FR 1935 - N Hardt Tank Road, AZ

I was looking for an easy hike this morning, and one with a wide enough trail that would allow me the chance to enjoy the scenery without constantly "searching" for the spring rattlers. This hike was just the ticket. Having read that the Elephant Butte area was quickly becoming absorbed by private property and homes, I figured I would once more visit before this evolved out of the question.


FR1935 is not marked, but a check with the Tonto NF's Globe District office confirmed it remains. This hike begins on a point along FR 1935 (Hardt Tank Rd) shortly after turning off Elephant Butte Road. Proceed along the abandoned jeep trail, through the Forest Service boundary gate, and continue along as you cross multiple times an unnamed creek/wash, which leads up to Hardt Tank. Shortly after passing the tank, you will come to a point where the road overlooks Byous Butte, Robles Butte, and the entire Hewitt Canyon area.From this point, you can continue along FR 1935 down into the canyon and connect with FR 1900 (and later FR 172); but, today I chose to turn northward and do the relatively easy, off-trail climb, along the ridge that quickly rose, which turned westerly toward, but culminated on an unnamed peak before reaching Peak 2941. From this vantage point, I had terrific 360 degrees views. (refer to GPS route for more precise navigation)

2013-04-02 sventre