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| Cooper Trail - Seal Mtn - Hassayampa Loop, AZ | |
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| | Cooper Trail - Seal Mtn - Hassayampa Loop, AZ | | | |
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Cooper Trail - Seal Mtn - Hassayampa Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 19.45 Miles |
3,079 AEG |
| | Hiking | 19.45 Miles | 10 Hrs 43 Mns | | 2.00 mph |
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| 3,079 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | 16 LBS Pack | |
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| Partners |
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[ show ]
| partners | | I enjoy hiking and documenting old trails that get little use, in the hopes that maybe it'll draw interest and keep the trail tread alive. The Weaver Mountains and Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness area is one that sees few visitors, other than than those from the Williams Dude Ranch. There is a lot of mining history in this area.
The temps were going to be perfect for this one. The filtered sunlight made it even better.
We were greeted by our past hiking buddy Lucky, at the TH and started on the Hassayampa River Trail, heading upstream.
We crossed the Hassayampa River, taking our shoes off, and headed up the Cooper Trail. There is zero info on this trail, other than the line on the BLM map at the Trailhead. It shows it ends in the middle of nowhere. I was able to trace the route for us to follow, using Route Manager's Sat. view.
This trail is a steady climb up from the Hassayampa River. It's easy to follow to the point it meets The Hole Trail. It appears the Dude Ranch uses it to this point. The fainter Cooper Trail takes a hard right here to head uphill, on it's way towards Seal Mountain. It's faint at times, but always there.
Pick your line to the peak of Seal Mountain. Great lunch time views for sure.
Seal Mountain summit Video  [ youtube video ]
Down a long ago used road we descended to Spring Creek and then into Cottonwood Creek. Cottonwood Creek was a smooth granite playground. Quite scenic for sure.
Finally in the Hassayampa River and on the home stretch... the final 10 miles.
We checked out some mining building ruins I saw on GE at the confluence of Cherry Creek, that were interesting.
The last destination for the day, was the large mining ruins just North of Buckskin Canyon. There was tons of large heavy equipment that was left behind on this one. Quite interesting to check this area out.
Good hiking with Lucky and Karl again.
We almost lost Joe to the quicksand.
It was actually a bit spooky. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Cherry Creek |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | Light flow to Cherrt Creek. Hassayampa flowing well here |
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Cottonwood Creek |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | Goo flow the entire length. Hassayampa flowing well here |
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Oak Creek |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | Slow flow out of Oak Creek. Hassayampa has a real good flow here |
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Seal Tank |
51-75% full |
51-75% full |
| | | Plenty to filter from or let your dog drink from. | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry |
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