VERDE RIVER WALK Tonto National Forest As most access points for the East Verde River along Houston Mesa Road remain closed due to the 2009 Water Wheel Fire (as of May 2010), it’s still possible to (legally) experience the cool swimming holes, lush riparian vegetation and reed-rimmed beaches of this perennial waterway via the pullouts along the road to East Verde Estates north of Payson. Well-known among the locals, this place attracts droves of visitors in search of shady picnic spots and refreshing swimming holes--especially on weekends. Hiking in this area is a make-it-up-as-you-go venture, requiring bush wacking, wading, and trudging through soft sands. Although this part of the East Verde isn’t nearly as spectacular as the Houston Mesa strip where amazing waterfalls flow year-round ---for now, this is as good as it gets. LENGTH: optional easily 2-miles one-way RATING: easy—but rocky and sandy, wading ELEVATION: 4,900 feet BEST SEASONS: March -November GETTING THERE: From Payson, go north on SR 87 to the turnoff for East Verde Estates located between mileposts 257 & 258. Turn left and continue 0.2 miles to a parking lot on the left where there’s a restroom and picnic tables. Additional parking is available in a lot that veers right just yards from the SR 87 turnoff. INFORMATION: Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900

WATER WHEEL FIRE UPDATE

UPDATE: APRIL 1, 2011 Good news, hikers, as of April 1, 2011, the Water Wheel-Ellison Creek area off Houston Mesa Road north of Payson has been reopened for day use ONLY. Due to the 2009 human-caused Water Wheel Fire, this primo hiking destination has been off limits-- but no more. Here’s the rub---there’s now an $8 per person day use fee. Self-service kiosks are posted at key access points. Hikers must deposit cash (bring exact change) into provided envelopes and carry the detachable permit stub while inside the fee area. Forest Rangers are aggressively enforcing this new fee---and fines are much more than $8!! WATER WHEEL CLOSURE UPDATE: MAY 8, 2010 Drove up to Payson today to hike and decided to check out the damage caused by last summer’s Water Wheel fire on my way back. Although Houston Mesa Road is now open, there are signs posted long the 1–mile strip where the Water Wheel, First Crossing, Second Crossing and Third Crossing campgrounds are located that warn “no stopping or standing” and the campgrounds are posted with “area closed” signs. The fire charred more than 700 acres, yet, to my amazement, the beautiful old sycamores at the Water Wheel site are intact. Just beyond, though, the hills are burnt down to stubble and it look pretty messy and dangerous. So, please obey the forest service warnings and do not wander into these areas until they are deemed safe again. SEE MY ENTRIES FOR EAST-VERDE-ELLISON CREEK AND WATER WHEEL FOR PRE-FIRE PHOTOS. INFORMATION: inciweb.org/incident/1872, (928) 474-7900
MAP:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5208054.pdf

HUNTER CREEK 2010

HUNTER CREEK Tonto National Forest We made a return trip to this quiet little place on May 1, 2010. There was lots of water and nice, cool weather. This easy, water-themed stroll through sunny meadows and pine groves is an excellent off-the-beaten-path hiking destination. Because there’s no real trail, this trip into a bucolic glen appeals to those in search solitude. To find the route, hike uphill from the parking area, pass a gate and drop into the streambed. Here, it’s a good idea to mark your entry point, as it’s easy to miss on the way out. Once at the creek, head right (south west) and follow the babbling brook, taking time to explore terraced waterfalls, a spring, and a crumbling stone foundation. This is also a good place to test your animal track identification skills on the dozens of footprints that clutter the muddy banks of the creek. LENGTH: 2- 5 miles roundtrip RATING: easy ELEVATION RANGE: 6,100-6,160 feet BEST SEASONS: March - November DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles GETTING THERE: From Payson, go east on Highway 260 for 25 miles to Colcord Road (Forest Road 291). Go right and continue .3 mile and park on an unmarked dirt road on the right where there’s a barbed wire gate visible roughly 40 yard farther up the road. INFORMATION: 602-225-5200 or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

