Reavis Ranch 2.0 - No Gimpy Hippies

[Hippy]

So, I've decided to revisit Reavis again this year...mainly to tackle Mound Mtn which we were unable to get to last year due to some wild weather! (And possibly due to a "minor" foot injury...)
But also because there were so many of you who weren't able to join us last time and requested a do-over!

So here's your chance!
Mark it on your calendars, pack your bag and lace up your boots!

EDIT: changed to first weekend in November!

November 1-3, 2013 (fri, sat, sun)

There will be a visit to Circle stone, Mound Mtn and I'm sure we can come up with some more fun

I plan to hike in from the South and am hoping to take over a good chunk of the meadow from that end.

For those of you who haven't experienced this event before, this IS a backpacking trip, you are all responsible for packing in and out your own gear and food etc, there was a reliable water source to filter from last year and I'm pretty sure its permanent, year round so bring your water filter.

It is bear country but we didn't have any problems before.
Depending on which trail you come in from you can expect up to a 9 mile hike in. Check trail descriptions for more info

And...if we're lucky, maybe we can once more dine on the best apples known to mankind!! Sooo delicious!

Any questions?

[brougham86]

Is anyone else coming from the North?

[FOTG]

Ok so here are my final plans for the Reavis event.

First I am very c'est la vie when it comes to hiking and sometimes I make my final choices on drive to TH, so I apologize in advance. I do plan to take the full-day off on Friday, its my last free weekend before I start coaching, so want to really cash in on three-dayer and maybe meet some cool HAZ people. I plan on going to South TH, and I want to get there around 7-730, which means I have no problem picking anyone up in Phoenix area right around that 5-530 range, or somewhere along the 60, a little later in morning. I know its early, but I intend to hike in from West Pinto, to Pinto Peak Trail and then Fireline. The hike is just under 14 miles (so all it 15-16 by Supers standards), and it has a lot of potential for "suck" factor, overgrown trail, tons of elevation gained and lost, so I will need a full-day. Also I dont want to interfere with group plans, but if anyone wants to torture themselves feel free to tag along, might be fun I am just down to under 19 miles of uncovered trail in Supers and that route will cut that number by more than half.

So long story short, totally down for car-pooling, but I am leaving early and probably wont be taking same route in as main body, but really have no problems working a little with someone. PM me if you want to coordinate a ride..SUV room for plenty. The only reason this plan may change is if I dont get a warm fuzzy about the water situation along those trails Not crazy about starting a three day hike with three gallons of water, but with pups I have to be sure. We are suppose to get significant rain wed, thurs. next week, I will have to keep an eye on that. So hope to see everyone out there in some capacity, just going to take the "road less traveled."

[te_wa]

rain might bring a few pools in w. pinto near the fireline x-section. there is a seep on the eastern side of Iron mtn near the top of a switchback but i dont think it's very far into the hike (2 miles?) so kinda pointless in your CC direction...
i cant think of any other water source until you get to Reevis creek.

when there is water near fireline trail, the pinto area has a little grove of ponderosas on the south side that makes a nice campspot and is one of my favorite tiny spots in all of the Supes.

[FOTG]

@te-wa
I know the Fire line spot well, one of my favs to shhhh ;) I have been several times, there is a spring near by that is hit or miss as you start to make climb, had water in Sept. I was just hoping that wasn't my only shot..I am hoping for significant rain, that will certainly create a few pools sporadically through hike. I am also thinking in a pinch, I can always go to Brushy Springs which is just about a mile north on Campaign Trail past that intersection with Fire LIne..there is always water there..

So you have done West Pinto? Looks like last HAZ guy to post anything about West Pinto was a guy named NONOT in 2008. I might post a forum question or two next week to get some finer details, hopefully something more recent..thanks for initial scoop. I might pick your brain a few more times...

Is that seep you are referring to called Iron Mountain Spring? and I think I might have a solution, I am going to Tony Ranch this weekend, I might go to Miles TH and Cache some water I am pretty proud of that idea, and it would be perfect half way point to grab a jug of water! less to carry think smart, and hike light...

