username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Big Creek Trail #320A - 6 members in 41 triplogs have rated this an average 4.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3  Next
41 triplogs
login for filter options
Sep 29 2024
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Big Creek Trail #320ATucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 29 2024
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
Hiking9.90 Miles 1,920 AEG
Hiking9.90 Miles
1,920 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Following a relaxing morning in camp, it was time to hit the trail for an old favorite destination. I considered starting on High Peak Road, but I was curious what remained of Big Creek Trail, one of my old favorites. I parked near Hospital Flat and saw my ancient cairn still next to the road, and started up the now mostly vanished beginning of the old logging road that is/was Big Creek Trail. The bottom 2/3 of the route was still navigable, but no longer resembled a trail. Upon reaching the big switchback, I was greeted with a massive erosion scar where the road had once been. I carefully bypassed the dirt cliff as I entered the worst of the Frye Fire burn scar. The “Tree Tunnel” was long gone, and aspens, millions of them, began crowding what remained of the trail. I squeezed, climbed, and crawled through an absolute thicket of aspens for a half mile until I reached the top end of the trail at High Peak Road. Took me just under an hour to reach this point. I miss the old days of Engelmann spruce and Corkbark fir providing a shady, sheltered feel to the top part of the trail.

I then continued up the road to its end at the top of the mountain, enjoying perfect weather, beautiful fall aspen color, and cloudless skies the whole way. The views were amazing as always. Checked out the register and roamed around on top for a bit, checking out the re-vegetation trees that had been planted up there over the years and their progress. Growth is slow, but anything is good on top of the denuded mountain.

With afternoon growing late I began the downward trek, opting to not take Big Creek Trail back and instead add some extra distance. I had not seen anyone the entire hike until I came across some random dude who was parked in the trees with his motorcycle. I think we were both surprised to see each other. As I hiked down, motorcycle guy rode his bike up and down the road for a ways several times, passing me each time, for no apparent reason that I could figure. Seemed like a weirdo. I bypassed the bottom section of the road and motorcycle guy by hopping up and over a ridge and dropping back down to the Swift Trail, which I followed back to my truck, getting there as darkness fell.

I camped out once again at Hagens, enjoying stars, a great book, and a more level tent site than the previous night.

My verdict on Big Creek Trail: it can still be used as a loop option with High Peak Road, though I wouldn’t recommend it. It will need someone to mow a path through the aspen thickets to be an enjoyable trail again.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
  1 archive
Jul 16 2023
avatar

 Routes 31
 Photos 4,724
 Triplogs 187

50 male
 Joined Mar 14 2016
 Gold Canyon, AZ
Big Creek Trail #320ATucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 16 2023
00blackoutTriplogs 187
Hiking11.00 Miles 2,100 AEG
Hiking11.00 Miles   4 Hrs   36 Mns   2.39 mph
2,100 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
With being over in Chicago the past week, not being able to hike and the disgusting heat here I headed over to the Pinalenos. My original plan was to hike High Peak Road to the top, head over on the connector road and take Big Creek Trail back down for a nice loop. Started up High Peak Road, which is in good shape pretty much the entire way to the top but does have a good amount of 4-5 foot tall Aspens growing on it. Made it up to the top and started making my way over to the Big Creek Trail but took a break in the shade first. As I was getting ready to head down, I noticed that I was only a couple miles from the top of Mt. Graham (elevation 10,720 feet) and the threat of thunderstorms was pretty low, so I decided to continue up the mountain. The last half mile up was a slog, the continuous up and higher humidity killed my energy so I took a nice break once on top before heading back down. On the way down I was torn on taking the Big Creek Trail back down or staying on the High Peak road since I already knew it's condition. I choose to head down the Big Creek Trail which unfortunately was the wrong decision. There was an initial trail that turned into a Aspen, deadfall mess. I fought my way through the mess for a good mile before I came to a small switchback and the trail cleared up (too bad it was only for a minute). As I came to Big Creek there was a pretty good sized wash out where the trail would be. I 'slid' down into the wash out and took a quick break to study my route. I hiked a little ways down the wash out and climbed back out. Still not finding the trail and with the route I had downloaded a bit confusing at this spot I continued down the side of a large drainage, only to come to another large washout, which I had to climb down and back out of again. Covered in dirt I was finally able to find a small resemblance of a trail and hike it back down to the Swift Trail (it took me 3 hours to hike this 3 mile section). It was roughly a half mile walk on the dirt road but it felt like a lot more then that as I was covered in dirt and exhausted. Made it back to my truck and enjoyed the drive back down the mountain. Temps were a perfect 68 degrees to start my hike and the temp gauge was showing 79 as I was driving down. Came across two mountain bikers on High Peak Road and two hikers up near High Peak Cienega and a ton of deer all day.