GORDON CREEK FALLS 2010

GORDON CREEK FALLS Payson One of my favorite "who-knew" hikes was especially fine on May 1, 2010. With all the rain we had this winter, the falls were magnificent! They should be running well for a few more weeks before slowing down for the summer---so get out there soon! Just minutes from downtown Payson, in a fragrant ponderosa pine forest, Gordon Creek Falls spills over a 25-foot escarpment into a cool swimming hole. The falls run best from late March through mid-May and after summer monsoons. BEST SEASON: March - October LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 6,200’ DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles northeast GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on SR87 to the intersection with SR 260 in Payson. From there, go east (right) on SR260 for roughly 25 miles to Colcord Road (Forest Road 291) near milepost 277. Turn right and go southeast for 1.3 miles and park in a turnout near a green gate just south of some power lines. To get to the falls, hike down the FR291 a few yards to a road that’s blocked with a “road closed” sign. Shimmy under the fence if necessary  (it's legal) and hike down the dirt road. Pass through a gate and go left at the crossroads. At the second fork, go right. Turn left at the third junction and continue to the creek. From here, go right and follow the creek to the falls. Total one-way hiking distance to the falls is 1.5 miles. INFORMATION: Tonto National Forest (928) 474-7900 or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

VERDE RIVER GREENWAY

VERDE RIVER GREENWAY Clarkdale One of only a handful of free-flowing waterways remaining in Arizona, the Verde River flows south from its origins in the Big Chino aquifer near Paulden to the confluence with the Salt River on the outskirts of Metro Phoenix. The Verde River Greenway is a segment of the desert stream designated as “wild and scenic” to be preserved for its recreational, ecological significance and historical values. Burgeoning with riparian gallery forests, fish, birds, spectacular scenery and a population of rare river otters, the area is a favorite destination for birding, swimming, canoe & kayaking and hiking. Although most visitors to this area respect its fragility and unique beauty---a few fringe members of the human race still manage to foul the landscape with the accouterments of their games---beer cans, spent ammo shells, food wrappers and (my personal favorite) paintball wads. (Note to self: insert video clip of Sly Stallone with machinegun here—aaaaaaAAARRRRRR). As I would not expect those who shoot up Milwaukee’s Best beer cans along the banks of a national treasure to appreciate my diatribe on sanitation and habitat preservation, I will skip directly to the topic of what you and I can do to help clean up after these bozos. Check out the Web site link below for Friends of Verde River Greenway. This tenacious group of volunteers organize regular clean-up events. Why not pitch in---there’s one coming up on Saturday, May 8, 2010. LENGTH: up to 36 miles RATING: easy with some mild route-finding ELEVATION: 3,300 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 105 miles GETTING THERE: CLARKDALE ACCESS: From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 for 90 miles to exit 287 for AZ 260. Go left (west) on 260 and continue for 14 miles to the town of Cottonwood. Once in Cottonwood, go straight through town on Main Street and Broadway (US 89A) following the signs to Tuzigoot National Monument toward the town of Clarkdale. Turn right onto the signed road to Tuzigoot, cross the Verde River Bridge (at the half-mile point) and take the first right onto a dirt road that leads to a large array of parking circles. From here, work your way down to the water and follow the river. DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK ACCESS: From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to Camp Verde (exit 287) and take Highway 260 west to Cottonwood. Turn left on Main Street (89A toward Clarkdale) and continue to 10th Street. Turn right on 10th St. and proceed over the Verde River Bridge to the park entrance. From the park entrance, take the second right on the road leading to the Mesquite Day Use Area. The trail starts in the left parking area. THERE IS A FEE TO ENTER THE PARK. INFORMATION: Friends of Verde River Greenway: http://verderivergreenway.org/ Dead Horse Ranch State Park: http://azstateparks.com/parks/VERI/index.html

