Arizona Trail hiking primer!

March, 2012 issue

Hikers, not sure where to begin your celebratory hiking of the newly-completed, state-long Arizona Trail? No problem—just pick up a copy of the March issue of PHOENIX magazine and turn to page 50 for my article on why this route is so phenomenal and where you can go to sample its greatness---before embarking on the entire 817-mile journey.

ON SALE FEBRUARY 16, 2012

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

Wildflower hike in McDowell Mountain Park

168^th Street Spur

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fountain Hills

Four Peaks from 168th Spur

Bee on fairy duster

Back in the mid 1990s, this park sustained some substantial fire damage which left large swaths of land devoid of trees and shrubs.  Although the area is recovering nicely---jojoba, Palo verde trees and blooming shrubs mask the last of torched trunks---there's a “secret” place that escaped the fires where centuries-old ironwoods and massive saguaros anchor an “old growth” desert forest.  This slender, sandy path has been used for years by residents of the communities that border the park's northern perimeter. Now, the 168^th Street Spur is an official route. With more than 51 miles of  great, shared-use  trails in this park, one might wonder why bother with a little one like this.  Simple---it's the “garden valley” of the McDowells, and with peak wildflower season approaching, it's a good location to know about.  Why, this week in early February, we observed poppies, scorpion weed, fairy dusters, lupine, desert rock pea and a bevy of sprouts about to burst with color.  In addition, the abundant plant life attracts birds galore.  Hawks, ravens, cactus wrens and phainopeplas are easy to spot gorging on wild seeds.

LENGTH:  4.2 miles (as described here)

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 1,850' – 1,930'

DOGS:  leashed dogs allowed

KID FRIENDLY?:  yes

PARK HOURS:  6 a.m. - 8 p.m. (10 p.m. Friday & Saturday)

FEE: $6 daily per vehicle , $2 per person walk/bike in.  Bring exact change for the self-serve kiosks.

See web site for info on annual passes, senior discounts, etc.  Maps are available at the park entrance and nature center.

FACILITIES:  restrooms, water, camping, picnic tables, nature center, horse staging

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go east on Loop 202 to SR87 (Beeline Highway).  Go north on SR87 to Shea Blvd, turn left (west) and drive roughly 1 mile to Saguaro Blvd (traffic light).  Turn right (north) follow Saguaro to Fountain Hills Blvd., turn right and continue 4 miles to the park entrance.

TRAILHEAD AS DESCRIBED HERE: from the park entrance, follow McDowell Mountain Road past the nature center, then past Shallmo Drive. Just before the point where Pemberton Trail crosses the road, there's a dirt pullout with wood pylons on the left.  Park here.  Walk a few yards north on the road to the Pemberton Trail, turn left (west) and hike 0.4 mile to the 168^th Street Trail junction.  We hiked to the park boundary, then followed the perimeter trail to 158^th St. Spur.  Because we had stashed a dog poo bag on the way in, we back tracked to pack it out, however, you could take 158^th Spur back to Pemberton to make a loop hike of about the same length.

INFO: Maricopa County Parks, 480-471-0173

http://maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/

http://maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/pdf/2011%20maps/mcdowell-trail-master-plan-8x11-www-2011.pdf

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Family-friendly hiking in Flagstaff's Buffalo Park

BUFFALO PARK TRAILS

Flagstaff

Is it just me, or are Arizona winters becoming much shorter and warmer?  It normally takes until March before uncomfortably balmy temperatures send me fleeing to the high country in search of cooler hiking.

However, this January, we here in Phoenix were “blessed” with a few near 80-degree days, which provided the perfect excuse to make a dead-of-winter hiking trip to Flagstaff.  Besides, I was nearly out of my Late for the Train North Rim decaf coffee beans (no, this iconic Flagstaff roastery did not give me free joe for this plug, it's just good stuff), so I figured, I'd hike a trail or two located just north of their Fort Valley cafe location before replenishing my caffeine stash.  Buffalo Park used to be a private wildlife zoo and the goofy buffalo sculpture standing guard at the entrance is a remnant of its past life.  After the zoo closed, the property was incorporated into the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS---say “foots”) as a non-motorized hike-bike-run-accessible recreation area. Its short loop trails---imaginatively named #1 and #2--- are flat, wide and  ringed with Ponderosa pines and mountain views. The park also serves as a shove off point for the Switzer Canyon, Oldham, McMillian Mesa and Arizona Trails which connect at the park perimeters. In addition--for those who want to add a dose of Flagstaff arts and sciences to the trip-- the park is very close to the Museum of Northern Arizona, Coconino Center for the Arts and the Arizona Historical Society-Pioneer Museum making it a good place to get a quick leg stretch in between cultural immersions.  Need a cup of hot java after a long day of hiking and culture?  You know where to go.

