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Where in blazes? by PrestonSands Overview The U-Bar Trail #28 is part of the Coconino National Forest's Cabin Loop Trail system on Arizona's Mogollon Rim. Once part of a network of trails used by early ranchers and the forest service, the route of the historic U-Bar Trail was marked by blazes (notches) cut into the bark of trees. Following the route of this trail is the only real challenge. One must keep a constant eye out for blazes, consisting of two notches deeply cut into the bark of a tree, one on top of the other. Some areas are marked by cairns and small signs indicating "Cabin Loop Trail". A well trodden footpath is a rare sight on this hike. I highly recommend downloading and using gps joe's excellent and highly accurate U-Bar Trail gps route. Or, at the very least, bring a copy of this topo map. The 7.8 miles listed in the hike statistics includes a 0.3 mile hike on the Fred Haught Trail from the Pinchot Trailhead to the north end of the U-Bar Trail, at Pinchot Cabin. The U-Bar Trail itself is 7.5 miles in length (one way). Warning Many of the roads that access this trail are closed during the winter, due to snow. If you are in doubt, check with the forest service for road conditions before you go. Camping There are many outstanding campsites along the U-Bar Trail. Water will most likely be found at Houston Draw, Barbershop Canyon, Dane Canyon, and Dane Spring, but check with the forest service for water conditions before planning a trip to the area. Hike From the Pinchot Trailhead parking area (mile 0.0 for this description), head downhill along the Fred Haught Trail #141, as it follows an old road south. At 0.3 miles, the Fred Haught Trail terminates at the historic Pinchot Cabin. An early forest ranger's residence dating from the early 1930's, Pinchot Cabin is set in a small, scenic meadow at the bottom of Houston Draw. Seasonal Houston Creek flows alongside the old log cabin. The signed U-Bar Trail begins near the cabin, and begins to follow another old road that climbs north up the east side of Houston Draw. Once out of Houston Draw, the U-Bar Trail turns southeast to continue climbing the road, and reaches a "T" junction at 1.05 miles. Go right at the "T". The road passes a stock tank and soon reaches another "T" junction, at about 1.35 miles. The trail leaves the road behind at the "T", and goes straight (east) to cross Dick Hart Draw. Bending north at a large brown water tank at 1.8 miles, the trail begins to follow the route of a primitive, old road. At 2.0 miles, the U-Bar Trail leaves the road on the right, and turns southeast to travel through a park like forest of mature ponderosa pines. The trail makes a perpendicular crossing of forest road 139 at 2.5 miles, then heads down the south side of a broad ridge towards Barbershop Canyon. Where the U-Bar Trail drops into Barbershop Canyon, blazes give way to a well built trail along weathered walls of Coconino Sandstone, shaded by tall douglas firs. The U-Bar Trail crosses Barbershop Canyon where it joins Merritt Draw, then makes a switchback ascent up the east wall. Once on top, the trail jumps over an ancient logging road, then continues east to meet forest road 145, at about the 3.8 mile point. Cross forest road 145 and continue downhill on a spur road to the large marshy meadow at McClintock Spring. The road turns south to cross McClintock Draw, and climbs to meet forest road 145A in a saddle, before continuing southeast to descend into Dane Canyon. Once again, the U-Bar Trail becomes well defined, as it drops into the beautiful fir lined canyon. The trail crosses a grassy flat at an "S" curve in the bottom of Dane Canyon, then switchbacks up its east side. For the next mile, the U-Bar Trail contours south along a densely wooded shelf, high above Dane Canyon. The trail reaches Dane Cabin at about the 6 mile point, shortly after crossing through a fence. Dane Cabin, said to be author Zane Grey's hunting cabin, is a decaying log structure set amongst towering douglas firs. Adjacent to the cabin, the ice cold waters of Dane Spring flow from a cave in the Kaibab Limestone, and form the headwaters of a little creek. Across the creek from the cabin, three trails diverge to the south. Take the far right branch. The U-Bar Trail will travel due south to make a gentle, mile long ascent, along a shallow gulch wooded with white firs, giant ponderosas, and occasional aspens. At about 7.2 miles, the trail leaves the gulch near its head to climb a low ridge, where you will need to keep a sharp eye out for blazes. Leveling off after the short climb up the ridge, the trail turns southwest and crosses forest road 321C. One tenth of a mile later, the U-Bar Trail comes to an end in a shallow, maple filled draw, where it meets the Barbershop Trail #91. Turn west onto the Barbershop Trail to continue the Cabin Loop, or turn east for a 0.1 mile hike out to forest road 321, if you have left a shuttle vehicle there. 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 64 deeper Triplog Reviews
U - Bar Trail #28
Decided to hit the Cabin Loop when it isn't raining for a change. Marched up the Col. Devin at 6:30am and hit the rim road down to Houston Bros. Quick stop at the B-shop turn off, then down to a favorite water spot for a refill. Some folks were camped at Aspen spring but Pinchot was empty and quiet. Continued on down the road to the turnoff for the lake and hiked into an empty spot. There were some folks camped a bit further down, but I like the first little spot. Hung the hammock and chilled, fished a little, caught 1 rainbow and lost two others on downed trees. I spoke to others that were catching "stockers" too. Quiet night, but the sun comes up early these days. The washout on FR95 is a pain. Fred Haught was quiet on the return as well.