LOST GOLDMINE TRAIL

LOST GOLDMINE TRAIL Superstition Wilderness--kinda Looking for a place to indoctrinate your friends from Ohio to the glories of the desert Southwest--without the hassle of extreme terrain, bushwacking and befuddling routes? Then, try the Lost Goldmine Trail for a stress-free yet brag-worthy place to bring your out-of-town pals for an easy, photogenic hike. There’s no telling how many shots of this trail may have appeared on holiday cards sent from the Midwest. I’m guessin’---billions. One of the newer trails to grace the desert just outside of the Superstition Wilderness Area, this easy route is (when compared to other trails in the area) a leisurely stroll. Mostly flat and well-signed, Lost Goldmine Trail is a big draw for hikers, bikers and folks on horseback. Situated at the base of some truly magnificent volcanic cliffs, the route passes through pristine Sonoran desert terrain. Because of its non-challenging nature and excellent specimens of saguaro, jojoba, cholla and manic spring wildflowers, this scenic path makes for a classic desert outing. Expect lots of human company when hiking this trail from Fall through Spring---add snakes to the mix beginning early-April. LENGTH: 5.75 miles one-way RATING: easy ELEVATION: 2,000 – 2,100 feet BEST SEASONS: October - April GETTING THERE: West Trailhead: From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to Kings Ranch Road in Apache Junction. Turn left (north) and follow Kings Ranch Road to 2.8 miles to Baseline Road. Turn right and follow Baseline to Mohican, turn left and left again on Valleyview. Go 1.5 miles on Valleyview to Cloudview, turn right and continue to the large, signed parking area. Roads are paved up to the last 1.5 miles and are sedan-friendly. East Trailhead: From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to about 8 miles past Apache Junction (near mile post 204) and look for the “Peralta Trailhead” sign on the side of the road. Turn left onto Peralta Road (Forest Road 77) and drive roughly 7 miles to the signed trailhead on the left. FR 77 is maintained dirt with a few rough spots. Although passable by sedan, high clearance vehicles are recommended. DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 45 miles INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/wilderness/superstition

SHOOFLY VILLAGE RUINS

SHOOFLY VILLAGE Tonto National Forest Located on the northern edge of Houston Mesa, five miles north of Payson, Shoofly Village archeological site offers visitors a glimpse of an ancient Arizona culture. The 4-acre compound is comprised of 87 ruins occupied between 1000 and 1250 C.E. by people who farmed and hunted the surrounding high-desert grasslands. A network of paved trails winds among crumbling foundations, courtyards and a massive prehistoric “condominium” while abundant interpretive signs, picnic ramadas and restrooms make for a convenient and educational day trip. LENGTH: 0.25-mile loop RATING: easy, accessible ELEVATION: 5,240-5,280 feet BEST SEASONS: March - November DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 105 miles one way GETTING THERE: From Payson, go two miles north on State Highway 87 north to Houston Mesa Road, turn right and continue to Mesa del Caballo where there’s a sign for the ruins. INFORMATION: Call (602) 225-5200 or visit paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/InterpretiveCenters/ShooflyIndianRuins/tabid/141/Default.aspx

TURKEY CREEK

TURKEY CREEK Coconino National Forest Ain’t no turkeys, ain’t no creek---at least most of the time. Yet, for what this trail lacks in terms of running water and wild fowl--it more than makes up for in scenery and geological interest. The trek starts out on a wide, closed road with numerous unmarked junctions and side paths. To stay on track, be sure to follow the piles of rocks wrapped in wire known as “basket cairns”. If you loose your way, just backtrack to the last cairn and spot the next one to correct your bearings. At roughly the 1.5-mile point, the trail passes Turkey Tank, a tiny cottonwood-ringed oasis. From here, the route begins its gradual climb along a juniper and cypress shaded path to the rim of House Mountain volcano. On the way up, views of Red Rock country get progressively better with the piece de resistance occurring on a scenic saddle where views of Sedona, Mingus Mountain and the gaping, eroded volcanic vent collide for an overwhelming carnival of visual delights. LENGTH: 7 miles out-and-back RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 4,000 – 5,100 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles one-way FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required---$5 daily fee per vehicle. http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the Sedona exit 298 for SR 179 North—located just north of Camp Verde. Turn left and follow AZ 179 to Verde Valley School Road---this turnoff (part of a traffic circle) will be on the left past milepost 306 across from the Jacks Canyon Road sign---the street sign is difficult to see when traveling north. Go west on Verde Valley School Road 4 miles to Forest Road 9216B where there’s a sign for Turkey Creek trailhead. From here, the road degrades from decent dirt to a rut-and-pot-hole riddled mess. However, just before the road turns bad, there’s a small parking area for those driving low-slung sedans. Park here and hike another half-mile to the signed trailhead. Those with high-clearance vehicles may opt to drive this miserable last half-mile to the parking circle. INFORMATION: Red Rock Ranger District http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/turkey-creek-tr.shtml, (928) 282-4119 MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19259&id=1795269672

