Walking Wupatki: Part 5

LAVA FLOW TRAIL

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Moving south ---and about 2000 feet uphill-- from Wupatki National  Monument,  scenic "volcanoes and ruins" loop road enters the tortured terrain of Sunset Crater National Monument.  Complementing a bevy of  scenic view roadside pullouts  for casual sightseers; two hiking trails delve deeper into the otherworldly landscape.  First up: the Lava Flow Trail.  This hike-by-numbers trek uses a guide booklet available in a box at the trailhead or the visitor center down the road to describe various volcanic features along the route. The trail has a .25-mile section that's paved and barrier-free, but the remainder of the trail requires sturdy (closed toe) footwear as it moves over some rough-around-the-edges lava.  Just under a mile in length, the trail manages to get hikers into the guts of a massive lava flow that issued from the base of Sunset Crater some 900 years ago.   In terms of geological time, this is newborn rock. Unfettered by the ravages of time, the molten crust that  squeezed, belched, oozed and sprayed from the belly of the earth retains its wild, "fresh from the smelter" veneer.  All around the trail, a placid sea of black cinders peppered with hardy tree sprouts laping  at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano belies  a history of fire raining from the sky.

LENGTH:  1 mile loop

RATING:  easy (some loose rock and steps)

ELEVATION: 7,000' - 7,050'

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

FACILITIES: restooms,  vending machines and water  at the visitor center

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue 29.5 miles to the  turn off on the left. Roads are 100% paved. Alternate access: enter the park from US 180 at milepost 430 and go 5.5 miles to the trailhead.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 4

WUPATKI PUEBLO

The main structure

Welcome to the  main attraction of Wupatki National Monument.  What may have been Arizona's first "planned community" (think: Medieval Anthem), this  community built on the edge of the Colorado Plateau includes a 100-room pueblo, ballcourt and community gathering arena.  Archeological discoveries on the site suggest that a mixture of cultures inhabited this area during the 12th century. Its location at the crossroads of major travel routes coupled with the excavation of myriad pottery and architectural styles indicate that Wupatki may have been an important  way station for commerce.  A nicely paved path with placards corresponding to a guide book available in the visitor center threads among the ruins.  Of particular note are how the stone structures were engineered to take advantage of natural geological features.

Like most folks, the inhabitants of Wupatki loved a good ball game, and just downhill from the big house, a reconstructed ballcourt tells a silent story of an imaginative community that blended  hard work with serious playtime.

ballcourt

LENGTH:  0.5 mile loop

RATING:  easy, paved, some stairs

ELEVATION: 4,900'

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

THE RULES: as with all archeological sites, it is illegal to tkae or damage anything.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Also, do not climb or sit on teh fragile ruins.

FACILITIES: restoom, visitor center, vending machines

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue 13 miles to the  turn off on the right. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 3

DONEY TRAIL

Wupatki National Monument

the saddle

on the trail

Geek that I am, I have a facination with lava bombs.  Heck--even the name is cool.  Lava. Bombs.  These products of volcanic eruptions form when highly viscous molton rock shoots into the sky from an explosive event,  partially solidifies on the way back to earth, then slams into the ground with a heat-warped taffy splat.  This process results in in mangled crater-side blobs and contorted ribbons that are best (indelicately) described  as "stone turds".  I think they are beautiful and I wish I could have been around to witness their formation.  Okay, not really, but it's almost a certainty that people living in the area 1000 years ago would have been treated to the fireworks.  Still, 21-century hikers can observe some very nice old, but fresh-looking lava bombs on the Doney Trail.  The trail leads to two of  four cinder cone summits that sit on a north-south line  of the Doney Fault which is visible from the top of peak number two.

lava bomb

A short walk over black cinders leads to a saddle with a bench and a lone one-seed juniper tree standing sentry over big views of the Painted Desert.  From here, the trail divides.  Go left to peak number one which features the ruins of an ancient  field house.  Peak number two is a little steeper climb, but the trail has been stabalized with wooden beams. On top, there's a viewing bench and a sign describing the surrounding peaks.  Look closely to the southeast and you should be able to spot the white roofs of the Wupatki Pueblo visitor center---next stop on the tour. 

