HikeArizona.COM

Alright (a little last minute)... since doing Battleship and seeing that amazing view of the box, I now want to check that area out. Of course depending on water-flow and courage, who knows how far in we'll get? There is always the opportunity to explore a good ways in and then turn around and bail near Battleship over to Boulder Canyon or return the way we came. I'd like to make it all the way through to the Cavalry Trail but we'll do what's smartest at the time. I'd love to have anyone else interested or experienced in exploring this area come along. I imagine that this will most likely turn into more of an exploration than a completion if water levels are high (but I'm gonna be hopeful). Familiarize yourselves with the hike description and be prepared for some bushwacking and bouldering! This will be a "play it by ear" hike. Meet at the Canyon Lake TH at 7am or if anyone wants to carpool from the east valley, let me know. I always love meeting some HAZ folks!

The water level was fairly low on Sunday so as long as there's no rain you should have no trouble getting through.

http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=173658

@wallyfrack

Good to know. Thanks, Wally!

no rain on the forecast for this week and Saturday so far is sunny with high of 71. It looks like great weather for this one!

I’m very interested and have experience in the area. I made the La Barge loop about six years ago. And just a couple of weeks ago I went in from Canyon Lake and went in about four miles just to do some recon for a future hike. Ideally I’d like to make the loop through La Barge starting from the Cavalry Trail but I’m open to whatever.

John9L wrote:Ideally I’d like to make the loop through La Barge starting from the Cavalry Trail but I’m open to whatever.

Why from the Cavalry side? I've never done the box and really want to enter through those giant walls.

Tough_Boots wrote:Why from the Cavalry side? I've never done the box and really want to enter through those giant walls.

I said the Cavalry side because that is the side we started from years ago. I gave it some thought and it does make more sense going in from the north. This way we can always turn around and head back the way we came. If we went in from the south and ran into something impassable, it would be a long long way back to the trailhead.

Sounds good then.

John9L wrote:If we went in from the south and ran into something impassable, it would be a long long way back to the trailhead.

Just for that reason, if we came from the Cavalry trail I would opt to start at the First Water TH-- and quite honestly, I'm sick to death of hiking back and forth on the Second Water trail to get to the good stuff.

John9L wrote:This way we can always turn around and head back the way we came.

or cross over Battleship Saddle to Boulder Canyon and keep things a little more diverse.

You can go through Lower Labarge even when it's flowing pretty good. Only 2 scrambling spots to stay dry.

http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?GPS=8897

Tough_Boots wrote:I've never done the box and really want to enter through those giant walls.

you'll like it. there are a couple places that remind me of the depths of Fish Creek. It looks like this is where all the Supes' critters would hide out, but i never saw any.
id like to do this with you, but.. im going to reavis canyon same day. next time!

this looks like fun... wish I could join, but gonna be outta state. have fun!

sounds like an awesome trip. I wish I was going to be available for this one. the view of the front of Battleship from Canyon Lake is great and then the lower box is one of my all time favorites. with just a daypack on, I'd be comfortable crawling over those giant boulders towards the end of the lower box to get up to cavalry trail. Have Fun...

ok, folks... it's thursday... who's in?

Maybe I will see you on the trail...I am doing first water to canyon lake TH (group car shuttle, dropping off car at lake TH first) on saturday. I would love to meet some people from this site.

IHike wrote:Maybe I will see you on the trail...

We'll keep an eye out for you!

I am definite. I will meet you at the TH at 7am. Looking foward to it!