2019-06-29 ALMAL
U - Bar Trail #28
Dane Spring from FR321A TH / PARK
This was Fathers Day 2019 
and was the next to last full day of my 6nt/7day (6/12 to 6/18) Mogollon Rim Vehicle Camping/Hiking/R&R trip.
I had a planned late start today after a healthy
camp breakfast. I only had two short hikes on my agenda for today. This first stop was to check out the Dane Spring Riparian area which included a very short hike down the U-Bar Tr #28 from Dane Spring to the documented on HAZ- Gps "off-trail" location and route ( [ Dane Cyn LOOP Option fm 321A TH :: map ] ) to connect with an active Elk use route that decends into Dane Canyon to proceed on a very enjoyable, moderate route finding with Gps Route download and route following required, for this Off-Trail/On Trail Loop.
All went as planned for this first hike stop. My second hike stop did not go as well..
and was the next to last full day of my 6nt/7day (6/12 to 6/18) Mogollon Rim Vehicle Camping/Hiking/R&R trip.I had a planned late start today after a healthy
camp breakfast. I only had two short hikes on my agenda for today. This first stop was to check out the Dane Spring Riparian area which included a very short hike down the U-Bar Tr #28 from Dane Spring to the documented on HAZ- Gps "off-trail" location and route ( [ Dane Cyn LOOP Option fm 321A TH :: map ] ) to connect with an active Elk use route that decends into Dane Canyon to proceed on a very enjoyable, moderate route finding with Gps Route download and route following required, for this Off-Trail/On Trail Loop.All went as planned for this first hike stop. My second hike stop did not go as well..
2019-06-16 Grasshopper
U - Bar Trail #28
This area of AZ is incredibly breath taking! What an experience to pull us away from the sprawling city and enclosed dark saloons we find ourselves frequenting. The flipside though was this trip was only possible this time of the year probably due to the ridiculously dry season. The roads were in great condition from Payson to getting on FR-300 and FR-95. Got to come back with my 2wd hatchback badged up with snow and mud tastefully splattered across the body. Coming up the forest roads was peaceful with panoramic sights nonstop. Just a couple of cars were seen on the way up and looking out over the rim was a must.
Once at the Houston Brothers TH we excitedly hopped out and took off down the trail. We briefly surveyed the semi frozen creek and cabin planning to indulge there on the way out. The only people we met on our loop was a vibrant group of 4 on their way out about a mile into Houston brothers. The forest, the space, the patches of snow on the ground was another world compared to our usual day to day trek. I loved the trees towering over us, hearing them grunt and moan swaying in the wind. I loved hearing the rare crunch of snow under our boots, and then hoping the moisture didn’t seep through my roll back boots. We even saw a herd of cow Elk stealthily making their way across the trail. Checking Barbershop Spring most of it was snow and there was only standing water at what I assumed was the source. We decided to pitch just east of Coyote Spring, which was in the same condition just a shallow pool of standing water. As the light faded it definitely cooled, but with a small fire and surprisingly filling good to-go meal, by the time we tucked in we were certainly at ease.
