Camelback Christmas Tree

Weather:  71°, sunny, partly cloudy, poor AQ

About this Hike:  When I created this blog years ago, its namesake was to serve as a record of my climbs up Camelback Mountain. I used to do this climb once a week most every week.  In 2016 during a brief period of unemployment, climbing Camelback or Piestewa was a near daily workout routine for me.  

Times have changed.  Camelback has only gotten increasingly more popular.  Then the pandemic struck and everyone and their brother decided they were outdoorsmen.  

Labor Day Weekend 2020 was the last time I visited Camelback.  Now more than a year since my last climb, I decided to visit Camelback on this weekday afternoon.  Surely a Wednesday afternoon won't be busy, right?  Wrong.  Parking was full and a city parks ranger was keeping watch.  I circled the lot once, thinking seriously about scrapping my plans and going home. Then a spot miraculously opened in front of me.  

Today's hike had a bit of an ulterior motive, as I wanted to see if the Camelback Christmas Tree tradition was still going on.  In past years people were offended, complained, and just generally tried to ruin it for everyone. Then bureaucracy stepped in and eventually created rules and a special use permit.  The tree is still a thing, albeit I don't see the traditional handmade ornaments anymore. All I see are bird treats.  

The hike was crowded, tourists blocked the trail for selfies, and the air was smoggy as is typical this time of year.  I also pondered all the hazards along this trail that could lead to nasty falls and broken bones.  I'll be facing a huge reduction in benefits for my employer-sponsored medical insurance Jan. 01.  

Between parking mayhem, crowds, and potential injury, I can't say I enjoy Camelback like I once did.  But I'm glad I got to see this Christmas tradition for another year. 

Annual Christmastime Hackberry Springs - Superstitions Hike

Weather:  64°, sunny

About this Hike:  Hackberry Springs is an annual Christmastime tradition for me.  In a good year, the hackberry bushes have some festive red berries.  I hoped this would be the case following a wet summer monsoon.  No such luck.  I never saw even one hackberry this year.  

That said, this hike is always enjoyable.  There was water in the springhead in Hackberry Creek, but that is to be expected.  In the little pool of water, there were topminnows with iridescent colors and bright orange tails.  I've seen tadpoles in this little pool before, but never fish.  It was some of the coolest wildlife I saw all day.  

After emerging from Hackberry Creek Canyon (which was bone dry this year), it seemed too early to close the relatively short loop and return to the parking lot.  We opted to head east on Second Water Trail 236 thru Garden Valley, past the Indian Paint Mine, down to Boulder Canyon, below the 'hull' of Battleship Mountain, and then peek into La Barge Canyon.  

I thought this would be a fun side trip, especially after visiting a completely different end of La Barge Canyon just a week prior.  It did not disappoint.  Besides all the beautiful landmarks along the way, there was fall color in the riparian areas of Second Water Creek and Boulder Canyon.  There was also a cool daytime moonrise over Geronimo Head, the mountain which forms the cliffs of La Barge Canyon.  

I should note that this route is all still beautiful Sonoran Desert—most of it was not touched by recent fires in this area. 

We trekked back from La Barge Canyon and debated following Second Water 236 back to the main parking lot (which would require a half-mile walk by road to where we parked), or returning to Hackberry and closing the loop.  Daylight was running low, and the Hackberry portion seemed a bit shorter.  

This ended up being an excellent choice, but also a little unnerving.  We've never actually closed the complete Hackberry Loop as it's mapped on All Trails.  We've always started at Hackberry and ended up doing a long day around Black Mesa and other trails.  Some of this was backtracking through Hackberry Canyon, but when we reacted the junction on the map, a signpost indicated the trail only went one way.  In fact the final portion of the Hackberry Loop jutted off behind the signpost, not following any of the sign's arrows. 

