Cabin Loop Trail

[mizzou11]

So my brother and I are taking a 3 day 2 night BPing trip. We were originally suppose to go to Blue Range Primitive Area but a fire closed down a part of the trail. Anybody ever been on the Cabin Loop Trail? Any places we should see for a side trip?

[chumley]

First of all ...

There are ample reports regarding the Cabin Loop here on HAZ, including triplogs, photos, and GPS tracks. (As well as a couple of "unofficial" trails nearby that are not part of the actual loop.)

Check out the triplogs here: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=797
Then check each of the 5 linked trails and the triplogs listed on each of those.
There's pretty good descriptions of where people start the loop, places to set up camp, cabins, and springs.

The Dane Canyon Loop is one of the unofficial trails nearby that might be worth visiting.
Here's a map of a couple of GPS routes in the area. If you click on "find GPS Routes" (top left), pins will show up with additional hikes that you can also plot on the map.
http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?L ... 5,6977,108,
Just note, that only the cabin loop trails are officially marked, so if you choose any of the others, a GPS device with the track downloaded is highly recommended.

If you've not been here before, the scenery along the edge of the Mogollon Rim is a must-see, and is only encountered on a short section of the Cabin Loop. But it can be done in a vehicle getting to/from the loop as well.

[mizzou11]

Thanks a lot for the information. Would this be an easy 3 day 2 night trip? We plan on taking our time and doing a side trip or two. Thanks again

[chumley]

Also see these previous forum threads on the Cabin Loop:

http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... =13&t=5222
http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... f=2&t=3337

[chumley]

Depending on what part of the route you choose ... there's actually two loops sort of like the number 8, 2 nights is easy. Some people do a single-night half-loop. I think you could stretch it into longer if you want to take some time.

I believe the Houston Brothers, U-Bar, Barbershop (east loop) is the more popular option, but the mileage may end up being a little short for a two night trip. It really depends on what distances you are comfortable with and your acclimation to elevation. (7000 feet isn't particularly high up, but if you are from MO, it might be tougher than you realize).

There are ample forest roads up there as well, so depending on your vehicular situation, you can shuttle to other nearby areas like Knoll Lake (Babe Haught Trail). If you're out there on a weekend, however, the lake doesn't offer too much solitude!

[mizzou11]

We plan on doing Babership, Fred Haught, General Crook Rim, and U-Bar as the loop, as a 2.5 day 2 night trip. Thanks for all the great information once again.

[Tough_Boots]

Have fun lugging full packs across Barbershop Canyon!

[nonot]

Beware that the "General Crook Trail" doesn't really exist...at least not as a trail anyway. Too bad you will miss out on Houston Bros - that's the best one IMHO.

FYI alot of UBar burned last year - northern half of the trail, approx.

[chumley]

The fire on U-Bar last year was pretty low-intensity. There are some small patches of dead trees, but most areas it was just deadfall that burned. I have a photoset up from while it was burning.

[mizzou11]

How come this site has General CRook Trail as a trail then? Thanks everyone for your help.

[chumley]

It is a trail, but as some of the triplogs indicate, that portion of the loop isn't particularly well-maintained and route-finding is difficult. I haven't personally done the entire General Crook portion so I can't speak from personal experience.

Earlier this year however I did hike a short portion of it which was strewn with downed trees from a storm last winter. It was passable but not pleasant. I believe that the reason why this section of trail may not be as well maintained is that it largely follows the primary road up there, FR 300.

While I wouldn't ever want to hike on FR 300 due to the amount of traffic it gets, it is the easiest way to connect from the south ends of Fred Haught and Houston Brothers, and because of the proximity to FR 300, the General Crook trail doesn't offer as much of a nice hiking experience as the other trails in the loop.

[mizzou11]

Ok, the only reason why we went to do the General Crook Trail is because we want to do a 2 night trip. If we took the Houston Brothers Trail, that would cut our distance almost in half; therefore, making it a 1 night trip.

[chumley]

Your logic makes sense. And it can be done that way. It just sounds like you should be prepared for that portion of your hike to be a little rougher than the rest of it.

Also, as others have noted, the Houston Brothers Trail is sort of the "crown jewel" of the cabin loop. Its definitely worth finding a way to hike.

If you are looking for extra mileage anywhere, I'd recommend when reaching the junction of the U-Bar and Barbershop trails, taking the Barbershop east for the mile to the Buck Springs Cabin area. This part of the Barbershop Trail is a spur that is "off the loop" but Buck Springs is a beautiful open meadow and features a couple of historic cabins. To add mileage or have a spot to camp in total solitude, a 4-mile out-and-back (2+ each way) on an old roadbed (not a real trail) in Upper Buck Springs Canyon is an easy stroll but in a wide open scenic green meadow.

Additionally, the Dane Canyon Loop can be added as well. Again, neither Upper Buck Springs or Dane Canyon are official trails, but both are easier to follow than parts of General Crook! But be prepared with maps and GPS if you choose to do hike on these "alternate" trails.

GPS tracks here: http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?L ... ,9330,6969,

[Grasshopper]

GPS tracks here: http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?L ... ,9330,6969,

Impressive!

[nonot]

Ok, the only reason why we went to do the General Crook Trail is because we want to do a 2 night trip. If we took the Houston Brothers Trail, that would cut our distance almost in half; therefore, making it a 1 night trip.

How about the figure 8, doing the H-B trail twice

Like Chumley says, many options to explore - Dane Canyon, Barbershop trail to the east of U-Bar, and be prepared to route find the General Crook section. It's a great area, I hope you enjoy your trip.

[mizzou11]

The figure 8 actually sounds like a good plan. Just bought a GPS so I think we will be good on the General Crook section also.

[fairweather8588]

M-I-Z........


(my family is from missouri, im a husker surrounded by tigers...)

[mizzou11]

Z-O-U. Haha I feel sorry for you.