COLD. Rising just after sun up there were tiny crystals of condensation that had frozen over on our rain fly. Once outside of the tent we were back on our way waiting for the warmth to return to our toes. Probably could have stepped up to a full cushion DarnTough here, but after about a quarter mile down U Bar it was back to basking in this winter wonderland. Dane Spring was running pure straight out of the pipe and Barbershop Canyon creek was glistening and running feely through patches of ice. Completing the loop we took in the history of Pinchot Cabin and signed out the trail log. There is no question to whether you should hike out here. Thanks for the time can’t wait to be back!
Once at the Houston Brothers TH we excitedly hopped out and took off down the trail. We briefly surveyed the semi frozen creek and cabin planning to indulge there on the way out. The only people we met on our loop was a vibrant group of 4 on their way out about a mile into Houston brothers. The forest, the space, the patches of snow on the ground was another world compared to our usual day to day trek. I loved the trees towering over us, hearing them grunt and moan swaying in the wind. I loved hearing the rare crunch of snow under our boots, and then hoping the moisture didn’t seep through my roll back boots. We even saw a herd of cow Elk stealthily making their way across the trail. Checking Barbershop Spring most of it was snow and there was only standing water at what I assumed was the source. We decided to pitch just east of Coyote Spring, which was in the same condition just a shallow pool of standing water. As the light faded it definitely cooled, but with a small fire and surprisingly filling good to-go meal, by the time we tucked in we were certainly at ease.
COLD. Rising just after sun up there were tiny crystals of condensation that had frozen over on our rain fly. Once outside of the tent we were back on our way waiting for the warmth to return to our toes. Probably could have stepped up to a full cushion DarnTough here, but after about a quarter mile down U Bar it was back to basking in this winter wonderland. Dane Spring was running pure straight out of the pipe and Barbershop Canyon creek was glistening and running feely through patches of ice. Completing the loop we took in the history of Pinchot Cabin and signed out the trail log. There is no question to whether you should hike out here. Thanks for the time can’t wait to be back!
2018-02-10 daend4u
U - Bar Trail #28
KactusKutie's First Backpack
Last year our neighbor started going hiking with us. She liked it. Several of us created a HAZ name for her - KactusKutie. She sort of liked it. A couple months ago she and her family went on a camping trip with us. She sort of liked it. Then she wanted to go backpacking. We did. She liked it.
Headed up to the Mogollon Rim with Stephanie (KactusKutie) and MJ (AZBeaver) to hit part of the Cabin Loop (Barbershop and part of U-Bar). A little cloudy as we began to climb up towards the Rim with MJ proclaiming loudly that we were going to drown. She does have a history of being caught in torrential downpours on the Rim. We took Rim Road in for the views. Saw turkeys on Rim Road and then some elk as we turned on FR 139. The clouds cleared nicely as we hit the trailhead on FR 139.
I haven't been hiking much over the summer, so Barbershop was going to be a lung burner for me given the elevation. Cool temps (high 60s) and a light breeze helped. The ladies kept pace admirably. Steph's new pack was working well for her. MJ was nursing an injury from a previous backpacking trip, so we kept her pack light. While Barbershop is relatively short, running east-west it is a roller coaster in and out of the tops of Barbershop and Dane Canyons as well as smaller tributaries. The climbs had all of us breathing hard and happy to top out each time.
The big tooth maples and other trees are well into their Fall color. The aspens still need some time. Barbershop Spring and Creek had plenty of water. Heard the occasional elk bugle.
Beyond the unction of Barbershop and U-Bar, the hike was an easy stroll on an gentle downhill grade to Dane Spring. The pipe at Dane was gushing pure cold water at several gallons a minute and no one else was around. We had found our home for the night. The ladies explored various level places for their abode, MJ's two-person Big Agnes tent. After settling on a good choice I began setting up my hammock nearby. The girls were pretty quick with their tent, though Steph was a bit skeptical that it was indeed a TWO person tent.
