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Sierra Anchas

Posted: May 02 2005 8:19 pm
by Trishness
One of my hiking partners and I are looking for more information on this seldom visited wilderness. I've seen a few hikes posted here but am wondering if there are any guide books with trail descriptions/directions etc that anyone has come across. I did find some great info on a GORP site but was looking for something more in depth. Thanks!

:mrgreen:

Posted: May 02 2005 8:48 pm
by joebartels
1995
Hiking Central Arizona
by Don R. Kiefer
has five Sierra Ancha hikes

Murphy Ranch Trail
Abbey's Way Trail
Rim Trail
Parker Creek Trail
Dan's Trail

however there's very little detail in the book

you could just throw the following phrase into your google blender and go with the 1st link
One of the best keep secret trails in the state

might also look over the Tonto Forest map if you haven't already, it puts the area into perspective

Posted: May 02 2005 8:49 pm
by Nighthiker
Very rugged place and my favorite to roam around in.

Posted: May 02 2005 9:40 pm
by big_load
Nighthiker wrote:Very rugged place and my favorite to roam around in.
That makes it a must-see in my book.

Posted: May 03 2005 9:25 am
by Lizard
The best hikes in this wilderness IMO are hikes up canyons to cliff dwellings. There are some amazing ones in the Sierra Anchas. I recommend the book "Hiking Ruins Seldom Seen" as a starting point. Devil's Chasm and Pueblo Canyon are two favorites.

EDIT: Also, I recommend checking out the website http://www.toddshikingguide.com for these hikes and others in the area.

Posted: May 03 2005 12:05 pm
by bryanmertz
Hi - I've been researching this area too. I called the great folks at the Pleasant Valley Ranger District and they sent me a packet with about 20 trails in the area, and some history, camping etc.

Pleasant Valley Ranger District
P.O. Box 450
Forest Road 63
Young, Arizona 85554
Phone: (928) 462-4300
Fax: (928) 462-4346

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/wildernes ... ndex.shtml

Bryan

Posted: May 03 2005 12:23 pm
by Trishness
Thanks for all the links and advice!!!

Bryan....I'll be sure to write to them.....been wanting to get out to that area since last year.

:mrgreen:

Posted: May 31 2005 1:04 pm
by bryanmertz
I spent a few days up here over the past weekend.

A couple points to note.

FR 487 is closed just past the Falls Campground. You can still walk upto Workman falls, and the Abbey's Way TH.

Both Creekside and Cascade camgrounds are day use only now.

FR 203 (heading North) is closed at Devil's Chasm TH.

I deffinately plan to go back and check out some of the other trails in the area.

Bryan

Posted: May 31 2005 7:29 pm
by Nighthiker
I camped along Reynolds Creek last week. Creekside and Cascade are day use because of possible pollution from the nearby uranium mines (but its okay for day use !). Forest road along Reynolds creek had al lot of fallen logs alongside the road. Heard lots of turkeys, observed lots of deer and had a bear came into camp (while I was visiting Workman Creek) and crapped in front of the gazebo but did not distrub anything.