Not 119° cabin loop area

[chumley]

Last minute... thinking of avoiding the forecasted 119 degrees Saturday with a 10-15 mile mostly-off-trail stroll in the pines.

This will be an exploration of Lower Buck Springs Canyon in the vicinity of the east Cabin Loop. Starting at the Buck Springs Cabins, and heading north along the creek/canyon for about 3-4 miles before cutting west for another 3-4 miles to meet up with the U-Bar Trail near it's crossing of Dane Canyon. Another 3 miles will be on the relative superhighway of the U-Bar trail, with the last mile back to Buck Springs on the Barbershop spur.

Not looking to get crazy with pre-dawn start time, but 7-8am will probably be in order. Expecting to be back in the valley before sunset (so I'll probably get to enjoy the 119 after all ) I'll be driving anyway, so anybody who would care to join is welcome.

[azbackpackr]

Is that area still open?

[te_wa]

nevermind all that.. the Real question is.. will there be HopKnot involved...?

[chumley]

@Elizabeth, yes, Coconino NF is open. No fires or smoking though.
@te-wa, unfortunately no. I'm on this ridiculous self-imposed-no-drinking kick. Four weeks in the books, one more to go. You'll find me at Four Peaks on Thursday night though , followed by frequent visits to pubs across the UK and a visit to the northernmost brewery on the planet.

[kingsnake]

What's wrong with starting at 5 am?

[chumley]

I've mapped out a route, and it should be just about 11 miles, give/or take random wandering and exploring.