An unsigned trail (albeit mapped on All Trails) made me very nervous.  However, horseshoe prints and other horse 'evidence' led me to believe this was a good trail if it was getting equestrian use.  It ended up being a very good route.  There were a few creek crossings (mostly dry).  It was never overgrown or terribly difficult to follow. It also went past what appears to be an old ranch.  There were remains of a windmill and a covered corral.  From there it was no more than half a mile and we popped up on First Water Road, just a short walk from the parking lot and Hackberry Trailhead.  

The sun had just set and the Superstitions began to make their nighttime sounds.  This was a beautiful hike through unspoiled Sonoran Desert. 

La Barge Canyon via Dutchman, Whiskey Spring, Red Tanks and Bluff Spring Loop

Weather:  77°, sunny

About this Hike:  This was a tough 14 mile hike.  I have always wanted to see La Barge Canyon and Music Mountain, for no particular reason other than it sounds like an interesting area. 

This entire hike is through Sonoran Desert, much of which is surprisingly still in tact despite multiple fires in these hills the past few years.  The worst burn scar is near the Miner's Needle and then only intermittent fire damage thereafter. 

One thing that has recovered without any trouble is catclaw.  The approximately two-mile Red Tanks portion of this loop through La Barge Canyon was very overgrown in spots.  Actually, the overgrowth starts along Whiskey Springs Trail before it joins Red Tanks. Along the Whiskey portion I encountered another hiker with ripped pants and scratched up arms.  He assured me I was in for more of the same along Red Tanks.  

Determined not to come out looking like him, I picked my lines carefully.  Much of the catclaw is manageable and can be side stepped.  Red Tanks is a hard trail to follow in spots, and I was constantly relying on All Trails GPS. I got one catclaw scratch in my leg, and it was my fault because I had gotten off trail.  Finally,  I decided to follow the creekbed.  While boulder hopping can have its own share of risks, I found this much better than the overgrown trail. 

At the end of Red Tanks there is a large stand of cottonwood and sycamores in La Barge Creek.  Backpackers had setup camp in their shade, and the cottonwoods were beginning to show some fall color. 

The Dutchman / Bluff Springs portion of the loop back to Peralta Trailhead is much better maintained.  There isn't much overgrowth to contend with.  I will say this portion seemed to take forever (about two hours).  I was at that point where I'd had enough and just wanted the hike to be over, but it just stretched on and on.  I returned to Peralta Trailhead just before sunset, sore and tired, but glad to have completed this challenging 14 mile loop.

Haunted Canyon for Halloween Weekend

Weather:  75°, sunny

About this Hike:  Last year I first explored Haunted Canyon Trail #203, although I don't believe I ever blogged about it on here.  One of the highlights of Trail 203 is the historic site Tony's Ranch, found along a tricky side trail from the main path.  

Last year I took the 'easy' trailhead just past Pinto Valley Mine along FR 287.  The easier 'east end' has less elevation gain, but is also is about 5.5 miles to the ranch for an 11-mile out-and-back hike.  

This year I decided to brave the shorter, steeper, more challenging side.  We'll call this the 'west end' of Trail 203.  Not only is the trail more challenging, the road to get there is rough as well.  

Pass the parking area for the east trailhead and cross a one-lane iron bridge.  The bridge has signage warning of a 17-ton maximum weight limit.  One has to ask, how on earth would a vehicle weighing this much (i.e. a semi truck) ever get out there in the first place?  FR-287 starts off as graded, wide dirt in the Pinto Valley Mine, but quickly narrows and becomes rockier.  

I braved the bridge.  At just over 2-tons, my Tacoma was well within the bridge's weight limit.  There is no deck on the bridge, but rather two 'tire tracks' laid across the iron trusses.  The bridge clattered and banged as I drove across it.  I'd love to know the story of this bridge—when was it built?  By whom?  And for what purpose?  Who maintains it? 

One sharp left past the bridge, and I was now on FR 287A.  I reset my odometer, having measured about 4.2 miles to the trailhead.  My odometer read 3.8 miles when I finally reached the trailhead, so either my truck or Google Maps is need of calibration.  The trailhead parking is well-signed and has parking for maybe three vehicles, depending on size and how people park.  I should caution that FR 287A is rough in places.  It's also a narrow one-lane shelf road in spots.  Plan accordingly based on your vehicle type and comfort level.  

