Route Editor
Route Scout
Frisco Fun by PrestonSands Overview This hike follows the roadbed of an aborted highway project from half a century ago, along the San Francisco River in eastern Arizona. Swimming possibilities, interesting geology, and far reaching views of the colorful San Francisco River canyon are the incentives for this short and easy hike. Hike At the end of the San Francisco River Road, a gate and some large boulders stop motor vehicles from continuing further. Park here, hike past the boulder blockade, and continue down the old highway grade. The hike immediately runs through a deep road cut, then emerges onto a shelf like grade, a couple of hundred feet above the San Francisco River. Outstanding views of the San Francisco River canyon begin at this point, and continue for the rest of the hike, with the grade staying high above the river. Large mesquite trees and cacti cover the wide grade of the old highway, funneling you onto a pathway at its center. The grade makes a wide, sweeping curve to cross a colorful canyon of polished, purple rock, before turning north and crossing through a gate onto B.L.M. land at 0.6 miles. The nearly vertical terrain along the hike soon eases to a gentler, high desert hillside, where healthy prickly pear cacti frame views of lofty peaks towering above the San Francisco River. The old highway grade and this hike both come to an end at 0.9 miles, where the highway crew ran out of money. A cow path leads a short distance further, before it too comes to an end on a steep hillside above the River. If you pick your route carefully from the end of the road or the cow path, you may be able to descend the steep hillside down to the San Francisco River, where there are excellent opportunities for swimming. Choose your route carefully, as there are hidden cliffs in some places. The river bottom in this area has numerous sites for camping, among the cottonwood groves. A popular 4x4 road runs along the San Francisco River, which could provide an alternate return route. This 4x4 road connects with the San Francisco River Road at the beginning of this hike, next to the road block. Otherwise, return via the highway grade. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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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.
Most recent Triplog Review
San Francisco River View
FYI: Signs on the lower end of the San Francisco River Road warn that it is "primitive" and "not maintained". Lies! The road was graded, smooth, and do-able in a low clearance car. There is no shade, so this isn't a summer hike unless you plan on swimming in the River.
On an unusually cool and rainy May afternoon, I drove to the end of the San Francisco River Road to see what was up there. What I saw was a beautiful canyon, and a possible hike. Not wanting to waste the opportunity to hike in such perfect weather, I set off down the grade of the abandoned highway project, enjoying wonderful views of the San Francisco River and its colorful canyon walls. Had a great hike.
This may be a dead end hike, but who cares: this is a pretty place!
On an unusually cool and rainy May afternoon, I drove to the end of the San Francisco River Road to see what was up there. What I saw was a beautiful canyon, and a possible hike. Not wanting to waste the opportunity to hike in such perfect weather, I set off down the grade of the abandoned highway project, enjoying wonderful views of the San Francisco River and its colorful canyon walls. Had a great hike.
This may be a dead end hike, but who cares: this is a pretty place!
2008-05-22 PrestonSands
