Aravaipa, 4/14, 0730-1600

[kingsnake]

Aravaipa, 4/14, 0730-1600

Looking for 3-4 other folks who might want to explore some of the side canyons and mountains near the entrance to Aravaipa Canyon. Highlights will be exploring the abandoned Reese Ranch and peaking Indian Head and Mining Mountain.

Here's the general area: http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=1629

Code: Select all

Location          Latitude    Longitude     Dist   Elev   Notes
---------------   ---------   -----------   ----   ----   ----------------------
McMurry TH        32.847179   -110.606937    0.0   2700
Indian Head Mtn   32.838666   -110.597011    1.2   3294
Reese Ranch       32.837187   -110.57963     2.4   3250
Abandoned Mine    32.849266   -110.573193    3.8   3100   turn around?
Trail Crossing    32.854786   -110.564237    4.8   3450
Mining Mtn Peak   32.856012   -110.578055    5.8   3949
Mining Mtn West   32.856877   -110.583935    6.1   3860   1850 AEG

Return route will be the reverse to Reese Ranch, then following a wash back to the trailhead, for a total of about 12 miles and 2400 AEG.

Though our route will be different, we will hit some of the same points as this guy, who started from Zapata Wash Rd: http://www.azbackcountryadventures.com/jim.htm . Most of the route is private (not BLM) property, starting at my wife's piece, so this is an uncommon opportunity.

Aravaipa Road is gravel, but can be driven (slowly) in a city car. The one mile jeep trail from Aravaipa Road to the trailhead absolutely requires 4WD/AWD and high clearance. It's a 2.5 hour drive from central Phoenix, and space is very limited, so you will want to truck pool in a one or two vehicles.

If you are interested, I'll friend you so you can download the specific MapDex route for more details to possibly finalize your interest.

[kingsnake]

This photoset will give you some idea of what Holy Joe Canyon will look like : http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=17033

This photo shows the north side of Mining Mountain. We will approach across the more gentle east (left) slope : http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=215788

[kingsnake]

Someone asked a question in PM ... AEG would be about 2400 feet. According to the topo, both Indian Head and Mining Mountain would be about a 500 foot climbs, with the remainder of the elevation for gradual climb up various washes. Red and yellow are optional return routes, since I don't want to go back up Indian Head. Actual route may vary according to what we find on the ground: I've been around the area several times, but not actually over any of the ground the routes cover. (There's two small walls in Holy Joe that I am aware of, but we should not be crossing those.)

I've budgeted 8 hours -- meetup at 0730, hike 0800-1600 -- since I need to be at our friend's B&B up stream for dinner. So, we should be able to cover 12 miles in that time, with enough leeway for picture taking, ranch exploring, and ouchy-avoiding. I don't plan on it being a speed hike.

[nonot]

Will this be a dayhike, weekend event, backpacking trip to be done with Aravaipa? I'm a bit confused.

[outdoor_lover]

@nonot I asked that and was told this is a dayhike. Saturday only.

[kingsnake]

Dayhike, 0730-1600.

[JuanJaimeiii]

I'm interested but what about passes?

[kingsnake]

It's all off BLM land, so no passes necessary. (I'm sure you know, but for those who are not aware: The BLM only accepts applications for Aravaipa passes 13 weeks in advance, and during the Spring and Fall, they typically "sell out" 4-8 weeks ahead of time, especially for weekends.) I'll friend you so you can look at the route ...

[kingsnake]

The reason I planned this hike is that I will be in Aravaipa anyway, but since the passes were already "sold out" when I looked at a hike for that weekend, I needed something I could do without a permit, like when I hiked up Brandenburg Wash last fall (for the same reason).

[nonot]

I was hoping I could drive out there the night before, but just found out I have to work late Friday and have to do something on the day of your trip. Thanks for the invite, perhaps another time.

[kingsnake]

Thanx for letting me know.