Bruce gleaned this 3 county route from Lee stating that he'd hiked it 3 times. He studied up on it too. It was cool to have a tour guide.

Apparently I liked Wildcat a smidge more than the three timer. The old Pinto #213 leg was interesting. The catclaw ending robbed brownie points. Pants sufficed. Nowhere near the top ten list of bad catclaw, Wave Cavers would probably consider it a nightmare.

Campaign to Fireline is in the best shape I recall. We lunched under the pines near the junction. Up to the saddle SW of Pinto Peak is brushy. Down to West Pinto Creek is steep but the views are top notch.

Enjoyed #212 just shy of Oak Flat to square one more than anticipated.

Wildflowers
tenth mile stretch with medium to small poppies was an unexpected treat being so dry this year

Wildcat Canyon has been on my radar for quite some time. The Miles Trailhead is just a tad over 100 miles from my house, so I like to make it worth the trip and find some other new areas to hit while out there. The decommissioned Pinto Peak #213 fit the bill for a loop. FOTG had already done this loop a few times so I didn't even need to draw up a track.

A 7:15a 40ish degree start started us past the ranch building and a guy curled up next to a fire.

Wildcat Canyon Trail
To the first saddle, the trail is pretty straight forward. From this saddle, down to the wash area has a few areas that are thin and prickly, but quite doable. In the canyon travel is easy. we missed one of the bypasses that horse travel took, leaving the creek, when we dealt with getting around an exploring bovine. Staying in the creek bed was NP.

On the Cuff Button #276 for 2.5 miles is mainly old FR 305.

Decommissioned Pinto Peak Trail #213 follows a 2 track to the Wilderness boundary. It's an easy walk through some interesting territory. The Mormon Corral had all sorts of water. There were 3 full troughs and a 200-300 gallon metal tank that was 2/3rds full. After the Wilderness boundary,the trail gets thinner in some spots, but does come back if you have the GPS track. As FOTG mentioned the only catclaw section, is in the last 1/2 mile or so before reaching Campaign.

The Campaign Trail #256 is cleared and 6' wide in spots all the way south to the Fireline trail. After here, there is less than a mile section that needs some love. The rest of the trail down to West Pinto, is decent with some nice views, We even saw some poppies.

On the roller coaster of the West Pinto #212, just 2.5 miles back to the TH.

Weather was just about perfect on this one.

Wildflowers
Saw some small poppies, lupine.

I am not sure what gave me the urge to do this peak again, but I did. A rewarding peak with an attraction, but the off trail portion is a bit taxing.

I feel I was more efficient this time through the manzanita jungle and along the fence line, however, it was still a slog at times for me and the pups. I took a nice break on the peak to snack and let the dogs rest. There are some great views from Pinto Peak from the Pinals to the views across Lake Roosevelt into the Ancha, a glimpse of the Four Peaks and so much more. There was hardly a cloud in the sky, but the wind and chilly day made it puffy coat weather on the peak. The off trail portion back to Campaign trail went better on the way back and although it could use some work, the trip down Campaign Trail was pretty quick too. There are some significant pools of water along West Pinto Trail, however, it is not even trickling. I only saw one other person all day, a hunter spotting deer near the trailhead.

Just another nice day in the eastern Supes.

I am starting to feel like I am running out of spots to explore in the Supes, so I have decided to look up, as in peaks and summits. I crossed an obscure Eastern Supes peak off my list today, although Pinto Peak is a pretty distinguishable terrain feature of the Eastern Supes and hardly obscure, maybe seldom visited is a better way to describe. Similarly, at just under 6000 feet I believe it would come in as the third highest mountain in the Superstition Wilderness area behind White and Mound Mountain.

The off trail portion up Pinto Peak bordered on diabolical and pleasant. The most natural route follows an old fence line pretty much the entire way, one cannot divert much from this fence line either, or you will end up in some of the thickest brush you have ever encountered. It took Blanco and I over an hour to go the seven tenths of a mile needed to reach the summit of Pinto Peak. I finally learned to hug the fence line and make use of the small path next to the fence and to not be lured by false trails leading away from it. My hard work was rewarded with an Indian ruin site located on the saddle below Pinto and a mystery wall or remnants of a fortress on Pinto's summit. The final push up the peak was actually the nicest portion of the off-trail route as there was minimal brush, some nice paths through the rock out croppings and some pretty established game trails. However, the majority of the route was slow going with several fence crossings and slithering through areas made nearly impassable by some our favorite off trail mainstays manzinita, acacia and holy oak.

