Fri August 1 -- Tonto Narrows

[azdesertfather]

Planning on taking a trip to Tonto Narrows on Friday. I know Fridays are a longshot for people but just thought I'd check. Am flexible about the location...but thought Tonto would be good because of all the water there, and that it shouldn't be too crowded on Friday. Maybe leave at 5:30/6am, get back by 1pm...anyone interested??

[wallyfrack]

I was looking for something to do August 2 but on my calendar that's Saturday. I have to work Friday.

[azdesertfather]

I was looking for something to do August 2 but on my calendar that's Saturday. I have to work Friday.

doh!! fixed here to Aug. 1...

[joebartels]

Wish I could go, it's a fun area! Doubt I'll ever have Fri or Sat off. Giving up never works so keep posting, maybe it'll work out someday. A few weeks notice helps too.

[rally_toad]

I'd like to go but Im going camping with some friends tomorrow. Have fun! The water was perfect last week and there are some awesome cliffs to jump off... the only problem is the trash.

[azdesertfather]

Wish I could go, it's a fun area! Doubt I'll ever have Fri or Sat off. Giving up never works so keep posting, maybe it'll work out someday. A few weeks notice helps too.

yeah, you're right. i'll try to post friday hikes i do where i can use some company more often, and more in advance...
thanks bro
dave

[Hiker Gary]

Tonto Creek Narrows Closed to All Public Use Indefinitely!

I went to the Tonto Narrows trailhead outside of Gisela last week and found that this trail is now closed to all public use permanently, as of January 1, 2009.

One sign on the way in to the trailhead reads "This trail closed due to health, safety and environmental concerns". There is no indication as to which government entity (or other) posted this sign, but it is an official looking imprinted metal sign.

The parking area by the "trailhead" (green gate) has been blocked off with bolders so no one can park there now.

A sign on the green gate at the trailhead reads "Private Property, No Trespassing. Violators suject to arrest and prosecution". An ARS (Arizona Revised Statute) is listed.

The gate is locked and there is no other apparent way to access this area now.

I do not understand how it can be legal to close this area permanently to all public use.

This is national forest managed public land. This trail accesses a Federal Wilderness area (Hells Gate Wilderness) which has been designated by the United States Congress for public use.

To the best of my knowledge the trail (road in the beginning which is now closed to all use permanently) was / is a legal public right of way.

[joebartels]

Just park at a random spot in Gisela. Go to the creek, cross on to the forest and hike up off-trail barely two miles.

[chumley]

I don't recommend you get into an argument with a private land owner if you pass a sign that tells you not to, but I do believe that the access trail was always on private property, and was available to the public through the "generosity" of the land owner. There's a fair share of private land in the area, but also plenty of forest land and access. I can't get the GIS maps from Tonto NF right now to give you the absolute exact lines, but this is a pretty good showing of what you're dealing with. I note again however, the on-site survey that the homeowner has is better than most any map (including the one I include here), and its his land, so take his word for it and respect his privacy/property rights.

Maybe the easy access would still be available if his land didn't get littered with beer cans, toilet paper, and other nastiness that the party crowd leaves behind.

[azdesertfather]

Maybe the easy access would still be available if his land didn't get littered with beer cans, toilet paper, and other nastiness that the party crowd leaves behind.

I hear ya! If anyone figures out a good way in and can post a GPS route, or send it to me, I'd be much abliged!!

[nonot]

Could you re-upload the picture chumley?