LENGTH:  0.7 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate (loose rock)

ELEVATION:  5,300' - 5,500'

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

THE RULES: as with all archeological sites, it is illegal to take or damage anything.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Also, do not climb or sit on the fragile ruins.

FACILITIES: restoom, picnic table

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on U.S. 89 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue 9 miles to the Doney Picnic Area turn off on the right. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 2

CITADEL and NALAKIHU RUINS

Wupatki National Monument

Citadel ruins and Citadel Sink

Nalakihu Pueblo

Whether this stone-hewn, hilltop structure was a swanky living space, fortress, ceremonial gathering spot or a Middle Ages-era marketplace we will never know for sure.  What is certain though is that this second stop on the Wupatki-Sunset Crater circuit will stoke your imagination.  A paved trail--suitable for strollers and walkers--leaves the parking area heading uphill on an easy grade. The site consists of two ruins.  The first is a tiny field building called Nalakihu (Hopi for “House Outside the Village”) that archeologists think was used by farmers in the 1100s.  Slabs of sandstone and lumps of black volcanic basalt mortared together in intricate layers form several rooms overlooking a stark landscape of improbable farmlands.  But farm the ancients did---using ingenious techniques like check dams to coax crops from brutal terrain.

View from the Citadel

Above Nalakihu sits the impressive citadel.  As the trail swings around the backside of the butte, a large sinkhole depression comes in to view.  This is "citadel sink" which formed when an underground limestone cavern collapsed. On the summit, a swath of geological wonders fills the horizon.  The flat-topped cone to the northwest is SP Crater---an intriguing destination for anybody looking to scale a cinder cone.  Framing the sinkhole are the San Francisco Peaks--the remains of a strato volcano that at one point towered to 16,000 feet before blowing its top Mount St. Helens-style shaving it down it its present 12,633' height.  The paved trail ends at the top of the butte, but those with sturdy footwear can enter the site (be careful on the loose rock) to check out how the citadel structure was built into the natural stone of the butte and ponder the millions of unanswered questions buried in the rubble.

LENGTH: 0.2 mile

RATING: easy, barrier free

ELEVATION: 5,380'- 5,440'

FACILITIES:  none

HOURS: open year-round sunrise to sunset

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

THE RULES: as with all archeological sites, it is illegal to take or damage anything.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Also, do not climb or sit on the fragile ruins.

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue  4.3 miles (or 0.3 mile past the Lomaki site) to the Citadel Ruins parking apron on the right. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 1

LOMAKI PUEBLO & BOX CANYON RUINS

One of the Box Canyon ruins

Over the next few days, I'll be chronicling my one-day hike-drive in Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater National Park. This two-park tour is famous for its multi-cultural Native American ruins, volcanic geology and outstanding Painted Desert views. Also, the park's 2,000-foot elevation variance blends desert scrublands, rich pine forests, sandstone mesas and rivers of lava for perhaps the most complex cluster of hiking trails in Arizona. 

Lomaki Pueblo

Using the 35-mile "volcanoes and ruins loop road” north of Flagstaff as the main travel artery, I made six stops for short hikes totaling 4.25 miles.  First up: Lomaki Pueblo & Box Canyon.  Located at the north end of the park on the high plains of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, this collection of red-sandstone ruins built on a gaping earth crack have not been restored, so visitors can marvel at the precision architecture and mortar work that has held up for more than 800 years.  Three main structures teeter on the edge of a narrow box canyon where the original inhabitants may have farmed and used imaginative technology to harvest rain water.  Interpretive signs along trail augment the hike with insights into pertinent archeological research.

Box Canyon ruins

LENGTH: 0.5-mile loop

RATING: easy (non-paved, some steps)

ELEVATION: 5,325'-5,350'

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5 (north entrance to the parks).  Turn right and continue 4 miles to the Lomaki turn off on the left. Roads are 100% paved.

