Santa Teresas Holdout loop March 6-7, 2010

[RedRoxx44]

Putting this out to see if there is any interest in this overnighter. This is a premier loop in this small wilderness, entering Holdout canyon from Reef tank and coming back out via Black Rock canyon and a short partly closed road walk. Part of this is along a section of the GET. Mileage is short but there will be some bushwacking and scrambling as you prefer. Lots to see and do along the way. Water should be in Holdout and maybe in Black Rock canyon.
Experienced backpackers will find this trip charming, beginners may find it arduous. I don't do well herding cats so not saying I am a trip leader, just seeing if anyone would like to join me. I have done this trip twice.
Trailhead access is dependent somewhat on weather, could be rough if really wet, and HC minimum, and 4wd for sure if wet. There are a couple of steep and minimally rough sections so 4wd might be advisable, or if you have 2wd are an aggressive driver.

[BobP]

I don't do well herding cats so not saying I am a trip leader, just seeing if anyone would like to join me.

that is an awesome line.

[joebartels]

I'm interested but won't know until it gets closer if I can go. Select a date(you can always change it) and others can join.

[deserttarheel]

Is there likely to be water where you are planning to camp?

[RedRoxx44]

There should be water accessible to camp-- especially with the rains Holdout and Black Rock should have some water. Could be lots of water depending. Could make it interesting at one spot in Black Rock. Hiking that will be mostly in creek bed so plan on wettable shoes.

I know Norbert15 should be in there soon and hopefully can give an update.

[nobert15]

As of Presidents day weekend there was plenty of water. Both Holdout and Black Rock Canyons were flowing well in their entirety. Also several tributaries had flowing water. In fact... there was too much water which really slowed progress in sections. I think it's a safe bet that there will still be at least a little water when you guys are planning your trip. Have fun, it was beautiful out there!

[RedRoxx44]

Here are a few tidbits on the Forest rd 94 to the informal TH. I couldn't remember if it was signed but it has a small sign off the Aravaipa Road. You will go past a lazy Z in the main road and pass by a driveway with a no trespassing sign in an area of some ranch buildings, old church etc.

The forest road can be interesting. Once you are on it it crosses a large wash then starts up a hill that is moderately steep. It makes a very severe more than 90 degree at the top and the angle is such you just have a sky view from the windshield. You gotta be careful here not to drive off the side of the hill which would be bad. Then it is on a mesa then climbs a hogback, it's narrow and you have to be attentive but no big deal. This road has some awesome views in late afternoon light and you pass by some old mines, etc.
With the GPS should be no problem to find Reef tank but a tip is after a gate, look for a right hand road at the top of a hill with a post and no sign. Turn here, downgrades and is brushy and light use.
Shortly road "t"s and faded sign for Reef and Poncho tank---take the right. Road can be bad if muddy, there was a boulder in the road but most should be able to get around it. Can camp/park at vague grassy area at bottom of road ; tank is slightly uphill with a cottonwood tree or two. Trail takes off to north from there.

I plan on driving up there Fri afternoon, I will leave Tucson around noon. Not sure where I will car camp,somewhere off the road high up if good sunset, or may go to TH and if I feel sporty hike to Laurel Canyon, which has some good waterfalls, which I hope are running. Start main hike around Sat am 7:30ish, a little earlier or later as we like.

[RedRoxx44]

Come one come all ---weather looks ok for Sat and rain on Sun. The road is all downhill --right?? ;)

Brian may come along for the first backpack trip he's done in years. See ya'll there---

[wallyfrack]

Looks like everything is good to go. If Joe & I are not there at 7:30am we're lost. Not that I'm used to that but it happens...

[sirena]

Looking forward to your triplogs and pictures from this trip- I'll be hiking the GET through there and this is one of the areas I can't wait to see!