SUNSET TRAIL

SUNSET TRAIL Coconino National Forest There are a hell of a lot of mushrooms growing in the forests surrounding the San Francisco Peaks. Not the ordinary cream-colored buttons and portabellas available on grocers' shelves, but huge, showy parasites. Neither plant nor animal, mushrooms make a living off the decaying remains of, well, plants and animals. Kingdom Fungi pesters humankind with such maladies as athletes' foot and ringworm and then earns redemption through bread and beer. The shadow of the Dry Lake Hills provides a spore-friendly environment and in summertime, the meadows and forests of the Sunset Trail are in full "schroom". The fungi show provides a convenient distraction from the affects of thin air. Starting at 8,000 feet and climbing to 9,274 feet the high-altitude trail passes through a burned area where young conifers and aspens grow vigorously among the charred old growth and little white caps thrive on wood corpses. Once past the destruction, the trail weaves through pines and brilliant meadows teeming with yarrow, daisies, snakeweed, beardtongue, lupine and thistle. The Sunset Trail is not a particularly long or demanding hike. The beauty of this trek lies in the many details along the way: forests, mountains, resurgent life, and the mushrooms that sprout from the dead. LENGTH: 4 miles one-way RATING: Easy ELEVATION: 8,000- 9,274 feet DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, drive north on Highway 180 to Shultz Pass Road (FR 420). Turn right onto Shultz Pass Road and continue 5.3 miles to the Sunset Trailhead. INFORMATION: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/sunset-tr.shtml

BLEVINS TRAIL

BLEVENS TRAIL Usery Mountain Regional Park Open to hikers, horses, mountain bikes and dogs on leash, you can expect lots of company while hiking this popular trail. Restrooms, hitching posts and wide, well-signed juctions make for a perfect family-friendly outing among the cholla forests bordering suburban Mesa. TO FIND THE TRAIL: From the park entrance, follow the signs to the horse staging area (shown as the "trailhead staging area" on the park map). From here, you can pick up the trail on either the east or west side of the parking lot. Then just follow the signs to complete the loop. LENGTH: 3-mile loop RATING: easy ELEVATION: 1,800 – 1,925 feet BEST SEASONS: October - April DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 35 miles GETTING THERE: From central Phoenix, go east on I-10 to US 60 east to the Ellsworth Road exit. Go north on Ellsworth to the Usery Mountain Regional Park entrance. FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle INFORMATION http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/Directions.aspx

