East Baldy 95

Weather:  79º, sunny

About this Hike:  Just over two years ago I hiked up East Baldy. I was intrigued by the historic plane crash site near the summit. Back in 2024 we were coming off a winter of solid snow pack, and snow fields on the mountain made for an unpleasant hike. Now coming off two lackluster winters, I knew snow wouldn't be a problem on Baldy this year. I wanted to experience East Baldy in drier conditions and see if there are any additional airplane artifacts that were buried in snow last time. 

I forgot just how nice East Baldy is. It's seldom a steep climb, and it remains within forest for most of the hike. There's a lot of unique rock formations to enjoy, and it frequently opens up into stunning viewpoints. 

Unfortunately, a lot of the surrounding forest is succumbing pine beetle--a problem happening all over the western US. Many of the spruces and firs have turned an unpleasant brownish-orange color. Some of the worst die off is in the meadow surrounding the east fork of the Little Colorado River. Thankfully, there is still plenty of healthy old-growth forest to enjoy further up-trail. 

I reached the plane crash site in just over two hours--quite a bit faster than in 2024 when I could've used snowshoes. The only obstacles that slowed me down were areas of deadfall across the trail. Most of these have a side route carved around them, but some were an obstacle course to navigate. 

I didn't find any additional airplane wreckage at the summit. The pieces that I saw two years ago are all that is easily visible. However, mother nature must know this is ultimately a gravesite. The area around the crash is a field of beautiful mountain lupines. 

The wind was howling something fierce near the summit. It was making a eerie whistle through the stands of toothpicks that used to be trees. Some of these were crashing against each other adding to the cacophony. While I ate lunch near the crash site last time, I opted not to do so today. Judging from the amount of deadfall that litters these upper reaches of Mount Baldy, I thought the risk of a tree falling on me was too high. I took some photos and then began my descent back down, glad to have enjoyed East Baldy again in warmer conditions. 

Government Springs

Weather:  79º, sunny

About this Hike:  The plan for today was to head to the White Mountains and kayak at Crescent Lake. This body of water intrigued me last summer when I camped at Big Lake. I was hoping Crescent had fared like the rim lakes--despite virtually no snowpack this winter, the rim lakes filled up to about three-quarters their capacity due to some good rainfall. 

Before heading to the lake, I set up camp at one of my favorites--Winn Campground. The camp host informed me Crescent is considered a dead lake. Upon arrival, I found very low water, mud, and scum. I'm not sure if what I smelled was the scum on the water or the pit toilets... Harkening back to my algae-filled experience kayaking Big Lake last August, I knew better than to even attempt the gross cesspool that is Crescent's current condition. Someday after a winter of heavy snowpack when its full of clean, fresh water, I imagine Crescent will be a fun lake to paddle. 

My Plan B was right across the street from Crescent at the Overland Trail. I opened a gate and parked on the other side. The forest road was in awful condition. An trail sign indicates this is in fact the Overland Trail. It went briefly through some nice forest. It opened into a meadow with a preserved multi-room cabin. The meadow seemed to be an impromptu campground, and I was left wondering how people managed to get fifth-wheel trailers back there. The Overland Trail vanished and I had no luck finding it. The GPS track would indicate I was on trail, but in reality I was walking through a cow and elk poop filled meadow. 

I opted to turn back and try to figure something else out. I thought about Thompson Trail along the Black River. Even though I've done that one a few times before, it would be better than nothing. I opted instead to head back toward Winn Campground and see what Sheeps Crossing was all about. After all, the FS feels that Sheeps Crossing merits a paved parking lot.

I started down the only trail that branched from the parking lot. Soon, I was along the west fork of the Little Colorado. I followed what is an unmapped, but well-maintained trail parallel to the river. And speaking of the river, I think this is a more enjoyable (and less crowded) hike than Thompson Trail. I was surrounded by unique rock formations, trees, wildflowers, and of course, the constant burble of the river. I noted that the trail has clearly received maintenance, and someone has posted green arrow markers on trees. Since you're in a shallow, narrow canyon, it's not hard to stay on trail--just stay parallel with the river. Aside from a few boulder fields and muddy seeps, it was an easy trail to follow.

Since it was late in the day, I only went about two miles and then turned back. Looking at the map, I suspected this trail would lead to Greer. I confirmed that it does in fact lead to Greer, and can be hiked from Government Springs Trailhead. 

While not an official FS trail, Government Springs was a redeeming hike on a day that otherwise had not gone well. It was back to Winn Campground to get ready for tomorrow's hike at East Baldy. 

