East Divide Trail #287 - Galiuro, AZ

The fabulous views keep coming along all 22 miles of this ridgetop trail. It snakes its way among the highest peaks in the Galiuros and sidesteps several of its significant canyons' upper reaches. From the trailhead in Deer Creek, the East Divide Trail wanders its way along shallow drainages and grassy flats to the upper reaches of Oak Creek. It then follows this drainage to the top of the easternmost of the two ridges, which divide the Galiuros. Once atop the East Divide, the trail follows a ridgeline route past Kennedy, Sunset, and Bassett Peaks, offering good views of other prominent points in the mountain range, including Kielberg, Grassy, and Rhodes Peaks, as well as Biscuit, Maverick, and Cake Mountains. A quarter-mile side trip takes you to an even more impressive panorama atop Kennedy Peak, where the views stretch toward all compass points.


From the high ridge of the Galiuros' East Divide, the trail drops into the upper reaches of Douglas Canyon, where stands of Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and aspen provide the scenery. Paddys River, Sunset Canyon, and Redfield Canyon add more drama to the topography. Both to the east and the west, as the trail passes its junction with the High Creek Trail #290 and continues to the point where Bassett Peak Trail #287B tackles Bassett Peak's 7,663-foot summit, highest in the Galiuros. Here, the East Divide Trail drops off the high ridge and switchbacks down into Ash Creek Canyon, completing the last leg of its long and notable journey.

The East Divide Trail is also accessible via several other Galiuro Wilderness trails, including Tortilla #254, Corral Canyon #291, Paddys River #293, and High Creek #290 trails.

Notes
Portions of this trail can be challenging to follow. A topographic map and compass should be an essential part of your equipment when visiting here.

20.2 miles of this trail is within the Galiuro Wilderness.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Note
This is a difficult hike. It would be insane to attempt this entire hike without prior experience hiking.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot