Route Editor
Route Scout
The Real Gaddes Canyon by MEWhiteman  Overview: Trail #9037 goes between FR413 and the Gaddes Canyon Trail #110 staying in Gaddes Canyon the entire way. Most of the trail is shaded by large pine and oak trees and is a pleasant segment for loops utilizing the Coleman or Gaddes Canyon (#110) trails. Trail Names: In planning this trip I found the trail names and numbers confusing especially when consulting different sources. The Gaddes Canyon trail #110 crosses the canyon but does not follow the canyon. Trail #9037 follows the canyon floor north from FR413 but is unnamed. In A Guide to Prescott and Centrail Highlands Trails by Ron Smith, 3rd edition (Smith Book) the author describes what is now known as the Gaddes Canyon Trail (#110) as the Gaddes Spring Trail. He describes Trail #9037 as the Gaddes Canyon Trail. The Prescott National Forest map, 2000 version, shows Trail #110 going up the canyon consistent with the Smith Book. Also the map on page 193 of the Smith Book shows Trail #9037 turning northeast prior to reaching Trail #110 and ending very close to the trailhead for the Coleman Trail #108. What I found is that the Gaddes Canyon Trail #110 goes from FR104B to FR413 as described on this website. The main segment of Trail #9037 goes between Trail #110 and FR413 following the canyon floor. There is a small segment of Trail #9037 that begins on FR104A near the trailhead for the Coleman Trail #108 and ends after about 1 mile overlooking Gaddes Canyon. Hike: This is a pleasant, shaded trail connecting FR 413 and Trail #110. I hiked it as part of a 7 mile loop beginning with the Coleman Trail #108, .4 miles on FR413, 2.3 miles on this trail, .7 miles on #110, and road walking on 104B, 104 and 104A back to the car. The trail itself is evident on the ground with a couple of cairns where one might become confused. It is mostly dirt and somewhat overgrown in places. Beginning at FR413 the trail is a double track marked by a fiberglas signpost at N34 40.018 W112 06.610. Approaching on FR413 from #108 there is a pullout just before reaching the trailhead on the right. The trailhead for Trail #114 is just past this trailhead on the left. On this trail at about .1 miles there is a flat area used by campers. At about .2 miles the trail crosses the stream bed and becomes single track for the balance of its distance. It continues up the canyon, crossing the stream bed several times. The grade is gentle to moderate gaining 920 feet over the 2.3 miles. At about 1.7 miles you see a cliff on the left side of the canyon which is a viewpoint from the Gaddes Canyon Trail #110. It is also near this point where the old trail must have turned northeast out of the canyon connecting to the 1 mile segment still remaining at the top of the plateau. I could see no evidence where this turn was. The current #9037 continues up the canyon and intersects with trail #110 at N34 41.313 W112 07.958. There is a figerglas trail sign at this intersection. Turning right on #110 will bring you back to the trailhead for #110 at FR104B. If you parked at Trail #108, continue on FR104B to FR104. Turn right and continue to "T" intersection and turn right on FR104A toward the camping area. Continue on FR104A back to your car. The short 1 mile segment of Trail #9037 begins about 50 yards north of the 108 trailhead on FR104A on the same side of the road marked by a fiberglas sign at N34 41.314 W112 07.190. This is a rocky section of trail which begins as a wide two track until you reach Dry Lake Tank on the left at about .2 miles. Then it becomes single track marked by cairns. However there are frequent cairns so you should be able to see the next cairn as you pass each one. However, you have to look carefully to spot some cairns as they are hidden by blowdowns and foliage. The trail ends at the edge of Gaddes Canyon with a partially obstructed view. The highpoint for me on this section was that I spotted a small group of 6 - 8 elk near the trail. I did not know elk were in this area. Upon reaching the end of the trail, return the way you came. There is about 300 feet of elevation gain returning to the trailhead. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. 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.
Most recent of 29 deeper Triplog Reviews
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Yeager - Gaddes - Burnt Canyon - Ash Loop
Joe had us up in the Mingus area again to hit some old favorites, look for some stuff and hit some new areas.
We started on the well groomed 1500' climb up Yeager Canyon Trail. Once up top, on FR9003P we stumbled onto the remains of an old cabin structure. Pipe in the structure, suggested there might be a spring in the area. After a bit of a search, we have a new named spring.
Next, the adventure of finding a way off the rim. Chums found us a break in wall to get down to our next search. Geronimo's cabin had been on my list since @PrestonSands was there years ago. This is a place that you could walk right past, if you were not within 50' of it. Gernomio's Cabin was built by Geronimo Pena. He worked as a woodcutter for 37 years, supplying the community of Jerome with firewood. Born in 1877, he passed away in the cabin in 1957 of heart disease. His boots are still supposed to be there, but I did not notice them.
Leaving the cabin we found an old use trail. We lost it and found again, along with the remnants of another unmarked near dry spring.
Back on the familiar Gaddes Canyon #110, Gaddes #9037 and Black Canyon #110, we turned into Black Canyon/Burnt Canyon. Bovine traffic made our travel much easier.
Next up was Ash Canyon #539. We found a shady spot for lunch, before heading up to Kendall Peak.
It was a bit of a huffer for me on that climb in the heat. The views are totally worth it.
We finished off the hike exploring the off trail Little Yaeger Canyon. Slow and brushy in spots, with a few down climbs that we practiced Safety First.
Good times, Thanks for driving Chums, great hiking with you again.
We started on the well groomed 1500' climb up Yeager Canyon Trail. Once up top, on FR9003P we stumbled onto the remains of an old cabin structure. Pipe in the structure, suggested there might be a spring in the area. After a bit of a search, we have a new named spring.
Next, the adventure of finding a way off the rim. Chums found us a break in wall to get down to our next search. Geronimo's cabin had been on my list since @PrestonSands was there years ago. This is a place that you could walk right past, if you were not within 50' of it. Gernomio's Cabin was built by Geronimo Pena. He worked as a woodcutter for 37 years, supplying the community of Jerome with firewood. Born in 1877, he passed away in the cabin in 1957 of heart disease. His boots are still supposed to be there, but I did not notice them.
Leaving the cabin we found an old use trail. We lost it and found again, along with the remnants of another unmarked near dry spring.
Back on the familiar Gaddes Canyon #110, Gaddes #9037 and Black Canyon #110, we turned into Black Canyon/Burnt Canyon. Bovine traffic made our travel much easier.
Next up was Ash Canyon #539. We found a shady spot for lunch, before heading up to Kendall Peak.
It was a bit of a huffer for me on that climb in the heat. The views are totally worth it.
We finished off the hike exploring the off trail Little Yaeger Canyon. Slow and brushy in spots, with a few down climbs that we practiced Safety First.
Good times, Thanks for driving Chums, great hiking with you again.
2018-06-09 The_Eagle
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Yeager - Gaddes - Burnt Canyon - Ash Loop
Yeager Canyon Trail #28
6 years since Bruce and I hiked this one. The trail is very well maintained.
Gaddes Canyon #110
Short leg to make the loop work. Never tire of this one.
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Long standing fav, prefer up. Dry, no wildflowers.
Black Canyon Trail #114
Almost felt like cheating since we just hiked the nicest upper end. Columbine patch. Box Elders stood out with their bright translucent green leaves.
Offtrail Black & Burnt Canyons
1.5 mi portion we did on a 17 mi loop Aug `14. The most notable pools of water all day. Bring your own, this canyon travels easy from all the cow trails-of-use.
Ash Canyon Trail #539
Only 1.5 mi, perhaps the best part of it too.
Yeager Cabin Trail #111
Whopping 0.5mi of this gem. 9Lee linking at it's best!
Little Yaeger Canyon
Looked forward to this the most as somehow it never made the mix. Heading in I couldn't figure why Preston mentioned...
I'd still go up this canyon since I forgot to keep an eye out for the Aspens. Forget descending until memory fades!
Synopsis
Enjoyed the loop once. Not itchin to do it again. Mingus is my fav so neva say never but I'd reverse it. Good to see Chums jump in on this one. 18% of the hike was breaks =)
Wildflowers
One Columbine patch and a fair amount of raspberry in two canyons.
6 years since Bruce and I hiked this one. The trail is very well maintained.
Gaddes Canyon #110
Short leg to make the loop work. Never tire of this one.
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Long standing fav, prefer up. Dry, no wildflowers.
Black Canyon Trail #114
Almost felt like cheating since we just hiked the nicest upper end. Columbine patch. Box Elders stood out with their bright translucent green leaves.
Offtrail Black & Burnt Canyons
1.5 mi portion we did on a 17 mi loop Aug `14. The most notable pools of water all day. Bring your own, this canyon travels easy from all the cow trails-of-use.
Ash Canyon Trail #539
Only 1.5 mi, perhaps the best part of it too.
Yeager Cabin Trail #111
Whopping 0.5mi of this gem. 9Lee linking at it's best!
Little Yaeger Canyon
Looked forward to this the most as somehow it never made the mix. Heading in I couldn't figure why Preston mentioned...
Crystal clear now. I barely made it down with lots of help. The sword was double edged as the guys spent the previous hour suggesting changing this final leg to a nearby trail... lolReversing your route back down Little Yaeger Canyon is the most difficult option.
I'd still go up this canyon since I forgot to keep an eye out for the Aspens. Forget descending until memory fades!
Synopsis
Enjoyed the loop once. Not itchin to do it again. Mingus is my fav so neva say never but I'd reverse it. Good to see Chums jump in on this one. 18% of the hike was breaks =)
Wildflowers
One Columbine patch and a fair amount of raspberry in two canyons.
2018-06-09 joebartels
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Upper Mingus Butterfly & Woodchute Martin Loop
The Upper Mingus loop portion of this hike consisted of a CCW track along
View Point Trail #106
North Mingus Trail #105 Mingus Trail #105A FR 104 Coleman Trail #108 FR413 Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037 Gaddes Canyon #110 Back to the Truck.
Gaddes 9037, 106, 105A, 105 are my favorites.
Coleman 108 needs some love.
Missed prime color by at least a week.
Ate lunch on the way over to Martin Canyon/Woodchute.
We did this one CW. FR106D Martin Canyon Trail #103 Rick Tank Cutoff Trail #104 Woodchute Trail #102.
Martin Canyon's oak tunnel is the highlight as well as the area around Woodchute Tank.
Rick Tank Cutoff is a steep 1000' climb.
40's to start, 70's to finish.... Perfect
View Point Trail #106
North Mingus Trail #105 Mingus Trail #105A FR 104 Coleman Trail #108 FR413 Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037 Gaddes Canyon #110 Back to the Truck.
Gaddes 9037, 106, 105A, 105 are my favorites.
Coleman 108 needs some love.
Missed prime color by at least a week.
Ate lunch on the way over to Martin Canyon/Woodchute.
We did this one CW. FR106D
Martin Canyon Trail #103 Rick Tank Cutoff Trail #104 Woodchute Trail #102.
Martin Canyon's oak tunnel is the highlight as well as the area around Woodchute Tank.
Rick Tank Cutoff is a steep 1000' climb.
40's to start, 70's to finish.... Perfect
2017-10-21 The_Eagle
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Upper Mingus Butterfly & Martin Woodchute Loop
Mingus always delivers. Well past Autumn foliage prime we got crunchy oak leaves for large stretches. Outstanding cool weather throughout the day.
Coleman Trail #108
Rocky and is starting to get overgrown again. Hope this one sees a clipper and rake crew before summer.
Only passed 2 hikers all day. Consumed a whopping 1.2 quarts water.
Foliage
The area is a good 7-10 days past prime.
Coleman Trail #108
Rocky and is starting to get overgrown again. Hope this one sees a clipper and rake crew before summer.
Only passed 2 hikers all day. Consumed a whopping 1.2 quarts water.
Foliage
The area is a good 7-10 days past prime.
2017-10-21 joebartels
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Mingus Butterfly Loop
Met up with Kyle for another hike up north. We wanted to hike in the desert but it was still too hot so we decided to return to Mingus. The hike went well. We made a clockwise figure eight and the temps were pleasant. Later in the day Lee and Carrie arrived with the pups so we did some short hiking with them before returning to the valley. I really enjoy the hiking on Mingus. It’s easy going and the views are nice plus it’s a great way to get out of the heat. Thanks Kyle for driving!
2017-09-16 John9L
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Coleman - Gaddes Canyon Two
I've been hitting a lot of Fire Tower hikes this summer. We were chatting with Suzy at Spruce Mountain last week and she suggested checking out Mingus. So, I found this loop posted up by Tibber and Trekkingecko that looked perfect! I was a little nervous this morning as it had been raining all night into the early morning. We were presented with a spectacular view of Mingus in the clouds as we turned north on Fain road. We parked at the Viewpoint picnic area to start the hike. As soon as stepped off the road on to the Coleman trail it turned into a total mudfest. We spent a lot of time slipping and sliding and jumping from rock to rock. Once we started to descend off the top of Mingus, the ground firmed up. However, the vegetation was both overgrown and still wet from the overnight rains. So, now we were muddy and wet 
Great views heading down to FS413 and a nice connector down to the 9037 trail, Gaddes Spring. The 9037/110 Gaddes Spring/Canyon trails were fantastic. Firm ground but more wet overgrown vegetation. The trail crisscrosses the creek (unbelievably dry!) as it ascends back up Mingus. We ran into 2 fellows coming down the trail near the top. They said no one was up at the fire tower and it was closed, bummer. Once we reached the road at the top, we elected to go check out the fire tower any way. Much to our surprise, the ranger was climbing the steps just as we arrived. After getting situated, he invited us up and up we went. We had a fantastic short stay with Johnny Mingus and scored some Smoky the Bear hankerchiefs. The skies were darkening up and starting to rumble so we made haste back to the truck and made it all the way back to Dewey before the rain started. Stopped at Left-T's for some excellent post hike treats. So, thank you Tibber and Trekkingecko for posting up a fantastic loop up on Mingus!
Great views heading down to FS413 and a nice connector down to the 9037 trail, Gaddes Spring. The 9037/110 Gaddes Spring/Canyon trails were fantastic. Firm ground but more wet overgrown vegetation. The trail crisscrosses the creek (unbelievably dry!) as it ascends back up Mingus. We ran into 2 fellows coming down the trail near the top. They said no one was up at the fire tower and it was closed, bummer. Once we reached the road at the top, we elected to go check out the fire tower any way. Much to our surprise, the ranger was climbing the steps just as we arrived. After getting situated, he invited us up and up we went. We had a fantastic short stay with Johnny Mingus and scored some Smoky the Bear hankerchiefs. The skies were darkening up and starting to rumble so we made haste back to the truck and made it all the way back to Dewey before the rain started. Stopped at Left-T's for some excellent post hike treats. So, thank you Tibber and Trekkingecko for posting up a fantastic loop up on Mingus!2017-07-29 Nightstalker
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Mingus the Butterfly & I
what do you do when life offers you robin eggs? hold your hand out...duh
i unexpectedly got thursday off so i checked the list of hikes i wanted to do and texted Count Tacula, consulted Gumdrop and next thing you know, we had a plan!
great hike in a totally new area to me. i'm sure this hike is awesome in summer and fall and hopefully i will see it during those times too, but i always enjoy spring in the mountains. everything is waking from it's winter slumber and there is such a different feel to it. the early views towards Sedona were cool and the Peaks with snow topping was an awesome sight as well
i enjoyed all the trails, though the final big climb up the Gaddes trails was probably my favorite. great weather and nice to hike with the boys again.
i unexpectedly got thursday off so i checked the list of hikes i wanted to do and texted Count Tacula, consulted Gumdrop and next thing you know, we had a plan!
great hike in a totally new area to me. i'm sure this hike is awesome in summer and fall and hopefully i will see it during those times too, but i always enjoy spring in the mountains. everything is waking from it's winter slumber and there is such a different feel to it. the early views towards Sedona were cool and the Peaks with snow topping was an awesome sight as well
i enjoyed all the trails, though the final big climb up the Gaddes trails was probably my favorite. great weather and nice to hike with the boys again.
2017-04-13 fricknaley
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Mingus the Butterfly & I
Nick asked if I was interested in one of my favorite hikes. Almost like stopping along the road and asking a stranger if they would be interested in some robbin eggs... duh!
Road gates were locked so we started from the road to Potato Patch Campground. This worked out well as it was a chilly 52 degrees. This allowed us to knock out the low elevation stuff first, which is probably always prefered.
I'm a huge fan of Mingus and all the trails. That said, summer and autumn are best in my opinion. The dominate oaks and accent maples are still in winter mode. Despite being cooler we still felt toasty at times. Everything is relative, when it's 25 degrees warmer in the summer it's still seriously cooler than the Valley!
Pretty quiet on the mountain. Just one elder couple walking the roads up top. They may have got in the back road as that gate was open. Signs were out for fire control crews but we never encountered any. Did spot several new slash piles heading over to upper Coleman Trail #108. It's still brush free. Usually hit it in the beginning of the loop. Noticed after 11 miles on the legs it's a little rockier than memory served.
My fav Gaddes Canyon Two is a tad drab without leaves. Imagine it'll be nice and shady in a few weeks.
I'll probably hold off posting the one photo I took in all the breaks of the day. Nick and I did our best to hold back the hairy beast. Seriously, he needs to go to Mexico pronto to take care of the Kramer Shag!
The boys treated to dinner and somehow I got to pick. Decided to support local with Guido's Pizza in the bustling metro of Dewey AZ! Wiki reports a population of 3,894 in 2014. They were busier with take out than I would have expected for 4-5pm on a Thursday. It won't make any best of lists, hit the spot for hungry hikers!
