Route Editor
Route Scout
Magic by Desertboots We did this as a one-night backpacking trip on Oct 20-21. We started off at Roger's Trough Trailhead. Joe and the others are correct in half the fun is the drive in. It is necessary to at least have a high clearance vehicle and I would not go without a 4WD. A couple of friends and I did this in a two car shuttle. We parked my jeep at the Woodbury Trailhead and my friend's truck at the Roger's Trough Trailhead where we started. The trailheads are 3 miles apart, and trust me when I say this, after coming out the JF Trail at Woodbury Trailhead, you ain't a gonna wanna walk 3 more miles up some very steep hills to the Roger's Trough parking area! If you do this in a loop, use a two car shuttle. I also must recommend starting at Roger's Canyon and ending on JF Trail. It's easier. So, there are two descriptions on this site regarding these two trails. One for getting to the cliff dwellings via Roger's Canyon Trail, and the other coming in via the Woodbury Trailhead on the JF Trail. Both are great write-ups, so I'll just tell of my experience of doing this in a loop. We started out about 10:45 am on the Roger's Canyon Trail. It being mid-October, I think we were among the first hikers out in the Supers this season. They must have had a really good summer, because the trail was very overgrown. The water situation is apparently run-off based and not spring-based; as it was dry as a pop tart back there. I hiked Roger's Canyon in April one year and there was plenty of water in the drainage. Never underestimate your need for water, and I'll touch on this point a little later on. Also, I would like to recommend long pants and perhaps even a long-sleeved shirt. There were many a cat claw acacia gauntlets to run through on the trail, which left me sort of, well, pretty bloody. There is a really nice place to take a break about half to maybe 3/4 of the way to Angel Basin. It's a clearing with a campfire ring made of stones and some logs to have a sit down on. After this, you'll climb over a little pass and down in to the drainage area. There is a spot where you might lose the trail if you start going up the wash rather than crossing it. If you find yourself looking for the trail, look over to the other side of the wash and you will see it climbing up the bank. The trail makes a gradual turn west. Look up to the right and you'll see some caves. In there are the ruins. If you’re camping, go a bit past this and you'll find some great places to camp. There is a little area under some oak just a little past the ruins, then there are some more campsites along the trail a little further (which is where we camped) and then there is Angel Basin. You can't miss this, as it is a large meadow. Beautiful area. Breathtaking rock formations, excellent stargazing at night. I think it's a magical place. We pitched camp and went to explore the ruins. My friends climbed all the way to the upper ruin, but I was not confident enough for that. The last time I was here, there were bits and pieces of broken pottery scattered around. I didn't see any this time. Please, folks, just leave it be. Don't take anything. It's fun to have artifacts in your collections, I know, but it spoils it for the rest of us who would like to enjoy seeing traces of pre-historic human creativity right there at the site. The ruins are cool, but it's neat to see other stuff there as well. If you want Indian pottery, go buy it. You can get some really nice, unbroken objects in the art galleries around the state. You will help the artist by making a purchase, so it's a win-win situation. Back at camp, I discovered a small tarantula making it's way toward my backpack. I made one of my companions adios it because I am arachnophobic. I had the willies the rest of the evening. The next morning, we got going about 7:55am. We hiked up the JF Trail on a gradual climb to Tortilla Pass. This was a challenge because of the overgrowth, but it may get better with use throughout the season. Once you start switch backing up to the pass, it clears out and you have some terrific views of everything around you. You can even see the top of Four Peaks if you look toward the northwest. Once you go over Tortilla Pass (it was not marked when we were there) you begin to descend. You will descend for a long, long time. The trail is pretty much scree, so hiking poles are a great help. The trail levels out for a little while at one point and there are some shady spots to rest. It was here I ran out of water, and I lost a pin on my backpack (Kelty Tioga for Women). Great. We managed to fix it with a small substitute part, so I didn't have to ditch the pack You bottom out at Randolph Canyon Wash. At one point, I must warn the reader, it looks as if the trail goes into the wash and keeps going from there. It does not. Look for the trail going on straight ahead. Like I said before, it was overgrown and sometimes hard to see the trail. The trail will lead to a Windmill, this is the Woodbury Windmill. We had a copy of “Hiker’s Guide to the Superstition Wilderness” by Jack Carlson and Elizabeth Stewart. This is a very good and valuable book, and it saved our lives. If we hadn't had it, we would still be out there looking for the Woodbury Trailhead. Un fortunately, though, there isn't a description of the JF Tail coming to the Woodbury Trailhead, only going from it. So we had to read backwards. The map didn't include the Woodbury Windmill; it only referenced it in the narrative. One of my companions read the map as it was and it looked like we were about 2-3 miles off course. The windmill on the map is the windmill at JF Ranch. We didn't know where we were! We had no water. It was hot out. That is a very bad thing. It was the very first time I have ever run out of water on a trail. Here is where I will remind you that you should never underestimate your need for water. No food + no water + lost = deep in the hurt locker. We walked to the Windmill and I was hoping there was water there, as what are windmills for? There are no trail indicators at the windmill and the trails are not obvious at