With camp basically established, we found our mugs. I had humped a liter of Shotfire, a decent Shiraz from Australia, for us. It made for a nice camp warmer. After gathering some firewood, MJ broke out her JetBoil and concocted had a 3-course dinner of re-hydrated broccoli cheese soup, a shepherds pie of Idahoan instant potatoes enforced with dried milk, butter and cheese and sliced summer sausage, and a finale' of Backpacker Pantry's Key Lime Pie. Steph helped start the fire which felt really good as the evening chilled as did a mug of hot apple cider later.
MJ turned in early leaving me and Steph to discuss all those topics best aired around a camp fire. The tiniest field mouse I've ever seen came out to play on the flat rocks we'd used as our kitchen. He was unfazed by our presence, the fire, or our headlamps shining on him. He even did a little scampering dance worthy of Michael Jackson. You just can't buy entertainment like that.
The night passed uneventfully. Elk bugled fairly regularly. I was trying out a new top quilt for my hammock set up and it performed well. The sun warmed the Rim a bit before the girls emerged, Steph having conquered her fear of freezing to death while camping. Breakfast was a coffee/hot chocolate mix and oatmeal. Camp came down quick enough and we set off for the trailhead encountering a single backpacker and two day hikers along the trail.
We drove out north for some different scenery. On FR 96 close to East Clear Creek, there appeared a "Road Closed" sign just before a small bridge and some other barricade signs on the other side of the bridge. The bridge looked intact except for some damage to the rusted railing. I wasn't about to backtrack 20 miles so I asked the girls to move one of the barricades on the opposite side. They jumped out, crossed the bridge, and proceeded to discuss and plan their attack on the barricade. I eased the 4Runner over the bridge and it held up nicely. After watching the extremely slow progress with the barricade relocation, the driver's side ditch seemed a good option and was manageable in 2WD. The ladies were both impressed and nonplussed.
A late and much needed lunch and libations at That Brewery in Pine followed by a quick drive home ended the adventure. The ladies performed admirably and seemed to enjoy themselves. MJ is settling in as solid backpacker developing good skills. For a first backpacking trip, Steph did fantastic. She literally trounced her fears and trepidations. There are undoubtably more adventures in her future.
Headed up to the Mogollon Rim with Stephanie (KactusKutie) and MJ (AZBeaver) to hit part of the Cabin Loop (Barbershop and part of U-Bar). A little cloudy as we began to climb up towards the Rim with MJ proclaiming loudly that we were going to drown. She does have a history of being caught in torrential downpours on the Rim. We took Rim Road in for the views. Saw turkeys on Rim Road and then some elk as we turned on FR 139. The clouds cleared nicely as we hit the trailhead on FR 139.
I haven't been hiking much over the summer, so Barbershop was going to be a lung burner for me given the elevation. Cool temps (high 60s) and a light breeze helped. The ladies kept pace admirably. Steph's new pack was working well for her. MJ was nursing an injury from a previous backpacking trip, so we kept her pack light. While Barbershop is relatively short, running east-west it is a roller coaster in and out of the tops of Barbershop and Dane Canyons as well as smaller tributaries. The climbs had all of us breathing hard and happy to top out each time.
The big tooth maples and other trees are well into their Fall color. The aspens still need some time. Barbershop Spring and Creek had plenty of water. Heard the occasional elk bugle.
Beyond the unction of Barbershop and U-Bar, the hike was an easy stroll on an gentle downhill grade to Dane Spring. The pipe at Dane was gushing pure cold water at several gallons a minute and no one else was around. We had found our home for the night. The ladies explored various level places for their abode, MJ's two-person Big Agnes tent. After settling on a good choice I began setting up my hammock nearby. The girls were pretty quick with their tent, though Steph was a bit skeptical that it was indeed a TWO person tent.
With camp basically established, we found our mugs. I had humped a liter of Shotfire, a decent Shiraz from Australia, for us. It made for a nice camp warmer. After gathering some firewood, MJ broke out her JetBoil and concocted had a 3-course dinner of re-hydrated broccoli cheese soup, a shepherds pie of Idahoan instant potatoes enforced with dried milk, butter and cheese and sliced summer sausage, and a finale' of Backpacker Pantry's Key Lime Pie. Steph helped start the fire which felt really good as the evening chilled as did a mug of hot apple cider later.
