| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
2 |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 7.14 Miles |
1,554 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.14 Miles | 5 Hrs | | 1.43 mph |
| 1,554 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Aztec Peak in the Sierra Anchas
Mike Mattes, Skippy and I took Clark Norgaard and his son Scott for their first trek into the Sierra Anchas. Having read that FR487 has been opened beyond the Fall Camp Ground allowing vehicles to drive past Workman Creek Falls and on up to the Aztec Peak summit, I was somewhat "conflicted" taking people there on a 4th of July long weekend. We needed to escape the Valley heat and besides, also needed to say hello to Ranger Red up in Fire Tower --- so Aztec Peak via Abbey's Way #151 it shall be...
The 5 of us got cozy in a single vehicle and before you knew it we were staring over the precipice at Workman Creek Falls. Searched for a place to park my F-150 at the Abbey's Way Trail Head only to see about 2 dozen campers (no exaggeration here) occupying every available space. Oh well, we'll push on to the Carr Trail Head and park there. No problem - gathered our hiking gear and walked back down FR487 to the Abbey's Way Trail Head and we were on our way!
We trekked through the dense ferns and primrose until we ambled onto Peterson's Meadow and the old apple orchard. We found the old well and foundation for the old ranch ruins, as well as a partially eaten elk.
From the ranch ruins the trail continues through a significant jumble of fire damage trees. Many have fallen across the trail, but thankfully most have been chain-sawed to ease the passage. There's also considerable overgrowth in many areas forcing one to crouch down low and shuffle along. We could deal with that - besides the sights and sounds of ample wildlife made for a pleasant distraction. With the Fire Tower on Aztec Peak growing closer and closer, we were treated to the stunning views of the Salt River Canyon to the south and Four Peaks to the west.
As we approached the summit, the sounds of song birds gave way to - AC/DC???
I can appreciate Bon Scott, but listening to him wail was not part of the wilderness experience I was expecting (now must be tolerant!). We headed up the Fire Tower to see Ranger Red and met "Fill-In" Ranger Gerry (it was Ranger Red's week off). Gerry gave us the detailed tour and pointed out a multitude of spectacular sights from this peerless vantage. The occasional strains of AC/DC could be heard up in the tower when our conversation paused. I think I heard Gerry mutter; "Yahoos"...
We could see a steady parade of ATV's, Jeeps and custom ORV's park at the foot of the tower. As the new arrivals began to climb up the tower, we decided to head down and create some more room. We went to eat our pack lunches by the Fred Flintstone patio furniture near the southern lip of Aztec Peak. Great views, shame about audio...
As we ate our pack lunches we debated the wisdom of opening FR487 to through traffic. Don't want to be labeled a "hiking snob", but we noted we were the only visitors who arrived on foot. Yes most of the visitors were friendly and in complete awe of the views. Sizing up the visitors, we agreed that only a fraction of them could possibly have ever made it to the summit on foot. But considering the group blaring out AC/DC from their pick-up truck - what ever made them think any of us were there to listen to that?
Maybe we should make Edward Abbey proud and blow-up the road repairs on FR487 and force another road closure? Just a thought... http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=29474 |
|
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
|
|
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
