The Goldfields

[Nighthiker]

I am glad to note the hikes in the Goldfields by the visitors to this site. I would hear about folks who hiked or visited the various wilderness areas in Arizona and I would offer that there are some neat and unique areas that are not designated wilderness areas. I enjoyed living in the foothills of the Goldfields in the 80's and early 90's and actually lived on the fence line. I had many trips into the Goldfields, exploring and hiking. I jokingly claimed the area had more arches than Arches National Monument. I pestered the forest service in developing a plan for the Goldfields and proposing a bridge like the sheep bridge on the Verde River to enter the Goldfields from the North side crossing the Salt River. But the forest service stated there were to many mining claims, we have to promote multi use and were busy writing Environmental Impact Statements. So please review the trip reports regarding the Goldfields, obtain a copy of Goldfield Mountain Hikes by Ted Tenny or obtain a topo map and just explore.

[herdbull]

Unfortunately just within the last year or 2 the Goldfields are being overrun by dirt bikes, UHV's, Jeeps and four wheelers. They are tearing up all the single track trails and ruining a lot of the area. I spend time up and down Hwy 88 a couple days a week in there and it's a rare sight to go an hour without seeing someone going where they don't belong

[chumley]

@herdbull
TNF doesn't seem to have any enforcement of the special permit area behind the gates. Perhaps more "complaints" of such violations to the Mesa Ranger District will get some attention to the issue.

[herdbull]

@chumley yeah, good idea. Their presence is all over 1st Water this winter but I have yet to see anyone across the HWY. There's a conservation group putting up new fencing along 1st Water. It's good to see and quite the effort but it's just so damn disappointing people just don't think rules & laws apply to them. As with most Forest Service programs, Rangers or Game officials I'm sure they're spread really thin.

[hikerdw]

As an FYI, the parking area at the SE corner of Idaho Road and McDowell Road is now fenced and there is a “No Loitering” sign posted along the easement off Idaho Road. Looks like TH parking is no longer permitted.

[herdbull]

@hikerdw
interesting. I know they've been cleaning up that corner the last month or so. Wonder what the climbers are going to do? Greevers is a fairly well known rock climbing point. Plus there is trail access there.

[hikerdw]

@herdbull Parking at the Bulldog gate is an option, there is a trail that will take you to Idaho Rd. I have noticed a lot of trash lately on that corner so I suspect the owners decided enough. Not the first time carelessness of a few ruins something for others.