AZT in a Day - Red Hills Trail Photoset • BiFrost • 2020-10-09 • HikeArizona.COM

AZT in a Day - Red Hills Trail, AZ

	2020-10-09
	17 by BiFrost

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AZT in a Day - Red Hills Trail, AZ

Backpack		Oct 09 2020
		BiFrost

Backpack	27.62 Miles	7,155 AEG

Backpack	27.62 Miles	3 Days

	7,155 ft AEG

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North Peak Trail #24

Red Hills - AZT #24

Mazatzal Divide to The Park

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slowandsteady

We spent long weekend doing AZT in a Day event on the Mazatzal AZT. Our section was from The Park to Brush Spring about 7.5 miles. We started at Mineral Creek trailhead which is the most direct access to the The Park but didn’t’ start until about noon. Fortunately, it’s only about 4.5 miles to The Park from Mineral Creek so the late start was not an issue. However, being a short trail it’s very steep as it ascends to the Mazatzal Divide especially in the first 2 miles. There was decent water at Mineral Spring as we passed by and continued the climb. Towards the top before The Park the trail disappears in spots and is difficult to follow for the last ¾ mile to The Park. After fighting through the last brushy spots we reached The Park and setup camp. Once setup we headed over to Petes Pond for water but with the dry conditions we were not totally sure it would have water. Fortunately, it did have water which was a bit green from algae but it tasted fine. Headed back to camp and settled in for the night.

Next day for AZT in a Day event we just had to hike from The Park to Brush Spring about 7.5 miles. So we were not rushed and able to take our time. We are also AZT stewards for the section and took time to do minor trail work and document tree fall issues. Arrived at Brush Spring and checked for water which is near the camp and not where the Brush Spring sign is located. Apparently there used to be water there but it’s dried up and now the water is several hundred feet away from the sign. After filtering water we enjoyed the camp spot and the pleasant temps at Brush Spring.

Last day Sunday we had to hike from Brush Spring back out to Mineral Creek trailhead about 12 miles. On the way out we ran into Roger, Rob, and Jack doing Mazatzal transit backpack documenting trail conditions of AZT. We had lunch with them and shared notes on needed trail work and trail conditions in general. Great to see the guys and chat with them! I also did some extra off trail in search water for future trips and found a couple of small pools even in these dry conditions. It was a good sign and come spring time there should be decent pools. After that we continued heading back towards The Park where we took another break. From there it was out to Mineral Creek fighting the brushy section and then the big drop. The downhill is tedious but the steepest part is only 2 miles long so it goes relatively quick. Great weekend in the Mazatzal’s!!

	Brush Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	decent pools about 300 feet or so downstream of the sign

	Mineral Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute
	decent flow along the trail. Several spots to access small pools

	Pete's Pond	1-25% full	1-25% full
	pool was very low and a bit green from algae but water tasted fine

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