| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
1 |
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 7.50 Miles |
1,539 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.50 Miles | 7 Hrs 40 Mns | | 0.98 mph |
| 1,539 ft AEG | | 15 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This is a short day hike to the Tortilla Trail #254 past Mud Spring from the Deer Creek TH. I saw the Deer Creek TH marked on my Safford Ranger District Map (purchased that morning in Safford) as I was driving north up the valley between the Pinaleno and Galiuro Mtns on the 3rd day of a 7 day exploration of this area. I found the road leading to the TH across private ranching property. A sign at the turnoff indicated it was OK to use the road as long as I was a good boy. There were a few sprinkles of rain on the drive in which instantly turned the road into a slippery muddy mess but not wet enough to leave tire ruts (one of the forbidden things listed on the sign).
Arriving at the TH I was pleasantly surprised to find an information board with wilderness trail map and a close by car camping site under a huge oak tree. After studying the map I came up with a hiking plan for the next day and set up camp. The next day was cool and clear offering better than usual photo conditions. My progress up the trail was slow due to being in full Tibber photographer mode and also by trying to figure out the confusing over population of trail signs. There were some great views of the Pinaleno Mtns and the Santa Teresa Mtns on this clear morning making it a very enjoyable hike. I had ambitious thoughts of hiking all the way in to Powers Garden until I saw the one way mileage (9.5 miles) posted on one of the trail signs. That makes the round trip distance close to double my daily limit so I set a turn around time of 2:00 pm which got me a mile or two past Mud Spring. Far enough to get some of the best views.
Side Note: There was a letter and map posted at the TH gate identifying an area of the Galiuro Wilderness that is currently closed due to plans for a prescribed burn sometime after Dec 15, 2016. This area is in the south eastern side of the wilderness. See the photo I took of the posted map. [ photo ] A FS Ranger I encountered on my drive out told me the burn had not taken place yet, they were still waiting for the right conditions. He said the area could be closed through April 2017. The info at this link states the burning may continue through July 2017. https://ein.az.gov/eme... I see this is already a forum topic. [ HAZ Forum Post ] |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