*Disclaimer - because a portion of this hike is in the Red Squirrel Refugium area which is a closed area, this hike was just a dream that I had as I would never enter the illegal area. The pics are what I dreamt of. :) :lol:
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee. :y:
 
Jun 07 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 07 2022
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking6.00 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking6.00 Miles
1,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Hot down in the Valley, cool up on the mountain ... I'm going up the mountain!
One of my routine loops, but for how long?
Parked at #507 road.
Up High Peak Rd with rest stops at the first & second meadows.
The road up was nice and both meadows looked great.
Then down Big Creek Trail.
What a mess the first mile down. Total burn area with ton's of fallen trees, new aspens growing on the trail & flood damage. My first time ever wishing I wasn't on this trail. The lower mile section is now full of log teepee's some burnt others waiting. The trail has also been cleared of all tree growth, but they cut them down to 4-6 inch stumps. Why do they do this, massive tripping hazards all the way down the trail. Looks more like a logging site now then a forest trail. I miss the old Big Creek Trail!
I then made a short visit down to Hospital Flat where I met the head of the Safford Forest Service and the Trails & Rec Director. Good talk and they told me that the campground will reopen this summer after being closed the last 4 years.
The Swift Trail brought me back to the start ending perhaps my last time hiking this loop ... wildfires suck!
:)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
It's picking up.
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
May 17 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Treasure Park from Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 17 2022
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking7.20 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking7.20 Miles
1,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Clockwise loop connecting all linked trails starting from High Peak Road.
Snow Flat - The small lake is full and the trail down to the overlook was very green with a better than expected creek flow. No bald eagles spotted on this trip.
Snow Flat connector trail to Treasure Park - This is a badly burnt area, but with lots of ground green including many new aspens in the 8-10 feet range.
Big Creek Falls - Another better than expected creek flow with lots of beautiful small waterfalls all the way down to the big one.
Treasure Park - Very green with a lone camper enjoying it all to themself ... lucky dog!
Swift Trail back to the start.
Not much wildlife today. 1 deer, 2 squirrels, buzzards & a couple hawks.
Temps, a perfect 70 with blue sky.
Thx to my buddy for driving ... and keeping me laughing all day!
Burgers and fries at the golf course to end.
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Snow Flat Creek Light flow Light flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Snow Flat Reservoir 76-100% full 76-100% full
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Jul 03 2021
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 03 2021
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking4.50 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles
800 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
First stop at Angle Orchard, the peaches are ready.
Second stop at Wet Canyon to show a waterfall.
Then the hike ... High Peak :next: Big Creek :next: Swift Trail for the loop with Jayden.
Stormy clouds above all day.
Lots of thunder.
Only felt rain on the upper Big Creek trail for about 1/2 hour.
Had a brief hike through the clouds.
Temps never got over 70.
Lots of people on the mountain today.
Sunset was viewed at the Arrow Tree overlook before heading back down.
A well spent Saturday on Graham.
Thanks Jay
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Jun 22 2021
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 22 2021
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking6.50 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking6.50 Miles
1,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
One of my favorites!
Up High Peak, down Big Creek, around Hospital Flat & the Swift Trail back for the loop.
High Peak - Looking better every year, lots of new aspens.
Big Creek - Upper trail still a burned mess. Lower trail has been worked ... a lot. Log teepees everywhere now.
Hospital - Also looking better every year.
It's a very burned over loop, but to me still holds beauty and is fun to hike.
Wildlife - 5 white tails, 1 turkey, 1 Abert's & lots of butterflies!
At 9000 feet I don't think the temps ever got over 80 and by 7pm, I started to get a bit cold.
Good Day on top.
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
May 18 2020
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 18 2020
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking4.50 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles
800 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Up High Peak :next: Down Big Creek :next: Swift Trail back to the start.
Great day for a hike up high, temps were in the low 70's
Lot of burn on this loop, but a lot of new aspens to ease the hurt.
I saw Lee's foot prints and paw prints all over this one :)

