[bryanmertz]

Are there any hikes in this area? I've done a search and can't seem to find anything.

Thanks - Happy Holidays Too!
Bryan

[te-wa]

What has been known to longtime AZ residents as "Sheeps Crossing" is the start of many trails. Going East into the Mazatzal wilderness are the Willow Spring trail, the Dutchman Grave and the Verde River Trails. These 3 are connecting trails with possible loops, and offer mostly rugged and difficult hiking. Of course, that all depends on experience, right?
Bryan, try the book Exploring Arizona's Wild Areas by Scott Warren. Above info was found there. Also recommended is the Pine Mountain area, giving one a birds eye view of the Mazatzals below.

[bryanmertz]

Thanks a lot. I use the Internet so much - I forgot about my books - I actually have that book

I was looking at a Tonto map too - I can see those trails on the map - but they are not listed on this site?

Have you been to Sheeps Bridge; how is FR 269?

Thanks again.

[Lizard]

Check out the Club Cabin hike, it describes some of the trails in that area:

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=269

Also, you may want to get your hands on this book:

http://hikearizona.com/books.php?REV=1&ID=49

[Leva]

In response to bryanmertz's reply:

I've only been a few miles -- maybe three or four -- north of Sheep's Crossing along the Verde River. It's fairly easy hiking; little elevation change and open country. Lots of ruins, good fishing (smallmouth bass), interesting geology.

There's a hotspring in the reeds at the base of Sheep's Crossing, but the bridge area itself gets to be a pretty wild party spot. Most of the partiers don't get more than a short distance from the area, though.

It's possible to hike all the way from the East Fork of the Verde River to Sheep's Crossing -- my dad's done it and said the trail gets hard to follow in spots but there was tall grass when he did it.

If you've got dogs, keep them on a leash in this area -- there are numerous rather largish javelina and they don't like dogs much. Also, watch the weather -- not a hike to do if a winter storm is threatening because the road may not be passable and you can end up stuck in Bloody Basin for a few days until things settle down. (One way gets snow, the other way out crosses the Agua Fria which isn't passable at flood stage.)

Leva