all. We walked on a trail past the windmill, as there were Cairns. After a while, we thought it felt wrong and so we went back to the Windmill. There we found a tank with a trough and a water pipe with water coming out. We descended upon it with wild abandon. Like those movies you see where someone is lost is the Sahara and comes across an oasis? I saw a trail heading south and I thought that it was what we wanted as the map indicated that we walk south from the windmill. I was right; we found the crossroads of the Coffee Flat Trail and the JF Trail. We were about a half a mile to the trailhead. The thing to remember is, at the windmill, keep going south. From the trail sign, it looks like you can only go east or west, but the trail to the west curves due south. The trail leads up an old road and once at the top, you will see the parking lot. Shangri-la. I apologize that I don't have any photos of the windmill area and the direction to go, but I had run out of battery juice in the camera. It's a Canon digital Elph. Also, I don't care how heavy it is, bring lots of water. Better to have too much. I bought a Magellan GPS this afternoon. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. 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 Reviews
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
Hiked with my sons. Caleb=11 and Braden=8. My son Braden's first backpacking trip. Overnighter. Didn't realize the road up Hewitt Canyon was so rough. Took longer than expected. Didn't start hiking until 4:30. Got dark soon, but enjoyed the night hike up and over Tortilla Pass. Boys did great. The last mile down from Tortilla Pass to Angel Basin is pretty overgrown. Fighting catclaw. Didn't get into camp until 9:00 PM. Lots of water in Angel Basin, nice flow in the creek bottom. Very windy in Angel Basin. Boys slept in the tent, I cowboy camped. Not as cold as I had anticipated it to be. Quite pleasant actually. Next morning was absolutely beautiful when the sun hit the cliffs surrounding the basin. Explored the cave dwellings for awhile. The boys were fascinated by them. Couldn't believe they were 700 years old. The hike up Roger's Canyon was phenomenal. Great hiking weather, not too hot, not too cold, gradual incline, beautiful fall colors. We didn't see anybody the whole trip until the last 2 miles up Rogers, then we ran into lots of people coming down. Once at Roger's Trough we hiked back down the road to Woodbury. What a view! You can see forever up there! Boys worn out by the time we got down. Last mile was tough on Braden and I wondered if I had pushed him 1 mile too far. But when we got home he said he wanted a new backpack, better shoes and a new headlamp for Christmas. Success!!!
Foliage
Yellow, Orange, Brown. Stunning Colors in Roger's Canyon.
Foliage
Yellow, Orange, Brown. Stunning Colors in Roger's Canyon.
2015-11-20 bmwbj2
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
Central Supes Loop
Just a five day 55 mile jaunt through the middle of the Superstition Wilderness. I met Wally with a friend on Christmas day at Roger's Trough, 7:30. Wally showed me a few sets of lesser traveled cliff-dwellings in area and we both finally located the trough at Angel Basin, which for all the time we had spent out there neither of us had been until that day. Towards the end of the day I had one of my nicest finds in Supes, a very nice set of cliff-dwellings. Christmas turned out to be a day of great finds, and a little over 13 miles of exploring. Despite hurricane force winds we hung around the fire, chatted and ate food for the rest of the night. Wally left in the morning and Lucy, myself and the dogs started the annoying climb to Tortilla Divide and the JF Ranch Trail.
Day two consisted of Roger's Canyon to JF Ranch Trail, to Coffee Flats Trail, to Reed's Water where we camped. I did do some additional exploring on day two. I cam across another cliff-dwelling, in the past this would have been the find of the year for me, however, after what we came across the day before, it was more reserved, but still appreciated. I spend so much time in the more remote areas, I had forgotten about places like Reed's Water. We got water from the well, had a nice dinner and enjoyed a very nice camp site in a picturesque area. However, the windmill can get quite noisy and startle you at time when it creaks and starts.
Day three was our short day and recovery day, we met my good friend Jim around the Charlebois area and went to one of our favorite spots. The dogs rested we rested and ate some food while considering our options for returning to Roger's Trough.
Day four consisted of the Dutchman to Red Tanks, Red Tanks to Hoolie Bacon, and then the JF Ranch Trail to Clover Spring for camp. On Hoolie Bacon I saw two hikers with llamas the was different. Saw some day hikers when we got closer to the intersection with JF Trail, other than that Hoolie Bacon was well..Hoolie Bacon. JF trail was in typical form as well, century plants across the trail, and prickly pear and agave winning the battle for trail supremacy. The above couple with the fact that we seemed to have been climbing all day on day four, first the Upper La Barge Box and then the climb from Horse Camp Basin to Horse Ridge and right back up the JF..sigh..I banked a lot on my one memory of JF from a year ago and thought we would have a place to camp, water and maybe some wood near Clover Spring. The gamble worked, as camping options along the JF Trail are very limited.
Day five we hiked to Tortilla Divide, the last stretch to the divide is becoming quite the little bushwhack in spots as you make your climb from JF Trail. We then took JF Ranch Trail to the Woodbury Ranch site, and instead of making our way to established TH, I took care of my last 1.2 miles left of marked Supes trails and hiked the portion that ends at FR 172. From there the hike was kind of hard at times, the wind was blowing really hard and I now had dogs on lead, plus the fatigue of having already hiked in from Clover Spring and now we were climbing up to Roger's Trough, but we made it and were in car heading down FR 172 by 12:30.
