Aztec Peak loop

[AndreyP]

14-18 miles loop based on whether we can get up the FR-487. The loop definitely includes Abbey's Way trail #151 to the peak itself.
If we have a high clearance or 4WD ride, we can go up FR-487 to Falls campground or Peterson TH, #151 up, FR-487, 487A to Murphy TH, trail #139 to #160, #160 to Carr TH, back on FR-487 to the starting point. The estimate is 14 miles.
If we only have my low clearance car, then it's a lasso loop from Parker Creek TH: #160 - FR-487 - #151 - peak - FR-487 - #140 - #139 - #160. This is 17.5 - 18 miles based on different tracks loaded.
Mostly afternoon to get down before sunset, so the start from trailhead is about 10-11am.

[PatrickL]

Has anyone been on any of these trails recently, or know of any clearing that's been done? I want to do this loop, but I'm not entirely fond of deadfall and overgrowth.

[Grasshopper]

@Patrick L
I was curious myself, so I just called the responsible Tonto NF Ranger Station and talked to Angie:
Pleasant Valley Ranger District
P.O. Box 450, FR 63
Young, Arizona 85554
(928) 462-4300

All gates and roads are now open for Sierra Ancha Wilderness access (as of 4/15/12) which also includes the access gate at the "Falls Campground on FR487- Workman's Creek Road". Angie advises that no official trail maintenance has yet been done this year, and due to existing budget constraints there may not be any.

I would say that when hiking in our Sierra Ancha Wilderness that one must always expect a certain amount of trail overgrowth and downed trees. Now is a good time for access to enjoy some of these higher elevation Sierra Ancha Wilderness trails

[sneakySASQUATCH]

487 is clear all the way to Murphy Ranch and as always 151 is covered with thorny (raspberry plants?) All the way to the rim trail. I think they open the gates mid March. 410 to 145 is clear as well. Also when I called Pleasant Valley for the upper Devil's Chasm attempt. I got different stories from each ranger. The point being that they don't get out to that area often and it is probably helpful to give them a report when out on any of these roads for the benefit of others wanting to visit the area.

[PatrickL]

I would say that when hiking in our Sierra Ancha Wilderness that one must always expect a certain amount of trail overgrowth and downed trees. Now is a good time for access to enjoy some of these higher elevation Sierra Ancha Wilderness trails

That must be why they call it a wilderness.