San Francisco Peaks: elevation 12,633'

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

RATING: super easy & barrier-free, suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers

ELEVATION: 7,065 – 7,150'

KID friendly?:  yes

DOGS:  must be on leash and owners must remove all waste

GETTING THERE:

Elden Mountain: elevation 9,200'

From Phoenix, go north on I 17 to Flagstaff.  As you exit I 17 and enter town, you'll be on Milton Road.  Follow Milton north to where it makes a sharp right turn and becomes Route 66.  Continue a very short distance to the first traffic signal at Humphreys Street and make a left.  Travel north on Humphreys to Fort Valley Road (a.k.a. US 180) veer left and continue to Forest Ave.  Turn right and go to the turnoff for the park at Gemini Drive.  Turn left and follow the signs to the park entrance.

NOTE:  the park is used frequently for events (marathons, races for various cures and the like) and may be closed for part or all of some days---especially on weekends.  So, be sure to call ahead.

INFO:  City of Flagstaff

928-774-5281

http://flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=1789

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Upcoming guided hikes event in Superior

Mark your calendar: Legends of Superior Trails (LOST)  Ecotourism Festival  Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 !

Picketpost Mountain

Take a guided hike on the Arizona Trail beneath Picketpost Mountain and walk the Legends Of Superior Trail that connects the historic mining town of Superior with the Arizona Trail, 6 miles to the west. Food, fun, and hiking in a street fair setting.  REGISTER ONLINE: Superior Chamber of Commerce:

http://www.superiorazchamber.net/events/legends-of-superior-trails-eco-tourism-fest

Hiking in the P.A. Seitts Preserve

P. A. SEITTS PRESERVE at GO JOHN CANYON

Cave Creek

Slate Trail crosses Cave Creek

Lou Menk Trail

Rescued from development by the folks at Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT), this 271-acre plot of primo desert and riparian ecosystems makes for  easy and educational day hiking.  Because the trails in this preserve are a work-in-progress, the best way to get to know the area is to participate in the guided hikes offered by DFLT.  With plans to expand the preserve to 500 acres, the existing parcel  already connects Spur Cross Ranch and Cave Creek Regional Park providing both a critical wildlife corridor and contiguous recreational opportunities.  Stewards are both highly trained and passionate preservationists.

I recently hiked with steward Ronnie W. and learned quite a lot about about the geology, plants and human history of the area.  The main attraction is the Lou Menk Trail.  Open only to hikers and dogs on leash, the short lollipop loop trail gives an excellent overview of the preserve.  At the high point of the trail, there's a bench where stewards will stop and describe points of interest.  The Slate Trail passes  through a sandy wash and mesquite bosque and crosses Cave Creek before heading west to  Cave Creek Regional Park.  Also within the preserve is old Cave Creek Cemetery (1893-1935) where the remains of 30 early settlers can now rest undisturbed in perpetuity.

LENGTH: 

Lou Menk Trail: 0.6 roundtrip (hikers only)

Slate Trail:  2.2 one way (0.6 in the preserve)

Legacy Trail: 0.8 in preserve

Cave Creek Cemetery: 0.3

Various access trails & spur trails:

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION: 1,950' – 2,000'

KID FRIENDLY:  yes

DOGS:  must be on leash and handlers must pack out droppings

GETTING THERE:

PUBLIC ACCESS:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to Carefree Highway (AZ74) exit.  Go east (right) and continue 10 miles to Cave Creek Road.  Turn north (left) and go 0.6 mile to New River Road, turn west (left) and go 0.4 mile to Creek Canyon/Cloud Road.  Turn north (right) and go 0.4 mile to the corner of 52^nd Street and Creek Canyon---the access gate is on the north side of the intersection.