The west hike on Haunted Canyon 203 begins in beautiful forest.  Arizona cypress, juniper, and pinon pine mix with a lush variety of scrub.  The shaded forest gives way to a climb up a ridge.  Near the top, turn around.  You'll see the mountains directly north of Roosevelt Lake.  Depending on lake level, I'm wondering if the lake itself becomes visible. It's currently sitting below 70% full, and with the haze that was in the air, I'm not certain if I could see the water.  

After the initial ascent, this hikes begins a descent.  There's a cow tank, and beyond that the trail is overgrown and bush-whacky for a section.  From there, you drop into Haunted Canyon and the hike becomes really beautiful.  The forest quickly thickens again. 

Not too far into this section is the side trail to Tony Ranch.  The main 203 trails continues on, eventually ending at the easier, first trailhead.  It was at this point I opted to turn around, having covered just short of four miles.  The hike back up and out felt easier than going in, and I finished in considerably less time.  I wanted to be off the shelf road portion of 287A before dark, a goal I hit easily.

I can now say I've hiked the entire length of Haunted Canyon, and I couldn't think of a more appropriate weekend to have done so. 

Algonquin Canyon & Crown King

Weather:  65°, partly cloudy, windy

About this Hike:  This past week or so I became intrigued by Crown King, AZ.  Crown King sits atop the Bradshaw Mountains and straddles the line between greater Phoenix and Prescott.  Besides the neat little mountain town, I began researching trails in the area.

I decided to give Algonquin Trail a try, as it's two miles off the main dirt road before reaching town. It seemed like a good hiking stop.  The trail is easy enough to follow, but it's rough and overgrown with catclaw.  The descent into Poland creek is sharp (and you have to climb back up this too!).  

Once at the creekbed, fall color was prevalent and I'd say just about at peak.  We opted to take a side trail to The Big Dipper which is a waterfall and swimming hole.  This side excursion follows the creek.  The creek was dry, so I knew the falls wouldn't be flowing, but I still thought it would be neat to see.  This route requires a lot of bouldering and scrambling, and it just didn't feel right.  We opted to turn back without getting anywhere near the half-mile it takes to get near the falls.  

We explored the main Algonquin Canyon trail up to an old mining structure. The wood and tin building is surprisingly still intact, even as it appears to be sinking into the hillside.  This became our turnaround point.  The map showed no more than a half-mile to the trail's end, but I have read you can continue on this trail for a total of five miles to Horsethief Basin.  

I didn't go into this hike with a lot of expectations.  I simply wanted to see and explore the area around Crown King.  Now I've started mapping out possible hikes around Horsethief Basin for a future return trip.  

I always say that when I go to explore an area, it never leaves me completely satisfied.  Instead, I come up with plenty more trails, places, and hikes I want to explore.  

Cabin Loop Fred Haught - Take Two

Weather:  60º and sunny

About this Hike:  Last year I wrote about a bust of a hike attempting to explore the Fred Haught portion of Cabin Loop Trail.  This year we finally made it back for a do-over.

I should first clarify that in my post last year I mistakenly said we parked at the monument for Battle of Big Dry Wash.  In fact we parked at the Fred Haught trailhead, which is just passed the turn-off from FR300 (Rim Road) for Battleground Ridge.  The actual monument is about eight more miles up FR123. (Sidenote, I want to go back and explore FR123 more.)

Regardless, this time we had proper hiking GPS and followed the correct trail.  Fred Haught and the Arizona Trail run together for a few miles in this area.  I had hoped for some fall color, but this section of the forest is mostly conifer.  The only fall color we found was a small stand of aspens, but it was reflecting beautifully off the water in the creek that parallels Fred Haught Trail.  

About four miles in we reached a sign that pointed to the Fred Haught Cabin.  The sign is unclear, appearing to read either '5 miles' or '.5 miles.'  It ended up being the later.  About a half-mile through a meadow brings you to the remains of the Fred Haught Cabin.  