Road gates were locked so we started from the road to Potato Patch Campground. This worked out well as it was a chilly 52 degrees. This allowed us to knock out the low elevation stuff first, which is probably always prefered.
I'm a huge fan of Mingus and all the trails. That said, summer and autumn are best in my opinion. The dominate oaks and accent maples are still in winter mode. Despite being cooler we still felt toasty at times. Everything is relative, when it's 25 degrees warmer in the summer it's still seriously cooler than the Valley!
Pretty quiet on the mountain. Just one elder couple walking the roads up top. They may have got in the back road as that gate was open. Signs were out for fire control crews but we never encountered any. Did spot several new slash piles heading over to upper Coleman Trail #108. It's still brush free. Usually hit it in the beginning of the loop. Noticed after 11 miles on the legs it's a little rockier than memory served.
My fav Gaddes Canyon Two is a tad drab without leaves. Imagine it'll be nice and shady in a few weeks.
I'll probably hold off posting the one photo I took in all the breaks of the day. Nick and I did our best to hold back the hairy beast. Seriously, he needs to go to Mexico pronto to take care of the Kramer Shag!
The boys treated to dinner and somehow I got to pick. Decided to support local with Guido's Pizza in the bustling metro of Dewey AZ! Wiki reports a population of 3,894 in 2014. They were busier with take out than I would have expected for 4-5pm on a Thursday. It won't make any best of lists, hit the spot for hungry hikers!
2017-04-13 joebartels
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Black Canyon - Coleman - Gaddes Loop
It'd been 5 years since I'd hiked from this TH, except as we started hiking, I realized the TH was all new, which should add 1.5 miles RT to the hike. I say should, because as we'd find later the start of this hike has been completely changed, with no indication what-so-ever at the TH.
We followed the road until, things just didn't seem right. I think the old trail took a left at the "ground under repair" signage that we'd passed. To get back on track, after a brief discussion concerning the flora, we opted to go cross country. It was slow going, but we made our way back on trail.
*** Note *** to start on the new trail, either download the new official Black Canyon Trail #114, or walk through the Road Closed sign, and take a 90 degree turn to the left.
The Black Canyon Trail #114 is not a drop dead gorgeous trail, but it's a steady climb, with some big views of the Cottonwood and Sedona areas on a nice trail. Other than a 1/2 mile section, just east of the ridge that drops into the pine valley (my favorite section), this is a superhighway. It puts a smile on your face, when there's an 8' wide swath taken out of a manzanita grove.
The Coleman Trail #108 gets you to the top quickly and is in great shape. We ate an abbreviated lunch up top, because (finally) it was cold!
After a stop at the closed Mingus Lookout, it was the Gaddes Canyon #110 to the Gaddes #9037. We were hoping for a bit of color, brown is a color and it carpeted the forest floor. Not the color we were hoping for.
Continuing our way down, back on the Black Canyon Trail, Route Scout yelled at us for being off trail (Pinned To function can be a life saver!). We were on a perfectly good trail, so we were a bit confused. We back tracked 100' to where the track said we went wrong. Ahh Ha, the old trail was cleverly blocked off and we'd not even noticed.
We followed the new reroute directly to the truck.
Enjoyable hike with peerrfect weather...
We followed the road until, things just didn't seem right. I think the old trail took a left at the "ground under repair" signage that we'd passed. To get back on track, after a brief discussion concerning the flora, we opted to go cross country. It was slow going, but we made our way back on trail.
*** Note *** to start on the new trail, either download the new official Black Canyon Trail #114, or walk through the Road Closed sign, and take a 90 degree turn to the left.
The Black Canyon Trail #114 is not a drop dead gorgeous trail, but it's a steady climb, with some big views of the Cottonwood and Sedona areas on a nice trail. Other than a 1/2 mile section, just east of the ridge that drops into the pine valley (my favorite section), this is a superhighway. It puts a smile on your face, when there's an 8' wide swath taken out of a manzanita grove.
The Coleman Trail #108 gets you to the top quickly and is in great shape. We ate an abbreviated lunch up top, because (finally) it was cold!
After a stop at the closed Mingus Lookout, it was the Gaddes Canyon #110 to the Gaddes #9037. We were hoping for a bit of color, brown is a color and it carpeted the forest floor. Not the color we were hoping for.