My AEG is all jacked up, but final miles for trip were 54.6. This "trek" was particularly unique because of the sharp contrasts in the environments we hiked through, from the often snow covered area around Iron Mountain, to the riparian, and jungle like areas along Coffee Flats in Randolph Canyon, then the low desert areas, back to the canopy areas along La Barge then back up to the wind-swept ridge-lines of JF Ranch Trail, finishing up at the sparsely vegetated Woodbury Ranch area. One night I was putting on lotion so my neck would not peal from a little sun burn and the next morning the dog's water was frozen.
Day two consisted of Roger's Canyon to JF Ranch Trail, to Coffee Flats Trail, to Reed's Water where we camped. I did do some additional exploring on day two. I cam across another cliff-dwelling, in the past this would have been the find of the year for me, however, after what we came across the day before, it was more reserved, but still appreciated. I spend so much time in the more remote areas, I had forgotten about places like Reed's Water. We got water from the well, had a nice dinner and enjoyed a very nice camp site in a picturesque area. However, the windmill can get quite noisy and startle you at time when it creaks and starts.
Day three was our short day and recovery day, we met my good friend Jim around the Charlebois area and went to one of our favorite spots. The dogs rested we rested and ate some food while considering our options for returning to Roger's Trough.
Day four consisted of the Dutchman to Red Tanks, Red Tanks to Hoolie Bacon, and then the JF Ranch Trail to Clover Spring for camp. On Hoolie Bacon I saw two hikers with llamas the was different. Saw some day hikers when we got closer to the intersection with JF Trail, other than that Hoolie Bacon was well..Hoolie Bacon. JF trail was in typical form as well, century plants across the trail, and prickly pear and agave winning the battle for trail supremacy. The above couple with the fact that we seemed to have been climbing all day on day four, first the Upper La Barge Box and then the climb from Horse Camp Basin to Horse Ridge and right back up the JF..sigh..I banked a lot on my one memory of JF from a year ago and thought we would have a place to camp, water and maybe some wood near Clover Spring. The gamble worked, as camping options along the JF Trail are very limited.
Day five we hiked to Tortilla Divide, the last stretch to the divide is becoming quite the little bushwhack in spots as you make your climb from JF Trail. We then took JF Ranch Trail to the Woodbury Ranch site, and instead of making our way to established TH, I took care of my last 1.2 miles left of marked Supes trails and hiked the portion that ends at FR 172. From there the hike was kind of hard at times, the wind was blowing really hard and I now had dogs on lead, plus the fatigue of having already hiked in from Clover Spring and now we were climbing up to Roger's Trough, but we made it and were in car heading down FR 172 by 12:30.
My AEG is all jacked up, but final miles for trip were 54.6. This "trek" was particularly unique because of the sharp contrasts in the environments we hiked through, from the often snow covered area around Iron Mountain, to the riparian, and jungle like areas along Coffee Flats in Randolph Canyon, then the low desert areas, back to the canopy areas along La Barge then back up to the wind-swept ridge-lines of JF Ranch Trail, finishing up at the sparsely vegetated Woodbury Ranch area. One night I was putting on lotion so my neck would not peal from a little sun burn and the next morning the dog's water was frozen.
2013-12-25 friendofThundergod
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
Great hike with 7 of us in the group. We started at Woodbury and did the loop backwards. We didn't see any other hikers until we reached the ruins, then it was pretty busy back to Rogers Trough. As we were walking back to Woodbury, we were offered a ride in the back of a truck. After 2 1/2 miles, we decided to get out and walk again to take pictures of the abundance of poppies and lupine.
2008-03-15 liza_k
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
Tyler - Dirt4dinner
Ryan - CrocodileRyan
Steve (first time backpacking)- Needs to sign up on HAZ!
What a GREAT TRIP! We started at Woodbury Trail Head, and did the loop backwards. We also skipped the whole shuttle nonsense, and just hoofed it from the Roger's Trough Trail Head back down FSR 172, and then jumped onto FT 114 back down to JF Ranch, then back to the car at Woodbury (the road SUCKED...and killed our already tired feet) but it was worth it to make the complete loop from Woodbury, back to Woodbury.
We stayed the night at a terrific camp site just East of Angel Basin near the creek (which was flowing from trail head to trail head. We left the car at about 6 pm and didn't get to camp until after 10pm. We had a new backpacker with us, and he suffered up the climb to Tortilla Pass and was slow getting down the backside because of fatigue. A nice dinner at camp and a terrific night sleep in surprisingly warm conditions refreshed all of our energy for the hike out. We broke camp and headed out at about 8:30, we were the first ones to the Roger's Canyon Ruins, and spent about 40 minutes climbing around the different caves and taking loads of photos! What a terrific destination, I was so impressed with this historic site. If you haven't been there...get out of the house and make it happen, you will be happy you did!
On the hike out after the ruins, we ran into 3 boy scout groups, and at least another 20 hikers coming down for the day from Roger's Trough Trail Head. Once we got the that trail head, we had a sit down, and snagged a cold bottle of water from a group that was just getting ready to hit the trail. Then we started the march up the road.
One side note to this trail, the section of Roger's Trail, just west of Angel Basin is in bad shape. It's severely over grown with all kinds of spiny plants, and ducking down low to get under branches was frequent. However, don't let that scare you away, it's a great loop!
One more note, there are many more camping spots between the ruins and Roger's Trough Trail Head if you are looking for some solitude as it appears Angel Basin gets pretty busy on the weekends. We had the place to ourselves on Friday night, but there were at least 3 or 4 parties headed in for Saturday night.
Ryan - CrocodileRyan
Steve (first time backpacking)- Needs to sign up on HAZ!
What a GREAT TRIP! We started at Woodbury Trail Head, and did the loop backwards. We also skipped the whole shuttle nonsense, and just hoofed it from the Roger's Trough Trail Head back down FSR 172, and then jumped onto FT 114 back down to JF Ranch, then back to the car at Woodbury (the road SUCKED...and killed our already tired feet) but it was worth it to make the complete loop from Woodbury, back to Woodbury.
We stayed the night at a terrific camp site just East of Angel Basin near the creek (which was flowing from trail head to trail head. We left the car at about 6 pm and didn't get to camp until after 10pm. We had a new backpacker with us, and he suffered up the climb to Tortilla Pass and was slow getting down the backside because of fatigue. A nice dinner at camp and a terrific night sleep in surprisingly warm conditions refreshed all of our energy for the hike out. We broke camp and headed out at about 8:30, we were the first ones to the Roger's Canyon Ruins, and spent about 40 minutes climbing around the different caves and taking loads of photos! What a terrific destination, I was so impressed with this historic site. If you haven't been there...get out of the house and make it happen, you will be happy you did!
On the hike out after the ruins, we ran into 3 boy scout groups, and at least another 20 hikers coming down for the day from Roger's Trough Trail Head. Once we got the that trail head, we had a sit down, and snagged a cold bottle of water from a group that was just getting ready to hit the trail. Then we started the march up the road.
One side note to this trail, the section of Roger's Trail, just west of Angel Basin is in bad shape. It's severely over grown with all kinds of spiny plants, and ducking down low to get under branches was frequent. However, don't let that scare you away, it's a great loop!
One more note, there are many more camping spots between the ruins and Roger's Trough Trail Head if you are looking for some solitude as it appears Angel Basin gets pretty busy on the weekends. We had the place to ourselves on Friday night, but there were at least 3 or 4 parties headed in for Saturday night.
2008-03-14 Dirt4dinner
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
Day 1:
Wake up early to get to the shuttle. As I pick up my pack, I notice that it is soaking wet...I find out I didn't properly seal my water bladder the night before. With no time to do much about it, I quickly shake it out, reseal the bladder, and towel off the outside of the pack and the puddle. In my haste, I didn't even think to refill the 1.5 liters or so that had drained out.
Met everyone at Miles Trailhead. We head out west on the West Pinto Creek Trail on a cool morning. The hiking is pretty easy, most of it is shaded and in the creek bed. Piece of cake.
At Oak Flat we head north and begin the long climb up the Campaign Trail to get to the Campaign Divide. It looks like the trail has been worked on recently near Oak Flat. There's new trail signs and the trail has been cleared wide...for about the first mile. After that, the trail gradually disintegrates and turns into an all out bushwhack as you approach the divide. Bring your kevlar hiking gear. This was a substantial climb, luckily it wasn't too hot.
We take the rest of Campaign downhill in Campaign Creek until we get to the pines at the Fire Line Intersection. You lose both half of the elevation you gained going up to the divide, and a pint of blood to this other half of the Campaign.
Fireline goes west, up and over Mound Mountain. What better way to get to Reavis Ranch than to climb over the tallest mountain in the Supes with a backpack... Actually, I really liked the Fireline trail. Nearly the entire trail is in the shade and the views are pretty darn good. It is also clear of thorns.
Up at the top, I took a side trip to see Circlestone. It was rather interesting, though it should be cleared of the trees so you could really get a feel for the place and the commanding lookout it has. I also took a look at Mound Mountain. It looked like about a 300 foot climb, but it was both very steep and heavily choked with vegetation. Running low on time and motivation, I passed up the summit. I'll file Mound Mountain peak in my "to do when you are absolutely out of other things to do" file.
Down Fireline to Reavis Ranch, ending with finding water at Reavis Creek. Filtering water that night, I spooked a skunk, or the skunk spooked me. Luckily he was not an angry fellow and the scene played out without any mishaps.
At night, I was finally able to dry out my soaked gear over the fire.
I consumed about 4.5 liters of water, temps ranged mid 40s to upper 70s, or at least that's what it felt like.
Day 1 Water report:
No water sighted on West Pinto Creek to Oak Flat
No water sighted on Campaign Trail to Divide
No water sighted on Campain Trail Divid to intersection with Fireline
No water sighted on Fireline Trail
Water at Reavis Ranch-The creek at Reavis Ranch is flowing...slowly.
(Other hikers indicated they were searching for water at "unmapped springs" near Oak Flat, no idea if they were successful)
Day 2:
Wake up at Reavis. Meant to start out at 8, actually got moving at 9. Headed south on Reavis Trail. This is one beautiful section of trail. Good views, no catclaw, good shade for awhile, what more could you ask for. Eventually, you begin a steep descent down Grave Canyon to get to Rogers. After the last switchback, look for a cairn on the west right as you have gone 50 feet in the creekbed for Reavis Grave.
At the bottom, we continue down Rogers Canyon. There's a little catclaw here and there, but nothing unmanageable. I scoped out the creek for water hiding under boulders and rocks, finding none. I checked out the ruins again, but had to continue on soon enough. The last eighth of a mile to Angel Basin goes through a catclaw forest, so now is a good time to don the kevlar full body armor.
We head south from Angel Basin. You may have a difficult time locating the continuance of Roger's Canyon through here. This is called foreshadowing. The fact that you can't find the trail means that...yep, it's rarely travelled and never maintained. Experienced Supes hikers know that this means one thing: bushwhacking through thorny hell. The portion of Rogers Canyon that climbs up to JF is the worst official trail I have seen in the Supes. The catclaw, shrub oak, and occasional prickley peak are ridiculous. Its not until you hit the switchbacks near the top of Tortilla Pass that it begins to relent. The record-breaking heat wasn't helping either. So fit your gas powered hedgeclippers and self-contained air-conditioner in that ultralightweight pack of yours
At JF, we continue on south and the trail is marginally better. When I hit the Randolph Canyon intersection, I find about half of our group. Apparently they decided to wait for most in the group to catch up. Worried that people wouldn't be able to make it to Dripping Springs, especially since some opted to take Frog Tanks instead, they have been waiting. Some had cached gear in Stiller's car at Woodbury, but with no car keys, couldn't retrieve it yet.
Waiting there, eventually Wally arrives with the keys. Looking at our watches, we decide there is no way the remaining members could make it to Dripping Springs before dark, so we leave a note and head to Woodbury to camp.
I looked around at the windmill and cows at the Woodbury Ranch site and continued on. Since Stiller had extra water in his car, even the people who hadn't cached water could partially refill, so it worked out for everyone.
I consumed about 6 liters of water. Temps ranged from the lower 40s to upper 80s, or at least that's what it felt like. At night, there was a localized hurricane apparently headed right over Woodbury as there were 30-40 mph winds from 6PM to 7AM the next morning.
Day 2 water report:
Water at Reavis Ranch, no water on Reavis Trail once you leave the creek that runs along the first mile of the trail.
No water in Grave Canyon
No water in Rogers Canyon
No water in Angel Basin
No water on western Branch of Rogers Trail
No Water on lower JF Trail south of Rogers Trail
No water at woodbury ranch
Water found in Stiller's car.
(Other hikers report finding water in Fish Creek off of Frog Tanks)
Day 3:
Pack up your gear or watch it fly away in the wind. It never got cold but the wind prevented anyone from sleeping well, especially those in tents. Started out hiking the road to JF Ranch. Passed the ranch and went onto the Coffee Flat Trail. Pretty easy stuff, just stay in the creekbed.
We found water along Coffee Flat Trail, so everyone was able to top off. This relegated the trip to Reeds Water as unnecessary. We keep going until we get to Dripping Springs. Don't count on Dripping Springs for refilling your water. Some people ate breakfast, but I continued on Red Tanks.
Heading north, you bake in the sun on a day for record heat in November. Oh, and there is abundant catclaw as well. The climb is pretty steady once you climb out of the creekbed, until you finally top out at the Red Tanks Divide. I had to rest in the shade of a boulder for 20 minutes to cool down as I felt the oncoming signs of heat exhaustion. (I was thinking I was talking to people who weren't on the hike, when I realized that, I knew it was time to take a break.)
A short time later, I summit over the divide and head down through catclaw hell to get down to the creekbed. Holy Criminey, those thorns are sharp. I swear they have purposely routed that trail through the worst sections of the catclaw just to screw with you. Do many people do this trail? Not by the looks of it.
When I finally drop into the upper labarge creek area, I had to wander around for about 30 minutes to find where the hell you are supposed to go. It's hot out and there are creeks and side trails everywhere. I eventually back track to where I began and start following the creek beds. By the third one I saw a cairn and followed it to the signs at the intersection of Hoolie and Red Tanks.
You begin the steep climb up into Upper Labarge Box. I catch up briefly to some of the people ahead of me, but then take a break and am on my own again. Upper Labarge Box is pretty interesting, but the trail is precarious along the upper portion of the northern cliffs. I pass up climbing to Herman's cave, which I have done before and wouldn't recommend, and continue on down the canyon.
Finding the intersection with Whiskey, it is a fairly level walk along Red Tanks. This portion is definitely in worse shape then when I hiked it last year. There is more catclaw and there are several camping areas with side trails going every which way that have obscured where the hell the true trail is supposed to continue.
Eventually I make it to LaBarge Spring, where we decided to camp for the night, versus continuing on to Charlesbois.