I had aspirations of also knocking out Mound Mountain, but the slow trip up Pinto and a late start made that look like less of a possibility by the time noon hit. However, not to be deterred I still chose to take Campaign north and Fireline into Reavis just to see where I would be at in time and energy. I honestly felt pretty good, but it was already 2 and although I had already committed to a head lamp finish, I wanted to limit it to West Pinto, as it is a pretty easy trail to follow at night.

Pretty standard hiking the rest of way, I ran into a group of four with one guy who was hurting pretty bad, they had hiked in from Pickett Post and had committed to hiking out Lake Roosevelt on Sunday. They were only about a mile or so in from Roger's TH and looking for a place to camp, with one guy looking for a ride to Surprise, he said there was no way he thought he could finish this hike, I just really could not help though as my car was at Miles and not Rogers Trough. He offered money, but I just could not think of a way I could help him, there was no way he was hiking out to Miles with me in his condition. He had two more parties behind me to ask, so maybe he got lucky.

I ran into a HAZ guy named Dave near Roger's Trough. He had just completed a Spencer Spring, West Pinto Loop. He had recognized the white dog, we chatted for a minute and continued my race with the setting sun. I broke down at 18:41 and finally put on my head lamp we arrived at Miles TH just after nine.

Joe's turn to pick, so where's the most logical place to go to hike in July. Let's go to the Supe's.

FR172A to the Rogers TH, is about as rough as I've seen it in awhile. I wouldn't take a passenger car, HC recommended

Started at 6:55a in the low 70's and finished at 8:20p at 79f. In between, it got a little warm. We made use of shade where it was available, and thank god for the breeze that blew most of the day.

Started the day off right a half mile in. 10 yards away from the trail, what appeared to be a large jack rabbit at first glance, was the tiniest of fawns bounding away 50 yds and stopping.

This part of the West Pinto #212 was new to me and with this section I have been on the entire length. Pretty views, the trail is in good shape for the most part. We took a side trip to the Silver Spur Cabin. At this point it appears to be more like an old Hobo camp.

We took a little break at the West Pinto / Campaign junction, to rest for the biggest climb of the day (2.8 miles / 1800AEG). That climb on Campaign #256 seemed to take forever. We took an extended lunch under the tall pines at the Campaign #256 / Fireline junction #118.

Next the 1 mile 800' AEG climb up Fireline #118. Coming from the East, this trail has a lot to offer, especially to the Circlestone turn off. At Reavis Creek, we filtered some much needed water.

Reavis #109 South was a breeze w/ cooler weather. I love going through the grassy areas.
The Reavis #109 could actually use a good trimming up top.

We got warned by a juvenile Buzzworm on the climb up to the car.

Fauna spotted, 1 Roadrunner on the way in, the Fawn, a buck in velvet, Giant Centipede, Baby buzzworm.
Bear Scat everywhere on this loop. One of these days, maybe a sighting in the supes for me.

Encountered scattered Poison Ivy along the way, but not itching yet.
Brought 5 quarts, filtered and drank a total of 7

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.

The perfect choice for a hike today-the elevation gave way to very comfortable temps. I was taken by surprise by all the HAZ people we met not only at the Miles Trailhead but at Haunted Canyon as well.....looks to be a perfect weekend and I'm thinking of them out there, and look forward to their trip reports.

Start fm Miles TH end at 9:30am: hiked 2.25 miles West on W. Pinto Tr#212 to intersection of Cuff Button Tr#276, then hiked approx 4 miles in/up #276 (this trail is ~8 miles one way, ending at FR305), then a short lunch and turn-around at 2pm for the hike out and back to the Miles TH; End hike at 5:15pm;

12/27/06 Hike Notes: This hike was on the "official" Cuff Button Tr#276; Required: long pants/ long sleeve shirt, gloves(for trail overgrowth and kats claw); some areas of my 4 mile hike in on this trail were difficult to find the trail route, some steep and loose rocky ups and downs; cairns helped along the way and I built some additional cairns too for the next hiker; nice scenic views at high points, trail raps a lot around washes and gullies with lots of ups and downs to get back in this 4 miles, some dry creek crossings and a number of dry springs along the way and some old corrals and ranching history to see; nice variety of foliage along this hike; This hike is very remote hiking on this Cuff Button Tr #276; In the Spring'07 I plan to take my Jeep up to the North end of this Tr#276 (the end of FR305), and hike in the additional 3-3.5 miles to where I turned around on my 12/27/06 hike..and.. IF have enough time, will drive up 4x4 road FR306 to Musk Hog Springs to check-out the NE end START of the OLD decommissioned Pinto Peak Trail#213;

Happy New Year-2007!!