HikeArizona.COM

Hello-
At least two of my friends and myself are going up to Hell's Gate for a three nighter. We are fairly in shape guys who may have gotten slightly (more or less) out of packing shape over the winter. We will be leaving Friday AM, and plan on returning by noonish on Monday. We plan on doing some moderate backpacking, some exploring, and fishing. We plan on having a good hike with great people. Any members are welcome to join for all or part of this trip. We figure the more the merrier around the campfire. I enjoy meeting new people of all interests. If you do to- come join us.


Thanks
Peter A. Fredricks

Hi Peter - I heard Hell's Gate/ Hell's Hole is great. Could you provide a little more detail on the distances you plan to hike please? As of yet, I have only been a day-hiker. I have been wanting to do an overnighter + and would enjoy an opportunity to go along with some veterans.

Bryan

sure-the area is just east of Payson
I believe the trip is about 13.8 miles out and back. Accumulated gain is 3720feet. I think it is rated a 3.5. I havent been able to examine maps too much, but there may be some connecting trails that we will end up on. We will probably spend the first night where the two creeks meet. you can read all about the trip on this website: follow this link-

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?TN=H ... to%20Creek

We just finalized going to Hell's gate. We will be figuring out the rest of the itinerary by committee over the next couple days- and will come up with something very concrete if people plan on joining in late. Probably figure on about 6-8 or so miles/day depending on terrain. We only plan on going as fast as the slowest person. We dont get uptight about that stuff.
WE have two 2 person tents and three people going- it would be ideal to have at least one more to help break up each tent between two people.

you can also email me at pfredricks@yahoo.com
or call 623-776-1954 THanks, Pete

Hell's Gate huh? Great hike, but lots of water. Sounds pretty cold this time of year. I was also looking to do a Hell's Gate that same weekend, but something about 12 hour days in water in 40 degree (and maybe snowing?) weather sounds a bit too suicidal for my tastes.

for full description of our three person suicide attempt please read our trip report of Hell's gate in the next day or so. Pictures to be included.
Whattta trip!
----Pete

it's a doosey too!

totally awesome!

We really appreciate your totally honest and detailed report of your trip. You didn't gloss over anything or paint yourselves as Muy Macho guys. You just gave a great, straight-forward account of your trip. Susun and I have talked about this hike for years. DOubtless, we will continue to talk about it for many more years. We will most likely never do this hike but it's quite likely that it will always be a regular topic of conversation for us. In any event, your account will always live with us as one of those genuine "true to life" kinda accounts neither exaggerated nor understated. And, as such, it is MUCH appreciated! Thanks

John & Susun

I day hiked the trip some months ago with a group. We did not have the added attraction of the elements, at least not the extent just detailed here. We did have some rain, fog, snow, etc., but only passing amounts, enough to add nicely to the trip.

Great trip description Peter. I've done Hellsgate twice. The first down Tonto from Bear Flat. The second outside of Young. I always wondered what this trail was like. I think no matter which way you choose to go there is always a 'hellsgate story' to be told. The time I went down Tonto our climbing skills came in handy. We were not expecting what was ahead of us. The trip out of Young was quite an adventure just finding the trailhead! Two hours on a 4X trail just to cover 8 miles! It is a beautiful and unique place. I think it's on most everyone's list yet few ever do it. Wonder why that is :roll: Glad you enjoyed!