Webber Weekend

Weather:  85º clouds and sun, humid

About this Hike:  This weekend consisted of two hikes:  West Webber Canyon on Friday and then East Webber Canyon on Saturday. 

I've visited West Webber a couple times previously. Since the relatively low-grade fire that went thru there in September of 2024, I wanted to see how the area is recovering. It's never total decimation, and there's plenty of healthy forest left. Around West Webber creek the bigtooth maples and other deciduous trees are  growing in thick. The weather was cloudy and humid for this hike, although it never rained. 

I encountered some cattle in West Webber Canyon, including a protective bull watching over the herd and calves. I gave him plenty of space, and oddly enough, seemed to find a side trail. Some of the trees were pink-tagged while large, black lengths of PVC hose piping were run along the creek. It definitely was not unexplored territory. 

If I had the time, I could have continued on Geronimo Trail to East Webber, but Friday was just a quick afternoon hike. I came back today (Saturday) and opted to start East Webber by parking below the rim at Geronimo Trailhead. The first 2.7 miles of this hike follow what looks like old roads that are fairly exposed and hot. You're bypassing the private property perimeter around Geronimo Camp. Cutting thru the camp would be a great shortcut, as they've built their own trail access. If only...

I guess we can thank the Geronimo Campers (I believe its Boy Scouts) for the trail markers along Webber trails. These far exceed the standard used by the USFS to mark trails. Not to mention, I believe Geronimo campers do some maintenance on these trails, too. 

Regardless, I reached the entrance to East Webber and then the real fun began. This area also suffered a fire a few years ago. Much like West Webber, fire damage seems to be minimal with plenty of healthy and in-tact forest to enjoy. The scenery is often old-growth ponderosa, spruce, and fir. Their trunks are blackened, yet the crowns are green and healthy. The forest floor was alive with a green carpet of ferns. 

The trail meanders along Webber Creek, crossing a few times. The creek was flowing good today, although not so much as to make crossings difficult. The trail began to get a little more overgrown, and I reached a yellow sign indicating 'Swimming Hole.' In fact there was a nice pool of water with a trickling waterfall. This made a good lunch break spot.

Beyond the swimming hole the trail begins to deteriorate quickly. The map indicates it may go on a bit further, but I wasn't about to go bush whacking. The overgrown canyon had an eerie feel to it, and I figured there was a reason the GPS track stopped here. 

I made good time on the hike back, spurred on by a looming thunderstorm on top of the rim. Eventually I got rained on, but it was a welcome respite on what was a hot day for hiking. Regardless, I'm glad to have enjoyed both ends of Webber Canyon. 

Fred Haught

Weather:  79º and sunny

About this Hike:  About five years ago we explored the Fred Haught Cabin. Back then the Mogollon Rim felt so exotic. Now Rim Country is home, but that still doesn't take away the allure of this unique microclimate in the high country of Arizona. 

After doing Barbershop last weekend, I felt I wanted more of the same for this weekend. Returning to Fred Haught seemed like the perfect solution. 

The hike starts at the General Springs Cabin. This restored cabin is quite possibly the most in-tact of all the Cabin Loops sites. However, the front door has been removed and you can now wander inside. It hasn't been graffitied, set of fire, etc...yet. Inside you can clearly see the log-beam construction. There is a small room at the back of the cabin. 

I carried on with my hike. Fred Haught meanders through meadows carved out by the General Spring. The creek was full of water, and I was surprised to see some sizable fish in the pools. Old-growth ponderosa dominates this landscape, with areas of spruce and fir mixed in. 

The sign that vaguely indicates a half-mile side hike to Fred Haught Cabin is still standing and easily visible. The cabin is nothing more than some rotting timbers arranged in a square and flat rocks stacked to make a fireplace and chimney. I have my doubts that any of this is original construction. 

I decided to follow the Fred Haught Trail a little further. Forest Road 95 ended up being my turnaround point. The area was now grassland with what ponderosas remain in an otherwise heavily logged landscape. 

The repeating cycle of old-growth forest, stream, and meadow along the Mogollon Rim never gets old. I was glad to enjoy this part of Cabin Loop again.

Barbershop Spring Hike

Weather:  70º, sun

About this Hike:  Originally I was going to spend this weekend at South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I was finally going to explore Shoshone Point and South Kaibab. Only the weather didn't cooperate. And work didn't cooperate. I cancelled my prime campsite in Mather Campground and opted to stay home.

Regardless, getting back to Barbershop this spring has been on my short list. With sunny skies, cooler temps, and rain a few days ago, now seemed like a perfect time. The Barbershop trailhead off FR-321 was completely empty. 

