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Hello all,
New member here with a few questions about Haunted Canyon #203. I've been doing a lot of reading up on on here (Amazing resources here by the way, thank you all), and I saw that a big group was going out to Haunted Canyon today so I was hoping I could get a little feedback from those who've just come back from there. I am taking my girlfriend out for her first camping trip, planning at least one night possibly two nights (depending on how she feels about it after night 1 ;) ). I've backpacked west clear creek a bunch myself, but never out in the Superstitions so I wanted to make sure I have all my info clear before I take my partner way out in the woods.

1. I have a prius, will I be able to make it most of the way to the trail head? I know the portion of the road closest to the TH is closed, but can I make it that far alright? Google maps doesnt show the whole Pinto Valley Road.

2. How was the water situation as of this weekend? Should I be carrying in water? also, are iodine tabs ok or does the water here really need filtering too?

3. Any recommendations on a good campsite area? I see mention several places that there are ample good campsites near Tony's Ranch (which is where I want to be), but locations are rather vague and I do understand that a big portion around the tony ranch site are technically off limits now, so I wanted to make sure wherever I choose to set up camp is in an appropriate area. Further to this point, does anyone have any input on where exactly is off-limits for that area? is the stream there still ok to access?

4. How's the weather now?

5. Any cool spots we should be on the lookout for? I've been looking through the triplog photo's for inspiration as well, but I find it a bit hard to match location on the map with a lot of the photo's; I'm planning to have us hike in, set up camp, and just kind of explore around a bit for the day or two we're there, nothing super strenuous for my first-time companion.

Lastly, does it get very crowded right now? I'm planning to set out this Monday, so I'm assuming it will be fairly quiet, but with this being Halloween I can see maybe it getting a bit more traffic.

Thank you so much for your input, I really do appreciate it!

Jonathan

I am to tired tonight but will give you more info tomorrow.

Widowmaker wrote:I am to tired tonight but will give you more info tomorrow.

Much appreciated! Hope you all had a blast

jon-m wrote:1. I have a prius, will I be able to make it most of the way to the trail head? I know the portion of the road closest to the TH is closed, but can I make it that far alright? Google maps doesnt show the whole Pinto Valley Road.

Should be able to make it, If you have a GPS or Smartphone loaded w/ HAZTracks, you can load the driving track

jon-m wrote:2. How was the water situation as of this weekend? Should I be carrying in water? also, are iodine tabs ok or does the water here really need filtering too?

Tony's Cabin Spring is Perenial. As with all springs, it is recommended to filter from the Metal trough. It's located right on the trail between where I'm recommending where you camp below, and the Cabin

jon-m wrote:3. Any recommendations on a good campsite area? I see mention several places that there are ample good campsites near Tony's Ranch (which is where I want to be), but locations are rather vague and I do understand that a big portion around the tony ranch site are technically off limits now, so I wanted to make sure wherever I choose to set up camp is in an appropriate area. Further to this point, does anyone have any input on where exactly is off-limits for that area? is the stream there still ok to access?

There are plenty of camp sites close to the cabin. If you look at the track I posted today, I've indicated the location of HAZCamp tonight. It's a very nice site.

jon-m wrote:4. How's the weather now?

It was a bit warm today, but 70% of the trail is under tree cover. It's supposed to be cooler starting Monday.

jon-m wrote:5. Any cool spots we should be on the lookout for? I've been looking through the triplog photo's for inspiration as well, but I find it a bit hard to match location on the map with a lot of the photo's; I'm planning to have us hike in, set up camp, and just kind of explore around a bit for the day or two we're there, nothing super strenuous for my first-time companion.

A lot of the pictures out there are geocoded. There is a cave on the way there that goes back in about 100 yards. It's not too far off the trail and is just a bit of a climb to the south... and of course the cabin. Mainly just enjoy the scenery on the way in.

jon-m wrote:Lastly, does it get very crowded right now? I'm planning to set out this Monday, so I'm assuming it will be fairly quiet, but with this being Halloween I can see maybe it getting a bit more traffic.

Tonight there were 7 HAZ'er camping, a father and two sons, and about 30 Boy Scouts. My guess on Monday you should have the place to yourself.

** Additional Note - This trail has large quantities of Poison Ivy. Long pants recommended. Bring some sort of alcohol wipes or soap and water to wash with when you get to camp and then again when you get back to your car. Remember the oils from the poison ivy can remain on your cloths for quite awhile. ***

The Eagle wrote:and about 30 Boy Scouts.

NOW THAT IS REALLY SCARY!

@jon-m
There really for me to say except listen to the Eagle

Zombies are not an issue, but watch out for Tevas ...

Tony ranch, named after the Tony (last name) family, is now owned by the superstitions land trust, or was. i think it is private, with no legal entry inside the cabin. there used to be a sign stating such, might be vandalized or missing. for what it's worth..

nice grove of oaks near the ranch, good spot to camp. in place of iodine, use aquamira or PUR tablets. they are chlorine dioxide and it works much better than iodine. but only a good filter will take out small particles, bugs and metals like arsenic.

lots of area to explore.. set up camp then go nuts! watch for the elusive, yet diurnal, coatimundi.

Heard some strange things last night. Its called haunted canyon for a reason

Their called boyscouts

Thanks everyone! Looks like all my concerns are covered, so we'll be heading out tomorrow. I've been playing with the iphone app as well so hopefully I'll have my first triplog up in a few days.