| |
| Reeds & Brads Water Out-n-Back via Whitlow, AZ | |
|
| | Reeds & Brads Water Out-n-Back via Whitlow, AZ | | | |
|
|
Reeds & Brads Water Out-n-Back via Whitlow, AZ
| | |
|
| Hiking | 18.63 Miles |
2,268 AEG |
| | Hiking | 18.63 Miles | 9 Hrs 8 Mns | | 2.26 mph |
| 2,268 ft AEG | 54 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | The hike begins 10 miles off Highway 60, past the Queen Valley Golf Course, onto Elephant Butte Road, and then continues for the final 4 miles on North Elephant Butte Road. This last stretch requires a 4-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance and good tires. It was the toughest test for my Subi to date! At one point on the way in, a tire was off the ground, and on the way out, another tire found itself suspended in a different spot.
The hike started with 27-degree temperatures and gentle breezes. It was a 2.6-mile trek to Reeds Well, where Joe measured the water depth at 4 feet.
Next, we followed the Coffee Flat Trail up Randolph Canyon (Sorry, Kelly—no coffee was found). This section featured picturesque views, interesting geology, and even a few cottonwoods still holding onto their fall leaves. There are some pools of water here, that the cows seem to enjoy. Be careful if you plan to filter.
At Fraser Canyon, we turned onto the Red Tanks Trail and made our way up Red Tanks Canyon. This was the longest climb of the day, gaining about 1,000 feet in elevation. We paused for lunch at the Red Tanks Divide, where we were unexpectedly passed by our 4th, 5th, and 6th backpackers of the day—quite a crowd for a Monday!
Our final two objectives were a 700-foot descent (and the return climb) and a 1.7-mile trek from the divide.
Brad’s Water was full, offering an opportunity for those inclined to wade in and splash around. This area is an old mine site that has since flooded. From there, we headed to Brad’s Cabin. All that remains is the perimeter rock wall, a substantial concrete foundation, and numerous tools and implements left behind. Thanks to the nearby water supply, the foundation and floor were poured entirely in concrete.
We retraced our steps as daylight dwindled, making our way back to the car for the drive out.
The temperatures throughout the day were perfect for hiking. Although we never felt the forcasted high winds on the trail, they made themselves known during the drive home. |
  |
Brads Water |
Gallon per minute |
Gallon per minute |
| | | Enough water to swim in. |
|
Reeds Water |
26-50% full |
26-50% full |
| | | Water is at least 4' deep, and is 4' below the surface. Bring the means to collect and filter from the well. | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
