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| Hiking | 1.90 Miles |
425 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.90 Miles | | | |
| 425 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | The adventure on this hike started with the right turn onto FR152. this road seems a lot rougher than I remember it about 9 years ago when my wife and I hiked the Vultee Arch. It wasn't horrible by Tonto NF standards, but there were at least 2 pretty deep divots to make you a little nervous. My kids loved the ride to the TH and back, my wife not so much. My biggest concern was the several sharp rocks sticking out of the dirt that looked like they could make quick work out of my 3.5 year old tires that will be in need of replacement within the next year. Fortunately, we made it out and back without incident.
The trail starts out pretty smooth and level and increases in steepness and steps as you approach the bridge. About a half mile before the bridge, we were in the shade, which meant there was at least some snow on the ground around us. In the areas around the bridge, there were several nice icy spots that could easily made you slip your way down in the chasm.
As most everyone does, we made it out onto the arch and took the obligatory tourist pics. I made sure I held onto the kids tightly any time we ventured out there. I made one glimpse over the edge as I made my way back and the 20' section I was on suddenly seemed like 1'.
At one point, someone dropped their i-phone from the trail. Believe it or not, we heard from some other hikers later on that not only did they find it, but it was in one piece and still working! Apparently it had a hard case, which just paid for itself today. I was on the bridge when it happened and by the time I looked up, I saw it on the 2nd bounce and thought for sure it was already in pieces.
On our way down we checked the lower trail under the bridge. The views from underneath are also pretty interesting. It doesn't seem as high when you're looking up. |
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Route Editor
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