Arizona Hiking is now part of Google's Field Trip app!

ARIZONA HIKING PARTNERS WITH GOOGLE FIELD TRIP APP

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Arizona Hiking.blogspot has been selected to partner with Google Field Trip---an augmented reality app for smartphones and Google Glass.  Driven by GPS technology (and a bunch of tech wizards) the Field Trip app runs in the background of your devise and notifies you when you're approaching something of interest. A "card" will display with details about the site and if you have Bluetooth, the content can be "read" to you.    With Field Trip, you can customize your feeds to learn about everything from where to eat, local history, shopping, cultural venues, and now where to hike in Arizona!  For instance, if you're sitting in a coffee shop wondering if there's a hiking trail nearby,  the Field Trip app will notify you automatically and my copy, photos, directions and map will appear before you---like magic. 

Arizona Hiking joins contributors like Food Network, Sunset, Atlas Obscura, Songkick and other  hyperlocal-to-national experts to enrich your travel experiences.  I am very excited to be a part of this product and hope you'll love it too.  And, please---let me know if   there's a trail you would like to see added.Many Arizona Hiking destinations are already in the app, and I continue to prep content
for additional trails on a regular basis. And, of course, this blog isn't going away---I'll keep posting hikes here as usual.

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DOWNLOAD THE APP---IT'S FREE.  

INFO & DEMO:

http://www.fieldtripper.com

DOWNLOAD:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticproject.scout&hl=en

Take the “A” trail, out Wickenburg way.

SOPHIE'S FLAT "A" LOOP

Wickenburg

Sophie Burden made wicked good beer biscuits---an accidental concoction she created when camping companions guzzled the milk she was saving for the recipe. Not one to be so easily disarmed, she rustled up some good 'ol fashioned western ingenuity, tossed a can of brew into the batter instead and viola, a Wickenburg icon was born. Dubbed the "First Lady of Arizona Inn keeping" by former governor Paul Fannin (1959-1965), Sophie ran popular Wickenburg dude retreat Remuda Ranch (where her biscuits were legend) frequently taking guests on cookouts to the flats, hills and trails surrounding the property. The ranch was sold in 1968 and is now a high-end treatment facility for eating disorders, where they likely do not serve ale-addled quick breads.  The ranch site is private, but the peripheral stomping grounds remain open to recreational hikers and equestrians.  A roomy, rustic trailhead with separate parking areas for cars and horse trailers anchors the site’s 7.1-mile main “A” loop trail. The hiking here is a leisurely amble through a hilly landscape shaped by mining, ranching and harsh desert conditions.  This area northeast of Wickenburg consists of 9.4 miles of non-motorized trails laid out in wagon-wheel-style, looping among shared motorized use dirt roads.  A maze of washes, Jeep roads and unnamed trails intersect the route, so be sure to follow the “A” signs to stay on course.

LENGTH: 7.1-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 2400'- 2740'

FACILITIES: restroom, map kiosk

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Carefree Highway/SR74 (exit 223) and go west toward Wickenburg. Drive 30 miles on SR74, turn right at US60 and continue to just before  the Hassayampa River bridge traffic circle in Wickenburg and turn right on El Recreo.  Go 0.25 mile, veer right onto Constellation Road and continue 2.7 miles to Blue Tank Road on the left.  Follow Blue Tank Road 1.3 miles to the trailhead. The last 4 miles are on sedan-friendly dirt roads. 

INFO: Bureau of Land Management

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/info/nepa/environmental_library/rec_mgmt_plans/sophies.html

MORE PHOTOS:

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New Phoenix Sonoran Preserve trails

APACHE VISTA & RIDGEBACK OVERLOOK CIRCUIT

Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, North

Climbing Ridgeback trail

On Saturday, November 9, 2013,  former Phoenix mayor Skip Rimza and other city officials dedicated the Apache Vista trailhead amid a crowd of eager Valley hikers, bikers and equestrians. With 21 miles of new trails, deciding where to begin exploring this northern extension of Phoenix Sonoran Preserve can be a dilemma. Suggestion---head for the hills. Ridgeback Overlook and Apache Vista are highpoints capping this cluster of Sonoran Desert trails.  A map board at the trailhead shows how to cobble together a route to climb to both hilltops.  The peaks each have short loop trails winding over the cholla-encrusted summits that give excellent 360-degree views of both the trail system layout and iconic Valley landmarks.

