Canyon Hike

[mcontreras]

Hi Everyone

I'm looking for a canyon type hike. Something for intermediate level. I eventually want to do the LCR Horse Trail or maybe even the Salt Trail Canyon hike. I do lots of trail running right now in the Estrella Mountain range and use the parks trails. Our community borders the park, which is nice.

Thanks.

[azbackpackr]

Do you want a dayhike or backpacking trip? Specifically in Grand Canyon?

Horseshoe Mesa can easily be done as a dayhike. Also Waldron Trail, Dripping Springs Trail, can make a nice day loop. You can hike partway down Hermit, and out again for a dayhike. Another good dayhike: go down South Kaibab, then west along the Tonto, and hike out Bright Angel.

[nonot]

Upper Woods Canyon is intermediate level and not too hot right now. Check the weather before you go and do something else if it's going to rain!

[mcontreras]

Thanks! I was really looking to ready myself for the Salt Trail Canyon to LCR hike. I wanted a nice canyon hike to take the kids on also. Wondering if they could do the Salt Trail Canyon to LCR. They are both pretty fit kids, just not sure how they will do if they have to carry their own water, food and other items.

[joebartels]

Salt Canyon Trail is a great hike. I would advise against attempting unless you are sure you and your family are ready.

Statistically it is similar to the Flatiron. If everyone can lug everything needed up and down the Flatiron you might be able to tackle Salt Canyon.

The differences can be deadly. On the Flatiron you can turn around when you get tired. While you can do that in Salt Canyon it is easier getting in than out.

The Flatiron is easy to follow compared to Salt Canyon. There are no paint dots. The cairns blend in and are easy to miss.

The window of opportunity for Salt Canyon is slim. You have to figure out when the water is blue, it's not too hot and not too cold. Those that are ready can figure these things out on their own.

The Flatiron is cool until the Sun rises over the ridgeline, after that you still have a few slim opportunities for shade.
Salt Canyon is pretty much solid rock. The high and tight walls radiate heat unlike anything most have experienced.

The rock heading up Siphon Draw is nice, smooth and relaxing to sit on. A simple fall is only a blunt force bruise. It's steep but there isn't much exposure.
The rock in Salt Canyon is razor edged jagged and sandpaper in between. A simple fall can be a blood mess. The exposure at times is not for the timid.

All that aside. The overriding question is can you seriously carry the water necessary. I took 300oz on one trip in September with aspirations for a two night stay. That's 19 pounds alone in addition to everything else. I almost ran out of water on the first day. Forget any tricks for using the water from the river. Even after settling overnight and masking the taste more than a few sips makes my stomach turn thinking about it now.

If you can get past all of that you still need to be proficient in route finding unlike anything else ever experienced. Some trips go without a hitch, some are total disasters.

Start by carrying 60 pounds up and down the Flatiron before getting too excited about Salt Canyon. If you invest in expensive lightweight gear you may get by with 40 pounds.

It's an incredible canyon. All the elements that make it exponentially more difficult than Flatiron are worthy for the avid hiker.

---------

Upper Woods would be much easier on multiple levels. Still not for beginners. Tramway Maxwell Loop is a good place to start.

[The_Eagle]

I second everything Joe had to say about the Salt Canyon Trail.

A lite pack setup is esential.

Here are 2 examples of what NOT to do.

http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=160250

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf3UeLcCHro

[mcontreras]

I honestly don't think I would take the kids to the Salt Canyon Trail I think that's a trip for the husband and I, but I just want the kids to experience and see all these wonderful things, so it's hard to leave them behind. They are 8 and 10, the 18 year old has no desire at this point in time. The two smaller ones came with us to the Ford Canyon Trail in the White Tanks and we went past the sign that says only experience hikers beyond this point and they did fine, but that was almost 2 years ago. It was roughly 4 miles round trip.

We might try the Upper woods canyon, but honestly didn't want to drive that far. I think the kids might enjoy going to the Big Dipper, maybe sometime in October, when it cools slightly. I think me and the husband will try Flatiron and see how that goes. I can't wait.

Thanks for all the information. I really appreciate it.

[kingsnake]

If you want to hike a beautiful canyon, with almost 0 risk of injury (beyond a sprained ankle), that even young children could do, try Aravaipa.

[nonot]

For kids, I'd second the recommendation to check out west clear creek - the point trail and the tramway/maxwell trails are not too bad.

To find cool temperatures and water near Phoenix at this time of year is pretty much impossible, you're going to have to go at least 2 hrs in any direction.

Aravaipa would be very nice, though personally I'd wait another month or two.

[kingsnake]

Yeah, it would be hot there as well. But at least the water is cold. :-)

[joebartels]

November through March Barks Canyon Lower Loop is a good easy loop most enjoy. Though even on this short loop I've heard of kids getting bored or wishing it was over 2/3rds to finish.

[outdoor_lover]

I think the kids might enjoy going to the Big Dipper

That Hike may have been affected by the Gladiator Fire. The area directly around the Pool itself did not burn, but there is burn area upstream that may affect the Water quality due to runoff.....

[mcontreras]

Thanks for all the information. I think me and my husband will do Soap Creek and then decided if we want to take the kids along. Anyone know how much permits cost to maybe do an overnight down by the river?

[hikeaz]

Thanks for all the information. I think me and my husband will do Soap Creek and then decided if we want to take the kids along. Anyone know how much permits cost to maybe do an overnight down by the river?

$10 for a 'permit fee' and $5.00 per night per person. But you DO avoid the $25 GCNP entry fee. Unless the Paria has flashed recently, take your fishing pole.
I am going to guess that Soap is in use area AC9 but you may want to verify that with the BCO (928 638 7875 - 1-5 PM weekdays) before submitting your request via fax.