INFO: Desert Foothills Land Trust

http://www.dflt.org/

http://www.dflt.org/p_a_seitts.php

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The most interesting hike north of Nothing, AZ

KAISER SPRING CANYON

Somewhere north of Nothing, AZ

I just drove 245-miles roundtrip to hike 4 miles-- and it was worth it.  The return on investment for the road trip alone pays multiple dividends---two canyon-spanning bridges, a swath of Joshua trees, a tour of old west charm (Wickenburg) and a neck-craning 4.3-second fly by of the "town" of Nothing would satisfy any traveler without even setting foot outside a moving vehicle.  However, to zoom past Kaiser Spring Canyon without putting boots on the ground would be to miss one of Arizona's quirkiest hikes. 

Before the details, a few housekeeping items are in order. First, be on the lookout for hazards underfoot, specifically: quicksand, big horn sheep droppings, wild burro poo and cow pies. Second, the (in)famous hot spring on this hike is no five-star spa and nude soaking is de riguer.  Finally, this canyon is prone to flooding so do not attempt this hike after heavy rain or during  maximum spring runoff season. Getting into the canyon is the trickiest part, here's how. From the parking area gate, there are two dirt roads heading toward the bridge---take the left one and hike 0.1 mile to where it meets the edge of the canyon.  Locate the white BLM post that marks the beginning of the descent path and carefully scramble down the steep, 30-foot embankment.

Inside the canyon the trail is a maze of 4x4 roads weaving through a geological stew of boulders, river rock and sandbars.  There are several distinct passages along the hike beginning with what I dubbed “the catacombs”--a wide wash lined with banks of crypt-like depressions. Soon, the canyon enters “the narrows” where vertical stone escarpments soar hundreds of feet above the trail.  Here, look for remnants of mining operations and a shallow water-carved cave.

Emerging from the narrows the trail enters  “warm spring alley” where a 99-degree fountain of water issues from a wall of granite.  A pool big enough to accommodate 2-3 bathers contains the flow.  From the spring, continue hiking south 0.2 mile to “the confluence” with Burro Creek.  Here, the trail transitions into a cross-country creek-and-boulder hop and although it's possible to hike deep into the gorge,  the confluence is a popular turnaround point.

Inside the "narrows"

LENGTH: 1.5 miles one-way to the hot spring

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 2,020' – 1,755'

DOGS:  good up to the confluence, rugged beyond that

KID FRIENDLY?: rated PG-17 due to possible naked bathers

BEST SEASON:  October – April

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 103 miles one way from I-17/Carefree exit.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the Carefree Highway (AZ74) exit 223B.  Head west (left) and continue 30 miles  to US60, head north (right) and continue a few miles to the US93 traffic circle in Wickenburg. Veer right (north) through the circle and continue 65 miles north on US93 to the Kaiser Canyon bridge—located 5.5 miles north of the turnoff for Burro Creek Campground.

Cross the bridge and make an immediate right onto a dirt road just past milepost 135.  Follow the dirt road roughly 0.1 mile to a barbed wire gate where the road splits, stay straight, pass through the gate and park in the turnouts near the bridge. 

INFO: Bureau of Land Management, Hassayampa Field Office:  623-580-5500

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/hiking.html

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Celebrate the completion of the Arizona Trail

There's still time to register for--

Celebrating The Arizona Trail —
A Dream Come True

February 4, 2012
9 AM – 2 PM
PERA Club, Tempe, Arizona

You won’t want to miss the celebration of 26 years of determined effort to complete Dale Shewalter's dream of a continuous path from Mexico to Utah. This luncheon and festival will feature memorable presentations, fun interactive sessions, relevant exhibits, and more.

Registration deadlines:  Friday, January 20th (mail) and Monday, January 23rd (online).

 Not a member of the AZ Trail Assoc?-- Members get access to high-value goodies like detailed maps and cool events.  Sign up here:

http://www.aztrail.org/

The easy way up Union Peak

GREAT HORNED OWL-UNION PEAK LOOP

Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

Ahh. There's nothing quite like the feel of a brand new hiking trail-- especially when it leads to a mountain top. 

Up until last month, I had never heard of Union Peak--not to be confused with Mount Union (see my other blog entry) near Prescott.  Who knew? It's hiding in plain sight off  I-17 north of the Jomax exit in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve and now (woot, woot), there's easy access  to its summit.  Getting to the peak involves connecting several trails and although there are many options, the most direct route is described here.