Next on the Cabin Loop is Pinchot Cabin. We hiked hard and fast, but reached a sign advising two more miles to the cabin.  Based on the time of day, we made a judgment call and turned around.  THAT Brewing Company in Pine was calling our name for dinner and drinks. 

What I did learn from this hike is that you don't have to hike the entire 24-mile Cabin Loop in order to see many of these cabins.  In fact, Pinchot Cabin has road access via FR139 / 139A.

Seems every time I visit the Rim, all I do is learn of more areas I want to explore. Guess I'll need to head back to Cabin Loop area again sometime soon. 

Abineau Bear Jaw Loop

Weather:  67º, sunny

About this Hike:  I read about this hike in Phoenix Magazine just a week before taking a trip to Sedona.  I looked it up and then saved this hike on my All Trails app.  

Sedona has been hot this week; almost too hot to hike by mid-day.  I was on the fence about making the drive up to Flagstaff, but am very glad I did.  A quick pit stop at Fry's in Flag for gas and I should have been on my way.  My phone's Google Maps GPS took me toward the east approach for this hike, and after about two miles driving down Historic Route 66 I knew something was wrong.  

I ended up using my truck's built-in GPS and putting in Arizona Nordic Center as the destination. I had to go back past Fry's.  The west approach for Abineau Bear Jaw is said to be much easier than the east approach, and the turn off for it just north of Nordic Center.  

After passing Nordic Center I came to the turn-off for Forest Road 151 a couple miles later.  Then the real fun began.  There are a few turns on dirt forest roads, although all of them are fairly well maintained and signed.  Interestingly, there are cabins and ranches along these roads. At the trailhead parking, I even had cell service.  

All Trails says this hike is 8.5 miles; the Forest Service says 6.8 on their trailhead map.  Since it's a loop you can do it in either direction.  The trail splits at the Kachina Peaks Wilderness sign a short hike down the path from the trailhead.  I went right on Abineau and hiked it counter-clockwise.  Doing so gets the toughest elevation gain over with first and means a more gradual descent.  

This hike takes you through beautiful, unspoiled old-growth forest.  Eventually you leave ponderosa and mixed conifer forest for purely spruce, fir, and high-elevation conifers.  This hike has about 1,800 feet of elevation gain, topping out at around 10,300 feet.  Once at the top, there are sweeping vistas of the Grand Canyon.  At around 10,000 feet, the aspens were beginning to change color.  

The descending hike is more gradual and goes along a trail that has a few names.  The official Forest Service signs call it Bear Jaw.  All Trails calls it Waterline (aptly named as it is an old road with a rusty old water pipe visible).  I also saw one map labeling it as Inner Basin Trail (the edge of the infamous Inner Basin / Lockett Meadow?).  Regardless, it's easy to follow the loop.  

Eventually the old road returns to trail at a junction.  Here the descent gets a little steeper, and you're surrounded by thick forest.  As you get closer to 8,000 feet, the scent of ponderosa pines lets you know the fauna zone is transitioning again.   

This was a hike that nearly didn't happen for multiple reasons.  I am so glad I made the effort to make it happen and I hope to explore more of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness in the future. 

AB Young Trail to East Pocket Fire Lookout - Sedona

Weather:  87º, sunny

About this Hike:  This one has been on my bucket list for a while.  I love hiking up to fire lookout towers.  

In the past when a ranger was manning the tower they'd often invite me up and show all their observation equipment.  Due to COVID that's no longer an option, and signs at the base of the tower warn you as much.  East Pocket Lookout appeared to be closed as the windows had heat-blocking sheets over them and no ranger vehicle was present. 

This hike begins by parking at Bootlegger Picnic Area off 89A.  Finding the trail is tricky as a number of trails go down to Oak Creek from the picnic area.  You just have to look around carefully as there are signs posted.  We went the wrong way at first but eventually found the treacherous creek crossing that kicks off this hike.

