Searching

Robdice · Post by **Robdice** » Sep 10 2009 3:33 pm

I'm searching for a decent overnight backpack trip in the next two weeks. I just did Hell's Gate and it was amazing....and strenuous. We started the hike late so we never had the chance to explore when we reached the bottom of the canyon. I was wondering if anyone recommended a decent hike that is a destination hike. I'd like to have a decent camping spot with some side hikes there. Basically a place to get away from the city and all the mumbo jumbo.

cabel · Post by **cabel** » Sep 14 2009 3:19 pm

Rogers Canyon to the ruins and stay at Angel Basin

Robdice · Post by **Robdice** » Sep 20 2009 1:17 pm

This looks like a perfect trail. I was looking at the map and didn't see Angel Basin. Is that marked when we get down there?

SuperstitionGuy · Post by **SuperstitionGuy** » Sep 20 2009 2:16 pm

Read the trip description, trip reports and study the photosets to get a better understanding of the route to the trailhead, the trail itself and the cliff dwelling and angel basin area. Rear wheel drive and high clearance is required to drive to the trailhead. Four wheel drive is highly recommended. Angel basin is slightly beyond the cliff dwellings themselves and is a very large open area that you just can't miss. Not much fire wood available right in Angel Basin so you might want to camp off into the woods a bit. Don't drink the dead horse water.

You will pass by the dead horse about eight tenths of a mile downstream from the trailhead.

Al_HikesAZ · Post by **Al_HikesAZ** » Sep 20 2009 2:31 pm

Hijacking the thread with a little AZ Trivia - Angel's Basin was where Ted deGrazia burned about $1,000,000 of his paintings to protest Estate (Death) Taxes. Shortly after the news coverage, he was referred to my boss at the time - Ira Feldman CPA (brother of former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Alan Feldman) - who did some brilliant Estate Planning for Ted and then assigned me as a young CPA on Ted's accounts. Boy the stories I could tell if not for client confidentiality

It's common knowledge that Ted enjoyed Chivas Scotch

and was eccentric

One story he would probably want told - his grave is almost as secure as Fort Knox. He was concerned that some of his "friends" would dig him up to party with his bones. So don't even think about it.

Back on thread, you can't miss Angel's Basin.

now off thread again - You know it's a strange party when some of the group is sitting with Deer Heads on their heads.

Ted had these Yaqui Deer Dancer friends that he partied with and they would wear their regalia to his compound.

Here's an old article from the Prescott Courier at the time
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8 ... 43,4903175
Water (and chivas) was more important to Ted than money.

Robdice · Post by **Robdice** » Oct 16 2009 5:52 pm

I'm hoping someone jumps on here tonight. We're heading out tomorrow and I read this link below to get a location of the Angel Basin. Can someone confirm that it's correct? I don't want to get my girlfriend and I lost down there

http://www.arizonahikingtrails.com/hiki ... anyon.html

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Oct 16 2009 6:10 pm

if you start at the Woodbury t/h, there is a chance you'll get lost. the trail near the windmill/cattle tank is so overrun with game trails, you will have a hard time (as i did) following it into the canyon beyond. I'd take the much easier to find, follow and hike Rogers Canyon via Rogers Trough. If you can make it to Woodbury t/h, you'll likely have no issue with the short drive to Roger's Trough.

and, there is no water in the basin. No water anywhere, for that matter. you'll only find it downstream in Fish Creek about 2 miles.

Grasshopper · Post by **Grasshopper** » Oct 16 2009 6:43 pm

te-wa wrote: I'd take the much easier to find, follow and hike Rogers Canyon via Rogers Trough.

Here is the HAZ hike desc Mike is referencing for you: http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=106
(no cars driving up FR172 and the 3.8ml drive up FR172A will require higher clearance(SUV/Truck ok) and may require some 4-wheel drive due to possible ruts, rocks, and serious up hill climbs not required getting to the Woodbury TH up FR172 to FR172B), but I agree with Mike, the Rogers Trough TH would be a better choice with more shade and scenery hiking in to the Cliff Dwelling and to Angel Basin to camp.. Have fun!