Be warned, though, that some of the trails do not have signs yet , so it's prudent to download the preserve map (link below) before heading out.  On the way to the peak, hikers are treated to mellow passages studded with cholla and desert shrubs, dips into rugged arroyos and climbs to high points with gorgeous views.  The final 0.45 uphill leg to the peak has a couple of tricky/steep spots, but it’s otherwise just a moderate slog.  The summit is comprised of three stoney humps linked by a footpath. While up there, be sure to locate the hiker log (a small glass jar with pad & pencil) to document your visit. 

Looking northeast from the summit of Union Peak

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, begin on Hawk's Nest (H) Trail and hike to the turn off for Desert Tortoise Trail (DT) at the 0.25-mile post.  Turn right (southeast) and follow DT 1.12 mile to Valle Verde Trail (V).  Turn right (south) and continue on V 0.6 mile to Great Horned Owl Trail (GO).  This is the loop portion of the hike, so you can go either right or left.  However, if you plan to hike up Union Peak, go left to get there quicker.  Once done with the loop,  retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

LENGTH: 7.45 miles roundtrip

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION:  1,600' – 2,200'

DOGS: dogs must be on leash and handlers must pack out poo

KID FRIENDLY: yes
BEST SEASON:  October -April

FACILITIES: no restroom or water, plenty of parking, trail map sign, and there’s a special lot for horse trailers

HOURS: 6 a.m to 7 p.m.

GETTING THERE:

Desert Vista Trailhead:

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

INFO: City of Phoenix, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

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

For general information: 602 262-7901


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A HARD-WON LOOK AT A RARE SITE

BLACK MESA RUINS

Black Canyon City

The East Face of the Fort

Of the hundreds of known archeological sites in the Agua Fria National Monument (AFNM), only one (Pueblo La Plata) is publicized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  However, several others are frequented by local hikers, including this bastion of boulders teetering over I-17 near Black Canyon City. Although it's well documented in popular hiking books and web sites, getting to this Hohokam fortress is no easy task.  Route finding, barbed wire, cat-claw-infested washes, and a short section of vertical hand-over-foot climbing, thwart all but the most determined hikers.

Archeologists think this multi-room structure was constructed between 800 – 1150 C.E..  Unlike other ruins in the area, this one is remarkably intact with two-man-high walls shielding its eastern flank.  The layout of the site is still clear, making it easy to imagine how the numerous rooms with peepholes looking out over the canyons were used to monitor activities on the surrounding grasslands where the builders may have farmed, hunted and stood guard over their communities.  At the eastern base of the mesa, hundreds of petroglyphs—including some interesting footprint designs--- decorate volcanic boulders. As with all heritage sites: leave everything as you found it.  Take only pictures; leave only footprints.

Overlooking Black Canyon City

LENGTH: 1.5 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate-difficult (route-finding, steep climb)

ELEVATION: 2,200' – 3,163'
BEST SEASON: October -April

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 past Black Canyon City. Park in any of the dirt pullouts along the freeway between mileposts 245 and 246.  From here, locate a BLM gate (closer to MP246) with an AFNM sign.  The gate is usually locked, but it’s easy (and legal) to squeeze through.  From here, there's a rough path for about 0.1 mile, then, you'll need to bushwhack uphill while aiming roughly 100 feet to the north of the ruins on the tip of the mesa where a break in the cliffs makes for a manageable 25-foot hand-over-foot climb to the site.

The BLM Gate. Destination is the peak on the left.

Footprint Rock Art

GENERAL INFO: Bureau of Land Management, Agua Fria National Monument

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/natmon/afria.html

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WHERE THE WILD WILLOWS WEEP

DRIPPING SPRING

Willows and pines at the lower spring

Pine-Strawberry

Aptly named, Dripping Springs is a duo of seep areas in a muddy embankment held together with a lattice of roots and vines. Unlike the typical gushing mountain spring, these natural water tanks – lodged beneath dirt parapets topped with ponderosa pines – work like giant earthen sponges issuing a steady dribble of moisture. Slick with moss and algae, the nutrient-rich ooze of these “weeping cliffs” sustains a green valley that spills into the hamlets of Pine-Strawberry below.

From the Pine trailhead, pick up a trail beginning at the southeast end of the parking lot near the corral. Follow this winding path a short distance to the Highline No. 31/Pine Canyon Trail No. 26 junction. From here, veer north (left) on Trail No. 26 and hike 0.5 miles to the Pineview Trail No. 28 junction and stay straight on Trail No. 26. From here, it’s one mile to Lower Dripping Spring and another 0.15 miles to Upper Dripping Spring.