We managed to stay dry and successfully crossed Oak Creek on the shaky rock and log bridge previous hikers had built.  AB Young Trail begins in dense riparian pine forest.  It quickly gives way to exposed switchbacks that are a bit overgrown with grass and manzanita.  You might want long pants for this hike.  After an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet this hike begins to become rewarding.  The top of the mountain is flat mesa and ponderosa forest begins to appear.

The views looking into Oak Creek Canyon are like no other.  Highway 89A and even the Bootlegger parking area are tiny specks down below.  Humphrey's Peak is quite prominent to the northeast.  However, this flank of the mountain that points toward Humphrey's has suffered considerable burn damage. 

A walk along the flat top of the mountain eventually leads to the East Pocket Lookout.  You could theoretically skip the hike and drive up the forest road (I believe it's #231) to the lookout, but my guess is that the road is closed to public traffic.  

On the way down we spotted a lean-too built along a scenic part at the top of the mountain.  I imagine it would be magical to camp there and watch the sunset over Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.  

Reavis Ranch via Gap Loop

Weather:  87º, sunny

Time:  11 hours

About this Hike:  I can finally say I've checked Reavis Ranch off my bucket list.  Go back two years ago when Woodbury Fire was raging, and I never thought I was going to have the chance to experience this place.  Gratefully our wildland firefighters were able to save the ranch site.  

Getting to Reavis Ranch is said not to be a day trip.  The same is said about Grand Canyon Bright Angel rim-to-river and back.  I did that in about eight hours.  One also must weigh which trailhead they want to start at for Reavis Ranch.  Each has pros and cons.  

I opted for the Campaign Creek Trailhead.  Near Roosevelt Lake, it's back about seven miles along a dirt road just off AZ-188.  In terms of the drive, it sounded like it would be much easier than the 18 miles of rough mountain road to Roger's Trough.  The drive was in fact not too difficult.  The road has to get at least some degree of maintenance, as the Reevis Mountain School uses it.  Still, there are creek crossings and sandy spots.  Going in a drier season helped to ensure those obstacles were not an issue.  

Once parked at Campaign Trailhead, I started out on Reavis Gap Trail.  The distance to Reavis Ranch along Gap trail is about the same as Roger's Trough.  However, the elevation gain is much more severe.  While portions are burned, there are still wide areas of healthy juniper, pinon, and even ponderosa pine forest.   After about 4 hours of grueling hike, I reached the ranch.

It was a surreal experience to finally see this place in person.  Once there, you can see just how close the fire came.  It was on the ranch's doorstep.  

My gut told me to treat this as an out-and-back and return via Reavis Gap.  However, the elevation descent looked like it may be more gradual along the Fire Line and then Campaign Creek Trails (I was wrong on that).  Combining these with Reavis Gap forms a 16.2 mile loop.  I disobeyed my gut.  

Fire Line was rocky, scorched, and hard to follow in spots.  Eventually, Fire Line traversed a section of thick ponderosa forest that served as a consolation prize.  Part of the descent on Fire Line was so steep I had to go down on all fours.  

Nightfall came about 7pm.  While I was prepared with plenty of water, headlamp, and spotlight, it was still scary.  Campaign Creek trail is very hard to follow in spots.  Without GPS I wouldn't have made it.  After sunset, it took an additional 3 hours to reach the trailhead.  When I was nearing the end, I ended up off trail several times.  At one point I opened a cattle gate and was in front of a dark cabin.  A dim sodium lamp shined on a building in the distance.  I had trespassed onto Reevis Mountain School and thought seriously about cutting thru as I knew it would take me to the trailhead.  I opted not to, and spent considerable time bushwhacking till I found the correct trail again. 

The Superstitions are beautiful at night.  Desert primerose began opening their showy white petals.  Frogs were peeping in the creek.  The stars overhead were magnificent, even if the light pollution of Phoenix was visible on the horizon.  As I saw multiple cars still parked at the trailhead, I became slightly envious of the backpackers camping out there.  However, night is also when the hunters (mountain lions, bears) are most active.  The Superstitions are mystical, beautiful, and demanding of utter respect.  It is most unforgiving country.  