MJ turned in early leaving me and Steph to discuss all those topics best aired around a camp fire. The tiniest field mouse I've ever seen came out to play on the flat rocks we'd used as our kitchen. He was unfazed by our presence, the fire, or our headlamps shining on him. He even did a little scampering dance worthy of Michael Jackson. You just can't buy entertainment like that.
The night passed uneventfully. Elk bugled fairly regularly. I was trying out a new top quilt for my hammock set up and it performed well. The sun warmed the Rim a bit before the girls emerged, Steph having conquered her fear of freezing to death while camping. Breakfast was a coffee/hot chocolate mix and oatmeal. Camp came down quick enough and we set off for the trailhead encountering a single backpacker and two day hikers along the trail.
We drove out north for some different scenery. On FR 96 close to East Clear Creek, there appeared a "Road Closed" sign just before a small bridge and some other barricade signs on the other side of the bridge. The bridge looked intact except for some damage to the rusted railing. I wasn't about to backtrack 20 miles so I asked the girls to move one of the barricades on the opposite side. They jumped out, crossed the bridge, and proceeded to discuss and plan their attack on the barricade. I eased the 4Runner over the bridge and it held up nicely. After watching the extremely slow progress with the barricade relocation, the driver's side ditch seemed a good option and was manageable in 2WD. The ladies were both impressed and nonplussed.
A late and much needed lunch and libations at That Brewery in Pine followed by a quick drive home ended the adventure. The ladies performed admirably and seemed to enjoy themselves. MJ is settling in as solid backpacker developing good skills. For a first backpacking trip, Steph did fantastic. She literally trounced her fears and trepidations. There are undoubtably more adventures in her future.
2017-09-29 AZWanderingBear
U - Bar Trail #28
Got started at Gen springs cabin about 4pm Friday. Marched into a nice campsite just off trail near the remnants of Fred Haught cabin. Some folks were camped nearby back where the trail pulls away from Gen Springs. Good water flow coming out of the spring below the cabin site. A bit of rain came about midnight. Packed up early Saturday and headed for Pinchot cabin. No body there but a warm campfire remained. Continued on up Houston Brothers, the springs are flowing nicely, lots of good water. Made a left on Barbershop. Passed a few people going the other way. Water in Barbershop and Dane both flowing along the Barbershop trail. I like the campsites in the big meadow just passed Dane. Passed a few more folks by the U-bar turnoff. Stopped at Dane spring which was flowing about like a garden hose full on. Considered camping here, too much broken glass around, a definite turn off for me. A sure sign its close to a road where people can park and walk in quickly. Oh wait! I hear some now, time to move on. I really like the next section of trail leading away and down into Dane Canyon. Folks camped at both Dane and several groups camped at Barbershop crossings. Good water at both crossings. Gathered extra water here. Continued on up and across 139 and settled into a spot for the night. Started early Sunday and rolled down 95B into Pinchot. Watered up and kept on towards Fred Haught springs again for a final water and snack spot. Passed at least 20 people hiking in during my last 2 miles out. Yes, the rim road was a bit crazy, but likely nothing like it was today.
2017-09-01 ALMAL
U - Bar Trail #28
I made a last minute trip up to see some of the water along the cabin loop. I arrived at Washington Park at 6:45am to find the parking lot almost full, and a group of runners getting ready to launch a training run for the Mogollon Monster. I started first, most of them passed me on the way up. Great weather until about 3:30pm when I reached Barbershop canyon on the U-Bar trail. I scrambled for some dry firewood which could be hidden from the rain under the large rock there. I managed to get my tent set up on a slanted spot just before the rain came. Rained for about 2 hours solid. It let up just long enough to cook some food about 6:30, and I got a fire started, then it rained again for several more hours as I called it a night early.
Clear skies Sunday and a nice hike back to General Springs, Fred Haught still has wet crossings in several places.
The real fun began when I made it back down to the parking lot. The parking lot was fine, but the last half mile of the road coming in is absolutely trashed. I spent an hour moving rocks, logs, and leveling some sandy spots before I could make it out. I've never seen that black plastic before, must have been a real gully washer Saturday afternoon... The one picture I took does not tell the whole story. The road is seriously a mess!
Clear skies Sunday and a nice hike back to General Springs, Fred Haught still has wet crossings in several places.