[Tough_Boots]

oh pumpkin... look who just committed

[Hippy]

I can't actually LEAVE until after 8am (walking my daughter to school up in Peoria! ) so as long as the rest of the crew driving with us are ready I hope to be on the road heading to the TH between 8-9am, best I can do now...

Though I know how much 9L and Uncle Chums want to hit the TH at 430am to hike in and watch the sunrise

[Hippy]

oh pumpkin... look who just committed

Oh man, it just got real

[kevinweitzel75]

I've heard from two different people that there are some peach trees up there. Has anybody seen them? I haven't.

[tibber]

If the weather holds and the night time temps stay above 40, I would like to participate. Reavis is on my list. It looks like either way in is highly rated 3.9 north and 4.2 south. Altho the south is less miles and elev gain...

Anyway, I would like to catch a ride if I go in from the south.

I have Friday off so I can go on Friday... the temps could dictate. And if I can find something doable for me on Saturday as I'm not real good at hanging out all day...
Otherwise I can come on Saturday...

Not sure who all has made arrangements but as we get closer to the time, keep me in mind. Tonto can take folks out if we take the north route in.

Keeping my fingers crossed for nice temps! I hope it pans out

Happy Trails,
Angela

[FOTG]

@tibber
Hmmm, not super familiar with rankings, but not sure how anyone could have north route rated a 3.9? Its literally an old road, miles will be right around 10, but I am telling you its a pretty benign hike. I think even taking your time, you would still be looking at about a five hourish hike, talking about gaining 1200 feet over 10 miles. South side you will gain around 900 feet over six miles or so, but the switch-backs coming up to Reavis Saddle have been known to break off a few with full-packs..

[joebartels]

not sure how anyone could have north route rated a 3.9?

while I prefer the south the north does have stellar distant views

[tibber]

the 3.9 and 4.2 are more beauty ratings I think. Sometimes when I can't decide and the difficulty or mileage doesn't concern me as much, I go with the bang for the buck kind of deal.

[FOTG]

@tibber
Oh sorry, I thought that was a difficulty rating lol..Joe is right views are better, also some pretty rough outlines of old ruins near trail on way in. Windy Pass is really cool for taking an extended break and views.

[CannondaleKid]

Anyway, I would like to catch a ride if I go in from the south.
I have Friday off so I can go on Friday... the temps could dictate.

The weekend deal is out for me as I have other plans but at the moment I'm leaning toward a round-trip day-hike from Roger's Trough to Reavis Ranch. I'd be leaving the East Mesa area ~5:30-6 am and returning before sundown.

I will have room for at least one maybe two more to ride in.
This could be an option for someone interested in hiking from the south but returning to the north TH on Sunday. Of course it would only work if you can line up a ride back from there on Sunday.

[Hippy]

@tibber
I am telling you its a pretty benign hike.

I think even a Gimpy Hippy could do it!

[DBmooner]

@brougham86
I will be coming from the north but it wont be till later in the afternoon I don't get off work till 3:00 pm

[kevinweitzel75]

Just got back from Reavis. Road from the south is a little banged up due to monsoon rains probably. Its not to bad though. The ranch its self was awesome, like always. Plenty of water toward the southern end. There were probably about half a dozen overnighters camped in the orchard and that many camped every where else. Weather was perfect, not to cold at night, about mid to low 40's and mid to low 70's during the day. Sorry, but way late for apples. Even the ones on the ground were old. I think maybe it wasn't a good season this year. We did see quite a few deer, some bear scat that wasn't to old and even had a visit from a couple ringed tail cats this early morning, they got into my buddy's pack that he had left out. I tried to tell him last night. I guess they really like peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

[Hippy]

they really like peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

Note to self...leave the honey at home.

Thanks Kevin, I heard the apples were scarce, there were a TON last year around this time...maybe there will be a few high up in the trees, oh well, be a great weekend either way! Thank you again for the update!!

[FOTG]

@Hippy
yes north route, big on views, easy on legs

Me I'm doing West Pinto...the true road less traveled...any takers?

[FOTG]

@kevinweitzel75
Ya those apples were at their peak in early Sept, earliest I have seen them like that since going to Reavis, maybe more rain this year, warmer temps, I don't know?