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic table

HOURS: open year-round sunrise to sunset

FEE: $5 per person, good for 7 days at both Wupatki and Sunset Crater

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails or in buildings.  Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal, even on cool days.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Hike and swim at Red Rock Crossing

RED ROCK CROSSING

Crescent Moon Ranch, Sedona

A gigantic sycamore shades Oak Creek

Ancient spirits are rumored to inhabit the rusty-red landforms that soar above this enchanting, cottonwood and sycamore-shaded bend in Oak Creek Canyon. That’s because, in addition to being one of the most photographed locations in the world, Red Rock Crossing also is one of Sedona’s vortex sites—places on earth noted for their high spiritual energy. The area’s beauty and cooling waters attract religious pilgrims, tourists, and those who just want to enjoy majestic views and cool breezes along the creek. Many of the trails in the park are stroller and wheelchair-accessible while shaded ramadas, restrooms, access to swimming holes, water chutes and fly fishing combine for a memorable, family-friendly daytrip.

Himalaya-Berry

PLANT PROFILE:

Himalaya-Berry (Arizona blackberry)

Rubus procerus

Habitat: introduced species found mainly in Oak Creek Canyon and Grand Canyon NP

Elevation: 4,000 – 6,000 feet

Blooms: June

Berries: summer

Lush riparian greenery flanks the creekside trail

HIGHLIGHTS: kid-friendly, water play, some barrier-free trails, picnic armadas, world-famous views

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip (for the unpaved creek walk)

ELEVATION: 4,000 feet

RATING: easy

DOGS: dogs must stay on leash and out of the water

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

Drive west from Sedona on AZ 89A to Upper Red Rock Loop Road (Forest Road 216) and follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing.

FEES: $10 daily fee per vehicle

INFORMATION: Red Rock Ranger District (928) 282-4119, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/crescentmoon-picnic.shtml

June 26th plane crash closes 2 Sedona trails

Airport Loop and Table Top Trails in Sedona are temporarily closed due to an airplane crash that occurred this morning.  Please contact the Red Rock Ranger District or the Coconino National Forest web site before planning a hike here.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/26/us/arizona-plane-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Red Rock Ranger District: 928-203-7500
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=71905&actid=50

Your guide to summer WATER recreation

PHOENIX MAGAZINE AUGUST 2012 ISSUE

Hi Hikers (anglers, boaters, tubers...), pick up a copy of the August PHOENIX magazine for my story about AZ summer water recreation.  You'll find 71 ideas for hiking, boating, fishing, camping, kayaking and just about anything (gold panning, anyone?) else pertaining to outdoor water recreation. 

ON SALE AUGUST 26, 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

Descend a rocky road to East Clear Creek

MACK’S CROSSING

Coconino National Forest

Since it was abandoned in the 1940s, the old road leading to Mack’s Crossing has disintegrated into a precipitous ledge overlooking the gaping gorge carved by

East Clear Creek.

Even though the rough conditions don’t deter brave souls in fishing-gear-laden ATVs from careening down the serpentine route-- hiking at a leisurely pace is the best way to savor the  epic beauty of this dramatic canyon.

The downhill trek to the creek begins on the sunny edge of the Mogollon Rim, passing fossiliferous limestone outcroppings and a stand of elegant Arizona walnut trees before rounding a bend where grand views of the waterway 600 feet below grab the spotlight.

East Clear Creek

Near the creek, thickets of wild roses, alders, and exotic wildflowers color the landscape and provide handy excuses to stop and take in the sights.  Although the official trail ends where the road meets the sandy shore of the shallow stream, opportunities for wading, swimming and fishing abound both up and downstream.

Antelope Horns

PLANT PROFILE:

Antelope Horns

Asclepias asperula

Habitat:  woodland clearings and open areas

Elevation: 3,000 – 9,000 feet

Blooms: April-August

LENGTH:  4 miles (on trail)

ELEVATION: 6,250 – 6,860 feet

RATING: moderate

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  165 mils one-way

GETTING THERE:

From the junction of AZ 89 and AZ 260 in Payson, go north on 89 past Clint’s Well to milepost 304.5 and turn right onto Enchanted Lane (Forest Road 319).  Continue .2 miles to Green Ridge Dr., hang a right and go .5 miles to Juniper Dr. From here, turn right and go a short distance to Cedar Dr. and follow it to the “primitive road 137” sign.  Park along the road—do not block private driveways.

