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| Backpack | 40.27 Miles |
7,777 AEG |
| | Backpack | 40.27 Miles | 2 Days 4 Hrs 53 Mns | | |
| 7,777 ft AEG | | 38 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This brings us to recent history! This past weekend, mom and I went hiking for another AZT passage. This time it was the combination of #16 (Gila River Canyon) and #17 (Alamo Canyon).
The Drive: The drive was nice, and actually with a vehicle and Picketpost Mountain TH and the other at Kelvin, this was probably the shortest AZT drive you can get! Both trailheads are easily accessible with a passenger car.
The hike: Let me just start by saying, this is a strenuous hike! It is not for your average "Joe backpacker" who does normal trips. While the trail is in exceptionally good condition, two things make this trip difficult: Heat and minimal water. First, the heat makes this trip very challenging. We went in mid-March when the weather is usually pretty good. But not here. On this trip, you hit the lowest elevation of any point on the Arizona Trail at ~1600 feet. Day-time highs in Superior were supposed to be around 70-75. But we consistently saw temperatures around 80-85 on our little thermometer. I think several factors play into this, including the Gila River gorge acting like a trap for the heat, similar to the inner gorge of the Grand Canyon. Also, the entire climb northbound from the Gila to the top of the mountains is exposed south-facing rock. There is very little vegetation, and very little shade. There were a few times we were ready for a break, but we had to keep hiking a good half hour before we found any substantial shade to rest in. Finally, getting to the lack of water part. Along the Gila River, there are a few access points, and it was flowing pretty clear and filtered well, so that was no problem on this trip. However, I've read about people whose filters clogged almost immediately from the muddy Gila River, and that could land you in a lot of trouble. Once you leave the Gila River, there's no more water until the rainwater collector, and even then, you're depending on reports from other people to know that it hasn't all dried up (hint: it's not a water source; it's a water collector. When it runs out, it's gone!)
With that warning to adequately prepare finished, the hike was amazing! This is one of the most beautiful sections we've done on the AZT, though the section from the rainwater collector to Picketpost was less than stellar in places due to the past fire activity. Cactus everywhere, wildflowers in abundance, and again, a smooth trail all made this a great hike. I can't wait till I have an opportunity to mountain bike this one! We'll just hope I don't have as bad of luck as one guy we saw. He got a flat tire around mile 18, literally half way from either trailhead! Hope he made it out okay--he had some buddies he was riding with who were aware of the problem. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
All different kinds - probably around 3,000 feet is perfect for wildflowers right now. |
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Martinez Well |
Dry |
Dry |
| | | The well/tank was dry, but the AZT rainwater collector had plenty of water as always. |
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Walnut Canyon |
Heavy flow |
Heavy flow |
| | | I think this is referring to Gila River access, in which case the Gila River was flowing strong. | | | |
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