Looking south from Sidewinder trail

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, hike north on Sidewinder to Apache Vista.  After ascending, hike back down and continue on Sidewinder, connect with Apache Wash, turn left  and hike to Ocotillo.  Turn right, hike Ridgeback Trail to the overlook loop. After ascending, climb back down, backtrack to the Ocotillo/Apache Wash junction and follow Ocotillo back to the trailhead.

LENGTH: 5.50 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 1720' - 2002'

HOURS: 5 a.m. to sunset or 7 p.m., whichever comes first.

FACILITIES: restrooms, shaded seating, horse staging area, map kiosk (no water)

Former Phoenix mayor Skip Rimza dedicates the site

GETTING THERE:

From Loop 101 in north Phoenix, take Cave Creek Road exit 28 and go 4.5 miles north to Sonoran Desert Drive.  Turn left (west) and continue 3.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.

INFO & MAPS: Sonoran Preserve Ranger Office: 602-262-7901

https://www.phoenix.gov/parkssite/Documents/095100.pdf

MORE PHOTOS:

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Major changes coming to Flagstaff's Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills trails system

FOREST SERVICE WANT'S YOUR INPUT ABOUT PROPOSED 2014 FLAGSTAFF TRAIL CHANGES 

Coconino National Forest is asking for input regarding proposed changes to Flagstaff Ranger District trails around Mount Elden. Plans will impact the six trailheads and 14 routes that are currently within this system. Ideas being tossed around include: adding 23 miles of new shared-use trails, realignment of existing trails, trailhead improvements, better signage, and decommisioning unauthorized roads. The ultimate goal is to achieve a sustainable trail system that provides better access for hikers, climbers, equestrians and mountain bikers while protecting sensitive wildlife and archeological sites. The various studies, vetting processes and public commentary reviews will be completed in 2014 with final plans put into action thereafter. Voice your comments and concerns NOW!

How to be involved 

View the Proposed Action and maps on the website at:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTUwMTAwgAykeaxRtBeY4WBv4eHmF-YT4GMHkidBvgAI6EdIeDXIvfdrAJuM3388jPTdUvyA2NMMgyUQQAyrgQmg!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfS000MjZOMDcxT1RVODBJN0o2MTJQRDMwODQ!/?project=38239  

Comments that are most helpful will include feedback about your own needs and answer the following questions:

• Will the changes proposed meet your needs?

• If yes, what benefits do you foresee?

• If something is missing, what is it, and why is it important to you?

Submit comments to Brian Poturalski, Project Leader. 

5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ, 86005
comments-southwestern-coconino-flagstaff@fs.fed.us

COMMENTS ARE DUE BY NOVEMBER 30, 2013

Apache Wash trailhead opening this Saturday!

APACHE WASH TRAILHEAD GRAND OPENING
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013
Just in time for the Valley's premier hiking season, a beautiful new trailhead in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, north, will be opened at 8 a.m this Saturday.  In addition to providing access to over 20 miles of new hiking trails, the site will include restrooms, maps and plenty of parking (no water). I've been driving by this place for months--- like a kid waiting for the candy store to open. And, although I've hiked the trails  from the Carefree Highway access points, this trailhead---located along gorgeous Sonoran Desert Drive---will be a major improvement over the amenity-lacking dirt lots.

LOCATION: 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Drive, Phoenix.

GETTING THERE:

From Loop 101 in north Phoenix, take Cave Creek Road exit 28 and go 4.5 miles north to Sonoran Desert Drive. Turn left (west) and continue 3.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.

MAPS:
http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/sonoran/

Happy tails at Usery Mountain Park

MERKLE TRAIL WAG & WALK HIKES

Usery Mountain Regional Park

A hopeful pup and her handler arrive at the trailhead

More than 29 miles of hiking trails bumping up against Mesa's Goldfield Mountains grace this lower Sonoran Desert park.  The miles are divided up among 19 routes ranging from easy to difficult, so there's something for everyone---including those who require or prefer barrier-free trekking. For hikers pushing strollers or turning wheels, the Merkle Trail is just the ticket.  Off limits to bikes and horses, the flat, graded path makes a loop through lush vegetation with outstanding mountain views. On the first Saturday of each month from November through April, the public is invited to hike this trail along with adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s east shelter. “Wag & Walk” hiker dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot with reduced adoption fees and a chance to win free county park passes.  Even if you’re not looking for a new fur baby, hiking among a pack of happy tails makes for a memorable morning in the desert.