INFORMATION: refer to the Coconino National Forest map

MORE PHOTOS:

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Hike to a volcanic lake

WALKER LAKE

Coconino National Forest

Walker Lake

This expansive swale is a photographer’s paradise--especially since the couple of monsoony weeks we've had have coaxed out the wildflowers.  The combination of great views, reflecting pools, abundant wildlife and a carpet of colorful summer blooms provides unlimited photo opportunities.  Acres of wild field mint, daisies, silverweed and New Mexican vervain, lace the air with a refreshing herbal aroma.  In summer this ephemeral lake--which is an eroded volcanic crater--- shrinks to a patchwork of shallow pools with clumps of water smartweed lilies bobbing on the surface. The rim of the cinder cone forms a high fortress around the lake, giving a real sense of being inside an extinct cinder cone. On the eastern horizon, the lofty pinnacles of the San Francisco Peaks touch the sky. To add length and more interest to the hike, scramble up to the crater’s rim with a pair of binoculars to scope out the elk, deer, bear, porcupines and prairie dogs frequent this reliable water source.

San Francisco Peaks

LENGTH: 1-mile roundtrip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  8,060' - 8,189' 

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 175 miles

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go 19 miles north on  US180  to the northern exit for Forest Road 151 (Hart Prairie Road) just past milepost 235.  Turn right and continue 1.6 miles on the good dirt road to Forest Road 418.  Turn left and go .2 mile to the second road on the left (across from a log cabin).  Go left onto this unmarked dirt road, continue a short distance to a 3-way roundabout and then go right to the circular parking area.  The trail begins at the “road closed” sign in the northwest end of the parking area.

New Mexican vervain

INFORMATION: (928) 526-0866, or refer to the Coconino National Forest map

Fossil Creek closure to be lifted Wednesday

From: "Harper, Stephen -FS" <sharper@FS.FED.US>
Date: July 16, 2012 2:44:18 PM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest Smoke Information

Flagstaff, AZ – Campfire and smoking restrictions, as well as the Fossil Creek area closure, will be lifted on the Coconino National Forest beginning Wednesday July 18, 2012 at 8 a.m.

Recent rains, along with higher humidity and increased fuel moistures, have lowered fire danger on the forest and decreased the risk of major wildfires.

 “Although campfires will be allowed throughout the forest, people should never leave a campfire unattended,” said Coconino Fire Staff Officer Russ Copp. “Campers should make sure they bring about five to six gallons of water to extinguish their campfire completely before leaving, making sure to stir it with a shovel as you are pouring the water. The fire pit should be cold to the touch before leaving the campsite.”

Forest visitors are also reminded that campfire restrictions may vary on different national forests. Please call the nearest land management office or 877-864-6985 for current information or see http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php online.

For additional information please see www.coconinoforest.us or call the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600. 

Hiking in Arizona's Bigfoot territory

BEAR CANYON LAKE

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Attention all Bigfoot seekers---this is your trail. Whether you take the existence of the reclusive beast with relish or a grain of salt, know that many alleged  sightings in Arizona have occurred in the forests surrounding Bear Canyon Lake.

Even with boisterous crowds of campers, anglers and hikers flocking to this popular summer destination--the beast abides. So, you’ll want to come prepared with binoculars, video camera and---for serious seekers---supplies for making plaster casts of footprints. However, finding the shy beast can be a challenge, even for cryptozoologists--those who study legendary or “hidden” creatures. That’s because the thick pine-oak woodlands surrounding the lake provide ample hiding places and dense undergrowth makes exploring a major endeavor. In the event Bigfoot fails to make an appearance, there are still plenty of other attractions on this high country trek. A scenic aspen-ringed peninsula, bald eagles, elk and secluded, moss-embellished coves make this a worthy hiking trail---even without scoring a peek at the mysterious creature lurking among the pines.

Red Cinquefoil

PLANT PROFILE:

Red Cinquefoil

Potenilla thurberi

Habitat: loamy soil, pine forests

Elevation: 6,000 – 9,000 feet

Blooms: July-October

LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (on main trail)

ELEVATION: 7,560 – 7,500 feet

RATING: easy

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 147 miles one-way

GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go east (right) on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Turn left and continue west on FR300 for 12 miles to Forest Road 89, turn right and go 3 miles to the lake.