On the hike back I saw that the new pay stations are up at Treasure Park and other campgrounds,
What was a free to $10 campground is now a $25 to $50 (each additional vehicle $5) campground.
That's quite a price hike IMO ... especially for a mountain range that was recently hit hard with fire.
Let the dispersed camping & trashing begin ...
:(
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Lots of yellow on the trails
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
May 17 2020
avatar

 Guides 37
 Routes 556
 Photos 10,872
 Triplogs 1,052

43 male
 Joined Jan 21 2013
 AZ
Big Creek Trail #320ATucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 17 2020
FOTGTriplogs 1,052
Hiking3.20 Miles 823 AEG
Hiking3.20 Miles
823 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I made it back to Graham for the first time since the fire over the weekend. I spent three days there and did a combination of sight seeing, tour guiding and light hiking with the dogs. We did this hike Sunday morning.

The first section of this trail is still a little chaotic. Erosion from the fire has created a couple of deep washouts to navigate on the way up. The upper sections of the trail burned badly, however, the aspen are coming in strong. We took an extended break at the meadow and then found some lingering snow for the pups to play in.
_____________________
  2 archives
Sep 13 2019
avatar

 Guides 187
 Routes 989
 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Big Creek Trail, AZ 
Big Creek Trail, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 13 2019
markthurman53Triplogs 864
Hiking3.01 Miles 772 AEG
Hiking3.01 Miles   1 Hour   28 Mns   2.18 mph
772 ft AEG      5 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
The second hike for the day was the Big Creek Trail. This trail Head is a bit tricky to locate but with a GPS Route should be easy to find. The trail is not posted along the road but it is just 100 yards south of Big Creek near the Hospital Flat Turnoff. This trail follows along an old logging road and is fairly easy to follow with the exception of the lower .2 miles. Fairly overgrown with lots of dead fall but overall easy to navigate. I headed up to the 9800 foot red squirrel refugium. The trail ends at a road that follows along the crest that extends up to Mount Graham. The trail end is about 500 feet past and about 60 feet above the 9800 foot boundary but I promise no red squirrels were harmed. I wasn't sure if when I stepped past the boundary if alarms would sound, helicopters would come over the rise or the US Marine Corps would come storming over the hill. Nothing happened. I stayed for a few minutes got some photos and started my way back down. Thunder was rumbling in the clouds that were just overhead so it was probably good to start heading back. This is an interesting trail not because of any great views but it does go through some pretty picturesque forests.
_____________________
 
Jun 03 2019
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 03 2019
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking3.80 Miles 642 AEG
Hiking3.80 Miles
642 ft AEG
 no routes
Up High Peak :next: Down Big Creek :next: Over to Hospital Flat :next: Swift Trail to High Peak to complete the loop.
Lots of deer along the trails (8-10).
Lots of yellow sunflowers.
Hammock hang at the High Peak meadow, aspen leaves almost all in.
Lots of burn, lots of flood damage ..... but a nice walk through the woods (where it was green).
:?
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Oct 08 2018
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 08 2018
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking6.50 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking6.50 Miles
1,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Drove up to the top of Graham as the first snow of the season was falling.
9am temps at 9000 feet was 32 degrees, full winter clothing was needed.
I chose an all-time favorite loop for this first snowy day.
Up High Peak Rd :next: down Big Creek Trail :next: across Hospital Flat :next: Swift Trail back to High Peak Rd.
Light snow fell as I hiked through the clouds many times on the upper trail.
Light snow turned to rain on the lower trails.
I got to view some of the new burn areas not yet seen and it was more hard punches to the gut, but also hauntingly beautiful covered in a light dusting of white.
The aspens were a mix of green, yellow and bare. They just don't look right this year, something is off and I'm not sure why ..... the fire, early cold?
Had many deer sightings on the trails and drive, counted a total of 17 for the day.
It was good to be back on top of the mountain after a year long break!
:D
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Sep 18 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Frye Fire 2017 Aftermath, AZ 
Frye Fire 2017 Aftermath, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 18 2017
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking11.00 Miles 1,500 AEG
Hiking11.00 Miles
1,500 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
On Thursday 9/14 the top portion of the Swift Trail (366) was opened back up to the public.
This was the first opportunity for the Gila Valley residents to drive up and view the effects from the Frye Fire.

