Good Water Hike

jaybird · Post by **jaybird** » Jul 10 2006 11:18 am

I've got some time off this week and was thinking of doing an easy (no climbing/rapelling) canyon hike. Any suggestions?

Preferably not more than 90 min from Phoenix. I was thinking of lower fish creek - does anyone know what the water situation there is?

I've done Horton, West Fork of Oak Creek, Aravapia, and Cibecue already.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Jul 10 2006 11:42 am

upper Fish would be a wiser choice for this time of year
I'd only recommend that with a crack o'dawn or pre-dawn start

personally I'd save either for a late Autumn hike as the leaves are just about the last to turn in the state

West Clear Creek would be choice for July (taking into consideration of what you've done)

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Jul 10 2006 2:13 pm

isnt Tonto still closed?

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Jul 10 2006 5:39 pm

It might be slightly outside your 90 mile range, but Willow Valley near Clint's Well would be a good choice. Assuming you'd be taking 1 vehicle, it would be about 9 miles round trip. Otherwise, you could set up a shuttle and then the hike would be about 6.5 miles. Lots of water, beautiful country.

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Jul 10 2006 5:57 pm

Words out where Nighthiker hangs out.

SuperstitionGuy · Post by **SuperstitionGuy** » Jul 10 2006 7:39 pm

Jay - save the upper Fish Creek for sometime when it has water in it and when I am back in town and can go with you. Hike in to and past the old Tortilla Ranch site and follow the old horse trail down to where Fish Creek begins to flow from the east to the north. Then spend the rest of the day enjoying the trip hiking down to where it flows under Apache Trail. Also it's much to hot now to enjoy the trip. Late spring or early summer is the best time as long as there is a good flow of water. Also don't hike it after the leaves fall off in the fall as the leaf covered rocks are excellent places to brake a leg or ankle and this canyon is not a safe place for even a helicopter rescue. When you get to the bridge (Apache Trail) hitch hike back to your vehicle at the Tortilla Trail Head. I got a ride once in an open top jeep with three ASU COEDs. And they were in bikinis!!! See if you can top that one....

jaybird · Post by **jaybird** » Jul 11 2006 12:32 pm

I like the Willow Valley idea and will save Fish Creek for fall. Thanks for the beta!