Note: To extend this hike, continue 6.25 miles uphill on Trail No. 26 to the 7,200-foot crest of the Mogollon Rim.

LENGTH: 7 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: 5,420' -6,100' 

RATING: moderate

DOGS: leashed dogs allowed

KID FRIENDLY?: best for older kids
BEST SEASON: spring, fall, winter

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 105 miles one way

GETTING THERE: From the intersection of SR 87/260 in Payson, go north to just south of the town of Pine, turn right at the sign for the Pine Trailhead and go 0.25 miles to the parking lot.

FACILITIES: restroom

INFO: Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, 928-474-7900
, 
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35593&actid=50

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NEW YEAR, OLD TRAIL

BALLANTINE- PINE CREEK LOOP TRAIL

Tonto National Forest

View from Ballantine Trail, January 1, 2012

Confession: I've driven by the Ballantine trailhead on SR 87 eleventy-nine times, but never pulled over because, from the highway, the terrain just didn't inspire. It took the recommendation of a trusted hiking pal for me to put this trail first up on my 2012 resolution list in the “hike trails I've overlooked for years” column.

"Stonehenge" Section of the Ballantine Trail

Come to find out, this trail looks a lot better once it moves away from the highway.  A somewhat strenuous climb reveals a landscape of knuckle-and-joint, mica-imbedded boulders, deep gorges and a battalion of regal saguaro cactuses standing sentry. There's even a mini "Stonehenge" passage with nature-sculpted  granite monoliths. Seasonal water doodling through the canyons adds a calming soundtrack to the impressive views. As there is no directional signage at the trailhead, here’s the skinny. From the parking area, the Pine Creek Loop Trail heads off in both directions.  We opted to begin on the south leg (go right) and hiked 1.4 miles to a saddle where wood trail signs (with inaccurate mileage) herald your options.  From here, we continued 2 miles (not 3 as the sign indicates) north on Ballantine Trail to Boulder Flat.  The flat is not signed, but you’ll know you’ve reached it when you come to a “T” trail junction with a rotting wood sign offering little usable information.  This was our turnaround point. However, to continue on Ballantine, go right (southeast) or, take the left track to pick up the Pipeline Trail.

One resolution down--about a million to go.

Boulder Flat

LENGTH: 6.8 miles (as described here). 

Ballantine Trail only: 10 miles one-way

Pine Creek Loop only: 2.8 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2,240' – 3,700' (this hike).  Ballantine Trail only: 2,520' – 4,200'

DOGS: leashed dogs okay, may be too rough for older or inexperienced dogs

KID FRIENDLY:  older kids
BEST SEASON: October -April

South Leg of Pine Creek Loop

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take Loop 202 east to SR 87 north (Beeline Highway).  Follow SR 87 north to just past milepost 210 (approx 21 miles north of Shea Blvd.) where you'll see the Ballantine trailhead on the right.

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35449&actid=50

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35447&actid=50

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CRAZY CACTUSES, CANYONS & CREEKS

CAVE CREEK TRAIL #4

Tonto National Forest

The product of both a growth anomaly and miraculous survival, a ginormous crested saguaro cactus, sporting a fabulous fan-shaped cap, is a keynote attraction of this popular hiking route.  Biologists remain stumped about how the bizarre fan-shaped tops of crested saguaro cactuses form citing genetic mutations, lightning and other forces of nature as possible culprits.  Adding to the allure of this aberrant plant (located roughly 3 miles from the east trailhead)  is its survival of the 2005 Cave Creek Complex Fire which destroyed much of the surrounding vegetation. In addition to this trademark biological wonder, the trail is steeped in enchantment, passing among rolling desert hills, trickling creeks, magnificent canyons, forests of sycamores, mesquite bosques and heady, go-on-to-forever vistas.  It's impossible to hike this trail and not be moved by its extraordinary beauty.

The trail runs east-west, and can be accessed from the west at Spur Cross Ranch or the east at Seven Springs Recreation Area.  The shallow flow of Cave Creek anchors both terminuses while a maze of scrub-laden hills and valleys fill the in-betweens.  This is an especially beautiful hike during “desert autumn” (November thru mid-December) when the creekside foliage glows in shades of gold.  

LENGTH: 10.4 miles one-way

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 3,280'-2,960'

DOGS: dogs must be on leash.  There have been recent reports of rabid bobcats in the area, so be sure your dog’s shots are up-to-date.
BEST SEASON: October - April (December is primo!)

