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| Reavis and Log Trough Canyon, AZ | |
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| | Reavis and Log Trough Canyon, AZ | | | |
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Reavis and Log Trough Canyon, AZ
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| Hiking | 16.71 Miles |
3,604 AEG |
| | Hiking | 16.71 Miles | 7 Hrs 41 Mns | | 2.35 mph |
| 3,604 ft AEG | 35 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | I've had this loop saved for some time, mainly to satisfy my curiosity about Log Trough Canyon. With a name like that—and a spring in the area with the same name—was there once a log trough out there?
With an unseasonably, almost chilly forecast, Wally was up for hitting an area of the Supes he'd never been to before (how is that possible?).
Radar showed that it had rained most of the night before, and the area was shrouded in clouds as we made the 1:15 drive to the Roger Trough trailhead. The road seemed rougher than on previous trips, but I may just be misremembering. Definitely not doable in anything without clearance or good rubber. Wally put his 4x4 to good use, trying to keep the tires from spinning on the sharper rocks.
We were the only vehicle at the trailhead when we started the hike around 8:30. We noticed fresh footprints in the muddy areas of the trail and were curious whether we’d run into anyone during the day. We made good time heading down Rogers Canyon, made the turn heading up-canyon, and paid our respects to Elisha.
The uphill went smoothly, as the trail is mostly in great shape. About two-thirds of the way up, we saw a solo backpacker, whom we finally caught up to just past Reavis Saddle. She was from D.C., thru-hiking the AZT. She’d already completed the AT, CDT, and PCT. She stayed right with us into the ranch area as Wally gave her the history of the Superstitions and the ranch. We also shared some insights into a few upcoming areas she could check out as she continued north on the trail.
Wally and I checked out the apple orchard, noting that most of the blooms on the trees were past their prime. But if the number of blooms was any indication, it could be a banner year for apples. After a short lunch break, we left the ranch and made our way over to Log Trough Canyon.
The first 200 feet or so of the canyon off the 109 Trail were quite choked, and we wondered what we were getting ourselves into (OK, Wally figured this was just another “Bruce” hike). After that, it opened up to pine trees and easy walking—quite pretty. There was quite a bit of wildlife sign in this area, including half a dozen whitetail deer. Approaching the area on the topo where the spring was indicated, it started getting “thicker.” Wally smartly stayed in the creekbed while I fought the foliage, looking for the elusive log trough. No trough, no water—just scratches and blood.
Historian Tom Kollenborn notes that Log Trough Canyon was historically utilized by cattlemen such as William J. Clemans, John A. Bacon, and Floyd Stone. Due to the canyon's dense vegetation, working cattle on horseback was challenging, leading ranchers to rely heavily on skilled cow dogs. Evidence of old "trigger-traps" used to catch wild cattle can still be found near the head of the canyon, highlighting its significance in the region's ranching history.
Now for the slow part of the trek. We jumped out and up from Log Trough Canyon earlier than I’d planned. It was slow and very thick in places. Although it was only a one-mile off-trail jaunt, it took us a full hour to make it back to the Reavis Ranch 109 Trail. The route I’d originally planned didn’t look like it would have been any easier.
From there, it was a weary cruise back to the trailhead. Good getting out with Walter again and finally satisfying that curiosity.
The temperature was 53°F when we started and 53°F when we finished. We had off-and-on sprinkles most of the day, with only one 10-minute stretch of light showers. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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