Continuing our way down, back on the Black Canyon Trail, Route Scout yelled at us for being off trail (Pinned To function can be a life saver!). We were on a perfectly good trail, so we were a bit confused. We back tracked 100' to where the track said we went wrong. Ahh Ha, the old trail was cleverly blocked off and we'd not even noticed.
We followed the new reroute directly to the truck.
Enjoyable hike with peerrfect weather...
2016-11-05 The_Eagle
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
Black Canyon - Coleman - Gaddes Loop
Black Canyon Trail #114
Still mystified why we never see hikers on Mingus, I absolutely love it. It was great to experience it in near chilly weather for a change. Shockingly it'd been 5 years since we hiked up #114 from the lower trailhead. I was a little confused in the beginning as I didn't have topos on Route Scout for the beginning of the hike. Bruce quickly figured out the trailhead had been moved 0.75 mi below the old trailhead. Our 21-ish mile hike was to be a bit longer.
1.5 miles in on the easy to follow road Bruce noticed we were no where near our hike. 400 feet up, not wanting to backtrack down, I made the poor decision to work over. The roller coaster ravines added exactly 400 more feet of gain so we just gave up nice trail in exchange for more sweat than anticipated on the entire hike. Wah wah, are we hikers or what?
Finally on trail in cool weather things were looking great heading up. We looked forward to the short lived tall pine area near the top of #114.
Coleman Trail #108
When it's hot this is a descend-only preference. Today I opted to ascend for a change and enjoy Gaddes a touch more on the downswing. #108 is still in great shape and the Cottonwood overlook is a hit every time. We lunched near the upper end. Shorter than usual as we got cold in the Antarctica mid to upper fifties!
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
The rare descent was nice for a change. Although winter is months away it looks mid winter as all the leaves have fallen. This is a great summer canyon that offers some of the nearest relief from the boiling temps in the summer. It was so peaceful and quite I enjoyed this version too.
Black Canyon Trail #114
Back down Black Canyon we found out the old trail we missed at the bottom has been realigned. Paying attention would have probably left us confused, whouda thunk! The new alignment follows a ridge just south. It offers better options for shade under junipers. Interestingly some of the stumps look pretty old so it may have been used long ago or for cattle. Two gates have the new high quality latches we saw surrounding Granite Mountain this summer. There is zero signage at the trailhead to indicate this new trail as of yet.
Foliage
Autumn is done, stick a fork in it already. Still nice to crunch through the crisp carpet of leaves. Okay there was a hint here and there but the show is typically Oct 10th ish.
Still mystified why we never see hikers on Mingus, I absolutely love it. It was great to experience it in near chilly weather for a change. Shockingly it'd been 5 years since we hiked up #114 from the lower trailhead. I was a little confused in the beginning as I didn't have topos on Route Scout for the beginning of the hike. Bruce quickly figured out the trailhead had been moved 0.75 mi below the old trailhead. Our 21-ish mile hike was to be a bit longer.
1.5 miles in on the easy to follow road Bruce noticed we were no where near our hike. 400 feet up, not wanting to backtrack down, I made the poor decision to work over. The roller coaster ravines added exactly 400 more feet of gain so we just gave up nice trail in exchange for more sweat than anticipated on the entire hike. Wah wah, are we hikers or what?
Finally on trail in cool weather things were looking great heading up. We looked forward to the short lived tall pine area near the top of #114.
Coleman Trail #108
When it's hot this is a descend-only preference. Today I opted to ascend for a change and enjoy Gaddes a touch more on the downswing. #108 is still in great shape and the Cottonwood overlook is a hit every time. We lunched near the upper end. Shorter than usual as we got cold in the Antarctica mid to upper fifties!
Gaddes Canyon Two Trail #9037
The rare descent was nice for a change. Although winter is months away it looks mid winter as all the leaves have fallen. This is a great summer canyon that offers some of the nearest relief from the boiling temps in the summer. It was so peaceful and quite I enjoyed this version too.
Black Canyon Trail #114
Back down Black Canyon we found out the old trail we missed at the bottom has been realigned. Paying attention would have probably left us confused, whouda thunk! The new alignment follows a ridge just south. It offers better options for shade under junipers. Interestingly some of the stumps look pretty old so it may have been used long ago or for cattle. Two gates have the new high quality latches we saw surrounding Granite Mountain this summer. There is zero signage at the trailhead to indicate this new trail as of yet.
Foliage
Autumn is done, stick a fork in it already. Still nice to crunch through the crisp carpet of leaves. Okay there was a hint here and there but the show is typically Oct 10th ish.
2016-11-05 joebartels
