A Mazatzal divide-willow springs-deadman-sheep loop

[amblinman]

Thinking about doing this in late April, allowing for 4-5 hiking days. Probably leave early enough to start hiking no later than noon the first day and realize I'll be packing water but is there and where is there dependable water? Is this a reasonable distance for the time allowed? What are Deadman and Sheep like? looks like they cross a lot of drainages (ups and downs). Anyway, I always appreciate the good advice I get from everyone, so thanks in advance!

[mazatzal]

Start and end at Peeley?

I would guess 5-6 long days given the state of trails deep in Mazatzals (Willow Springs is rough above Mtn Spring (Nov 2010). I think Deadman and north part of Sheep are in bad shape as well.

I would expect water at the following: Bear Spr, Horse Camp Seep, Pete's Pond, Mtn Spr, Club Spr and Sheep Crk should be okay.

[amblinman]

Yes from Peeley, I'm just trying to avoid a straight out and back, maybe I'll come back to Davenport wash and drop to Sheep for a smaller loop back. I don't mind a bit of a challenge as long as time allows or I may just take six days and go for it. But By bad shape, do you mean overgrown? Are the trails discernible? Thanks for the help!

[mazatzal]

Ken (Topohiker) was recently on Davenport and reported that the trail is very difficult to follow near Deadman Creek - check Club Cabin triplogs. Many of the trails west of the divide have parts where they are not discernible but some parts are okay. This includes: upper parts of Willow, upper parts of Davenport, northern part of Sheep and Deadman (though some flagging was done on Deadman in 2007). You can also check Outlander's Mazatzal logs - he doesn't worry about whether he is following trail.

[amblinman]

Thanks, I'll do that. Research is part of the fun for me.