1998-03-17 Joe Bartels named the large waterfalls in the tributaries along Barnhardt Canyon that split off of 7403 as Big Kahuna and Hawaiian Mist on St Patty's day 1998.

Barnhardt Trail is considered to be one of the "expressways" to the Mazatzals. It starts at Barnhardt trailhead and proceeds westward to the ridge of the Mazatzal range or "Divide" where you intersect the N-S Mazatzal Divide Trail which is part of the Arizona Trail. It's considered an expressway in that it connects up with numerous other trails in the system that could keep a backpacker busy forever. One note of warning, however, the trails are many and can be confusing. The Mazatzal Peak topo quad shows trails that no longer exist and doesn't show many that do. Many of the ones that are shown are misnamed. Here's your best bet if you want to get a descent handle on this area: The Forest Service office in Mesa has a nice plasticized Mazatzal Wilderness map for $7 that shows all the numbers with the names on the back. Check out Joe's map below. Put the two together, shake well, add a pinch of luck and you're on your way (remember: author not to be held responsible for resulting chaos:).

Alrighty then, this hike goes from the trailhead up to Chilson Springs and back. The first thing you'll probably notice about this hike is its a "climber". The good news is this: the beauty simply overwhelms any pain and there really isn't much pain because the grade is so "friendly" (moderate and consistent). "If you're in descent shape and your legs are thirsting for a little action, it just feels awful (good! that is)." Likewise, coming back down is surprisingly easy on the knees.

Starting out you'll be ever so briefly in desert scrub before entering Pinon Pines and Juniper. At about a half mile in you'll come to a sign denoting the Wilderness Area boundary. Shortly after that you may notice a side trail dropping down to the right. I'm guessing this MAY be one of your few access points to the canyon floor.

As you continue to gain elevation you'll gradually come into Ponderosas and small Oaks. The climb contours high along the Barnhardt Canyon wall in some very creative ways making for great views from small promontories and ledges. You get a hawk's eye view of the panorama and the canyon far below which has many unusual features and inviting, but inaccessible pools. I found myself looking ahead thinking "no way the trail could go up there" and indeed it did through what I consider to be some very ingenious routing.

At about 1.5 miles you will turn south and begin a series of switchbacks into a secondary canyon. At this point you'll find a very aesthetic rock formation making a great rest spot. As you begin the switchbacks you may notice your last chance to access the creek bed from a small break in the trees. A side trip up this canyon bottom would bring you to a point where the water must descend a very large wall but is well hidden from sight on the trail, although the sound is very noticeable.

At about 2.5 miles is one of the highlights of the hike in the form of a seasonal cascading waterfall with a sheer drop of about
twenty feet at the bottom. Its in a grotto tucked back from the trail about twenty yards and enclosed by sheer rock walls on three sides. Tried my best to figure a way to the upper levels, but didn't have the guts to try the climb unprotected.

From here the climb continues unabated for another mile until you reach the Sandy Saddle trail at 6000'. From the falls to the 4mi point is mostly bush with Manzanita predominant. At about 4mi you'll come to a rather nice Ponderosa forest, but it bothered me that so many were dying. Don't know if this is from disease or past drought, but didn't notice it elsewhere on the hillsides while driving back.

At 5mi you top out at about 6200' and at 5.5mi is the intersection with the Mazatzal Divide trail entering from the south (this is not shown on any but the latest revised maps).

From here you begin a descent on what is now technically Mazatzal Divide trail into Chilson Spring which is a nondescript little well on the north side of the trail. From this spring they piped the water all the way down to Chilson Camp which you can reach by cheating and following the pipe or continuing till you hit the Brody Seep trail, take a left and go a quarter mile. The Camp is a very scenic open area that was
obviously once used as a cattle corral. It is an ideal spot for an overnight or just some lunch.

The return goes a little faster and offers many views you may have missed on the way up. A very enjoyable hike and I personally look forward to the opportunity to explore this area further. I just may have to break down one of these days and buy a backpack! Take care, and may the winds be always at your back (and strong enough to blow away those darn gnats!)