I consumed about 6.5 liters of water. Temps ranged from the lower 50s to the low 90s, or at least that's what it felt like. I slept like a baby that night.
Day 3 water report:
Water found on Coffee Flat Trail.
Dripping Springs was Dripping, but not really useful.
Stagnant water found in Randolph Canyon intersection with Red Tanks.
No water seen in upper Red Tanks to Upper Labarge Box.
No water seen in Upper Labarge Box. (Some hikers reported seeing a pool somewhere, I might have missed it, it may not be accessible.)
No water sighted along Red Tanks from Whiskey Spring to Dutchman.
LaBarge Spring was flowing at about a liter a minute.
Day 4:
Wake up and find people ready to head out. We march on the Dutchman. I found the Peralta master Map, but I zoned out and didn't really scope out Charlesbois, Needle Canyon, Marsh Valley, or Hidden Valley like I had wanted to. It got gradually hotter and hotter, but I finished before it go too hot. Then, waited at the trailhead for everyone else to finish.
I consumed about 4 liters of water. Temps ranged from the mid 40s to the mid 90s, or at least that's what it felt like. I finished before it got quite that hot though.
Day 4 Water report:
No water sighted along Dutchman.
(Other hikers reported that Charlesbois is flowing, but the trough is nearly empty.)
It was great hiking with all of you. This was a great trip, even though the weather in November didn't cooperate with our plans. I had almost all of these trails on my wish lists and can't believe we did them all in 3 and a half days.
Wake up early to get to the shuttle. As I pick up my pack, I notice that it is soaking wet...I find out I didn't properly seal my water bladder the night before. With no time to do much about it, I quickly shake it out, reseal the bladder, and towel off the outside of the pack and the puddle. In my haste, I didn't even think to refill the 1.5 liters or so that had drained out.
Met everyone at Miles Trailhead. We head out west on the West Pinto Creek Trail on a cool morning. The hiking is pretty easy, most of it is shaded and in the creek bed. Piece of cake.
At Oak Flat we head north and begin the long climb up the Campaign Trail to get to the Campaign Divide. It looks like the trail has been worked on recently near Oak Flat. There's new trail signs and the trail has been cleared wide...for about the first mile. After that, the trail gradually disintegrates and turns into an all out bushwhack as you approach the divide. Bring your kevlar hiking gear. This was a substantial climb, luckily it wasn't too hot.
We take the rest of Campaign downhill in Campaign Creek until we get to the pines at the Fire Line Intersection. You lose both half of the elevation you gained going up to the divide, and a pint of blood to this other half of the Campaign.
Fireline goes west, up and over Mound Mountain. What better way to get to Reavis Ranch than to climb over the tallest mountain in the Supes with a backpack... Actually, I really liked the Fireline trail. Nearly the entire trail is in the shade and the views are pretty darn good. It is also clear of thorns.
Up at the top, I took a side trip to see Circlestone. It was rather interesting, though it should be cleared of the trees so you could really get a feel for the place and the commanding lookout it has. I also took a look at Mound Mountain. It looked like about a 300 foot climb, but it was both very steep and heavily choked with vegetation. Running low on time and motivation, I passed up the summit. I'll file Mound Mountain peak in my "to do when you are absolutely out of other things to do" file.
Down Fireline to Reavis Ranch, ending with finding water at Reavis Creek. Filtering water that night, I spooked a skunk, or the skunk spooked me. Luckily he was not an angry fellow and the scene played out without any mishaps.
At night, I was finally able to dry out my soaked gear over the fire.
I consumed about 4.5 liters of water, temps ranged mid 40s to upper 70s, or at least that's what it felt like.
Day 1 Water report:
No water sighted on West Pinto Creek to Oak Flat
No water sighted on Campaign Trail to Divide
No water sighted on Campain Trail Divid to intersection with Fireline
No water sighted on Fireline Trail
Water at Reavis Ranch-The creek at Reavis Ranch is flowing...slowly.
(Other hikers indicated they were searching for water at "unmapped springs" near Oak Flat, no idea if they were successful)
Day 2:
Wake up at Reavis. Meant to start out at 8, actually got moving at 9. Headed south on Reavis Trail. This is one beautiful section of trail. Good views, no catclaw, good shade for awhile, what more could you ask for. Eventually, you begin a steep descent down Grave Canyon to get to Rogers. After the last switchback, look for a cairn on the west right as you have gone 50 feet in the creekbed for Reavis Grave.
At the bottom, we continue down Rogers Canyon. There's a little catclaw here and there, but nothing unmanageable. I scoped out the creek for water hiding under boulders and rocks, finding none. I checked out the ruins again, but had to continue on soon enough. The last eighth of a mile to Angel Basin goes through a catclaw forest, so now is a good time to don the kevlar full body armor.