Thankfully I was prepared.  Had I started this hike a few hours earlier (I started at 11am), it likely wouldn't have ended after dark.  It's an experience I'm grateful to have had, and yet I wish not to have again.  

Buffalo Park (Flagstaff) Snowshoe Adventure

Weather:  37º, sunny

About this Hike:  I have snowshoe hiked at Arizona Nordic Village many times. It's a beautiful forest setting with well groomed and signed trails.  Inevitably after the long drive up to Flagstaff, it often seems to take another hour to get up to the Nordic Village.  Oftentimes, this is the only option as Nordic Village is at higher elevation than downtown Flagstaff.  There may be no snow in town, but plenty to play in at The Village. 

One thing about Arizona snow is that it never lasts long. You need to run to it when it comes.  This is especially true if you want to enjoy it in Flagstaff.  It snows heavy in Flag, but it never stays long.  

This past week going into the weekend was a 'perfect storm.'  I decided to shorten the drive up to Flagstaff and spend Friday night in Sedona.  It's only 28 miles (via SR 89A which was closed) to Flag, right?  It always takes no less than an hour to get between the two Northern Arizona cities.  

Regardless, for the last two years I've wanted to explore more of the extensive network of trails beginning in Buffalo Park and heading toward Mount Elden.  Two years ago I got a small taste of these trails, and was left wanting for a lot more.  

Today did not disappoint.  I estimate we covered somewhere around 6-8 miles.  Unlike Nordic Village's groomed trails, this was trudging thru ungroomed, deep snow.  It was a workout.  The morning started with perfect powder, and as the Arizona sun heated up, the snow became heavier and slushier.  The pines were caked in white, but it soon began dropping in the sun.  I opted to drop my ski sweater, leaving only a thermal athletic shirt on.  I was still too warm most of the time. 

Trails in this network are well labeled with signs and orange blazes on the trees. I still carried a phone with a Buffalo Park map downloaded on the AllTrails app so I could use GPS to help navigate.  It can be a lot trickier following a trail when everything is covered in white.

Buffalo was very busy and people were getting creative with parking (many of which ended up getting stuck!).  This offered me my first chance to drive my truck in the snow, and the 4x4 did not disappoint.  I scored a great parking spot simply because I was able to plow thru several inches of snow without getting stuck. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this snow-venture.  I'm from a city in Upstate New York that holds the same name as the aforementioned park in Flagstaff.  I moved to Arizona to get away from snow.  But Arizona snow is different.  It's warmer.  More of a rare treat.  I appreciate going to the snow to play instead of having it forced on me.  I only wish I lived a little closer to Flag so I could run to the rarity of fresh Arizona snow more often. 

Picketpost Mountain Loop

Weather:  61º, sunny

About this Hike:  I've heard much about hiking to the Picketpost Mountain summit.  It's a lot like Superstition Flatiron, albeit tougher in places.  There's a mailbox on top.  

I had no idea there's a loop trail that goes around the base of Picketpost.  That is, until News Years when someone suggested the loop trail and that we ought to check it out on Friday, being as it was a holiday off from work.

The loop trail is actually comprised of several trails, including Legends of Superior Trail or LOST, among others. Junctions are well-signed, but using the mapped route on AllTrails app was a good fail-safe.  

This trail goes through a lot of riparian canyons.  Tall cottonwoods and even a few wild palms meet saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert.  Some oleander saplings were being treated with an herbicide; likely seedlings from nearly Boyce Thompson Arboretum.   An added bonus this year is that (very late) fall color seemed to be nearly at peak among the cottonwoods.  A few creeks had a trickle of water in them.  

I was surprised at how forested this hike was in parts.  Eventually forests gave way to more typical Sonoran Desert landscape.  Regardless, seeing healthy, large saguaros was a nice contrast from my Superstitions hike last month thru this summer's burn scars.

All told, the loop trail is nearly nine easy miles.  There's only a little elevation change.  It was a great way to begin the 2021 hiking season.