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| Hiking | 6.86 Miles |
962 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.86 Miles | 4 Hrs | | 1.72 mph |
| 962 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | | Still fighting off a bout of bronchitis but still wanting to get out for something smaller and easier, I headed to the Horrel Ranch and turned up 305, parking at the brushy Cuff Button TH. A bit of an up-and-down roller coaster initially on the old roadbed when it is there as parts have been washed out. About a mile in, I came across the first pools in the creekbed, however, cows were in the area, so I would not filter it. Got to Burro Spring, where there were more pools in the creek that were a bit better. As you get near the corral the trail on the south bank is still intact, although a bit brushy, but nothing horrible. Made it to the corral site that has been shrouded in a catclaw forest the past couple of years, and pushed on northward to the old water trough and Cuff Button Spring, which apparently is listed incorrectly on the map. Spent some time in the shade at the spring and headed back to the creek via the wash as it was less of a blood bath. I decided to continue for a bit and started the gradual hike up to the ridge, stopping at about the 4k elevation point (about halfway up the ridge) as my cough kicked in. The trail from the corral to my stopping point was in great condition. There is some minor scrub oak and baby manzanita growth, but nothing like it used to be. There are a couple of washouts to maneuver around, but nothing that you can't get around. Rehydrated and headed back to the TH. Uneventful hike back coming across a couple of cows about a mile out. Temps were in the upper 60s with a nice breeze most of the day. Time is running out for valley hiking, so get out there while you still can. |
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Burro Spring |
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| | | Pools in the creek, and there are cows in the area, so I would not filter it. | | _____________________
Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.  |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
The ridge wasn't too bad but the drop to the trail was a bit steep. The last leg was through Wildcat Canyon. The start on the north end was cleared and easy to follow. When the trail was overgrown, the canyon floor was the easy choice. After the turn over the saddle the trail was gone and a beeline for the drop down point was made. From the drop down the trail was visible and the final mile to the ranch was easy going. Feeling complacent, lethargic and lost that zest for life? You need to get some Cuff Button. 
Route 
It also has great views, but not quite as good as Mound Mountain. The creek section has rugged beauty, but not quite as nice as Campaign Creek, Fish Creek, Frog Tanks or Rogers Canyon (to name a few others). I ascended the official route to the summit, but decided to descend the SE ridgeline to the Cuff Button Trail. It was a last minute decision after enjoying some liquid courage in the wind with the bee flies and ladybugs. The alternate route seemed like less of an interior Chaparral bushwhack, but it turned out to be worse lower since the Cuff Button Trail is in horrible shape. Lots of ripping and tearing Wait-a-minute bushes. By comparison, the Campaign Trail to the Pinto Divide is actually not too shabby! I hadn't noticed Wally's triplog about descending the SE ridgeline until after getting home. It definitely is a more direct route. At least I hiked some of a trail I hadn't done before and Jerky Spring was also kind of neat. Most of the bypasses along the West Pinto section are essentially worthless since there is a bunch of deadfall and thick, fresh vegetation. You also miss many of the good creek sections on the silly cairned diversions. I thought following the creek bed on my ascent route was much more enjoyable hiking. 
Cuff Button used to be an old road up to the wilderness boundary, however, the erosion from the fire has eaten away most of it. It was easier to boulder hop in the creek. The creek had a light flow all the way to the corral which is always nice. Got to the corral and I remembered why it's such a pain in the pumpkin to get there. This area has the highest concentration of catclaw in the Superstitions I've ever seen! Finally made it to the corral after a quick blood bath and had lunch. There are some ruins further up on the climb on the ridge I wanted to check out, however, I'm still feeling some effects of bronchitis and decided not to push my luck and headed back to the TH. It's pretty obvious that no one uses this section of Cuff Button as there were zero signs of anyone however, I did see tire tracks within a quarter mile of the coral. Some moron had to drive a Razor past the wilderness boundary. More kitty prints in the area then I have seen in awhile. Got to try out the truck body armor as a accidently took the wrong road (which was a catclaw forest) on the way out. Not a scratch on her. 
Another trail in the eastern Superstitions that has been destroyed by erosion.
Nice flow, several deep pools.
It was a nice day out but the off-trail and side trips on this one tired me out. 
