Haigler Creek in October

[tharris]

Thanks to another post in this message board, we are looking at backpacking and camping somewhere around Haigler Creek this weekend. We'd like to find a secluded spot a few miles from any trailhead/campground/day use. It looks like our options are to start from Fisherman's Point or Alderwood Campground. What are the chances of crowds at either spot? Which would be better to start from and should we look at going upstream or downstream? Thanks for the advice!

[chumley]

Downstream from Alderwood quickly turns into a narrow slot canyon that requires swimming. There is some private property that prevents hiking along the creek between Alderwood and Haigler Canyon Campground. There will very likely be a couple of groups camped at Alderwood, definitely at Haigler Canyon, and some day-use (anglers) at the Fisherman's Point access trail.

Upstream from Fisherman's point, there may be a group of people camping at a creek access via a very rough old 4x4 road (FR848). I believe the road is supposed to be closed now, but I haven't been there recently to know for sure. If it is, you will likely be all alone. If there is still access by vehicle, there will probably be one or two camps where the road comes down to the creek, which is an excellent area to camp. (crosshairs here http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=2156) But the hiking upstream is relatively easy and there is an old roadbed that parallels the creek. If I recall, you should be able to keep your feet dry, but I could be forgetting a stream crossing or two? There are some photos of the area in this photoset: #s 10-14 http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=137644 (# 2-3-4 are adjacent to Alderwood)

So if I were you, I would start at Fisherman's Point and hike upstream until you find something nice.

[tharris]

Thanks for the help chumley! This info is just what I needed