We head south from Angel Basin. You may have a difficult time locating the continuance of Roger's Canyon through here. This is called foreshadowing. The fact that you can't find the trail means that...yep, it's rarely travelled and never maintained. Experienced Supes hikers know that this means one thing: bushwhacking through thorny hell. The portion of Rogers Canyon that climbs up to JF is the worst official trail I have seen in the Supes. The catclaw, shrub oak, and occasional prickley peak are ridiculous. Its not until you hit the switchbacks near the top of Tortilla Pass that it begins to relent. The record-breaking heat wasn't helping either. So fit your gas powered hedgeclippers and self-contained air-conditioner in that ultralightweight pack of yours
At JF, we continue on south and the trail is marginally better. When I hit the Randolph Canyon intersection, I find about half of our group. Apparently they decided to wait for most in the group to catch up. Worried that people wouldn't be able to make it to Dripping Springs, especially since some opted to take Frog Tanks instead, they have been waiting. Some had cached gear in Stiller's car at Woodbury, but with no car keys, couldn't retrieve it yet.
Waiting there, eventually Wally arrives with the keys. Looking at our watches, we decide there is no way the remaining members could make it to Dripping Springs before dark, so we leave a note and head to Woodbury to camp.
I looked around at the windmill and cows at the Woodbury Ranch site and continued on. Since Stiller had extra water in his car, even the people who hadn't cached water could partially refill, so it worked out for everyone.
I consumed about 6 liters of water. Temps ranged from the lower 40s to upper 80s, or at least that's what it felt like. At night, there was a localized hurricane apparently headed right over Woodbury as there were 30-40 mph winds from 6PM to 7AM the next morning.
Day 2 water report:
Water at Reavis Ranch, no water on Reavis Trail once you leave the creek that runs along the first mile of the trail.
No water in Grave Canyon
No water in Rogers Canyon
No water in Angel Basin
No water on western Branch of Rogers Trail
No Water on lower JF Trail south of Rogers Trail
No water at woodbury ranch
Water found in Stiller's car.
(Other hikers report finding water in Fish Creek off of Frog Tanks)
Day 3:
Pack up your gear or watch it fly away in the wind. It never got cold but the wind prevented anyone from sleeping well, especially those in tents. Started out hiking the road to JF Ranch. Passed the ranch and went onto the Coffee Flat Trail. Pretty easy stuff, just stay in the creekbed.
We found water along Coffee Flat Trail, so everyone was able to top off. This relegated the trip to Reeds Water as unnecessary. We keep going until we get to Dripping Springs. Don't count on Dripping Springs for refilling your water. Some people ate breakfast, but I continued on Red Tanks.
Heading north, you bake in the sun on a day for record heat in November. Oh, and there is abundant catclaw as well. The climb is pretty steady once you climb out of the creekbed, until you finally top out at the Red Tanks Divide. I had to rest in the shade of a boulder for 20 minutes to cool down as I felt the oncoming signs of heat exhaustion. (I was thinking I was talking to people who weren't on the hike, when I realized that, I knew it was time to take a break.)
A short time later, I summit over the divide and head down through catclaw hell to get down to the creekbed. Holy Criminey, those thorns are sharp. I swear they have purposely routed that trail through the worst sections of the catclaw just to screw with you. Do many people do this trail? Not by the looks of it.
When I finally drop into the upper labarge creek area, I had to wander around for about 30 minutes to find where the hell you are supposed to go. It's hot out and there are creeks and side trails everywhere. I eventually back track to where I began and start following the creek beds. By the third one I saw a cairn and followed it to the signs at the intersection of Hoolie and Red Tanks.
You begin the steep climb up into Upper Labarge Box. I catch up briefly to some of the people ahead of me, but then take a break and am on my own again. Upper Labarge Box is pretty interesting, but the trail is precarious along the upper portion of the northern cliffs. I pass up climbing to Herman's cave, which I have done before and wouldn't recommend, and continue on down the canyon.
Finding the intersection with Whiskey, it is a fairly level walk along Red Tanks. This portion is definitely in worse shape then when I hiked it last year. There is more catclaw and there are several camping areas with side trails going every which way that have obscured where the hell the true trail is supposed to continue.
Eventually I make it to LaBarge Spring, where we decided to camp for the night, versus continuing on to Charlesbois.
I consumed about 6.5 liters of water. Temps ranged from the lower 50s to the low 90s, or at least that's what it felt like. I slept like a baby that night.
Day 3 water report:
Water found on Coffee Flat Trail.
Dripping Springs was Dripping, but not really useful.
Stagnant water found in Randolph Canyon intersection with Red Tanks.
No water seen in upper Red Tanks to Upper Labarge Box.
No water seen in Upper Labarge Box. (Some hikers reported seeing a pool somewhere, I might have missed it, it may not be accessible.)
No water sighted along Red Tanks from Whiskey Spring to Dutchman.
LaBarge Spring was flowing at about a liter a minute.
Day 4:
Wake up and find people ready to head out. We march on the Dutchman. I found the Peralta master Map, but I zoned out and didn't really scope out Charlesbois, Needle Canyon, Marsh Valley, or Hidden Valley like I had wanted to. It got gradually hotter and hotter, but I finished before it go too hot. Then, waited at the trailhead for everyone else to finish.
I consumed about 4 liters of water. Temps ranged from the mid 40s to the mid 90s, or at least that's what it felt like. I finished before it got quite that hot though.
