Pueblo Canyon Ruins, AZ :: Question by AZDigger

[AZDigger]

We are planning an April 2016 hike into Pueblo Canyon in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, is it possible to hike into the canyon with a full pack, 35 lbs+? Does the difficulty of the hike present too many challenges for other than day hikes with light packs? We need input from you experts, thanks.

[FOTG]

Yes it is possible, but why would you want to do that? Other than the first half mile or so there is nowhere to camp besides the actual ruin's site and that would be very unethical and illegal. The canyon gets very busy on spring weekends, if I saw someone camping at the ruins, I would be sure to find away to report them to the forest service.

Camp at or near the TH and day hike in like everyone else. There are also several pull-outs and areas to car camp along Cherry Creek Rd, Pueblo Canyon is simply not a backpacking destination...

[AZDigger]

Thank you very much for your advice. We are novice hikers and looking for your advice, not a lecture. We assumed that any camping in in or near the ruins would be prohibited so please don't assume what you don't know. Based on what you've told me we will change our plans and make this a day hike.

[AZDigger]

I apologize for my somewhat harsh reply earlier, however the Sierra Ancha Wilderness is open to many activities, some of which you and others may not approve of. Hiking, backpacking, and even camping are allowed throughout the wilderness except where otherwise designated such as the Pueblo Ruins. It goes without saying that any human contact with the ruins and wilderness area in general can cause irreparable damage to a national treasure. That said, the area isn't restricted for use to any social economic group, club, or special interest. That means that ordinary people like myself, an admitted novice to this sport is going to visit the area. You can only hope that we look to the experts like yourself for advice so we don't make mistakes. I assume you're an expert since you are a moderator here. To suggest that I should do a day hike like everybody else insinuates some unwritten code of conduct that you and others have adopted that I must follow. Sorry but that's not going to happen. I'm not sure what your agenda is, or maybe like me you get a nose bleed every time you find garbage on the trail, or damage to a ruin, and feel the need to take it out on somebody else. Whatever the case, chill out and work with us, not against us. I will probably be removed from this forum because of my comments but you opened the door. You need to work on your bedside manner. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas.
Digger

[joebartels]

It would get a little static around here if we didn't hear some conflicting opinions on occasion.

[sneakySASQUATCH]

UGHHH!
NEVER MIND!

[RedRoxx44]

Carrying a big heavy pack to the ruins is not recommended unless you are bringing heavy large pro photo equipment; then it will be a miserable experience on that route as the trail is a bit on the rough and brushy side in places. The description lists it as a 7 miles RT, and lack of water on route if water fall is not running. Yes, some backpacks can be very short in rough terrain, but this is not a destination for that.
If your vehicle cannot make it to the TH or the crossing at Devil's Chasm is washed out then it would be feasible to hike up the road and dry camp at the normal vehicle TH.

A lot of us are sensitive regarding the ruins issue. I personally post photos but I do not give locations of ruins. Some on here can guess, and as I have told others, anyone can find them if you put in the work. I would say your initial post might have raised flags due to your name --- which is innocuous I am sure but digging in ruins is an illegal past time for some-----and the general question. Since you posted the specific ruin I would have assumed you read the hike description here on this site, ergo most people who have posted they have done the hike did it as a dayhike.

The Sierra Ancha is a very special place and open to anyone who wants to put in the effort and time, and one you should enjoy.

[AZDigger]

Thank you very much for the respectful reply and possible reasoning behind the response to my original request. I use the handle AZDigger because I'm a water well driller in Arizona, not someone who digs up ruins. So as I stated above to the other individual, people here shouldn't make assumptions about hikers and their intent. I have had doubts about making this hike with a heavy load out because of my age and ability, and what I've read in the forums. I also understand the mindset of some "professional hikers" who deliberately overstate the difficulty of a hike to discourage others. So I have been on a fishing expedition here to obtain as much information as possible from those who will share it honestly, thank you for being that person. Be assured if I get my old carcass to the ruins, I will tread lightly.

AZDigger,
Mike