Pinto Creek Canyon • Canyon Trip • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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The_Eagle

While researching this one I noticed that Eagle had some unfinished business in this area after a 40-point route proposal turned into a fight of desert misery and darkness in the sweet spot.

Somehow I was able to sack the obligatory sportsball things with a creative plan to partner some elevation and views with some creektime and colors.

We hit a wall pretty much from the getgo, a dryfall that needed a steep and irritating bypass. Finally back on track we checked out a few POIs before finding a nice ridgeline route between drainages.

With Pinto running sandy we were pleasantly surprised to find some flow a few miles upstream that lasted until an old ranch corral where it went underground. I was very surprised to find that water did not resurface in the narrows as I would have guessed that this is a perennial stretch. Not this year. It's dry everywhere.

Autumn scenes were abundant. Plentiful leaf litter was already carpeting the ground, perhaps a result of being a little later in the season, and perhaps it being bone dry and cooler than normal for most of the month. Figuring these things out is always a bit of a crapshoot.

Saw a deer by the creek, and a number of hawks and an owl on the hike. On the drive home, learned that a wolverine mauled a nut and listened to some wildcats get killed, both of which are always a treat.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
A week past prime. Still plenty to go around.

	Henderson Spring	Dry	Dry
	Some obvious water-hungry flora but no sign of liquid. Former infrastructure is in disrepair and an old trough no longer would hold water anyway.

	Pinto Creek	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Steady flow ended about half a mile south of Bell Gulch, and didn't resurface through the narrows. Upstream from Bell, steady light flow the entire stretch we were in the creek. Both upstream gauges were reading zero flow.

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

2 archives

Nov 30 2024

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Pinto Creek Loop n Narrows, AZ

Hiking		Nov 30 2024
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	12.74 Miles	2,250 AEG

Hiking	12.74 Miles	5 Hrs 49 Mns		2.46 mph
	2,250 ft AEG	38 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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chumley

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Mysteriously, all of Chum's usual hiking partners seem to be recovering from "hiking injuries." I was out of excuses, so I cautiously joined him for a hike to the Pinto Creek area of the Eastern Supes.

FR242 is currently in good enough shape for a Subi with decent tires to make it all the way to the creek. On the way in, we passed two groups of Coues whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus couesi) hunters heading out. They were kind enough to find a spot to pull over so we could pass.

We started our loop southbound and clockwise from where we parked. We quickly came upon our first and only required bypass of the day, a 30-foot dryfall. We ascended steeply to the right to reach a ridgeline, where we picked up a game/cowboy route that led us back into Bell Gulch.

Next, it was up and out of the gulch to gain another ridgeline, where we determined our desired drop back to Pinto Creek. We opted for the longer, slightly less steep route, which worked out well.

Down in Pinto Creek, we enjoyed the slightly past-prime cottonwood and sycamore colors while keeping our feet dry—until, well, it became more of a hassle. We had some lunch, rinsed out our shoes and socks from the collected debris in the creek, and made our way back to the truck.

Chums suggested driving, Cleatous-style, a half mile back so we wouldn’t lose the light in "The Narrows." This worked out well and shaved off a mile round trip of road walking.

Absolutely stunning weather all day. Thanks for the invite, Chums, and for not pushing me down a slippery slope.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Poison Ivy

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Mostly 1-3 weeks past prime

	Henderson Spring	Dry	Dry
	Remnants of past plastic and metal piping in the area. No water found in the spring area.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

1 archive

Dec 02 2023

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Dec 02 2023
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	5.27 Miles	100 AEG

Hiking	5.27 Miles	2 Hrs 50 Mns	1.86 mph
	100 ft AEG

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I hadn't been in this section before. Left town at oh 10 thirty. Sauntered for a few hours and was still home before dark. Entirely too much driving for the hike. And still exactly what we wanted for today. Would do again. But only on particular dates of the year with specific lazy desires.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Autumn - Color Foliage

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

1 archive

Nov 27 2020

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Nov 27 2020
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles
	75 ft AEG

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We decided to spend Black Friday out in the boonies, soaking up some scenery. We opted for Pinto Creek Canyon. I was hoping the fall colors were still holding on. When we came over the crest on the road, we could see a nice assortment of colors – greens, yellows, oranges.

The road is in pretty decent shape, only a few spots of rough driving. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the last bits past the gate. We parked right at the creek and started up.

The leaves of many of the trees have fallen already. There was a blanket of yellow and brown leaves throughout the hike. But, there were also some trees still peaking and others still holding on with their green leaves. Maybe some of our amateur arborists here can identify which ones are which?

The creek was bone dry, except for a few little puddles south of the canyon. We made our way to the mouth of the canyon and had a little snack. My wife has bad knees and is not a boulder-hopper, so she stayed in a nice shady spot and I went into the canyon to see how it’s looking. No pools or water, but it’s still a beautiful area. I will have to come back here in the spring and bring my water shoes for sure.

The drive out is scenic and we stopped for a few pictures overlooking the canyon. Great views of Four Peaks, Roosevelt Lake and the Sierra Ancha Mtns as well. We saw a father and son at the top of hill on the way down in an ATV, but other than that, we saw no other humans.

A nice day spent with each other in a beautiful spot!

