Trail conditions for a few options

[big_load]

Mrs. big_load and I are heading west on Saturday, and I still haven't picked our hikes. I'm looking for a couple 2-3 day trips more toward Tucson.

Is the big loop trail that includes Chiricahua Peak fully open for business? Are any springs flowing? Trailheads reachable by rental car?

How about Basset Peak (Same questions)? I went to Powers Garden last fall, and I don't think the rental car will reach the Deer Creek TH with two people in it, so I'm looking for alternate Galiuros adventures.

[hikeaz]

In response to big_load's reply:

I did a backpack along the Crest Trail from Rustler to Chiricahua Peak, and beyond, just last week. http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest ... estc.shtml
Anita Spring is running just fine and there is terrific camping @ Anita Park There are some burned areas along the trail, but it is recovering nicely and overall it's very pretty, with awesome views. A rental car to the Rustler CG T/H is no problem.
You may also want to try a couple of the developed day-hikes in Chiricahua National Monument, such as Heart of the Rocks.....it's a nice place.http://www.arizonahandbook.com/chiricah.htm


NOTE 1: all the water at the CG is off to prevent pipes freezing - take what you need to get to Anita & some left in the vehicle as well.

NOTE 2: You MUST stop in Willcox at "Rodney's BBQ". It's on Railroad Avenue, a couple-doors down from the Rex Allen Museum.


Some more reading here...
http://www.arizonahikingtrails.com/hiki ... cabin.html

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=579

http://www.arizonahandbook.com/chi_mtns.htm


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[RedRoxx44]

Rustler Park---usually Rustler spring is flowing if you follow the green up a hillside out of campsite 13 I think from the park. Running out of a pipe. May be frozen up by now but I don't think overnight temps have been that cold up there.
Usually a spring on the way to Centella Point, Booger spring I understand had a poor flow of late, Anita is most reliable on the Crest trail. Spring flowing several months ago by forest service cabin on Greenhouse (?) trail off the Crest. A spring near Monte Vista lookout was reported to be dripping along--again as of several months ago.

Galiuros--rental car will get you to a meadow, from there take road to right at split, and walk--its' 2.3 miles to TH East Divide for Basset Peak, from there it's about 11 miles RT. Cars can't make the rough rocky washes. BP wise there is water right now in pools in Ash Creek, normally that is dry. Lower Ash and Upper Ash springs have water, on the final push out of canyon it is dry. Camp either lower in the canyon ( less campspots on up Ash Creek as gets narrow) or carry water up and camp higher--will have great views. Will be cool at night whereever you go.

[big_load]

Lower Ash and Upper Ash springs have water, on the final push out of canyon it is dry. Camp either lower in the canyon ( less campspots on up Ash Creek as gets narrow) or carry water up and camp higher--will have great views.

Thanks for the info! From the map, it looks like there might be an OK campsite in a realtively flat area not far from Lower Ash Spring. Is that real? Are there any good sites higher up?

[big_load]

In response to big_load's reply:

NOTE 2: You MUST stop in Willcox at "Rodney's BBQ". It's on Railroad Avenue, a couple-doors down from the Rex Allen Museum.

Thanks! BBQ is one of the few things I like better than shredded beef tacos, and there is not much to be had around here. I probably eat at Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert more often than anyplace local.

[RedRoxx44]

There are many campspots in lower canyon, get fewer the higher you go. Some nice old campsites. At one area is a nice park like spot on your left, near some small troughs of a spring. Go on by the large tanks in lower canyon ( which have water now but are mostly dry) lots of poison ivy in that area!!!! So don't camp there.

Like I said, the creek bed has pools of water here and there so you should be able to camp near water, not a usual occurrence there.

[hikeaz]

In response to big_load's reply:

NOTE 2: You MUST stop in Willcox at "Rodney's BBQ". It's on Railroad Avenue, a couple-doors down from the Rex Allen Museum.

Thanks! BBQ is one of the few things I like better than shredded beef tacos, and there is not much to be had around here. I probably eat at Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert more often than anyplace local.

When in the Valley, you might want to give Honey Bear's a try, as well.