The last 14 miles are on good dirt roads. The trail goes downhill from the parking lots 0.25 miles to the lake where it continues along the shore in both directions.

INFORMATION: Black Mesa Ranger District (928) 535-7300, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_bearcanyon.shtml

Cool & easy Flagstaff summer hike

ARIZONA TRAIL from SCHULTZ TANK Day Hike

Coconino National Forest

Passage 34 of the Arizona Trail runs through 36 miles of stunning high country territory beginning in the cool pine forests around Schultz Tank and ending on the arid scrublands near Cedar Tank Ranch. With numerous easy-access trailheads, it's a cinch to hike this passage in a series of short day hikes like the one we did last Saturday. Beginning at the Schultz Tank/Weatherord trailhead, our objective was to do a 7-to-10-mile, out-and-back trek.  About 50 yards up the Weatherford trail a nice wood sign marks where the AZT heads left and also states that it crosses the Moto Trail at 3.5 miles. Given that the sky was churning with ominous storm clouds, this sounded like a do-able turnaround point. As it turns out, there's no sign at the Moto junction (although some graffiti points the way to Snowbowl and So. Flagstaff).  Because the trail is so flat and easy (and the rain clouds were dissipating), we decided to continue hiking. It's at about this point where the mountain bike traffic really picks up.  That's because the Moto trail connects with the Fort Valley Trails System---another favorite of bikers.  And its easy to see why--the relatively new trail is smooth, free of rocks and full of long hairpin turns gliding through fern gullies, fields of lava boulders and coniferous forests.  The route crosses several dirt service roads and various off-the-maps mountain bike trails (a biker who stopped to chat identified one as the "Dog Food" trail) as it gradually climbs up to the aspens along Snowbowl Road--a good turnaround or car shuttle point.

LENGTH: (all one-way from Schultz Tank)

to Moto Trail junction: 3.5 miles

to Kachina trailhead: 7.6 miles

to Snowbowl Road: 7.8 miles

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 

to Moto: 8020'-8800'

to Kachina: 8020'-9321'

to Snowbowl Road: 8020' - 9310'

KID FRIENDLY: yes

BEST SEASON: May thru October

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles

GETTING THERE:

Schultz Tank Trailhead:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US180 (Fort Valley Road) to milepost 218.6 and turn right on Schultz Pass Road (FR420).  Follow FR420 0.7 mile to a fork, veer left to stay on FR420 and continue 4.8 miles to the Schultz Tank/Weatherford trailhead on the right. Schultz Pass Rd is bumpy dirt-- passable by sedans but high clearance is recommended.

Snowbowl Road /Humphreys Trailhead:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US180 (Fort Valley Road) to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and continue 4.2 miles to the trailhead on the left. Roads are paved all the way to the parking lot.

INFO:

http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_34.html

MORE PHOTOS:

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Guided Arizona Trail hike: July 14, 2012

WALNUT CANYON GUIDED HIKE

Coconino National Forest

Have you been wanting to step out onto state-traversing Arizona Trail, but don't know how to begin? Say, here's an idea-- how about taking a moderate stroll with ranger Jane along an historic passage above Flagstaff's Walnut Canyon. In addition to enjoying a cool hike in the pines, you'll learn a thing or two (or ten) about the geological and human history of the canyon.

DATE: Saturday, July 14, 2012, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

LENGTH: 5 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION: approx. 6600'-6400'

RATING: moderate

INFO & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5378241.pdf

SQUIRREL SPRING RECREATION AREA

PONDEROSA LOOP

Squirrel Spring Recreation Area

Fed by three gurgling mountain streams and located adjacent to several campgrounds, Squirrel Spring Recreation Area is a popular, year-round playground with ample parking, picnic tables and restrooms. With over 14 miles of multi-use trails, this destination offers easy hiking among gigantic Ponderosa pines, bramble-choked creeks and glades. A good introduction to this trail system is the Ponderosa Trail #2.