The real fun began when I made it back down to the parking lot. The parking lot was fine, but the last half mile of the road coming in is absolutely trashed. I spent an hour moving rocks, logs, and leveling some sandy spots before I could make it out. I've never seen that black plastic before, must have been a real gully washer Saturday afternoon... The one picture I took does not tell the whole story. The road is seriously a mess!
2017-08-12 ALMAL
U - Bar Trail #28
Barbershop Canyon U-Bar Loop
The four of us headed north for a nice day hike on the rim. We met at Walmart off Dobson & the 202 and made the drive up & started hiking around mid-morning from FR 145. We dropped down the Barbershop Trail and then headed north in Barbershop Canyon. This was my third time here and I really enjoy this canyon. The going is fairly easy although there is a lot of rock hopping and deadfall to step over. We really enjoyed this canyon and took our time hiking through. Once we reached the U Bar junction we took a short break before the climb. From there it was slow going as we headed for Dane Spring where we took our lunch break. We enjoyed lunch and I filtered a liter of water. It was a warm and sunny day. After that we continued north and made good time as we completed our loop.
I really enjoy hiking on the rim during summer. It’s much cooler compared to Phoenix and the hiking is very easy going. Thanks to everyone for coming out and thanks to Kyle for driving!
I really enjoy hiking on the rim during summer. It’s much cooler compared to Phoenix and the hiking is very easy going. Thanks to everyone for coming out and thanks to Kyle for driving!
2017-06-03 John9L
U - Bar Trail #28
This was my 2nd of two planned loop hikes on a nine day, Monsoon July vehicle camping-R&R trip to Camp Grasshopper- Mogollon Rim C/Site #3 at 7435 feet.
This was another loop hike that Oregon_Hiker had originally planned and hiked this past June'16 and one that I had yet to complete which would include the off-trail section of Barbershop Canyon below its intersection with U-Bar Trail to where lower Barbershop Canyon intersects with the lower end of Dane Canyon. At this Barbershop Canyon/Dane Canyon crossing I would continue up lower Dane Canyon for a distance before exiting out off-trail to intersect FR145A and then hike on FR145A to the U-Bar Trail crossing where I would then take the U-Bar Trail back to the Barbershop Canyon Creek Drainage, then off-trail back up to my vehicle parked at the lower end of FR139C (see my posted GPS Route with "key" way points).
This off-trail hiking section of Barbershop Canyon was very pleasant with defined game trails to follow, not that much dead fall to negotiate, very green & lush with at times five foot ferns to hike through with a lot of water flowing and numerous water pooling. I also passed much bear scat in this hiking section of lower Barbershop Canyon. I have never been a big fan of hiking lower Dane Canyon (below the Dane Spring area) and Oregon_Hike had earlier confirmed in his June'16 trip log that this hiking section of lower Dane Canyon (beginning at its X with Barbershop Canyon) became frustrating very quickly due to the numerous congested areas of tree downfall with overgrowth.
Oregon_Hiker had found an escape route up to FR145A to avoid more of this. Smartly I decided to plan an earlier escape route up to FR145A lower end from the intersection of Dane Canyon / McClintock Draw. This worked out well with a relatively easy and less congested up hill exit to the end of FR145A. This plan also allowed me to gain some additional experience by using my "go to" feature on my GPS which I rarely use for off-trail needs. It worked well doing a "go to" from the lower intersection up to the FR145A road lower end. With this purple colored "go to" route to follow, all I really needed to do was to find the best route up staying as close as possible to this guiding route up
Once I reached FR145A it was just a matter of continuing up FR145A & not passing the U-Bar Trail intersection which I would have passed if I had not again used my GPS way point "go to" feature (the intersection of FR145A/U-Bar Trail was actually another FR with only the standard plastic FR# sign that took a 160 degree turn to the right.. so it would have been very easy to miss this intersection and just continue hiking up FR145A..
Ref: [ photo ] ).
