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| Hiking | 9.40 Miles |
1,735 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.40 Miles | 6 Hrs | | 1.57 mph |
| 1,735 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I was looking to hike up Gateway Canyon and see the arches before the Dec. 1 Eagle Breeding closure started, but while researching I came across the triplogs for Rhyodacite Canyon. I have been up on the Sky Island numerous times, but never ventured into Rhyodacite Canyon. The photos and triplogs really made this canyon intriguing.
I entered into the Phon D Sutton/Bulldog Canyon gate off Bush Highway and drove down about ½ mile. My plan was to take an unlisted road all the way down to the little cliff area that’s right before the river, but I noticed all the “AREA CLOSED” signs. Plus, there was a giant group of ATV folks camping right at the road I needed to access. So, I parked and started east.
I have done Sunrise Arch a few times and have been “up top” 4x, so I know this part of the hike. 2-3 miles of sandy “blah” hiking through the Haunted Horse Poop Forest and then trudging through the river rock/sandy. I thought about cutting direct towards the entrance of the canyon and just taking that all the way, but access to it was rough. All choked up with trees/shrubs. So, I opted to access the canyon via the route that @DixieFlyer posted. I skirted the edge of the canyon and it looks pretty nice in there, so next time, I will find a way to get into the canyon and take it all the way up.
Once I made it into the canyon, the scenery did not disappoint. I really enjoyed seeing this place. The formations were very beautiful for sure. There were not major obstacles to navigate and lots of cairned bypass routes as well. The sun abided and I was able to get some nice views of the canyon area. I hiked in about 2 miles and had some lunch. I contemplated going further, but I had things to attend to at home, so I started back down.
The Goldfields never cease to amaze me. This little canyon did not disappoint. I will be back and maybe bag a peak or two next time.
The hike back through the flat and ugly river bottom was not making me very happy, but I spotted a road on my map and decided to see how that looked. It’s the same road that starts at the little cliff before the river. So, I was able to bypass most of the sandy forest.
A nice day in the Goldfields/Lower Salt River! |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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