Volunteers hike with adoptable dogs

LENGTH: 1-mile loop

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,

GETTING THERE:

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance.

UPCOMING WAG & WALK HIKES:  All hikes begin at 9 a.m. at the Merkle trailhead (area 6 parking). December 7, January 4, February 4, March 1, April 5. No registration required. 

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/ 

MORE PHOTOS:

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Bull Pen access to West Clear Creek to re-open Saturday Nov. 2, 2013

Forest Service to reopen Bull Pen on Saturday

From the forest service: 

Sedona, Ariz. – The Coconino National Forest Red Rock District will reopen the Bull Pen Recreation Area for day use beginning Saturday, November 2.

Public use at Bull Pen will be limited to day use only, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with no overnight camping allowed. Dispersed camping will be allowed at locations at least one mile from the Bull Pen area.

The presence of numerous cottonwood and sycamore trees with dead hazardous limbs prompted the closure of the area in May. The Forest Service then conducted a risk assessment. As a result of the assessment, management changes are being implemented for public safety. Hazardous trees have been removed or limbed within an area designated for day use. This area includes several parking areas and a toilet location.

The tree cutting was conducted during the past month so biological impacts could be minimized. The creekside forest is environmentally sensitive due to habitat for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a bird species proposed for the Endangered Species Act list, as well as Black Hawks and other nesting and hibernating wildlife that depend on trees.

Access to the West Clear Creek Wilderness for backpackers and hunters will again be available by parking at the West Clear Creek Trailhead at the Bull Pen Day Use Area.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Burns at the Red Rock District office at 928-203-7529.

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Arizona Trail event this weekend

Friends of Redington Pass Fall Meet & Greet

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013

Located between Tucson's Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Redingtion Pass ---which includes Passage 10 of the Arizona Trail---has a lot to offer hikers. Learn more about the history, lore and natural treasures of this scenic Southern Arizona recreation area this Saturday when reps from AZ Game and Fish, Coronado National Forest, OHV Ambassadors and other outdoor-related organizations will be on hand at the Tanque Falls Trailhead. Event runs from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friends of Redington Pass:

http://friendsofredingtonpass.org

Arizona Trail:

http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_10.html

Rocks, ruins and excellent views.

CHOLLA MOUNTAIN LOOP

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The Ampitheater

Strewn with relics of an early 20th-century ranching operation, the flat, sandy acreage of North Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is besieged by an arc of rough-edged peaks. The weathered rock mounds rise abruptly as skyscrapers in molded cones and awkward heaps of mixed stone scattered like wayward gendarmes on a spent battlefield.  Noteworthy among these peaks is Cholla Mountain.  A brand new trail with two scenic viewpoints circles the north-south-running ridge. At the south end is a little place called The   

Cathedral Rock

Amphitheater--a bend of beveled granite showcasing a feature presentation of Verde River Valley views.To the northeast, grottos within the impossible-to-miss stony bastion of Cathedral Rock frame saguaro-studded views of Sonoran Desert bluffs and basins.

Cathedral Rock

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

Maps at the trailhead detail numerous ways to hike around Cholla Mountain.  Here's what we did:

Hike north on Brown’s Ranch Road to the Corral Trail junction. Go right and hike to Dry Gulch Trail. Follow Dry Gulch to Cholla Mtn Loop Trail. Hike the loop and retrace your steps back to the parking lot. 

LENGTH: 7.7-mile loop

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2710' - 2855'

FACILITIES: water, restrooms, bike racks, horse trailer parking, maps

GETTING THERE:

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

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

McDowell Sonoran Preserve MAP:

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

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

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

MORE PHOTOS:

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Adopt a shelter dog hike

WAG & WALK DOG ADOPTION HIKE

Saturday, November 3, 2013 

Wolfie--ADOPTED!

Hikers, I'll be leading this public event featuring adoptable shelter dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control on an easy, barrier-free trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park. Owned, leashed dogs that are at least 6 months old and current on their vaccinations are welcome to join the trek. Don't have a dog? No problem. Here's your opportunity to "test drive" potential canine hiking partners to see how they behave on leash and get along with other dogs while learning about trail ettiquite and safety. Bring water, sun protection, sturdy footware and an open heart for a possible new best friend. 

WHERE: Usery Mountain Park, Mesa. 

WHEN: FIRST SATURDAY THE MONTH, NOV- APRIL Meet 9 a.m. sharp at the Merkle trailhead. $6 per vehicle park entry fee.

