November Mazatzal Wilderness

[eaufdembrink]

I am new to Arizona Hikers - We are experienced hikers and are planning a trip to Arizona in mid November for a 3-4 day backpacking trip - 25-30 miles. We have been looking at the Sheep Bridge access area. Any suggestions as to a good hike for this time of the year and any report of current water availability? We would like to plan to avoid dry camps as much as possible or at least not having to lug multiple days of water. How reliable are the water source reports as given on this web site?
Any suggestions and/or information would be appreciated.

[joebartels]

@eaufdembrink
Welcome to HAZ! Beautiful area. Those trails are not easy to access. Solitude is likely. Challenge finding some of the trails further away from the bridge is a solid bet. The water reports are reliable but few and far between in the Western Mazzies.

[ Willow Springs Trail #223 - Mazatzal ] is well documented and likely in your mix

Create your own hike with the Mazzie trails
[ Mazatzal :: map ]

Myself and several others have day hiked this 36 mile gem [ Midnight Mesa Loop - Mazatzal ]
Plenty of details in the triplogs. Notably jacobemerick's detailed & well structured triplog.

[jacobemerick]

@joebartels - I was definitely thinking Midnight Mesa Loop for this one too! It's on the upper end of the mileage, but well worth the extra walk. @eaufdembrink there is pretty dependable water at Willow Spring, Mountain Spring, both crossings on Wet Bottom, and then Dutchman Grave.

If you're looking for a shorter loop, but in the same area and with some awesome challenges, [ Sheep Bridge / Mountain Spring Loop ]

[nonot]

Mazzies are pretty nice, and I agree with the recommendations to come prepared with a GPS and tracks if you intend to go more than about 6 miles from Sheep Bridge. The trails have not been maintained well and a fire went the higher elevations some 20ish years ago some they are in poor condition or no longer exist.

The road to sheep bridge is a fairly bone jarring ride, so you should get a vehicle with at least minimal off road capabilities and good shocks.

[eaufdembrink]

@joebartels
Thanks for the info.

[eaufdembrink]

@jacobemerick
Thanks for the info.

[eaufdembrink]

@eaufdembrink
Thanks for the info.

[eaufdembrink]

What about over on the other side - Barnhardt TH or Deer Creek TH - Seems like access is easier. Any thoughts on this area?

[jacobemerick]

@eaufdembrink this side is much easier to access. Chilson, Bear, and Horse Camp have great water. If you head up from the east side, don't try to drop down the west side on any of those trails (Davenport, Willow, Sheep)... they all are very overgrown and difficult to navigate. Like 2 hours per mile, plus a lot of bloodshed difficult. I'd also recommend avoiding Sandy Saddle Trail. Otherwise, you could make a great 20ish mile loop w/ Barnhardt -> Mazzie Divide -> Rock Creek (read the triplogs, there is a difficult section but it's <.5 miles) -> Half Moon. Check out Joe's trail map to see what other fun east side trails could be combined.