Hells Gate or Hells Hole overnight sometime in June

[rally_toad]

I was planning on doing Hells Gate with some buddies on May 30 or 31st but might end up going to Fossil Springs instead because Im worried about what shape they are in. Neither one has been hiking for a while.

But anyway anyone want to try and hit either one of these as an overnight sometime in June. Im good any day weekday or weekend as long as it is sometime before June 22.

Let me know.

[tonyp]

I really doubt adding the weight of overnight gear is going to make getting out any easier. I say start early, take a leisurely lunch, and do it as a day hike. No different than climbing a mountain - except in reverse.

I would be interested, though, in doing Hells Gate as a car-shuttle through-hike (instead of in and back from the northern TH). Any date between June 5 and June 21 could work for me.

I'm also up for Hells Hole any time in that range as well, but I plan to camp in the region and hit several trails. When I have a firm date on that, I'll post it.

Tony

[rally_toad]

How many days would you want to use to do a through hike (Im assuming your talking about from Hells Gate to Tonto Narrows, or possibly Haigler Creek to Hells Gate?)? Because I would be interested in something like that. Provided I know 2 weeks in advance so I can get the time off work.

[tonyp]

No - actually as a day hike - just doing the Hell's Gate trail from N to S; from the FR405A trailhead southbound to the one on FR133. The trick is getting a vehicle down FR133. I'm not set up forserious canyoneering - not this month.

Tony

[rally_toad]

Hey thats sounds even better! I'd definitely be down for that hike anytime until the 22nd. My car is an old 73 mustang so I dont think it's be much help for navigating FR133. But anyone else want to get in on this one that might have a vehicle that can take 133? Do you know if the road is high clearance ok? Or would we need a 4x4?

[tonyp]

OK, I have a verbal commitment from a buddy who doesn't hike, but does like to drive his 4x4 to meet me (and up to 2 more butts) at the south trailhead (on FR133) on Sunday May 15th. That's when he can make it work. (I may be able to talk him into the 14th, but after reading all the triplogs, I kinda want to spend the night now... I can't get there before the 14th.)

My understanding is that FR133 is definitely a 4x4 route.

The south exit has the same vertical, but a lot less horizontal distance.

He bounces us out to Young. We buy dinner. He takes us back to the TH. That's the plan.

Tony

[big_load]

June 15, right? (Not that I could make it that day, either)

[tonyp]

Yes - we are talking about June. -TP

[rally_toad]

Sundays dont work very well for me. What about pushing it to the 14th? I should be able to make it as long as we confirm and set the date pretty soon, so I can get that day off of work for sure.

[tonyp]

We are ON for Saturday, June 14th.
We start at the Hell's Gate TH, and go south through the canyon to come out the other side at Smoky Canyon TH on FR131, where my friend would meet us. I told him late afternoon. We buy dinner in Young. He drives us back to the TH.
This is part of the Hiking Guide Desperate End tour (see that topic in trail chat).
I will be coming from a campsite (this is one of several stops for me), so I'm no help in carpooling from the Valley.
My son might be joining us, so that would leave room for two more butts max in the shuttle vehicle.

Tony

[rally_toad]

Ok sounds good. I'll commit as soon as I get that day off work. Whats the total mileage for the thru hike?

[tonyp]

The Forest Service lists it at 11 miles north to south. The trip reports are all in and back from the north.
So ... we'll find out.

Tony

[rally_toad]

I got that day off work so I am in. Save a seat in the shuttle vehicle for me! Let me know on the time you want to meet at the trailhead.

[tonyp]

Let's shoot for 8:30 am at the TH. We definitely want to be marching by 9am if we want any splashing time.

Tony

[bryanmertz]

Hi - This sounds like a great day trip. Any chance there is room for another body to carpool up from Phoenix? I'll pay for gas even.

Bryan

[tonyp]

You gotta ask Rallytoad. I'm coming from a campgrund in the Sierra Ancha's. -TP

[rally_toad]

Bryan, ya I'd like to carpool on this one and share the cost for gas. I sent you a pm.

[tonyp]

OK - that makes 4 (counting my son - who's going), which fills Jayson's (my friend) Xterra. (Happily, we all have day packs).
More are welcome on the hike, of course, but you'll have to come up with alternative shuttle plans.

Tony

[tonyp]

OK - I leave early in the morning for the hikes leading up to Hell's Gate. I won't be able to communicate witt anyone until we meet at the TH.
Jayson's Extera can hold four passengers. RallyToad, my son and myself make three of them. If Bryan Mertz is coming, we're full.

This is RallyToad's ball now. See ya at the trailhead.

Tony

[rally_toad]

Tony
I sent you a pm with my cell phone number. I'll see you saturday at 8:30.