INFO & MAP:

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

Slinky desert trail with a quad-burning bite

SIDEWINDER TRAIL

Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, North

Sidewinder Trail

The newest additions to the trails of this Phoenix recreation area are an eclectic collection of wide, shared-use tracks, slim footpaths and desert mountain vista points wandering among an archipelago of low-slung peaks.  Located in a separate stretch of Sonoran desert north of the preserve's established southern maze of trails around Union Peak, the new routes add 21.4 miles of local hiking options. The paths are easy-to-moderate, interconnected and all are marked with excellent signage that includes location, elevation, mileage, GPS coordinates and QR codes for downloading maps.  At just under 7 miles, aptly named Sidewinder Trail is the longest route in the system. Its serpentine course--cut on the edge of rocky slopes--serves as a backbone connector for 6 other trails. Although the grades are not too tough, this trail’s snake in the grass is its constant ups-and-downs, which makes the hike more strenuous that it might appear.

High point of the trail

LENGTH:  6.98 miles one way

RATING:  moderately difficult

ELEVATION: 1737' - 2000'

HOURS: 6 a.m. to sunset or 7 p.m. whichever comes first

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Carefree Hwy (AZ74).  Turn right (east) and continue to the stoplight at 7^th Ave.  Park in the dirt lot on the right (south) side of the road.  No facilities at this trailhead.  The Apache Wash trailhead on Sonoran Desert Blvd,  which opened on Nov. 9, 2013, is the southern access point.

INFO: City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation

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

MORE PHOTOS:

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

BROWN'S MOUNTAIN SUMMIT

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Brown's Mountain

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

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

Brown's Mountain Trail

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

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2,710' - 3,253'

HOURS: sunrise -sunset daily

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

GETTING THERE:

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

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

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

Brown's Mountain Summit trail

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

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

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

MORE PHOTOS:

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Round 2 of Government shutdown closures on Coconino National Forest

NEW ROUND OF FOREST CLOSURES ON THE COCONINO

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

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

Flagstaff fall color update: Oct 11, 2013

LAMAR HAINES MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA

Flagstaff

Veit's Cabin, Oct. 11, 2013

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

Fresh snow, Oct. 11, 2013

packed with interesting ruins, pictographs and a wide, easy tread--which is why it buries the needle on the kid-pleasing scale. Allow plenty of time to stroll among the collapsed remains of homesteader Ludwig Veit’s 1890s cabin, an historical marker commemorating the work of conservationist Lamar Haines, and a concrete well with pond for collecting spring water along this aspen-rich, 160-acres of wet meadows and old growth forest.

LENGTH: 1.6-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 8,600’ – 8,800’

GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go 7.5 miles north on US180 to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and drive 4.2 miles to the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area trailhead on the right. Parking is very limited.

SITE ADMINISTERED BY: Arizona Game & Fish Department

http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_lamar_haines.shtml

MORE PHOTOS:

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Take the Sedona Hike Challenge 2013-14

SEDONA HIKE CHALLENGE 2013-14

Turkey Creek Trail

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

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

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

West Fork of Oak Creek: Oct. 13, 2012

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

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

FALL COLOR UPDATE: Mogollon Rim, October 5, 2013

U-BAR TRAIL

Pinchot Cabin to McClintock Draw

Barbershop Canyon, Oct. 5, 2013

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

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

Gambel oak, Oct. 5, 2013

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

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

LENGTH: 8 miles  as described here including access detour

RATING: moderate

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

GETTING THERE:

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

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

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

MORE PHOTOS:

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Travel alert for FR 95 on the Mogollon Rim

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

Construction at Houston Draw

Houston Draw on FR95 

What's open in Arizona during government shutdown?

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

SEDONA:

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

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

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

NORTH RIM GG:
Demotte
,Jacob Lake

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

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

AZ State Parks OPEN during government shutdown

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

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

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

ABINEAU-BEAR JAW FALL FOLIAGE HIKE

ABINEAU-BEAR JAW LOOP

Flagstaff

Abineau Canyon, Sept. 28, 2013

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

LENGTH:  7.9-mile loop

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION:  8530' - 10,400'

Waterline Road: Sept 28, 2013

GETTING THERE:

Abineau Canyon, Sept. 28, 2013

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

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

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

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

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4719159515679.1073741887.1795269672&type=1&l=ea559e74b1

Flagstaff fall color Sept. 28, 2013: UPDATE

Sept 28, 2013

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