Hell's Gate #37

[chumley]

Has anybody hiked this entire trail? Seems like all HAZ trips encompass only the north half of the trail, turning around at Hell's Gate (Tonto Creek jct).

Hikebot posted a route, but won't reply to my PMs.

The south half of the trail has a TH at FR133. Looking at satellite photos, I seriously question the condition that road is in.

Has anybody even driven FR133 to anywhere near the southern TH?

[big_load]

Seems like all HAZ trips encompass only the north half of the trail, turning around at Hell's Gate

I'd rather turn around than go through. I'm not ready to abandon all hope (yet).

[mazatzal]

Drove to Smoky Hollow many years ago and hiked down to Hell's Gate and turned around! Shortest way there but long drive.
The road was rough - the descent down rocky scree to Winter Cabin was the worst part. I heard the other road northeast is even rougher.

[chumley]

I heard the other road northeast is even rougher

FR1673? Haha, yeah. I'd say so. I had a tough time even seeing it on satellite view.

Thanks for the info though!

[ASUAviator]

Sounds like a quad trip

[nonot]

Just since he started the subject... has anyone checked out Spring Canyon nearby either?

[chumley]

@nonot was one of the places I was looking at the other day... Any responses would be appreciated.

I expect few have ventured down from the top and those heading down Tonto probably don't take much time out of their trip to explore up Spring.

[mazatzal]

I think only OUTLANDER went there. I've looked at that area and the mail trail from Gisela to Young is still on the list - anyone interested?

[chumley]

@mazatzal
Interesting. I was looking at it thinking it would be a great place for a grow site. Except I think the access issue would make it impractical!

Then again. What do I know? :whistle:

[mazatzal]

Setting up a mail trail shuttle is a nightmare but I'd love to hike from Gisela to Young so much history...

[hikeaz]

I has been 20 (+/-) years since I hiked into H.G. from FR 133. The road, as you get nearer the starting point (no T/H as such) gets rougher and is (was) not signed well if at all. I drove in a stock (big) Bronco & did not need 4WD. The hiking trail, at the time was not well-used but there were many cattle trails that continually bisected it, often being the better route to take as the 'trail' was full of 'rollers'. The route down is pretty short; certainly shorter than from the north side.

Re. the Mail Trail - it seems (unfortunately) that this trail has become a dirt bike trail - but maybe the silver lining is that you could have someone drop off a dirt bike for the ride back.

[toddak]

see triplog & photoset