HikeArizona.COM

looking to hike up this peak and the surrounding area if there is anything of interest. looking to leave north central phoenix at about 6:00 AM this saturday december 27. weather forecast seems to be nice and sunny.

ugh... I took a shift this saturday because I needed a little extra money. I'd love to go if you think we'd be back by 5:00 pm or before. My first attempt at Aztec Peak was what I call an epic fail (just ask dshillis, wallyfarak, or tortoisehiker, they saw my arms and legs a day after I tried to bushwhack my way to Aztec Peak when we did Humphreys).
If you do go STAY on the trail or it will be ugly.

judging by previous narratives, it appears it's a 5 hour hike with a 2 or 3 hour drive [one way]... that would put the total time at about 9 to 11 hours... if we start driving at 6:00 AM, we wouldn't get back until 3:00 to 5:00 PM. is there a quicker way to get there?

Nope, I think its a pretty long(though scenic) drive either way, the fastest way is 60 to Roosevelt and tak the 288 north to the trailhead, there is another way where you go from Payson to the 288 south and make it a loop drive, coming back through Roosevelt and Globe, yet another drive is to take the 88 the whole way to the 288. But its pretty long either of the 3 or 4 ways. I might be in for this one, are you doing the loop described on site? or just the Abbey's Way trail out and back? I'll let you know, after thinking about it for a bit.

The quickest google route from central Phoenix is 3 hours and 22 minutes. There's a link in "directions" at the bottom of each hike page. ;)

There's about 30 inches of snow at the TH right now, with some more expected tonight. I'd be surprised if there's not close to 4 feet of snow up on the peak. Which is beautiful ... as long as you're prepared for it.

yikes... if there is four feet of snow up there, my vehicle will not make it to the trailhead off of the 288. i'll have to find out how much is up there tomorrow to get a better feel for it. obviously i don't know how much "love" those forest roads get during this time of year.

The road will most likely be closed past the Falls campground which it is every winter I think, doesnt matter much though the road walk is short and pleasant, especially with that waterfall.

Leave the shorts at home

..and take your snow shoes

joe bartels wrote:Leave the shorts at home

now that's some funny stuff... i guess i should buy a sled and harness up my huskies... too bad they have the obedience of a potato

288 is plowed and passable with 4wd even after a storm. Call the pleasant valley ranger district for details on local conditions.

Im not gonna be up for this, maybe if I didnt have to work at night.