Redfield Canyon Wilderness Dec 10-11, 2011

[RedRoxx44]

This will be a base/car camp and mult opportunity day hikes-- backside route up Bassett Peak, short loop of Redfield Canyon, Mitchell Springs canyon to an old mine and back on a badly degenerated and catclawed old road, then the Mystery Hike I will lead--- no more than 3-4 people, no bright colors, must be able to tolerate a long day and some boulder hopping and possible wading. Those who want to overnight a short nice one is to Hooker cabin and back with some exploration on up Redfield and some little visited side canyons.
You will need a HC 4wd vehicle, really just for the climb out from Jackson cabin. This can be a busy area during hunting season so camping may be spread out or to an area along the way other than Jackson cabin.
Plan about 2 hours for the drive from Muleshoe to Jackson cabin--it's only about 12 miles but it'll be somewhat slow and is very scenic.

[rwstorm]

I'm guessing that maybe the comment about no bright colors means you might be going somewhere you don't want to be seen?

[big_load]

My vacation schedule has shifted a bit and I've been itching to see this part of the range.

[RedRoxx44]

There is a possibility of crossing some private land whose landowner is not friendly. I know his aunt and uncle tho---I haven't seen them in a long time. I'll probably get lost on part of this anyway; as part of the route was badly degenerated a few years ago can't imagine it's a lot better now. But, we'll make it.

[Nighthiker]

Woodland camo or the new digital ?

[big_load]

I can't make those dates. A week earlier would be great.

[cindyl]

i was just in this area last weekend - with my new jeep. i'll post some pics.

[big_load]

@cindyl
Was your Jeep still new when you got home?

[cindyl]

@big_load it wasn't even new when I bought it. But it got plenty dirty over the weekend! She loved those roads!

[RedRoxx44]

Glad you finally got your Jeep----now the fun really begins!

[RedRoxx44]

Little boost for this trip ----photos of area, drive in and so forth--

http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=9929


http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=7067

http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=3081


http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=5119

[rwstorm]

Yes, this is an interesting area, and I wouldn't mind doing this..just not in winter. Cold weather and many hours of darkness are not my idea of camping fun. March/April maybe.

[RedRoxx44]

AHHH---good excuse for a fire and hopefully will be mucho water for this area, and not as much brush with the winter die back. Can't do much about lack of daylight and cold tho--- ;) Plus good to wear layers to deal with some of the catclaw in Redfield---

[RedRoxx44]

UPDATE: I'll be leaving Fri evening after work and Brian and I will be getting back there as far as I feel comfortable, and then finish it early Sat am driving in if can't get all the way back there. FYI the road is considerably rougher past the Redfield Wilderness boundary so if you are going in at night beware. Might be some residual snow and ice in places in there. Might be muddy on drive in but I expect roadbed is frozen pretty well so mud shouldn't be too deep. Plan on at least 3-5 degrees colder than temps in Willcox. Sat will be the big loop hike, then Sun am either to mine or whatever which won't take all day and then driving out won't be soo long.

See ya'll there-----I hope!