Like a walk through the mythical earthly paradise of Shangri-La, the path wanders through a grassy-green valley enveloped by rolling hillsides and abrupt, stony escarpments. The route is somewhat befuddling, so, here’s the plan: From behind the trailhead kiosk, walk a quarter-mile on the wide, old road to a large metal gate. Pass through the gate and continue uphill to a junction at roughly the 1.5 mile point. Stay on trail #2. The trickiest intersection comes at mile 1.7 where there’s a small “#2” sign posted on a tree on the left. Here’s where you’ll leave the wide road and use the blue diamond symbols as your guide to complete the loop.

HIGHLIGHTS: easy hiking with lots of greenery and nearby campgrounds

LENGTH: 3.5-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 8,300 – 8,700 feet

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 237 miles

GETTING THERE:

From the stoplight in Eagar, go west on AZ260 for 9.6 miles to AZ373. Go south (left) on 373 and continue 2.2 miles to the Squirrel Spring Recreation Area on the right.

INFORMATION: 928-333-4301 
http://www.wmicentral.com/sports/take_a_hike/ponderosa-trail-loop-squirrel-spring-recreation-area/article_d332eda8-e71d-5726-a7be-a078d6481238.html

Canyon Fire closes AZ87 today

Highway 87  north of the Blue Ridge area and in the vicinity of Jack's Canyon on the Mogollon Rim is closed today.  Please check with the forest service before heading out to the area.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5377713

Steep hike to West Clear Creek

TRAMWAY TRAIL

West Clear Creek Wilderness

Contained within the striated walls of a remote canyon on the Mogollon Plateau is the most expressive example of what might happen if the powerful hand of Nature applied a sledgehammer to a mesa and filled the resultant wound with water.

Narrow and deep, the rough-hewn upper reaches of West Clear Creek are a maze of cracked and tilted tributary slot canyons scoured out of contorted layers of sedimentary rocks. From its headwaters on the Mogollon Rim, the creek rips through a riparian gallery forest before merging with the Verde River 40-miles downstream.  The Tramway Trail #32, which offers the easiest access to this pristine wilderness, begins on the cliffs overlooking the canyon.  Here, remains of a defunct cable tram that was used from 1942 to 1965 to stock the creek with trout, hangs in rusted knots from an enormous Ponderosa pine tree. The route into the canyon is a spider crawl along a thin trail that clings to the siltstone precipice like a rocky fire escape. For those who are not bothered by heights, this trail’s steep switchbacks, rock-scrambles and dizzying drop-offs deliver a substantial adrenaline-rush.

At the base of the trail, there’s a well-worn primitive campsite above a large pool of water where healthy tufts of Canada violets and ferns sprout from the loamy soil.  Although the campsite marks the official end of the trail, adventurous hikers can pick their way along the creek through thick, wildlife-rich woodlands.  At every bend in the stream, contorted, 800-foot-high canyon walls converge and seem to swallow up the sky only to release it as seldom-seen alcoves emerge from beyond the clutch of the stony precipice.

LENGTH: 1 mile round-trip (on trail) with exploratory options

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:  6,650’ – 5,900’

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  150 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to the AZ 260 interchange near Camp Verde. Go east on AZ 260 (General Crook Trail) to the junction with AZ 87.  From there, go north (left) and continue for 11 miles to Lake Mary Road (Forest Road 3).  Go north (left) on Lake Mary Road and continue for 7.5 miles to FR 81.  Turn west (left) onto FR 81 and drive 3 miles to FR 81E.  Follow FR 81E and the “Tramway Trail” and generic “trail” signs for 3.6 miles to FR 693.  Go west (right) on FR 693 and continue 1.2 miles to a fork in the road.  Turn left at the fork and drive less than a half-mile to the trailhead.  A high-clearance vehicle is required.