At this afternoon point in my hike the monsoon skies opened up again and it rained continuously for the next ~1.5 hours until reaching my vehicle. A nice, enjoyable, scenic, and relaxing with solitude loop hike this one was and I do recommend it
This was another loop hike that Oregon_Hiker had originally planned and hiked this past June'16 and one that I had yet to complete which would include the off-trail section of Barbershop Canyon below its intersection with U-Bar Trail to where lower Barbershop Canyon intersects with the lower end of Dane Canyon. At this Barbershop Canyon/Dane Canyon crossing I would continue up lower Dane Canyon for a distance before exiting out off-trail to intersect FR145A and then hike on FR145A to the U-Bar Trail crossing where I would then take the U-Bar Trail back to the Barbershop Canyon Creek Drainage, then off-trail back up to my vehicle parked at the lower end of FR139C (see my posted GPS Route with "key" way points).
This off-trail hiking section of Barbershop Canyon was very pleasant with defined game trails to follow, not that much dead fall to negotiate, very green & lush with at times five foot ferns to hike through with a lot of water flowing and numerous water pooling. I also passed much bear scat in this hiking section of lower Barbershop Canyon. I have never been a big fan of hiking lower Dane Canyon (below the Dane Spring area) and Oregon_Hike had earlier confirmed in his June'16 trip log that this hiking section of lower Dane Canyon (beginning at its X with Barbershop Canyon) became frustrating very quickly due to the numerous congested areas of tree downfall with overgrowth.
Oregon_Hiker had found an escape route up to FR145A to avoid more of this. Smartly I decided to plan an earlier escape route up to FR145A lower end from the intersection of Dane Canyon / McClintock Draw. This worked out well with a relatively easy and less congested up hill exit to the end of FR145A. This plan also allowed me to gain some additional experience by using my "go to" feature on my GPS which I rarely use for off-trail needs. It worked well doing a "go to" from the lower intersection up to the FR145A road lower end. With this purple colored "go to" route to follow, all I really needed to do was to find the best route up staying as close as possible to this guiding route up
Once I reached FR145A it was just a matter of continuing up FR145A & not passing the U-Bar Trail intersection which I would have passed if I had not again used my GPS way point "go to" feature (the intersection of FR145A/U-Bar Trail was actually another FR with only the standard plastic FR# sign that took a 160 degree turn to the right.. so it would have been very easy to miss this intersection and just continue hiking up FR145A..
Ref: [ photo ] ).
At this afternoon point in my hike the monsoon skies opened up again and it rained continuously for the next ~1.5 hours until reaching my vehicle. A nice, enjoyable, scenic, and relaxing with solitude loop hike this one was and I do recommend it
2016-07-26 Grasshopper
U - Bar Trail #28
I took the day off from work to do what I like best - go hiking! Mark and I talked last week about hooking up and decided on today. Mark suggested the Dane Canyon Loop and another loop close by if we both felt good after the first. Alas, the thunder storms came early today so we decided to call it a day after the first loop.
Before the threat of storms shortened our hike, it was shaping up to be a beautiful day. The temps were cool early, a tad muggy, with morning dew hugging the vegetation as we meandered south along the U-Bar trail. It warmed up in Dane Cyn with the sun overhead, but it was generally pleasant throughout the hike. With the exception of Dane Canyon, where we followed whichever routes looked good, the trails were in wonderful shape and quite easy to follow. That is, when we weren't gabbing too much and missing the turn off, which we did on a couple of occasions. All the better, though; more time to gab!
This was my first trip to the Cabin Loops area. I've wanted to explore up here for a long time. I wish we could have gone a little longer, but it was a grand day nonetheless. I need to get back up there. Soon.
Thanks for driving, Mark, especially so on the way out with all that rain on the Rim Rd.
Wildflowers
A smattering of wildflowers in Dane Canyon.
Before the threat of storms shortened our hike, it was shaping up to be a beautiful day. The temps were cool early, a tad muggy, with morning dew hugging the vegetation as we meandered south along the U-Bar trail. It warmed up in Dane Cyn with the sun overhead, but it was generally pleasant throughout the hike. With the exception of Dane Canyon, where we followed whichever routes looked good, the trails were in wonderful shape and quite easy to follow. That is, when we weren't gabbing too much and missing the turn off, which we did on a couple of occasions. All the better, though; more time to gab!
This was my first trip to the Cabin Loops area. I've wanted to explore up here for a long time. I wish we could have gone a little longer, but it was a grand day nonetheless. I need to get back up there. Soon.
