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The Middle Of Nowhere by ssk44  Overview Willow Mountain is a remote destination located deep within the San Carlos Indian Reservation. The summit has an elevation of 7,817 making it the highest legally accessible mountain located within the reservation. *The highest mountain located within the San Carlos Reservation is Mount Turnbull with a summit elevation of 8,282. Mount Turnbull is located in an area referred to as Unit D. Unit D is closed to non-members. Hunting is allowed in Unit D with an Indian guild. The former Willow Mountain Fire Lookout was originally constructed in 1930 by the San Carlos Indian Reservation. The tower is a 20 foot two-story building of wood construction and is currently in extremely deteriorated condition. The tower is dangerous and unstable (Climb/explore at own risk). The Willow Mountain Fire Lookout was replaced in 1984 by the current Dry Lake Fire Lookout, located 15.5 miles to the southwest. The summit of Willow Mountain has areas of ponderosa pine, however is mainly made up of gamble oak and various low brush. Hike The summit of Willow Mountain is mostly a walk-about destination, however a short off-trail hike to the northern edge of the mountain is available. It's easy and your already there... You may as well experience everything the mountain has to offer. Camping Overnight car camping is permitted on Willow Mountain, however only two mediocre sites exist (lower saddle switchback and summit). A good car camping option located within the vicinity of Willow Mountain is an area southeast of Big Prairie near Pine Flat Tank off SC-1800. There's a nice large pocket of ponderosa pine out there and the area sees very limited road traffic. Summary Willow Mountain is a great weekend adventure. If you've never experienced the San Carlos Indian Reservation, this destination may be a good place to start. The res seems like a different time and place. The central San Carlos Indian Reservation is the last frontier in Arizona. The feeling of remote isolation is unavoidable. You really need to experience it in person to truly understand. Enjoy! !!Warning!! This is an extremely isolated and exposed destination that see very few visitors. The nearest cell phone signal is about 50 miles away. No services exist in Point of Pines. Use caution and discretion during ALL activities. You're on your own. Check out the Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your walk/tour 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
Willow Mountain Fire Lookout - Former
Willow Mountain Fire Lookout (May 7th 2011)
This outing was a day trip with my dad. My appetite for exploration within the San Carlos Reservation is far from satisfied and the decommissioned Willow Mountain Lookout seemed like a no-brainer. It's the highest point on the res and it towers 2,000 feet above the surrounding area. This place is truly in the middle of nowhere and it feels like it. Nobody is going to help you out here. We spent about an hour exploring the summit and then headed down below the saddle for a nice shady lunch under some ponderosa pine. Ha! We just parked right in the road and pulled out the chairs. You don't have to worry about moving the vehicle for others. The odds of more then one group per day heading up here is about as likely as a Sasquatch sighting. On second thought... This is the res. A Sasquatch sighting is probably not completely out of the question. Wink.
I was blessed to visit some incredible backcountry destinations across the central San Carlos Reservation in 2011. Willow Mountain was a nice addition to the list and being able to share it with my dad was special. We had a great day!
Eric (ssk44)
This outing was a day trip with my dad. My appetite for exploration within the San Carlos Reservation is far from satisfied and the decommissioned Willow Mountain Lookout seemed like a no-brainer. It's the highest point on the res and it towers 2,000 feet above the surrounding area. This place is truly in the middle of nowhere and it feels like it. Nobody is going to help you out here. We spent about an hour exploring the summit and then headed down below the saddle for a nice shady lunch under some ponderosa pine. Ha! We just parked right in the road and pulled out the chairs. You don't have to worry about moving the vehicle for others. The odds of more then one group per day heading up here is about as likely as a Sasquatch sighting. On second thought... This is the res. A Sasquatch sighting is probably not completely out of the question. Wink.
I was blessed to visit some incredible backcountry destinations across the central San Carlos Reservation in 2011. Willow Mountain was a nice addition to the list and being able to share it with my dad was special. We had a great day!
Eric (ssk44)
2011-05-07 ssk44
