Tonto Narrows Access

[mcoplea]

I know the main TH access to the Tonto Narrows is now closed. We are looking for some alternate routes to get back there for a dayhike. Anyone know of a good TH or access point to hike back there now?

Thanks!

Admin edit: use this route

[joebartels]

Thanks!

If anybody is interested in tagging along this week or weekend give me a holler I'd like to give this a try. It would have to be an early start, leaving PHX about 4am. I can drive, PM if interested.

[Grasshopper]

If anybody is interested in tagging along this week or weekend give me a holler I'd like to give this a try.

Did you go?

[joebartels]

Noope! Still interested!

[ankaa]

I can understand why this area was closed, and it's probably better off. It was just too easy to get to for such a nice place. Too many people and not enough respect. Hopefully somebody will find a better way to access the area. Preferably a route difficult enough to deter carrying a cooler full of ice and beer.

I've been wanting to hike Tonto Creek end to end for a while now, though, and the last thing I want to do after that is hike 10 miles up Houston creek to Payson.

Can somebody show me on a map or describe to me where exactly Gisela rd is closed off?
Also, am I understanding correctly that even if you park before this point, you are risking getting towed?

[oceanwithin]

I am totally interested in going here too if any of you want to make an attempt at it! my boyfriend parked in gisela and successfully made it to the narrows two weeks ago so I can get the exact directions from him.

although, is a dry bag 100% necessary? I don't have one of those yet...

[ankaa]

although, is a dry bag 100% necessary? I don't have one of those yet...

You can get to the narrows and only get your feet wet. At least, with the old access you could. I guess now it depends on the route you manage to find.
If you go very far upstream from the narrows, though, you will probably want some way to keep your stuff dry. Even if you can avoid the water, why would you want to? That's half the fun. Wrapping your stuff in heavy duty garbage bags or trash compactor bags works just fine.

[mcoplea]

Revisiting trying to hit the Tonto Narrows again. I have read through the different posts on routes and am totally confused.

Where is the best place to park and hike in now a days?

[joebartels]

Exactly as it states in the first paragraph on the hike description http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=132

[Sketch00]

Ok im sure this is where me and my friends go hiking. no one knows exactly the name of the spot because no one goes there. the road that you can "drive" to ends by these two power line towers. you can drive a lil further but better have a 4x4. if you keep following the creek. it takes you to hells gate and out gisela. water was pretty low last week when were there. i also almost didnt make it out. its severe at that spot and lots of fun

[Dirk2290]

Here is what I don't understand or am in some disbelief. With a little research you can find the article in the AZ Central about the access point being shut off for the Narrows. Which is Here: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... losed.html

So, I took the initiave to read the article, then contact the Ranger station to get more assistance. After speaking to Larry Vogel personally and CHelsea from the local Ranger Station, this is what they emailed me: "The road up to the existing gate is an open public road. It is maintained by Gila County and only they could determine to post it "No Parking" if they deemed it necessary. Gila County has indicated that they have not posted this road and that the signs are not theirs. Therefore, it has been my advice to visitors that it is legal to park along the road. No one to my knowledge has been towed or cited for parking on the road, although some have received anonymous flyers warning that they could be. After you have parked near the gate, simply head east along the fenceline (staying south of the private property). You will drop into a large wash which is Tonto creek and climb out the other side. Then follow the fenceline (property boundary) north and you will end up right at the narrows. It is a relatively short and easy diversion as long as you can cross Tonto Creek (low-medium flows).

We produced a map at the Payson RD office that shows the road and the private land and you can easily see how to access the Narrows without trespassing on private land."

I have a copy of the map. As a matter of fact, I also have a copy where Chelesea drew the outline of where the gate is and where the private land is.

SO I now have 2 Rangers who have said how easy it is to get in here. And to ignore the No Parking Signs. So I can't imagine that 2 Rangers would place us in danger or in legal troubles. I do plan on visitng the Narrows in the very near future with my hiking group, so I will let you know how it all works out. I am just surprised that on this forum and on about 3 other hiking forum that no one has posted this info or at leat tryed contacting the Rangers to see what the scoop was.

[skatchkins]

Good information. Thank you for posting.

[Grasshopper]

I do plan on visitng the Narrows in the very near future with my hiking group, so I will let you know how it all works out.

We look forward to your posts. If someone in your group runs a GPS track of your hiking route please post it under the Tonto Narrows hike description :thanx:

[chumley]

I have a copy of the map. As a matter of fact, I also have a copy where Chelesea drew the outline of where the gate is and where the private land is.

If it's possible for you to make a copy (PDF) or even take a nice up-close macro photo of that map (JPG) and upload it as an attachment to this thread, it would be helpful to others seeking the same information that you took the time and effort to gather. The webmaster might even attach it to the hike description if it's as useful as you suggest. Thanks!

[big_load]

It is maintained by Gila County and only they could determine to post it "No Parking" if they deemed it necessary. Gila County has indicated that they have not posted this road and that the signs are not theirs.

Then why doesn't the county remove the signs?

[joebartels]

@Dirk2290 It really is not that difficult for any true hiker to hike around. This route was posted long ago for anyone with any scouting initiative.

Do hikers really want an easier route for party goers to drag their styrofoam coolers?

When I go to Squaw and see people waiting in line for the front parking lot I don't get it either.


btw... this is not true (not surprised considering the source)

Access appears impossible without a trek that involves climbing fences, ignoring private-property signs and braving cactus.

Well I guess it is true if you go with "appears". This article was most certainly written by one of those that waits in line for the front parking lot at Squaw.

[chumley]

When I go to Squaw and see people waiting in line for the front parking lot I don't get it either.

This always makes me laugh. You're there to hike (and exercise), but walking an extra 300 yards is too difficult? People also park closest to the entrance to the gym. Would it kill you to walk across half a parking lot? You're going to be sweating away on an elliptical for the next hour anyway! ... I think it's just habit for most people!

[paulhubbard]

Parking lot humor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb4SBOQL ... r_embedded

[Dirk2290]

Wow, so you are saying that two Rangers are liers? ok. And BTW, our main objective is to go up stream to the other 3 holes. Giddy Up, Hi-Oh Silver, and Kimmosabe. The Narrows is not my final destination and I don't even stop there. No, I don't appreicate the rift raft either, but I do find it strange to discount Two different Forest Rangers Instructions. These are the vary people that police the said area. And really, Squaw Peak? Squaw Peak is for beginners and pretentious regulars that are afraid to go anywhere else other than Camelback and Pinnacle Peak. Careful guys, don't alwasy judge a book by it's cover, or you will sound like one of those Canyoneeering snobs who think they own every canyon and the avid hiker should not be allowed in unless you pay them thousands of dollars to teach you how to prfessionally canyoneer....LMAO......

[Dirk2290]

I am new to this forum so I am trying to find out how to upload my pdf of the map from the ranger station. If you could point me in the right direction, that would be appreicated.

[Dirk2290]

Here it is.....