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I just wanted to invite any and all who are interested. Some of us [okay so far there are only two] are hiking Fossil Spring on Saturday the 29th. Meeting up at 0800 and starting the trail around 10:00. And for those more adventurous souls, finishing up with Verde Hot Springs [yes, the one and the same, hot topic of the month] to relax and make sure all the proper signs are still posted....

woopitup

I might be interested. Where are you planning on meeting up? Like at the Wendy's in Fountain Hills just off the 87, or somewhere else?

We're meeting at 0800 at starbucks, I-17 and the 101 [27th Ave and Beardsley]. All good hikes should start with a good cafine buzz

I'm actually in the east valley, so that would be kind of in the opposite direction from me. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to meet up near the trail though. I have a question though for anyone who's been there; what condition is the last part of the road? I see the description says it's about 2.5 miles of dirt road, which doesn't sound too bad, but I know some people have different impressions of what is really car accessible. My car doesn't have a lot of ground clearance, so I don't want to end up getting stuck somewhere on a road that's really made for 4x4's. So aside from that, I'd love to do this hike, especially before it gets too cold to hike at the upper elevations.

They are resurfacing the asphalt section right now, so don't let it confuse you. Just head west, the TH is marked 3/4 mile before hand and the parking area is very obvious. The dirt portion of the road starts a few miles in at a big western bend in the road. To get to your question about the road, I've seen all types of sedans at the TH. The road is graded often and is not rough. I take my motorcycle there with a few inches of clearance. I know, I know, you're thinking maneuverability but seriously, the road is smooth. They have even recently graded the 200 yard entrance to the trailhead, which was the only rough spot.

That said, just west of the TH the FR starts to get rough and narrow but as long as you are coming in from Strawberry you will not encounter the big down hill narrow stuff unless you choose to push on to the Verde River crossing for the Hot Springs hike. Then I would recommend something with clearance, especially if you intend to cross the river and park on the west side away from the campground.

Have fun!! This hike is a really fun one. Bring a big warm towel!!

I think East Valley folks often drive up via payson
One could take 101 to I-17 (about 15-20min)
to meet up @starbucks

Maybe leave time should be 0630-0700?

I have a 4x4 that can hold 5 strangers or 10 friends So, if there is a any question about clearance. . . we can park a car and take mine from there forward, just a suggestion. Are we keeping our goal of 10:00 to start the hike? or do ya'all think we should move it earlier? Remember, it's going to be a little cooool so, the earlier the more bundling we have to do [this in no way should be interpreted as a sign of girly whimpyness : queen : ] Anytime is fine with me, I'll still have coffee in hand . . .

woopitup

I was just reading the description of this trail, is anyone interested in making this a shuttle trip and go down the east side and out Flume Rd? Just a thought, it sounds like you could see a lot more and still make it a day trip? just a thought.....

In response to woopitup's reply:

Here's what we'd like to know:

a) Are you 100% definitely starting your hike at the TH that is just a little ways outside of Strawberry?

b) You won't change your plans and start somewhere else, will you?

c) Are you going to put together a "hike shuttle" deal? Good idea.

Ok, then, what time do you think you will actually arrive at the Strawberry TH?

THANKS!

J&S

Hi there, and thanks for inquiring about the hike. Here is what I know thus far. . . in the order you asked:

a) I'll have to discuss this with Pete, but I believe we were going to enter from the Flume Trial and take it to fossil springs and back.

b) Which ever trail we choose here on the forum is where we will be! No last minute changes unless everyone knows and agrees.

c) We discussed a shuttle hike and decided against it because of time. We'd also like to hit VHS afterwards and thought that dropping vehicles may take up to much time by the time you shuttle back....

I believe we'd like to start the trial around 9:00 am. The rumor is that it's going to be a beautiful sunny day!!! I hope the rumor gods are right

Thanks to all who came on this trip! I had a wonderful time, the weather couldn't have been better. Keep me on your "invite" list for any future hikes.

p.s. I'll get some better hiking shoes by then . . .

woopitup

woopitup wrote:Thanks to all who came on this trip! I had a wonderful time, the weather couldn't have been better. Keep me on your "invite" list for any future hikes.

p.s. I'll get some better hiking shoes by then . . .

woopitup

Thanks so much for organizing this perfect hike. The fern grotto was so relaxing. You made the hike so fun with your easy going (never complaining) attitude even when my long legs were hard to keep up with on the downhill. :GB:

Thanks to you also, Pete for the great conversations. Looking forward to much more of the same.

Lets do the same hike from the upper trailhead as soon as my calves aren't sore.

Still Grinning . . . .

Sam

Dangit!

I should check this website more often.

I was down in Fossil Creek on the same day -- were you the group with the baby and some dogs carrying packs? That was the only group I saw of any size.

Leva

Nope, that wasn't us, , , however, I was traveling with two men so you may be on to something with the "baby" part. . . [lol just kidding guys!]

Too bad we didn't run into you. We even carved into the dirt on the back of my truck window "hikeAZ" with an arrow towards the trial, in case others showed up later in the day.

Well, perhaps another hike!

woopitup