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creek bed cobble hike by hikeaz Stats for Description below Distance One Way 13 miles Trailhead Elevation 5,000 feet Elevation Gain -300 feet Accumulated Gain 350 feet This section of "the Blue" was reached, at the upper end, via the Strayhorse Trail, coming in from AZ 191 about 25 miles south of Hannagan Meadow from Rose Peak. NOTE: The 13 mile figure is from Strayhorse/Blue  junction to the Fritz Ranch, without the side trip or access trail.Once in the Blue drainage, we then headed south in the bed of the Blue for about 13 miles to the XXX Ranch (also called the Fritz Ranch) . Along the way we stopped at the historic HU-Bar ranch at about mile 7.8. From the HU Bar we headed south to the Blue's confluence with Little Blue Creek canyon entering from the left (east). This distance is about 3 miles from the HU Bar. All along this section of the Blue there are numerous swimming holes, of which we took advantage. Getting back to Little Blue Creek ...the water in the main Little Blue Creek is extremely high in mineral content and "stings" your tounge... I'd get water in the Blue (which is perrennial) or wait until you're further up into Hannah Canyon and above the Hot Springs area. About 2.5 to 3 miles up Hannah a small side canyon enters from the right(ENE). Wander up this canyon making your way around some small pour-offs and after about 15 minutes, watch the left wall of the canyon for the (approx GPS point) hot springs. There is a small campsite here.. maybe room for 2 small tents. This springs is about perfect, temperature-wise. Although the water eminates at 133 degrees, the springs has enough volume to keep it at about 105+/-... perrrfect, Ahhhh. Well, if you get a little overheated, you can cool off by wading/swimming/climbing your way further up this canyon. It is awesome... like Canyoneering-Lite. The canyon is short (about 3/4 mile), but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in beauty. It is likely you could easily shoot a ROLL of film just in this canyon. As well, a complete day could be spent between the hot springs and the canyon just relaxing.We retraced our steps back to the confluence with the Blue and headed south to our take-out point at the XXX Ranch a.k.a. Fritz Ranch. This is accessed from FR 475 & 475C. The trail is almost all cobbles, so wear sturdy footwear. Additionally, you will be crossing the river innumerable times, so go when it is warm so that it a welcome respite. It is unlikely that you'll see another soul on this hike, with the possible exception of near the trailheads. This is true wilderness. Enjoy and be prudent. 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.