WINDGATE PASS

WINDGATE PASS McDowell Sonoran Preserve Although this trail climbs more than 1,300 feet, the route meanders uphill in graceful, zig-zagging style—making the ascent less steep than it looks. Beginning in the lower foothills of Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains, the path provides a tour of classic Sonoran desert terrain. Abundant saguaro, barrel, cholla and hedgehog cactuses flourish among ironwood and paloverde trees. In spring, the slopes and washes are ablaze in wildflower color. Continually changing points of interest such as contorted rock formations and boulder strewn gullies serve as previews to the high point of the hike---Windgate Pass, a scenic saddle with far-reaching views. There are many ways to get to Windgate Pass—just pick up a map at the Gateway Trailhead and customize a hike to fit your needs. Our route is described below. THE HIKE: For a quick out-and-back trip to the Pass-- begin at the Gateway Trailhead, cross the bridge and follow the signs to the Gateway Loop trail. Hang a left at the junction and follow Gateway Loop 1.2 miles to Windgate Pass trail. From here, it’s 2.2 miles to the Pass. We returned the way we came. LENGTH: 7.5 miles roundtrip RATING: modertate-difficult ELEVATION: 1,671-3,031 feet BEST SEASONS: October - April GETTING THERE: From Scottsdale, take Bell Road east to Thompson Peak Parkway. Go north (left) and continue to the Gateway Trailhead on the right. INFORMATION: http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/ or http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve.asp MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18460&id=1795269672

BARNHARDT FALLS MARCH 13, 2010

BARNHARDT CANYON Mazatzal Wilderness Record rain and snow this winter has resulted in one of the best water shows I've ever seen in Barnhardt Canyon. See my prior entries for more info and directions to the trailhead. If you're ever gonna visit this amazing place---do it this year. The best time to see the waterfalls is from mid-March through mid-April. Don't miss out! See additional photos on my Facebook photo page.

PERALTA CANYON to the LONE PINE

PERALTA CANYON to the LONE PINE Superstition Wilderness Anyone who has hiked in Arizona for more than 5 minutes knows about this trail. It’s extraordinary beauty, proximity to town and easy access make the Peralta Canyon Trail #102 a mecca for trekkers. Although short in length, the route is rugged and rife with obstacles such as slick rock, water crossings (in winter) and sections where---to the untrained eye—the trail seems to disappear. Surprisingly green for a desert hike, the route is shaded by hardy trees and shrubs including hackberry, Arizona madrone, desert oaks, jojoba and sugar sumac. Throughout the hike, contorted volcanic rock formations vie for attention, increasing in complexity with each foot of elevation gained. A popular turnaround point for the hike is the Fremont Saddle where views of the signature landmark of the Superstition Wilderness—Weaver’s Needle---dominate the sweeping valley vistas. From here, a fun way to extend the hike is to continue on to the lone pinion pine visible on the northeast ridgeline. To reach it, simply head east from the saddle along the many paths-of-use for just under a quarter-mile. The extra effort pays off with up-close views of the Needle and refuge from the crowds at the saddle. LENGTH TO FREMONT SADDLE: 5 miles round-trip LENGTH WITH SIDE TRIP TO THE TREE: 5.5 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 2,400 – 3,800 feet GETTING THERE:From Phoenix, take US 60 east to about 8 miles past Apache Junction and look for the “Peralta Trailhead” sign on the side of the road. Turn left onto Peralta Road (Forest Road 77) and drive 8 miles to the trailhead. NOTE: FR 77 is good dirt and passable by sedan. There are nice restrooms but no water at the trailhead. The parking lot fills up quickly on weekends, so plan to arrive early or park in the overflow lot. NO FEES.

LEVEE TRAIL

LEVEE TRAIL McDowell Sonoran Preserve Sorry, you can’t drive your Chevy to this levee. That’s because it’s located within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve where efforts to preserve our beautiful desert include restricting motorized vehicles to designated parking areas. This makes for a nice, quiet amble among saguaros, chollas, creosote bushes and myriad desert trees, shrubs and wildflowers. And, the views aren’t too shabby, either. The majestic peaks of the McDowell Mountains, which rise to 4,000 feet, make an impressive backdrop for this easy desert stroll. Open to bikes, horses and foot travel, the Levee Trail is a major connector route for many of the more challenging trails in the preserve. However, by itself, it’s a worthy destination for novice hikers, those with tots in tow or anyone looking for an effortless, local outing. LENGTH: 2.4 miles roundtrip RATING: easy ELEVATION GAIN: minimal GETTING THERE: From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Bell Road exit and continue east on Bell to 104th Street. The trailhead is on the north side of the road. INFORMATION: http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/ OR http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve.asp