INFO: Coconino National Forest,  Mogollon Rim Ranger District (928) 477-2255
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55416&actid=50

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PHOENIX magazine Summer Hiking Guide 2012

Hikers, thanks for your queries regarding "Where's the PHOENIX magazine July 2012 Summer Hiking Guide?" After a successful 6-year run, the publisher and editorial team decided to shake it up and change the theme for July.  Instead of hiking, the issue is all about where to find excellent but affordable restaurant food.   Also inside the issue  is my Great Escapes article about easy-access camping and cabin rentals with suggestions about where to stay while out on your summer hiking excursions.  On deck: the August cover story is all about AZ summer water recreation--hiking, boating, fishing, tubing, etc.  I logged about 6000 miles across the state to write the thing, so please buy it (go ahead, encourage me) when it hits newsstands the last week in July.  Happy trails, Mare

Wildland-Urban Interface hiking

FORT VALLEY TRAIL SYSTEM

Flagstaff

Located in Fort Valley Restoration Project treatment area, this collection of serpentine trails winds among Ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks in Flagstaff’s Wildland-Urban Interface. Here, sensitive woodlands fringed with human living spaces melt into bear-and-cougar territory.  Years of fire suppression here (to protect nearby homes and business) has compromised native species and also created forests with way too many trees.  In short, this means unhealthy, tinderbox conditions.  There’s an informative sign near the trailhead that explains what’s being done to restore the forest to its historical healthy conditions.  Take notes---there's also info on the sign about how you can help!

A work-in-progress, the trail system is mapped out at the trailhead kiosk.  Trail signage is somewhat lacking/confusing but does the job if you’re at all familiar with the area.  The maze of paths are very popular with mountain bikers and they connect with the Arizona Trail, Schultz Creek Trail and the Dry Lake Hills trails.  Not–too-tough and sprinkled with views of the San Francisco Peaks, this loopy-knotted hike is a pleasant, shady, though unspectacular day trip. 

LENGTH: 6.7 miles of interconnecting trails—with more in the works.

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 7,230’ – 7,870’

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  149 miles 

GETTING THERE:

In Flagstaff, go north on US180 (Fort Valley Road) to FR164B located about 0.1 mile past milepost 220.  Turn right and continue roughly 400 feet and veer right to stay on FR164B. The trailhead is just a few yards beyond the turn off.  Roads are paved/good dirt and passable by sedan. 

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110304&ttype=recarea&recid=55076&actid=24&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&pname=Flagstaff+RD+-+Fort+Valley+Trail+System

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Cool summer hike at Big Springs

BIG SPRINGS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA

Pinetop-Lakeside

Worth the trip if only to view the swarms of Technicolor dragonflies, a walk through this wetland preserve holds many fascinating attractions. Located just off the main drag in Pinetop-Lakeside, this pristine marsh with its cattail-and-watercress-cluttered ponds and pine-ringed perimeters is a haven for wildlife.

Fed by the perennial waters of two creeks and a spring that gushes 800-1200 gallons of water per minute, the 40-acre property is protected and maintained with lottery dollars from the Arizona Game & Fish Department's Heritage Fund & Watchable Wildlife Program. Interpretive signs along the easy hiking trail explain how the springs work and the importance of preserving riparian habitats.  Benches placed in shady spots near the water are handy for relaxing while watching and listening to the local waterfowl.  Hawks, jays, eagles, osprey, bluebirds, mallards and blackbirds aren't shy about putting on a show, so you won't have to wait long to see a variety of birds dive bombing for insects over crystal clear waters.   We visited here after doing the Lake Mountain loop (see separate blog entry) hike.

LENGTH: 0.5-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 6,950'

DOGS: must be on leash

KID FRIENDLY:  YES!

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 189 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

In Pinetop-Lakeside, travel east on AZ260 to Woodland Road (located past the turn off for Rainbow Lake).  Turn right (south) and continue 0.6 mile to the trailhead on the left.

INFO: Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, 928-368-5088

http://www.wmonline.com/attract/bigsprgs.htm

Arizona Game & Fish Heritage Fund:

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/heritage_program.shtml

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Tonto National Forest closures begin today

Extreme fire conditions force closure of parts of the Tonto.