We enjoyed the hike thru massive old-growth spruce and fir, mixing with plenty of ponderosa pine. The meadows were green with grass, and Barbershop Creek had some muddy water in it. 

When we reached Barbershop's terminus at Houston Brothers Trail, it was a different scene. Cars filled most all available parking spots along FR-139. Ironically, we saw just one backpacking couple on the trail the entire afternoon. Perhaps everyone was hiking on Houston Brothers. 

This lush ecosystem—largely void of any desert plants—remains a favorite escape on the Mogollon Rim.

Haigler Creek Falls

Weather:  79º, sun, windy

About this Hike:  After this plan going sideways two weeks ago, today was finally my chance to explore the Haigler Creek Recreation Area. 

The plan for today consisted of two hikes. The first of these involved going a mile or so past the Haigler Creek neighborhood and exploring an area on the outskirts of Hellsgate Wilderness. On satellite imagery and thru my binoculars, I've observed large, white squares in Hellsgate. I wanted to see one of these up close, and found one just past Haigler. The infrastructure in question is a large water catchment device for wildlife. I hiked a bit past the water catchment, as my satellite-imagery research led me to think this could be an interesting ridge with some viewpoints. It was a flat hike along a ridge with some views down toward Young and distant meadows. The most scenic thing about it was the cholla cactus that were in full bloom with bright magenta flowers and clusters of yellow fruit. 

The Hellsgate hike was just a warmup. My next stop was Haigler Creek with the intent to hike to the famed Haigler waterfall. The trail to the waterfall is actually an active road, but it's in rough shape. With plenty of parking available just off FR-200, I opted to hike in. There were plenty of ATVs, but also a surprising number of trucks and SUVs, most of which were lifted, had off-road tires, etc. 

I got a little off course while following the All Trails map. It showed me off trail, despite the fact I was following the road. I wasted some time hunting for the GPS track on the map--an ever-moving target--thinking it was a side trail off the main road. Finally I gave up and just opted to follow the road. Eventually I rejoined the All Trails route track.

 As I got deeper into the canyon, the forest of ponderosa and fir became more and more dense. Descending a steep hill, the waters of Haigler Creek came into view. 

Every camp spot along the creek was occupied. The creek had decent flow, and plenty of inviting pools, which campers were taking full advantage of. I pressed on toward the falls, negotiating three creek crossings. The path continued to be an ATV road, yet at times it would disappear, only to reappear a little further downline. I assumed ATVs drive in the creek bed for these stretches. 

Speaking of the creek bed, it quickly went from flowing to dry, chalky rocks. The reddish canyon walls were impressive, but the dry creek bed did not bode well for the falls. Just before the falls, I was delayed while a convoy of Jeeps made their way out of the canyon. I could not believe street vehicles, no matter how lifted, made it all the way back here. Even more nerve wracking was watching them navigate the rocks, getting the Jeeps on crazy angles. 

The falls were unmistakable, but the only evidence of water was a muddy pool at the base. Regardless, I enjoyed the thick forest and plant life along the wetter portions of Haigler Creek. I'm glad to finally have explored this area. 

Walnut and Two Ravens Loop

Weather:  75º, mostly cloudy

About this Hike:  The plan today was to explore some trails down near Haigler Creek. Unfortunately, a crash—and subsequent road closure—on 260 threw a wrench in those plans. Rather than waste nearly $5/gallon fuel, we decided to pivot and head north toward Pine.

I explored Walnut Trail a few weeks ago. At that time, I stuck to the part of Walnut that runs in tandem with the Arizona Trail. However, I was curious what the path would look like if I continued north on Walnut. I was also intrigued by a brand new trail called Two Ravens. 

While Two Ravens is so new it doesn't appear on most maps yet, I was able to determine that northern Walnut could be looped by starting at Hardscrabble Road and using Two Ravens as a connector. This also allowed for a hike to Oak Spring. 

In fact, the northern part of Walnut is some of the best this trail system has to offer. It follows a dry creek through a riparian canyon. Tall ponderosas provide some shade, while gamble oak and bigtooth maple had me already planning a return hike in the fall. Eventually we reached Oak Spring. From there, we used the Arizona Trail to climb out of the canyon and junction with Two Ravens. 

Two Ravens is a nice, groomed path. I noticed two other new trails called Bradshaw and Waterfall—both of which junction with Two Ravens. Since you're right up against the land boundaries with the town of Pine, I doubt these trails go very far. They still may be worth investigating. 

This 4.6 mile loop ended back at Hardscrabble road. It definitely wasn't what I planned for this weekend, but it was better than just turning around and going home.