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Our BSA troop had a great time on the western side of the Cabin Loop a few weeks ago and we are set to complete the east half of it in a couple weeks but the Pinchot Fire http://inciweb.nwcg.go... looks like it may interrupt that plan. I've been searching around for a comparable route here using the trail finder and not coming up with a good alternate. We'd like backpacking trail in the 12-17 mile range, with reliable water near the middle, weather conducive to an early October hike. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I'd still plan on going there. The trails and roads are all still open. If the fire is still burning a few weeks from now when you go, I'd just plan on camping on a ridge since any smoke will tend to settle in the valleys overnight.

I like your positive attitude. I don't want to change the plan and I know some of the boys are looking forward to completing the whole trail system.

I camped near Aspen Spring during this fire http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=8345&start=0 and it was just fine ... except the smoke was a little bothersome in the early morning down in the draw.

Certainly worth monitoring, but I wouldn't call it off just yet!

FYI I just saw an update on the fire. Depending on weather they may decide to burn some more, and that would result in a trail closure, which obviously changes things for you. Keep an eye on the fire report.

It is continuing to creep down the east side of Bear Canyon. Today crews plan to assess the weather in the morning and if conditions are dry they will begin to burn on the south side of the fire, along Forest Road 139A. When this occurs a temporary closure of the Houston Brothers trail will be implemented. I will continue to keep you in the loop on this.

It looks like they will close the Houston Brother's Trail.

http://inciweb.nwcg.go...

Any thoughts on my original question? I'd like to have a plan for an alternate trip ready to go.

Mazzies for Y-bar/Barnhardt loop is coming into season.
Reavis Ranch is coming into season.

Trail closure map (includes location of the fire)
http://inciweb.nwcg.go...

More info: http://inciweb.nwcg.go...

shuttle via 142 & 142B: Clover creek to WCC, then out Calloway.
blows the doors off the cabin loop. all day long, son.
that being said, i hope these are experienced scouts.

te_wa wrote:shuttle via 142 & 142B: Clover creek to WCC, then out Calloway.
blows the doors off the cabin loop. all day long, son.
that being said, i hope these are experienced scouts.

Thank you for the suggestion.

That looks like a fun and beautiful hike but none of us have experience in canyons and I'm a little concerned about them getting wet in mid-October. The route description mentions stone slabs going into waist deep pools. That sounds kinda sketch for October to me. Did I misunderstand the route description?

This will be a small group of experienced on trail hikers. One boy has hiked the JMT, two have done Philmont and the last is a pretty solid hiker (comfortable at Havasupai and on 10 mile days in the Supes).

during mid summer it can be too hot between stretches of hiking. but as of now the air is prolly too chill for that trip. try this one instead: (and don't forget the above suggestion for next september - After thunderstorm season is over)


http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2294

@te_wa (or anyone else!)

What about Pine Canyon #26? Are there places to camp along that trail? I'be not hiked out of that trailhead.

I showed the Pine Canyon/Geronimo Loop to our youth and they were not enthusiastic about the mileage however they liked the idea of hiking up the trail as a shuttle hike with one car at the bottom trailhead and one up top.

if they don't like that one (they're smart, it's a hard loop) then just park at the 260 trailhead and leave your shuttle at tonto hatchery. camp at see canyon and then take the derrick trail back to your car.

There is plenty of camping up top on the rim, and you can loop back the next day on the Donahue trail.

Blargh, Inciweb lists this as 2,000 acres now.

te_wa wrote:if they don't like that one (they're smart, it's a hard loop) then just park at the 260 trailhead and leave your shuttle at tonto hatchery. camp at see canyon and then take the derrick trail back to your car.

Thanks for the suggestion. This plan seems like a winner to the scouts. One question: is water in See Canyon reliable? There are no water reports for Herman or Nappa Springs in the last several years.

I'm pretty sure See Canyon is reliable.

any pot hole within 70 miles of the highline is full. rains have been active in that area most of this week.
See and Nappa form Christopher creek, and i'll place a bet that it's never been dry in the past 100 years. ;)

LOL.

I think y'all got some pretty epic storms rolling thru today.