username
X
password
register
for free!
 help
 Home FAQ Contribute Camp Granada Surveys Shop
 TrailDEX Filter Areas A to Z Easy Hikes in Season Dog Hikes in Season
 MapRoute Editor Route Editor Route CloudRoute Scout Route Scout Foliage DEX Wildflower DEX
Publish a Guide
Trail/Hike Guide
 GPS Route
Recorded Track of a Hike
 Triplog
Review/Journal of a Hike
 Photoset
Photos of a Hike
help
  HAZ Forum
Jul 21 2012
avatar

 Guides 19
 Routes 40
 Photos 5,624
 Triplogs 341

52 female
 Joined Nov 22 2005
 Tucson, AZ
Bear Wallow Trail #63Alpine, AZ
Bear Wallow Trail #63
Alpine, AZ
Backpack avatar Jul 21 2012
writelots • Triplogs 341
Backpack9.20 Miles 1,300 AEG
Backpack9.20 Miles2 Days         
1,300 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Rose Spring Trail #309
Schell Canyon Trail #316
Reno Trail #62
Partners none no partners
I lead a group of beginning and intermediate backpackers into the Bear Wallow wilderness for a one night backpacking trip. We camped before the hike at the gravel pit on FR 25 on the way out to the Reno Trailhead (where we left our shuttle vehicle). It wasn't an ideal spot for a hammocker, but it was great for tents. High and dry - and if you wanted a sky show, it'd be a great spot. Of course, it rained for us, so no show.

The hike was delightful. See photos for more detail, but to sum up, the area is not nearly as devastated as you might think given the severity of last year's Wallow Fire. Though we passed through many bad burn areas, there was lots of new growth, especially ferns, aspens and wildflowers. The Rose Spring and Schell Canyon trails had not been cleared since the burn, but there weren't many downed trees or badly washed out places. The group of beginners was able to keep to the trail and didn't once complain about obstacles (other than being a little sooted up).

There was a maintenance crew on the Bear Wallow trail, and they'd entered on the Reno Trail, so those two routes were in really good shape. The canyon bottom was beautiful, and though there were signs of the fire, overall it was a lush, green wildflower haven. I'd definitely go back in a heart-beat!

My crew was fantastic - they were good-natured, happy and fun. I'd only ever hiked with one of them before, so it could have been much worse! Only one of the group had any trouble at all, and his was more an issue of learning about lighter gear than anything else. I bet that giant sleeping bag has already been replaced!

I was staying with my mom at Hon Dah, so on the way home I took the Three Forks Road. Really nice drive - beautiful scenery and a smooth road. Next time I'll go that way rather than detouring all the way through Springerville!

It's great to be back on the trail!
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Cutleaf Coneflower  Queen Anne's Lace  Silverstem Lupine  Wild Bergamot  Wood Sorrel
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max North Fork Bear Wallow Creek Medium flow Medium flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max South Fork Bear Wallow Creek Light flow Light flow
_____________________
-----------------------------------
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.- Barack Obama
 

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.

FAQ
helpcommentissue

end of page marker