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Tortilla-Fish Mesa, AZPrint Full | Basic
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Description 6 Triplogs 0 Topics
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 Tortilla Flat SE
Statistics
Difficulty 2.5    Route Finding
Distance Round Trip 5.75 miles
Trailhead Elevation 2,871 feet
Elevation Gain 914 feet
Accumulated Gain 1,490 feet
Avg Time Round Trip 4-5 hours
Interest Off Trail Hiking
Course Loop Hike
Author joe bartels
 Descriptions 195
 Routes 476
 Photos 7,183
 Trips 1,962 map  (10,265 Miles)
 Age 43
 Location Phoenix, AZ
Photos
Rated Viewed All Mine Friends
5  2012-09-11 Jonnybackpack
8  2011-03-04 Jonnybackpack
4  2010-02-26 T Harris
5  2010-01-25
 Slide Canyon - Fish Creek
 nonot
10  2006-03-08 joe bartels
Large Profile
Forecast
Historical Weather
Radar
Map - Beartooth Superstition Wilderness
Forest Tonto
Wilderness Superstition
Backpack - Possible - Not Popular
Seasons - Autumn to Early Spring
Official Route
 
Alternative Routes
 
Water
Nearby Hikes Area Water Sources
direct air miles away to trailhead
0.6  Slide Canyon - Fish Creek Loop
0.6  Zigzag Canyon
0.6  Tortilla TH to Tortilla Well
0.6  Minnow Canyon
0.7  Fish Creek Canyon - Upper Bridge
1.1  Fish Creek Hill
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Fauna
Space
Flora
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Space

Off trail in the wine sipping sense
by joe bartels

Mobile Version
Overview: This easy to moderate off-trail hike spans a mesa that separates Tortilla Creek from Fish Creek. It's presented here as a loop hike starting 0.8 miles into FR 213. The hike crosses the mesa, drops down near Tortilla Trailhead, then follows FR 213 back.

Hike: Head out straight east until you drop down and hit a dense foliage ravine. Scroll to your right until you find the least path of resistance across the ravine. Or bush-push your way across as I did. Once across you simply head southeast to Peak 3785 across the mesa. It takes some minor effort getting up on the mesa. Then it's a gentle rise across. The going is simple but pay attention or you'll be wrestling cacti along the way.

Better views favor the Fish Creek edge. Optimum photo ops are likely in the late day fading sun. I roamed the area in mid-day light on an overcast day with off-n-on lite sprinkles. One of the better views of Black Cross Butte is from this western vantage point. The main focal draw is down Fish Creek with distant views of the Four Peaks and Bronco Butte. This isn't an eye popping experience like Coronado Mesa. On the other hand it's a better hike with lots of roaming possibilities. The area doesn't show many obvious signs of previous travel. All the use trails I crossed are certainly wildlife created as they dodge under ocotillo and such.

Peak 3785 is the high point on this mesa / wide-ridge. It's not marked on the USGS topographical map but there is a brass cap and a large cairn. You should be able to make out the water tower at Tortilla Trailhead down to your west-southwest. Find a good route down then take the road back. I headed pretty much west and down and encountered typical catclaw for the Tortilla area. You might have better odds continuing south to Hoolie before swinging west.

- Mar 08 2006 joe bartels

Directions Preferred Months Nov Dec Feb Mar
Water / Source:None
Preferred Start8 AM Cell Phone Signal??? Sunrise5:15am Sunset7:38pm
Road / VehicleStrictly 4x4
Fees / Permit
None

Forest
Tonto Pass is a forest wide permit for recreational sites and campgrounds. Typically not for trailheads.

Directions
Print Version
To hike
From Apache Junction head out on SR88. For reference the First Water Trailhead turnoff is just after mile marker 201. You need continue out past Canyon Lake and past Tortilla Flats to the end of the pavement. Continue on the dirt road about 0.8 miles to mile marker 221. There's a good size sign with an arrow for Tortilla Trailhead. This is FS213, take it 0.8 mile and park. You should be situated on a ridge that extends to Peak 3141.
Login for Mapped Driving Directions
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.


New Description!
Powell Plateau
Not as flat as a pancake!
- azbackpackr
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