Westward Arch, Goldfields

[hikingaz2]

Any one have a route to this one, last one to finish up the named Arches in the Goldfields, thanks

[chumley]

might want to PM @jameslcox44
https://hikearizona.com/x.php?x=88138
[ photoset ]

[CannondaleKid]

@hikingaz2
Your own Trans-Goldfield route of March 2017 takes you within a half-mile south of the arch right about here: 33.524472 -111.535509
I'm wondering if you could follow a somewhat direct line from that point NE up to the arch at: 33.528533 -111.529267

[hikingaz2]

@CannondaleKid
Thanks for the info, I'll try and post the most direct route, hopefully we'll get it done in a couple of weeks
Bob

[jameslcox44]

@hikingaz2
I've gone up Gateway Canyon to Delicate Arch, then continued to the west side of Golden Dome, then drop into the canyon to the west when I see Westward Arch. Glen Maclaughlin has the track. We have come in from the west as well, but much longer and more difficult.

[hikerdw]

@hikingaz2
@jameslcox44

FYI, Gateway Canyon borders an area that is closed until July 1st. Bald eagle nesting area.

[DixieFlyer]

@hikerdw
Is there a website link to that map? I looked at the Tonto National Forest website and found a link to a closure order in the Bulldog cliffs area, which expired at the end of Feb. 2019:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 532582.pdf

It does look like Gateway Canyon is either in the closure area or borders the closure area.

[hikerdw]

@DixieFlyer Yes, the link you included is the same. Joe also added the closure details to each of the affected guides. I am not aware of it expiring early.

[joebartels]

12-17-291 is posted @ https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/ho ... PRD3825951
I'm not seeing expired at the end of Feb. 2019 but I see within the pdf

Order and will remain in effect for two (2) years from the date of execution, unless
terminated sooner.

Done this 10th day of February, 2017, at Phoenix, Arizona.

If no one is sure I'll call

[hikerdw]

The date on the closure notice on the FS website is December 16, 2018. The closure notice is also still listed on the Southwest Bald Eagle Management website, www.swbemc.org.

I too can call the FS tomorrow.

[DixieFlyer]

@joebartels yes it was set to expire on Feb 10, 2019 instead of the end of February. my bad

I'd be curious to know whether or not they renewed the closure order...it might just be an oversight on their part that the website has not been updated

[jameslcox44]

@hikerdw
We have gone to Westward arch via Rhyodacite Canyon as well. A bit further, but doable. Or come off FS 10 up and over into the north end of Rhyodacite Canyon and move south, then east to the arch. I'll ask Glen if he has that track and send it to you.

[hikerdw]

I spoke with John at the Tonto Mesa District Office who confirmed that closure 12-17-291 is still in effect and being in the two areas outlined in the map is prohited during the given dates of December 1 through June 30. There is a statement in the order that the closure can be lifted after March 31 if the breeding pair of eagles are no longer occupying the area.

[hikerdw]

@jameslcox44 I've hiked to the Westward Arch from Willow Springs TH. A little longer but a great hike.

[gmaclachlan]

If you haven't been there, there is a nice arch above the cave in Rhyodacite Canyon

[DixieFlyer]

I spoke with John at the Tonto Mesa District Office who confirmed that closure 12-17-291 is still in effect and being in the two areas outlined in the map is prohited during the given dates of December 1 through June 30.

Do you know if the use trail going up Gateway Canyon is in the closure area? I'm guessing that the trail is in the closure area, but I can't tell for sure in looking at the map. I don't go hiking in that area in the summertime, but I guess that I can still go there in November.

[joebartels]

I've never been there, most seem to use this route

[joebartels]

I spoke with John at the Tonto Mesa District Office who confirmed that closure 12-17-291 is still in effect and being in the two areas outlined in the map is prohibited during the given dates of December 1 through June 30. There is a statement in the order that the closure can be lifted after March 31 if the breeding pair of eagles are no longer occupying the area.

thx for calling!

@hikingaz2 called too
in their email...
- mentioned closure orders were halted through the furlough
- they got a new closure order for the same locations in 12-17-291 drafted yesterday & signed soon if not already

[DixieFlyer]

@joebartels
They still do not have an updated closure order on their website. Here is the current link on their website to Order 12-17-291: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 532582.pdf

The closure order would seem to be more effective if they would publicize it on their website and/or place signage in the closure area.

[DixieFlyer]

@hikerdw
It looks like the Tonto National Forest finally does have an updated closure order in the Sunrise Arch/Bulldog Cliffs area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 532582.pdf

I am not 100% certain, but it looks to me like the use trail going up Gateway Canyon is in the closure area. Rhyodacite Canyon is A-OK though.