Overview: This apparently abandoned trail climbs Dutch Henry Canyon on the southeastern edge of the Pinaleno Mountains, and connects with the Bear Canyon Trail #299 on its upper end. The Dutch Henry Trail is quite scenic, beginning in mesquite-grassland, and ending in a nice pine-fir forest at top. The canyon has been spared from recent devastating wildfires. The Dutch Henry Trail is in very poor condition, is nearly overgrown, and exists mostly as a sparsely cairned route. I'd say route-finding and difficulty are both a 4. Plan on an entire day for a one-way hike. The upper trailhead on Highway 366 is accessible by car at Ladybug Saddle, while the lower trailhead is 4x4, due to sandy washes. -Preston Sands, Nov. 23, 2010
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When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
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.
Permit $$
None
Coronado Forest MVUMs are rarely necessary to review unless mentioned in the description or directions Coronado Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs)
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To hike LOWER TRAILHEAD (4x4 recommended): From Safford, Arizona, head south on U.S. Highway 191 for 12.6 miles to the signed turnoff for Forest Road 119 on the right. A brown Forest Service sign (visible from the highway) says "Dutch Henry Trail 4.5 miles". Turn right (west) and follow the deep sand route of FR 119 for 3.65 miles to an unsigned fork in the road, at gps coordinates 32.61533 N, -109.72758 W. Turn right (west) to remain on FR 119. You may want to park here, as the road gets worse. Follow FR 119 for another 0.96 miles across sand filled Stockton Wash, up the mountain slope, and through the cattle guard/gate to the Dutch Henry trailhead at gps coordinates 32.61669 N, -109.74092 W, just downslope of the windmill. There is a wooden trail sign for the Dutch Henry Trail at these coordinates, next to Dutch Henry Creek. Keep your eyes peeled for cairns, 'cause the trail is GONE!
UPPER TRAILHEAD ON SWIFT TRAIL (paved highway): From Safford, head south on U.S. highway 191. Turn right onto state highway 366 (Swift Trail), and follow it for approximately 16.75 miles to the Ladybug Saddle trailhead (there is a large paved pull-off here and a sign for "Ladybug and Bear Canyon Trailhead"). Follow the Ladybug Trail and then the Bear Canyon Trail for a total of 1.5 miles to reach the signed junction with the Dutch Henry Trail.
page created by PrestonSands on Nov 23 2010 9:51 pm
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