Day 4 Water report:
No water sighted along Dutchman.
(Other hikers reported that Charlesbois is flowing, but the trough is nearly empty.)
It was great hiking with all of you. This was a great trip, even though the weather in November didn't cooperate with our plans. I had almost all of these trails on my wish lists and can't believe we did them all in 3 and a half days.
2007-11-06 nonot
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
With son Max and other scouts and dads hiked Saturday from Rogers Trough TH to Angel Basin and camped overnight. Visited the Salado site that afternoon. Hiked out on Sunday via JF trail to Woodbury TH. Youngest boy was 11 and weighted about 60 pounds. Everyone carried 4 quarts or liters of water as well as camping & meal prep equipment and food. Turned out that we also filtered water from pools near the Salado site. Troop was educated the week before about the Salado and etiquette at ancient sites by a dad who is an archeologist. Sleeping out saw 2 bright and long Leonid meteor streaks.
I've seen both negative and positive comments about Boy Scouts on this website. Here's a positive one. We found 2 three person Coleman tents with tent flies, poles, stakes and bags, 2 heavy vinyl mattresses, 3 cans of food, 2 flashlights with batteries, a can of bug spray, a day pack, assorted clothing and assorted trash at a campsite on the Rogers Trough Trail a few hundred yards above Angel Basin. The tents and mattresses were dirty and torn and at least one section in every pole set was broken. The boys and even some of the dads assumed an emergency such as the campers being hurt or chased off by a bear or lion. Based on dirt and leaves in the torn up tents it became clear that the stuff had been there for several weeks. Having seen abandoned equipment and food in Havasupi and the Grand Canyon before, my assumption is less kind; it was left by persons who didn't want to carry it out and were too lazy to organize a return trip to retrieve it. We gather everything up, cut the tents and mattresses into smaller pieces, and every Scout and dad carried some of it out. At Woodbury we piled it all up, took pictures, bagged it into 3 thirty-gallon trash bags and weighted it (30#). Upon return to Tempe into the trash bin it went. Real proud of these Scouts!
I've seen both negative and positive comments about Boy Scouts on this website. Here's a positive one. We found 2 three person Coleman tents with tent flies, poles, stakes and bags, 2 heavy vinyl mattresses, 3 cans of food, 2 flashlights with batteries, a can of bug spray, a day pack, assorted clothing and assorted trash at a campsite on the Rogers Trough Trail a few hundred yards above Angel Basin. The tents and mattresses were dirty and torn and at least one section in every pole set was broken. The boys and even some of the dads assumed an emergency such as the campers being hurt or chased off by a bear or lion. Based on dirt and leaves in the torn up tents it became clear that the stuff had been there for several weeks. Having seen abandoned equipment and food in Havasupi and the Grand Canyon before, my assumption is less kind; it was left by persons who didn't want to carry it out and were too lazy to organize a return trip to retrieve it. We gather everything up, cut the tents and mattresses into smaller pieces, and every Scout and dad carried some of it out. At Woodbury we piled it all up, took pictures, bagged it into 3 thirty-gallon trash bags and weighted it (30#). Upon return to Tempe into the trash bin it went. Real proud of these Scouts!
2006-11-18 Harry
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
Retired guys: Vince & Harry
2 hour drive from Tempe to Rogers Trough TH, locked up bikes, drive back to Woodbury TH & park. Start on JF @ 8:10 am, 9:55 @ saddle (seeing L to R: 4 Peaks, Castle Dome, Iron Mtn), 11:00 @ grassy meadow & Fish Tanks Trail (Angel Basin?), 11:30 up in ruins for break, Noon leave ruins, 2:15 pm at bikes, 2:45 left for home. Super hike. JF to Rogers is good direction for views and trail. Wild bike ride down the mountain. Many camp spots near basin area. Heavy traffic on Rogers Canyon trail (saw 22 other hikes on it, none on JF trail).
2 hour drive from Tempe to Rogers Trough TH, locked up bikes, drive back to Woodbury TH & park. Start on JF @ 8:10 am, 9:55 @ saddle (seeing L to R: 4 Peaks, Castle Dome, Iron Mtn), 11:00 @ grassy meadow & Fish Tanks Trail (Angel Basin?), 11:30 up in ruins for break, Noon leave ruins, 2:15 pm at bikes, 2:45 left for home. Super hike. JF to Rogers is good direction for views and trail. Wild bike ride down the mountain. Many camp spots near basin area. Heavy traffic on Rogers Canyon trail (saw 22 other hikes on it, none on JF trail).
2004-03-01 Harry
Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop
Myself, Arizonaheat, Jmzblond, and her two boys did this hike last weekend, clockwise from Woodbury to Rogers Trough. This was my first trip to the cliff dwellings and I was really impressed by them. I have to agree with Fritzski about the climb up to Tortilla Pass - Rogers Canyon Trail is much more enjoyable than JF. The only wildlife we saw was a group of about 8 mule deer from the FS road coming down from Rogers Trough. Desertboots - I hope when you said you had your friend "adios" the tarantula, that doesn't mean it was killed!! No animal should have to die because of your irrational fear!
2003-02-02 cactuscat