GETTING THERE:

EAST Cave Creek Trailhead: From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit and go  13 miles north on Pima to Cave Creek Road.  Turn right (east) and go 12.5 miles on Cave Creek Road (a.k.a FR 24 and Seven Springs Road) past Seven Spring Recreation Area  to Cave Creek trailhead on the left located between MCDOT mile markers 12 and 13.  Roads paved up to the last 10 miles, which are maintained dirt/gravel, passable by passenger cars when dry. Two minor creek crossings are required—do not attempt after heavy rains.

WEST: Spur Cross/Skull Mesa Trailhead: From the park trailhead, hike 2.9 miles north on Spur Cross Road (FR48) to the Skull Mesa trailhead and pick up trail #4. MAP:

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic tables

FEES: Tonto Pass is NOT required as long as you park at the hiker trailhead only.
INFO: Tonto National Forest:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?navtype=TOPNAVIGATION&cid=fsbdev3_018752&navid=160100000000000&pnavid=160000000000000&ss=110312&position=Not%20Yet%20Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Tonto%20National%20Forest-%20Recreation%20Passes#where

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TRAIL OF DOOM?

PYRAMID TRAIL

South Mountain Park, Phoenix

One year from today, the Maya Long Count Calendar will complete its 5,125-year cycle, triggering the End of the World. Time for a HIKE!

From the desert floor beneath the triangular-shaped peak that dominates this trail, a zig-zagging path ascending its west face  looks like steps on a Mayan temple--  a chiseled, deliberate skyward trek. With my imagination stoked by a recent viewing of the Mel Gibson film Apocalypto,  I trudged up this hill in the waning days of 2011 wondering about the impending doom predicted by the  Maya Long Count Calendar. According to ancient Maya astronomers, on the winter solstice 2012 (12-21-12, 11:11 p.m. UT --4:11 p.m. in Phoenix) our sun will align with the center of the Milky Way, triggering cosmic chaos and the end of the world. Apparently, the City of Phoenix  did not get Quetzalcoatl's memo and went ahead with a major land purchase in 2009, adding the Pyramid and Bursera trails (both completed in 2011)  to the Ahwatukee side of South Mountain Park.  However, other than its name and Mayan-esque physical characteristics, this trail has nothing at all to do with the demise of the universe.   Instead, it's full of life, a joy to hike and would make for an excellent 2012 New Year's Day hike---because of the end of the world and all.  (eh-hum, back to hiking) The first mile is an easy walk among cactuses, creosote and ironwood-cluttered arroyos just yards from the backyards of a residential area along Pecos Blvd.  The trail then swerves away from the homes, taking on the pyramid via switchbacks that go from elongated and effortless to short and grinding. Passing cliffs where cholla and barrel cactuses cling to bare rock, the trail hugs the edge of the hill for expansive views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains and the cotton fields of the Gila  Indian community.  After topping out on an isolated stony outcropping, the path then makes a minor dip onto a saddle then goes up again  toward an array of towers near where it connects with the National Trail. 

Whether or not the  Maya (or other) theory of 2012 armageddon comes to fruition, this trail is as good a place as any to witness stellar cataclysm--or make a dent in a new year's resolution to get more exercise.

Arroyo on the Lower Trail

LENGTH: 6 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 1,235' – 2,337'

DOGS: leashed dogs allowed

FACILITIES: none
BEST SEASON: October -April

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take I-10 south/east (Tucson) to exit 161 for Pecos Road.  Drive 7.2 miles west (right) on Pecos to 17^th Avenue.  Head north (right) on 17^th Ave. and continue 0.7 mile to where 17^th Ave meets Chandler Blvd.  Turn left here and go 0.3 mile to the end of the road where a generic "trail" sign marks the trailhead.

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, begin by hiking west, making a sharp right a few yards in.  Continue 0.44 mile to the junction with Bursera Trail.  Here, go right (east) and continue 2.6 miles to trail's end at the junction with National Trail. NOTE: there are a couple of junctions marked only with plain brown posts---at these, just head toward the peak.