I drove up and parked at High Peak road. Completed a big loop to & through the above linked trails/campgrounds.

I've only got 2 thoughts -

#1 - The fire was good for the overall future health and growth of the Pinaleno Mountain range for the decades and more to come, I do not deny that fact.

#2 - For myself ..... the 40+ year hiker, backpacker, camper, fisherman & photographer of this magnificent mountain range ..... I am totally devastated and heartbroken by the destruction I viewed on top.
The Pinalenos will never be the same for the rest of my life.
I am shook, I am bitter & I am angry, but I am also very thankful that I got to see and share with my family and friends the incredible beauty of what once was. There will be many more great memories made on this mountain ..... just in a different way now and in different locations.
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
  1 archive
May 06 2017
avatar

 Guides 37
 Routes 556
 Photos 10,872
 Triplogs 1,052

43 male
 Joined Jan 21 2013
 AZ
Mount Graham 10,720Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 06 2017
FOTGTriplogs 1,052
Hiking8.31 Miles 1,773 AEG
Hiking8.31 Miles   4 Hrs   23 Mns   2.17 mph
1,773 ft AEG      33 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
I am not sure which way people usually take to knock out this "off-limits" high point, however, this way seems to be the most redeeming (due to the short, but pleasant hike up Big Creek Trail) and the most straightforward/logical in terms of avoiding the observatory and being detected.

It may take a minute to locate the beginning of Big Creek Trail and there is some deadfall to contend with for the first few tenths of a mile, however, after that, the old road bed becomes a pleasant trail, with a mild grade and some impressive old growth pines and firs. After Big Creek Trail, its more old road bed to the top of Graham. This part was also relatively pleasant and scenic. A little bit of a match stick, post apocalyptic scene on the summit, but the views are great!
_____________________
  3 archives
Mar 16 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Mount Graham 10,720Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2017
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking8.00 Miles 1,100 AEG
Hiking8.00 Miles
1,100 ft AEG
 no routes
Perfect day to be on top of the mountain!
A variation of a loop I did last October.
The snow is now disappearing fast on top.
All of the creeks and drainages were flowing good with snow melt.
Approx 25% of this hike was in snow.
Most of my route was past the closed winter gate and I saw not a person the entire hike.
Only wildlife sighting the entire day was on the drive back down the mountain where I saw a rooster walking down the Swift Trail at the Coronado sign ..... What The :pk: True story :lol:
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Oct 20 2016
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Mount Graham 10,720Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 20 2016
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking11.15 Miles 1,500 AEG
Hiking11.15 Miles
1,500 ft AEG
 no routes
Leaves are falling all around
It's time I was on my way
Thanks to you I'm much obliged
For such a pleasant stay.
- Page/Plant -

Chasing autumn colors up high. Main focus was the aspens ..... and I found them!
High Peak Road delivered, my favorite grove looked good. I was about a week late, but most still held gold.
From #507 I finally completed the newly built connector trail over to the Big Creek Trail, cool little trail!
Next up was Hospital Flat then down to Treasure Park. Big Creek was flowing good so I added on Big Creek Falls to the trip. Super fun boulder hopping down that canyon and the falls were a highlight.
I then took the "spooky" back trail down to Snow Flat, ate & rested a bit by the pond before the climb up to the Swift Trail. Swift Trail then brought me back to the start completing the loop.

Upper mountain closes November 15th so this was probably my last trip up high for this year. The lower Swift Trail however is starting to get good with color ..... real good! The next week or so should be primo for a scenic drive along the switchbacks.

Good day for wildlife - 1 buck, 9 does, 6 Abert's & a dozen gobblers at Snow Flat.

