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| Redfield Canyon Cliff house, AZ | |
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| | Redfield Canyon Cliff house, AZ | | | |
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Redfield Canyon Cliff house, AZ
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| Hiking | 5.20 Miles |
759 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.20 Miles | 4 Hrs 9 Mns | | 1.42 mph |
| 759 ft AEG | 30 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | I have been wanting to get back into Redfield Canyon in the Galiuros for over 40 years. When I was there last there was no direct route to get there, the two roads had locked gates. Recently someone posted a hike that did just what I wanted to do. The road south of Redfield Canyon leads to the Trail head for the Cliff House. Last time I was there we took the road on the north side to just above the cliff house and hiked up Redfield Canyon to Jackson Cabin. I think we had to drive up a wash and enter the north side road to bypass the gate, been a long time ago and I just can't seem to recall. Anyway I'm back.
The trail down to the cliff house is well defined and looks to get some use. Steep trail down to the creek but it's short, .7 miles and 600 feet elevation. Once in the canyon we headed downstream toward the cliff house. Parts of the route are defined other sections you just take the best route. Hard to maintain a trail in a creek since they get reset after the monsoons. Can't get lost though since you are bounded on either side of the creek by cliffs. About 1 mile downstream on the northside is the cliff house. Looks the same as it did 40 years ago. Someone has done some work restoring the house and looks like a maid comes in every so often to sweep and clean. The Refrigerator is still there just has a few bullet holes in the door. There is a log book in the front room for you to sign in. Quite an amazing house.
After the cliff house we headed up stream to Swamp Spring Canyon. We were just short by .4 miles from making it to Swamp Spring Canyon, had to turn around as we had a long drive out and back to Tucson. The Cottonwood and Sycamore were in full color. One of the best show of color I have ever seen not counting the Aspens of Santa Fe. Not just Yellow though also a golden brown from the Sycamore Trees. The creek had a light flow but easy to cross.
At the trail head deer hunters had pitched tents and had been there for at least a week. I had come in from Benson and thought I might return via Redington Pass but they highly recommended taking the Benson route back since the pass can be quite rough. The road from Benson is paved for about 13 miles of the 35 mile drive. The rest is dirt but in good condition, 25 to 35 MPH occasionally 45 (you might PO some of the locals of Cascabel with your dust if you go too fast). Anyway expect an hour to do this section. Once at the turnoff it is 8.5 miles to the trail head. This road is rough and slow going, expect 45 to 60 minutes for this portion. High clearance is a must and one section I put it in 4WD. There was a SUV parked on the side of the road that had been there a week you can see the oil on the road where it either cracked a transmission or engine oil pan (I think I would just put a for sale sign on it). Great hike but the drive is a killer, maybe next time I will stay a few days. Does anyone know how the road to Jackson Cabin is. |
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