Sierra Ancha - Aztec Peak 6/16-17

[te_wa]

overnight backpack at Peterson Ranch to check out the apple orchard (it has been said this area is like a mini Reavis ranch)
its a very short <2 mile backpack to the campsite and then a day hike ascent of Aztec Peak. Returning Sunday. The Sierra Ancha is a less travelled, more rugged and interesting area than you may think. Quit driving by this amazing range on your way to the Rim and check it out!

[joebartels]

I'm in!

Looks like a good Rookie Backpack, just what I need.

[te_wa]

sweet. you can hitch a ride with me, I have a little pickup similar to yours. If more go I'll take the Montero.

so, Joe you have been to this area-it will be nice to have a guide. Ive been yearning to get out to this area again since the trip I took at Reynolds Creek into Hell's Hole. The drive up there alone is worth a thousand words. If you have any questions/ideas/issues give me a yelp.

instructions for meeting place to follow.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

A hiking buddy and I planned to be near Workman Creek Falls Saturday 6/16 in the afternoon checking out some ruins. Maybe our paths will cross...

RANDAL

[Grasshopper]

Also, I hope to see/meet you guys up there ON SUNDAY! I will be hiking in the same area.. going in from Workman's Creek Road TH (gate), on to the Abbey Way Trail#151 and then down Murphy Ranch Tr#141 to Rim Tr#139 and on to Edwards Springs for lunch and turn-around.

Hank

[bryanmertz]

I love the Sierra Anchas (both sides.) I would surely join if my darn boss wasn't on vacation, hence leaving me to check in on things over the weekend. Is there any broadband Internet up there?

Have a fun trip.

Bryan

[Trishness]

OHHHH MYYYYY I am so tempted to go. This is a gorgeous area. What time were you planning to get to the TH? I'm going to call Shi and see if she wants to take a road trip.

[te_wa]

What time were you planning to get to the TH?

WHO??
if its me you're asking I want to leave FH at 8 am. Dont know how long it takes to get there, Im thinking 1.5 hours depending on how fast Joe wants me to drive.
Joe hammered out a reaallyy cool loop hike involving some exploring. You guys can opt for a dayhike or stay over with us at the Ranch. This is the first time Ive done a 2 mile backpack with a 7 mile dayhike. Usually the other way around.

[joebartels]

Awesome! it's usually a 2.5+ hour drive.
I'll one-arm-bandit michael-jackson this bad boy with a riding glove to grip up on the os-bar \:D/

[Trishness]

Heck...it's a 2.5 hr drive from my house in AJ!!! Just what WARP speed are y'all going to be traveling at to get you there in 1.5 hours?

I'll PM you both tomorrow and let you know the plan, who's going and what time to expect us. Cell # and all that.

We are talking about the TH at the end of FR 487 near Workman Creek Falls, correct?


Trish

[fairweather8588]

Ahhhhh the almighty joes first BP trip...

Wish i could be there, but unfortunatly rent takes priority (maybe living under my tarp would be cheaper... )

[te_wa]

(maybe living under my tarp would be cheaper... )

:loh:

trish, I would guess the way through Globe is close to the same distance from me going up the 87. At least it looks that way on the map.
I recall the distance to Reynolds Creek trailhead from my house was 120 miles. That could be a mis-calculation tho'
besides, if it takes longer to get there its just more of a great drive. It seems like every moment past the Salt river bridge is golden.
Ill be looking closer at the maps tomorrow. Ya'll have a good night.

[wallyfrack]

It may be closer going up 87 from Fountain Hills than going through Globe. I've taken both routes from Mesa (Higley & Southern) and
the Globe route was only about 30 miles shorter for me. The drive past Roosevelt lake is sometimes worth the extra miles.

[Trishness]

But Wally,

I LOVE that drive on the 60 through Superior, the tunnel and all those rock cliffs!

[te_wa]

hey Wally! why arent you in on this trip? huh? whats a matta you?
I have room for 4 in my 4x4 so if anyone else besides Mr. Bartels wants a ride, get on in here.

[wallyfrack]

You're right Trish. (you love hearing that, don't you) The drive through Superior is nice but I've done it many times so sometimes change is good.

Mike, I'd love to go but it's father's day weekend and I have tickets for the dinner theater with my daughter.

[nonot]

Gah!

This is what I get for not checking the forum in a couple of days.

Is anyone going to take the 60 to get there?

Anybody know if I can get there by car, that stretch on the 288 and 487 looks a little steep and non-paved??

[te_wa]

Nonot, I would drive the road with a car. It only has a few small areas of concern but is way less rough than the Four Peaks (fr143) road as far as I can tell. You can always come up to my place where its safe to park and ride with Joe and I. I can guarantee the Montero can make the drive

at any rate, the 30 miles to my house is easier than the 130 by yourself. Be here at 8 am. Peace.

[nonot]

Hmm, definitely didn't take 3 hours, and I didn't have the starship Enterprise either. I'd think you could get there in 2 hours or less from anywhere in the east valley. Make sure to obey those speed limits now!