Mazatzal Divide Via Mount Peeley

Weather:  61º, sun

About this Hike:  It's been nearly three years since I last visited Mount Peeley. A 55 mile drive from where I lived in the valley at the time, surely it would be closer now that Payson is home.

Technically it is, but there's still a 30 mile drive south on AZ-87 before the turnoff at Sycamore Creek Road. Then there's the ~1 hour drive up the winding dirt road to the Peeley trailhead. 

This time I opted not to summit Peeley. Instead, I wanted to explore more of Mazatzal Divide trail. Last time, I was intrigued by the forest and sweeping views. My return visit did not disappoint. Much of the Mazatzal Wilderness is known for overgrown trails and fire damage. This area of Mazatzal Divide is still in great shape and has beautiful stands of ponderosa pine and fir mixed in with juniper. 

The total hike was 9 miles, which translates into 4.5 miles along the Mazatzal Divide, since this was done as an out and back. There were views into Horseshoe Reservoir, views up to the Mogollon Rim, and views of Weaver's Needle in the Superstitions. I concluded that summiting Peeley is hardly necessary if all you're after is the views. That said, summiting Peeley just to say you did it is a worthwhile endeavor unto itself.

The funny thing is that according to my blog post from 2022, I went about the same distance along Mazatzal Divide, although much of it looked new to me. I would love to explore a little deeper in the Mazatzals, although I know the other trail conditions are often not good. Mazatzal Divide is part of the Arizona Trail, so it gets frequent maintenance.

I'll probably have to take up backpacking if I want to get further into the Mazatzal Wilderness. The deepest trails aren't easily reached via trailheads. But let's face it:  I'm more of a day-hiker than a backpacker.

Fossil Creek via Bob Bear

Weather:  45º, clouds, sun, wind

About this Hike:  Usually I'm a planner when it comes to hikes. However, this one was decided upon last-minute over breakfast this morning. 

We originally talked about driving toward Camp Verde and checking out West Clear Creek. The longer drive, colder temperatures, and numerous water crossings didn't appeal to us. 

That's when Fossil Creek via Bob Bear Trail popped into my mind. I've wanted to do this hike for a while now. Being that Bob Bear is closer to Payson, and it's the off-season when permits aren't required, this seemed like the perfect hike for today.

We arrived at Bob Bear Trailhead in late morning. It was full, save for a few parking spots in an overflow area. I was immediately struck by the beauty of this canyon. The red rocks look like they belong in Sedona. As we made our way down toward Fossil Creek I noted more and more fall color. 

Warning signs at the trailhead state this trail doesn't lead to the waterfall. I'm not sure what waterfall this is referencing as the trail mostly certainly leads to Fossil Spring and then joins Flume Trail. There are actually a few waterfalls to enjoy. 

Finally I got to see up close the crystal-clear turquoise water and hanging gardens that Fossil Creek is known for. 

There is one large waterfall. It mostly drains into a pool below, but part of it drains into a round hole. A placard on the rocks warns to 'Keep out of the toilet bowl.' There was also a cave in one of the pools. Despite the cold temperatures that kept my hands in gloves most of this hike, part of me really wanted to go for a swim. Some people were swimming—cold water and air temperatures be damned! 

It was slightly warmer at the canyon bottom. I'd estimate in the low 50's. Our hike back up was uneventful and went by quickly. We enjoyed the changing light on the cliff faces. By the time we reached the parking lot at the top of the canyon it was windy and very cold. I quickly felt frostbite setting into my hands; my gloves being of little help. 

I know this is a popular summer swimming spot. So popular that permits are required in the warmer months. But hiking Fossil Creek in the off-season has it's own unique beauty—especially when there's fall color. 

Bob Bear left me wanting to explore all the other Fossil Creek trails on the Camp Verde side... 

West Webber Come-Back

Weather:  55º, sunny

About this Hike:  On July 13 I visited West Webber Trail. It was hot that day, but I noted the large stands of maples along Webber Creek. I made a plan to return in the fall to see some color in those maples.

September came along, and with it the West Fire. I watched the fire maps nervously as the fire perimeter inched ever closer to West Webber Trail. Eventually it got into the canyon. 

Now that the fire is extinguished and at least some of the closure order is lifted (East Webber remains closed), I decided to return to West Webber to see what is left. There was one trail report posted on All Trails that indicated the forest in this area is largely intact. 

This proved to be true. Most of the fire that went through Webber was likely low intensity. Most old growth evergreens seem to have survived. That said, there are occasional stands of pine where the roots must have gotten scorched. The canopy is unburned, but still the tree has died. This is also true for many of the aforementioned maples. Some are still alive, some are still green, but many have died with just a little bit of scorching at the base of their trunks. Some of them were beginning to change color, albeit the fall color is much more pale and muted compared to the color show in See Canyon. 

All through the canyon some trail maintenance is going to be needed. There's a lot of deadfall. As those scorched trees fell over, they often tore huge holes in the ground. The burned sections of black soil are often soft and easy to sink into. You definitely want to use some caution right now on this trail. 

The smell of fire and ash hangs heavy in the air, in stark contrast to the usually pleasant fragrance of a conifer forest. A winter of rain and snow will likely help to wash the ash away, while a little trail maintenance will fix the deadfall issues. 

The fire damage seems most noticeable near the top of the rim where West Webber Trail is a series of extremely steep switchbacks. Here the ground is very black, although it improves by the time you reach the top of the escarpment. 

I'm glad I was able to come back here this fall. Watching the West Fire from Payson, I had my doubts this ecosystem would survive at all. And in a short amount of time this area should heal itself and continue to be a beautiful Rim Country hike.