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Hi Im planning on doing an out and back on the Tonto section of the Royal Arch Loop
in Nov. I see water is sometimes found near the trail in Copper canyon and Ive also read it can be found at the old Bass mine in Copper canyon. Does anyone know how to reach this mine ? I dont see a trail on my map up or down canyon. It's going to be a long trek to Toltec beach from the first camp at Bass tanks or Bass rapids so Im going to stop at copper canyon if water can be found. Otherwise Ill have to be prepared to do a possible dry camp if getting to Toltec takes too long. Thanks , Rob

I don't think you can reach the river from Copper Canyon.

There are a few ways that have been reported to reach the mine, the easiest is supposed to be an old horse trail that descends, starting from Tonto trail on the east side of the canyon, slightly east of where Tonto trail starts to bend to the south due to the canyon. Go north by northwest a few hundred yards, then straight west. The mine is on the east side of the canyon maybe 200 yards from the bottom.

I have never tried this myself.

@robxxx
I recall walking all the way to S. Bass from Toltec without resupply of water. (We had come down to Toltec via Royal Arch Creek via Pt. Huitzil route, and the rappel.)

@azbackpackr

Glad to hear its doable in one day, dont like carrying that much water ! thanks.

@robxxx
Twasn't fun.