:D
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Autumn - Color Foliage
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Snow Flat Creek Light flow Light flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Snow Flat Reservoir 76-100% full 76-100% full
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Jun 23 2016
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 23 2016
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking7.90 Miles 1,230 AEG
Hiking7.90 Miles
1,230 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Up High Peak road,
Down Big Creek trail,
Across the road to Hospital Flat,
Swift Trail back for the loop.
Lower Big Creek was the highlight, very green.
70 degrees at 9000 feet, light rain the entire Big Creek trail down.
Not much water flow anywhere up high,
Flowers are just starting, mountain needs rain soon to get it all going.
Saw a turkey on the drive back down fly up a 30 foot cliff, did not know they could do that!
Graham was good to me today.
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Aug 18 2015
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 18 2015
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking7.10 Miles 1,150 AEG
Hiking7.10 Miles
1,150 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners partners
AddSanz
Up High Peak Road,
Down Big Creek Trail,
Over to Hospital Flat for the Nature Trail,
Then the Swift Trail back to the start.
Along the way we out-n-backed a cool little spur trail that was brought to my attention by Mr Sands.
Thanks Preston, we will be returning to that spot for an overnight!
9000 ft. elevation temps were perfect, good flower and fungus show with 5 white-tail does and 5 Abert's squirrels spotted today. Thanks to the Big Island & Addie for an awesome day!!!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Big Creek Light flow Light flow
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Sep 30 2014
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Mount Graham 10,720Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 30 2014
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking11.25 Miles 1,850 AEG
Hiking11.25 Miles
1,850 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners partners
AddSanz
Climbed a big mountain today with Addie & Lauren.
Autumn has started up high, many early golden aspens.
3 white-tail does, 3 Abert's squirrel, with bear & lion scat along High Peak Rd.
Perfect temps, perfect partners, perfect hike!
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
May 19 2014
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Mount Graham 10,720Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 19 2014
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking12.35 Miles 2,000 AEG
Hiking12.35 Miles
2,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Was just about to head up the mountain when I received a surprising text from Preston letting me know that he was on top of Graham ..... Cool, we met up on top and went for a Big Island hike!

Wet Canyon - On the drive up I first stopped at Wet Canyon and man was it beautiful. Lots of green now with excellent creek flow and many butterflies along the water.

High Peak/Big Creek Loop - Preston found me walking along the Swift Trail at the Hospital Flat meadow and from there we hiked up High Peak Rd then down the Big Creek Trail completing the loop.

Swift Trail/Treasure Park to Snow Flat - A short walk down the ST then brought us to Treasure Park where we decided on the "back road" trail down to Snow Flat for sunset.

A couple of miles up Snow Flat road & down the Swifty at dark took us back to the start.

Wildlife spotted on this day - White-tail does, Garter Snake, Turkeys, Vultures, Mexican Jays, Two-tailed Swallowtails & 3 Peccary I almost hit crossing the ST straightaway on the drive home.

Another excellent trip spent with the Yeti on this most beautiful day atop ole' Graham!
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Pine Thermopsis
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ Rides
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Snow Flat  Wet Canyon
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunset
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Snow Flat Reservoir 51-75% full 51-75% full
Very low.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Wet Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
Above average flow for this time of the year.
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
May 19 2014
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
High Peak Road #507Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 19 2014
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
Hiking8.90 Miles 1,469 AEG
Hiking8.90 Miles
1,469 ft AEG
 
Partners partners
SkyIslander18
Heading down the Swift Trail from Webb Peak, I approached Hospital Flat, where a lone figure was quickly crossing the meadow like a sasquatch. "Is that Chad?" It was! I picked him up and we were soon hiking up High Peak Road, admiring the scenery along the way. We went down Big Creek and then over to Treasure Park, where we surprised a flock of turkeys. We took the back way into Snow Flat, arriving in time to watch the sunset, where the wind really picked up and the temperature dropped. We followed Snow Flat Road up to the Swift Trail and turned north to follow it back in the dark to our vehicles at the end of the pavement, where we parted ways for the evening. Good times as always, Chad! :)

I sat in the cab of my truck, exhausted, cold and hungry, wondering what I should do with the rest of my evening. I could go home, but why? A solution presented itself. I cooked Ramen in the cab, watched a movie on the portable dvd player and then drove like a zombie back to Hagens Point to spend the night. After 3 hours of sleep, I was up at dawn and driving straight to work in Tucson. An enjoyable (and tiring) weekend ;)
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
average hiking speed 2.25 mph
1, 2, 3  Next

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker