HikeArizona.COM

All the posts I see here seem to be about hiking one trail or another. I rarely hike trails. I prefer to locate some completely out-of-the-way mountain or canyon on a topo map, drive as far as I can toward it, and then take off on foot and explore it. The New River Mountains are full of places like this. It's always an adventure, as I never know how the terrain will be, what I'll find, or what kind of obstacles I'll encounter.
Does anyone else do this sort of thing?

Also, speaking of topo maps, there's a great software package called DeLorme 3-D TopoQuads. You can get 3D images of any topo anywhere, and rotate them around, even lay them down flat to get a skyline. Zoom in and out, etc. If you don't have it, it's a great tool for planning trips. They have it at Wide World of Maps for $100, the entire state of AZ. There's another brand too, you can demo both. I liked the TopoQuads best.

That's why it's HikeArizona.COM :P & not AzTrails

Serisously though I like a mix of both. The rewards of off trail exploring are great for the soul. Then again, I like trails too cause they usually lead to some great places.

As for software. TopoQuads is my least favorite. TopoUSA is the best for 3D rendering and TOPO! is the best choice if you can buy only one.

BTW, the mountains around New River are definitely a good location to explore.
...as they're packed with ruins!

Great subject Wiz

Teva,
I have a return trip to Squaw Mountain planned for when the weather gets a little cooler. I figure on following Willow Creek Canyon to Top of the Mountain Tank, then to the top of the peak, then back down via the canyon just north of Willow Creek. I'll post the trip description when I do it. Last time I went up there I followed a ridge line, had to hang on to bushes and swing myself between gaps in a ledge on a high cliff, etc. This went on for almost 3000' vertical feet. I was thinking "jeez- they'll never find the body!". I think the canyon will at least be a little safer.

Often a trail is good to get to the area you want to explore. For example, last spring I went down the Bright Angel trail aways but then left it to go to the top of the Battleship.

Very true. You have to follow some kind of road/trail at least part of the way in order to get anywhere.

I agree with Teva on this one. Trails are fun and easy - but off trail can be very rewarding. However, I think you have to have a lot of experience before you try something like that. While I have gotten the biggest rewards from going off trail, it has also been off trail that I have had my biggest disasters and closest scrapes with death.

Not for the timid, and definitely not for the weak.

Wiz wrote:Teva,
Last time I went up there I followed a ridge line, had to hang on to bushes and swing myself between gaps in a ledge on a high cliff, etc. This went on for almost 3000' vertical feet. I was thinking "jeez- they'll never find the body!". I think the canyon will at least be a little safer.

I can't tell you how many times I have done something like this. I love to explore off trail. We are very lucky in this part of the country as it is almost impossible in other places due to the thick vegetation and bogs.

I use TOPO! also and really like it.

good topic, off trail is the way to go ... I get to go places and see things that most others dont and often feel alone and MORE away from the, to put it nicely, less-than-avid-hikers ... The challenges are easier to find but require more skill to deal with and the scenery is just indescribable.

My dad was a hunter, so I grew up hunting with him and learned to hike in the rough; up and down and up and down, no switchbacks or gradual inclines on our hunting excursions. I still like to do that once in awhile.

I also explore off trail quite a bit. When I plan a hike, I will review my topo maps and include off trail exploration. I may note out a feature on the map and check it out on the field.