INFO: City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation

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

MAPS:

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

City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation

View from the Ridgeline Trail

Not too long ago, only an informal quagmire of footpaths provided access to this set of low-slung hills in northwest Phoenix. This was great for the locals who knew the area, but not so much for those of us who like to know where we're going.  In 2010, the City of Phoenix gave the Deem Hills trails a major facelift adding excellent signage, trailhead facilities and onsite/online maps, thus  re-DEEMing (sorry, couldn't resist) this city park from its pit of neglect. Now a primo hiking destination, trekkers can choose from several routes ranging in difficulty from very easy to mildly strenuous.  The 5.9-mile long Circumference Trail serves as a main artery route, acting as a gateway to several paths that crawl up and around the hills.  In my opinion, the most interesting routes in the park are the Ridgeline and Basalt Trails.  Both paths involve some climbing, but it's so gradual, you'll hardly break a sweat.  On the way up, views of north Phoenix mountains, CAP canal and surrounding suburbs stand out from  the trailside inky-black basalt boulders and rock slides.  Although the din of I-17 is never quite out of earshot, this close-to-town hiking spot makes for an easy way to get out for a quick jaunt in the desert.

Ridgeline Trail

LENGTH: 14.29 miles of trails (one way)

Circumference Trail: 5.9-mile loop

Palisade Trail/WaterTank Road: 1.53 miles

Basalt Trail: 0.64 mile

Ridgeline Trail: 1.45 miles

CAP Road: 1.61 miles

Various Access Trails: 2.5 miles

Water Tank Road: 0.33 mile

RATING:  easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 1,500' at trailhead to 2,098' top of Ridgeline Trail

Basalt Boulders on the Basalt Trail

KID FRIENDLY: yes

DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed.  Handlers must immediately pick up poo and pack it out
BEST SEASON: October -April

GETTING THERE:

EAST (39th Ave. ) TRAILHEAD: From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 218 for Happy Valley Road.  Pass through the traffic circle, heading west (left) on Happy Valley Road and continue 1 mile to 35^th Avenue. Turn north (right) and follow 35^th Ave. 1.4 miles to Pinnacle Vista Road. (NOTE: 35^th Ave.  swerves and turns into 33^rd Ave).   Turn west (left) and follow Pinnacle Vista 0.7 mile to where it dead-ends and veers right at 39^th Ave.  The trailhead is roughly 0.1 mile up 39^th Ave. on the left.
FACILITIES: map sign, shaded seating area, drinking fountain

WEST (51^st Ave) TRAILHEAD:  Deem Hills Park
  at 51st Avenue and Deem Hills Parkway . From I-17, follow Happy Valley Road west to 51^st Ave. Turn north (right) and continue on 51^st Ave (it will turn into Deem Hills Pkwy) to the trailhead on the right.

FACILITIES: Restrooms and water available.

INFO: City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation

http://phoenix.gov/recreation/rec/parks/preserves/locations/deemhills/map/index.html

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HIKING WITH TOURISTS : PART 2

BADGER SPRINGS WASH

Agua Fria National Monument

Air travel these days is a real bear. What with the body scans, shoe searches and the outright abuse  of  overhead bin space, trying to cram a decent pair of hiking boots and a backpack into weight-restricted luggage is certainly not at the top of the “to do” list of many holiday travelers.  Yet, with so much to see in the great Arizona outdoors, we simply should not let the lack of good equipment put a damper on treating our winter visitors to a hike.  Here's one local favorite that's not too rough but has a nice wilderness feel to it.  Badger Springs Wash Trail is a short, sandy gateway to Agua Fria Canyon ending at the mouth of the gorge just before the going gets tricky. One of only two  “official” trails in Agua Fria National Monument, the route delves into a world of steep granite walls and gangly scrub with a panel of ancient petroglyphs at trail's end serving as the outing's  piece de resistance. Although properly-equipped hikers can stumble through the full length of the boulder-strewn canyon, tourists are usually thrilled by the unfamiliar sights

and satisfied with the enormity of eye-candy along this abbreviated trek. 

Head of Agua Fria Canyon, Dec. 9, 2011

Boulders & Sand define Badger Springs Wash

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

RATING: easy (some rocky spots)

ELEVATION: 3,100' – 2,900'

GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go roughly 40 miles north on I-17 to exit 256 for Badger Springs Road.  Turn right and continue about 1.2 miles (past the restroom) to the circular parking area. This last mile is on rugged dirt/gravel, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

The trail begins at the southeast side of the lot.  You'll see a sign and register box about 50 yards in.

INFO: Bureau of Land Management, 623-580-5500

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/natmon/afria.html