Grasshopper · Post by **Grasshopper** » Oct 16 2009 6:53 pm

Robdice wrote:I read this link below to get a location of the Angel Basin. Can someone confirm that it's correct?

Also, the hiking directions via your posted link are correct IF you are hiking to Angel Basin from the Woodbury TH on the JF Trail#106 to connect with the Rogers Cyn TR 110 at Tortilla Pass, but as stated our recommendation is to hike in via the Rogers Trough TH IF you have the vehicle to safely do the drive in.. and like Mike implys---> you better plan to pack-in all water needed for you stay.

Robdice · Post by **Robdice** » Oct 16 2009 10:13 pm

Thanks guys. We're planning on starting out at the Rogers Canyon trailhead. I heard water isn't an issue, if we ignore the dead horse down stream. My worry isn't getting lost from a vehicle perspective, but rather going from the Rogers Canyon TH to Angel Basin. I want to ensure this goes smoothly (as we all do). The map on http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=106 doesn't show Angel Basin so I don't have a good frame of reference of what I'm looking for. I hope this makes sense...

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Oct 16 2009 10:21 pm

Follow the blue line
http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?L ... =6833,7092

Grasshopper · Post by **Grasshopper** » Oct 16 2009 10:37 pm

joe bartels wrote:Follow the blue line

Only because I am a "Detailapelli" ;) : the blue line ends at the Cliff Dwellings location(correct?).. Rob wants to camp at the Angel Basin area, so he needs to continue past the end of the blue line hiking on the red line to where the next signed trail crossing is located(Frog Tanks TR112/Rogers Canyon TR110) ..and this is where the Angel Basin backpack camping area is located(correct?)

nonot · Post by **nonot** » Oct 16 2009 10:49 pm

Hank is correct, Angel Basin is 10 minutes past the ruins, when you reach a huge grassy field you're there. Water is unlikely until we get a few good winter storms.

Robdice · Post by **Robdice** » Oct 17 2009 8:29 am

Thanks a lot guys. ANd Joe, thank you for the map. That really helps.

Grasshopper · Post by **Grasshopper** » Oct 24 2009 10:53 am

Robdice wrote:Re: Searching
by Robdice » Oct 16 2009 5:52 pm
I'm hoping someone jumps on here tonight. We're heading out tomorrow

Hi Rob-
Did you do this trip? It would be much appreciated to have some feedback from you (via a triplog) regarding conditions out there (road-FR172 & 172A, water, trail, & campsites) for others who will surely be asking us for advise on this popular late fall/winter/spring area to day hike and backpack.. :thanx:

Robdice · Post by **Robdice** » Oct 26 2009 9:32 am

I'm not sure how to use the triplog piece yet, but here's my take on the trail.

The road up there was pretty carved out from the rains, but no mud obviously. The last few miles were pretty rough, but I have a 4WD 4Runner, so no issues. I did see a 2WD Mitsubishi car on the way up there, still wondering how he made it.

As for the trail, most of the parts were great, but there was a lot of overgrowth. My girlfriend and I got pretty cut up from all the thorny bushes. Needless to say, she was not a fan. And the trail tended to disappear at time because of the overgrowth, but only took a second to figure out, nothing too major. We ended up hiking back out the same day because my girlfriend had some type of reaction to all her cuts. They were swelling and itching, so we hiked back out from Angel Basin. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Oct 26 2009 9:44 am

Robdice wrote:I'm not sure how to use the triplog piece yet

You posted a triplog for Waterwheel.

Click on "triplog" in the Post line at the top of any page. Select your hike, fill out whatever details you like then post.

Grasshopper · Post by **Grasshopper** » Oct 26 2009 10:01 am

Robdice wrote:Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Thanks Rob! When you post your triplog for this one, please include some comments on if/where you saw any treatable WATER from Rogers Trough TH to Angel Basin and back. Also, hope you had some time to visit the Rogers Canyon cliff dwelling.