Thanks for driving, Mark, especially so on the way out with all that rain on the Rim Rd.
Wildflowers
A smattering of wildflowers in Dane Canyon.
2016-07-25 rayhuston
U - Bar Trail #28
Parked Tonto Jr on 139 where you cross over and shuttled up to west Barbershop TH to start the hike. And what a great way to start as we chowed down on a raspberry bush grown for 4. The hike takes you thru the usual forest, except that there are blazes on the trees marking your way, with lots of ferns, lupine and cone flowers. There was also a good amount of deadfall but nothing too difficult to get over, under or around.
First stop was Dane Cabin. Some backpackers were getting ready to move on out. We took the obligatory tour. I was glad to see this Cabin I've seen so much on HAZ. from there it was a nice hike toward Dane Canyon and down and in to a very plush canyon bottom. And as you know with canyons, what you go down, you eventually gotta get back out of so UP we went. Fortunately for these canyons, some of the route in and out is shaded which was nice to have on this day, even though it wasn't really hot.
Across the forest we go until we meet up with the road walk. It was very lovely with the lush fern floor of the forest to look at and a nice road to hike. It gradually goes up as you make your way toward Barbershop Canyon and then down you go. This canyon is a little deeper so the path is a little steeper. We stopped at the campsite off to the right for just a few moments to walk around a bit before heading UP and out of the canyon. And before you knew it, we were back at Tonto Jr. From here we drove over to Pinchot Cabin to check it out and then headed back to Camp Grasshopper for lunch and a beer. After that, we would do the Barbershop Trail #91.
I liked the shuttling as it allowed you to pick and choose the nicer parts of the trails to hike. However, our best laid plans to not doing longer hikes to avoid getting caught in a storm didn't quite work out as hoped. The video from this hike is not the best because of the intense light to dark. However, you can still get a nice sense of what a lovely hike this is.
Videos:
to Dane Cany Cabin from Barbershop TH https://youtu.be/Zs ... SIe8
toward Barbershop Canyon to FR 145 https://youtu.be/4W ... Z8e0
continuing to Barbershop Canyon https://youtu.be/Y8 ... 7O-M
arriving at Barbershop Canyon, around and up and out https://youtu.be/6M ... yUcQ
Camp Grasshopper: https://youtu.be/6l ... VZOQ
hike to and from Pinchot Cabin https://youtu.be/9g ... NwEk
First stop was Dane Cabin. Some backpackers were getting ready to move on out. We took the obligatory tour. I was glad to see this Cabin I've seen so much on HAZ. from there it was a nice hike toward Dane Canyon and down and in to a very plush canyon bottom. And as you know with canyons, what you go down, you eventually gotta get back out of so UP we went. Fortunately for these canyons, some of the route in and out is shaded which was nice to have on this day, even though it wasn't really hot.
Across the forest we go until we meet up with the road walk. It was very lovely with the lush fern floor of the forest to look at and a nice road to hike. It gradually goes up as you make your way toward Barbershop Canyon and then down you go. This canyon is a little deeper so the path is a little steeper. We stopped at the campsite off to the right for just a few moments to walk around a bit before heading UP and out of the canyon. And before you knew it, we were back at Tonto Jr. From here we drove over to Pinchot Cabin to check it out and then headed back to Camp Grasshopper for lunch and a beer. After that, we would do the Barbershop Trail #91.
I liked the shuttling as it allowed you to pick and choose the nicer parts of the trails to hike. However, our best laid plans to not doing longer hikes to avoid getting caught in a storm didn't quite work out as hoped. The video from this hike is not the best because of the intense light to dark. However, you can still get a nice sense of what a lovely hike this is.
Videos:
to Dane Cany Cabin from Barbershop TH https://youtu.be/Zs ... SIe8
toward Barbershop Canyon to FR 145 https://youtu.be/4W ... Z8e0
continuing to Barbershop Canyon https://youtu.be/Y8 ... 7O-M
arriving at Barbershop Canyon, around and up and out https://youtu.be/6M ... yUcQ
Camp Grasshopper: https://youtu.be/6l ... VZOQ
hike to and from Pinchot Cabin https://youtu.be/9g ... NwEk
2016-07-24 tibber