Mazatzal Wilderness

Effective today, June 21, 2012, two area closures go into effect on the Tonto National Forest.
Basically, this will restrict access to hiking around Fossil Springs, Pine-Strawberry, Mazatzal Wilderness, Mt. Ord, Four Peaks and Three Bar Wildlife Area. Here's the link for exact details and closure perimeters:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5375197

Poco Fire limits access to several trails

The Poco Fire which was reported on Thursday, June 14, 2012 on the Tonto National Forest  has grown to 3,700 acres.  It's burning near the town of Young and fire fighters have closed FR 512 (Young Road). Although its too hot to be hiking in the impacted area---the fire may limit access to Hells Gate Wilderness and Canyon Creek, Haigler Creek and Tonto Creek area trails.  Be sure to check with the forest service before heading out.

Fire progression map: 6-19-2012

POCO FIRE INFO:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2911/

What goes around, comes around on Lake Mountain

LAKE MOUNTAIN LOOP

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Lake Mountain lookout, built in 1926

If you’ve been reading this blog for any time at all, you’ve probably figured out that I have a penchant for hiking up volcanoes.  So, when I read about Lake Mountain--an extinct cinder cone with a water-filled crater near its summit—game on.  A little research showed that both a road and a good hiking trail lead to the summit. Using White Mountain Trail System (WMTS) online maps, we planned a loop hike using Los Burros Trail #631, Lake Mountain Spur and the lookout road.  As the system trails are very well signed, this plan was working well 

The "lake" is the volcano's crater--dry on June 16, 2012

Lake Mountain spur trail

Which way??

until we encountered our final junction where there were just waaaay too many signs.  A wooden forest service sign pointed right while of slew of WMTS blue diamond markers were tacked all over the place creating a confusing and seemingly contradictory conundrum.  As we puzzled over our maps, two friendly bikers---Keith and Bob---stopped to help.  We pointed out the Los Burros trailhead sign that had arrows pointing in opposite directions, and they suggested we head left as the WMTS signs indicated.  Sounded like as good a plan as any, and besides, I could always deploy my “return the way we came” tactic if we got off track.  We headed left but soon found that the abundant blue diamond trail markers suddenly disappeared, so we made the decision to turn around and hike back to a dirt road where we knew there was a trail sign. Then, two seconds before I was about to implement the backtrack, we heard a truck rumbling down the road---- Keith and Bob.  Having realized they had suggested the loooooong way back and that we’d probably be confused by the missing signage, they aborted their ride, tossed their bikes in their truck and came back to find us!  Talk about good guys!  WOW!  They even gave us a lift back to the trailhead.  This is just another example of how profoundly nice trail users can be.  I can’t tell you how many times my hiking pals and I have shared water, food, maps, rain gear, jumper cables and even helped haul fatigued hikers off the trails.  Truly, what goes around comes around. 

Hiking pal Julie poses with Bob and Keith--Thanks, guys!

Hike directions:

From the Los Burros #2 trailhead, cross the road and pick up Los Burros trail #631 heading north. Follow the blue diamond trail markers 0.5 mile to the lookout road (unsigned).  Turn left (west) here and hike 0.5 mile up the road to the lookout.  Here, there’s a wood sign that serves as the trailhead for both the Lake Mountain Spur trail and the 1-mile Lake Mountain Rim Trail loop. Do the loop, return to the trailhead, then head down the 0.25-mile spur trail to visit the “lake” and reconnect with Los Burros trail. At the bottom of the spur trail, continue right and hike 0.75-mile to a 3-way junction with a sign that reads “Los Burros trailhead 3”, go right here and hike 2 miles back to trailhead #2.

LENGTH: 5-mile loop

RATING: moderate—route/map reading skills required

ELEVATION:  7,800’- 8501’

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 207 miles one way

BEST SEASON: April - October

GETTING THERE:

From Pinetop-Lakeside, travel east on AZ260 to Vernon Road in McNary between mileposts 360-361. FYI: this road is also known as FR224, AP3140, Vernon-McNary Road, and N. Cady.  For reference, it’s located across from the McNary store and has a small green sign that reads “Vernon”.  Turn left (north) and continue 7.9 miles to Los Burros trailhead #2 (located at the 8 mile marker) on the right. The road turns into maintained dirt after 0.4 mile, passes thru the White Mountain Apache reservation, then enters the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at the 5-mile point. 

INFO: White Mountains Trail System

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

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