Saddle Mtn trailhead- old Beeline or new Beeline?

[slayte]

I am going backpacking around Saddle Mountain this weekend (the Saddle Mountain N of Phoenix, in the Matazals). I am going via FR 25 to the #88 trailhead. I have been there once before, but it was before the last section of the Beeline was finished. Can anyone tell me if the turnoff to FR 25 is off of the old or new Beeline? If I remember correctly, it would be off of the old section that is now bypassed. If so, how do I get on that section now? (I'm coming from Phx).

This is the HAZ link to the trail, if it helps:
http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php? ... Grove%20TH

Thanks,
Ed

[Snick33]

The exit you want is now called Sycamore Creek. You will have to look closely for the entrance for 25, they have really changed the way it looks in the last few months.

[Nighthiker]

Follow Snick's directions from the Beeline, once you turnoff and head down to the old segment of the Beeline near the bottom of the hill you will observe a dirt road on your right. This is the old segment of the Beeline (they removed the pavement) take this dirt road to the top of the divide and that is the intersection to forest road 25 and 201. Take forest road 25 to the Mormon Grove Trailhead (high clearance) You can also stay on the pavement and go south (instead of going north) on the old segment of the Beeline Highway. As you past the ranch turnoff on the east side of the road there is a pull off on the east side of the road, park here and on the west side of the highway is a trail (244) that will take you to the Saddle Mtn. Trail.

[slayte]

Thanks for the info guys. I never would have figured out that the old Beeline is dirt now. Of course, the point is now moot, since that area is closed, but I'll probably head up there in the fall.

Ed