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

May 10 2020

Gostrich

Photos 22
Triplogs 12

36 male

Joined Aug 09 2017
Chandler

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		May 10 2020
		Gostrich • Triplogs 12

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles
	75 ft AEG		30 LBS Pack

Canyon Hiking - Non-technical; no rope; easy scrambling; occasional hand use

B - Up to light current; wading/swimming; possible wet/dry suit

I - Short 1-2 hours

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I arrived at the TH about 0830 and from there once I was geared up, proceeded down the creek. It was a pleasant hike with only minimal rock hopping. The end of the narrows was my turn around point. There I had lunch and played fetch with Lulu on one of the soft sanded beaches. Nothing too challenging on this hike, but it was great way to cool off with cool views.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Spiny Lizard Orb-Weaver Spider

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Automobile Remains/Wreckage

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

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1 archive

May 27 2019

Yoder

Guides 8
Routes 70
Photos 3,208
Triplogs 273

59 male

Joined Oct 07 2017
Chandler, AZ

Globe, AZ

Hiking		May 27 2019
		Yoder • Triplogs 273

Hiking	2.90 Miles	108 AEG

Hiking	2.90 Miles	2 Hrs 13 Mns		1.60 mph
	108 ft AEG	24 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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On the drive in, I wouldn't drive past the gate if you don't have a 4x4. Our 4Runner struggled a little coming out in one short steep section. We ended up putting it in 4x4 low gear. Now we don't have special tires, but still I can't imaging getting out of there with anything but a 4x4. This is the last place you want to find yourself stuck. Be save and park near the gate if you don't have 4x4.

The walk in the streambead was great. Although we went in the wrong direction for just a little over 1 mile, it was great. Saw about 4 turtles in the shallow stream going up, but they were all gone by the time we came back in. The stream was running nicely, 3" - 12" deep, mostly in the 3-6" deep range. Now we did have a storm blow through last week, so water may have been better than normal. This spring has been weird, but wonderful. Nice tall trees so you are in the shade most of the time, good breeze, but since we were in the stream bead, you just would hear it blowing through the trees. Lots of birds, mostly in the trees out of sight. Not a long hike, but a great slow easy walk in the water.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sonoran Mud Turtle Zone-Tailed Hawk

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Pinto Creek Canyon @ FR242

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J. Yoder

May 18 2019

Charger55

Guides 4
Photos 542
Triplogs 573

46 male

Joined Oct 19 2010
Mesa, AZ

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		May 18 2019
		Charger55 • Triplogs 573

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles
	75 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

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_____________________

"I've driven across deserts, driven by the irony, that only being shackled to the road could ever I be free"
- Frank Turner "The Road"

Nov 24 2018

Guides 4
Routes 5
Photos 3,377
Triplogs 783

55 male

Joined Aug 20 2009
Mesa, AZ

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Nov 24 2018
		RickVincent • Triplogs 783

Canyoneering	2.25 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	2.25 Miles	3 Hrs	0.75 mph
	75 ft AEG

no routes

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Beautiful day at the Box. Fall color in peak glory and light flow in the creek. Went with my wife and two of her co-workers. The hike distance is short, but it is all off trail with lots of thorny bushwhacking and boulder hopping.

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial

_____________________

This is my gym. I have to travel down a bumpy road to get there. There are no treadmillls, no machines, and no personal trainers. I walk..I run..I breathe the fresh air. I can go any time I want, as much as I want and there is no membership fee.

1 archive

Sep 09 2018

KBKB

Guides 3
Routes 25
Photos 2,216
Triplogs 237

63 male

Joined Apr 22 2012
Fountain Hills,

FS 242 & Pinto Creek Canyon, AZ

Canyoneering		Sep 09 2018
		KBKB • Triplogs 237

Canyoneering	5.90 Miles	853 AEG

Canyoneering	5.90 Miles	2 Hrs 51 Mns	2.81 mph
	853 ft AEG	45 Mns Break

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I'd been wanting to hike Pinto Creek Canyon for a while. An easy hike appealed to my wife also, so we decided to take a look.

We ended up parking in Blevins Wash, which was pretty close to the destination to which Google Maps routed us. But that wasn't right because we were still about two miles away from the Trailhead. But, at the time, not knowing this, we got out and started hiking FS 242 towards Pinto Creek. There was a long uphill and then a long downhill. It's quite scenic - I didn't mind walking this road.

When we eventually reached Pinto Creek, the day had warmed up substantially, so we didn't spend much time there. The creek is mostly dry now, so the hike in the creek consisted mainly of working our way around rocks and over or under deadfall. There were occasional slick muddy sections and also occasional pools of stagnant water. We didn't see any running water. There wasn't really enough water there for me to want to get my feet wet, mostly because it was stagnant and/or muddy. With some care, it was possible to work around the wet sections.

After exploring a bit of the creek, I had my wife start back up the road towards our vehicle. I hiked FS 242 in the other direction. It eventually dipped back into the creek, so at that point, I reentered the creek and made my way back to the section of FS 242 that we came in on.

It was a so-so hike. I'm sure that the creek is much more pleasant when it has flowing water.

_____________________

Dec 10 2017

MountainMatt

Guides 3
Routes 202
Photos 3,513
Triplogs 530

male

Joined Jan 24 2016
Arizona

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Dec 10 2017
		MountainMatt • Triplogs 530

Canyoneering	3.41 Miles	279 AEG

Canyoneering	3.41 Miles
	279 ft AEG		25 LBS Pack

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Absolutely loved this place in the spring and have been day dreaming about what it could boast for late foliage.

PC did not disappoint and just as last time I had such a pleasant time in "The Box" and this time it had a splash of golden color.

No wildlife besides my galavanting dog and the minnows and frogs in the creek bed.
Lots of cow pies but no cattle which was the only thing different from last time and was a bit of a tarnish, perhaps low later levels are showing more of their impact.

At the beginning of FR 242 I encountered an unexpected no campfire sign that I now assume is year round and firmly believe it's a good thing and helps keep the lazy off roaders at bay.

So instead I car camped near Jakes Corner and lazily walked around the shores of Tonto Creek today.

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial

	Pinto Creek	Light flow	Light flow
	Lower Pinto Mainly pools but above and throughout "The Box" reliable flowing water begins and abruptly ends once at the canyons opening.

_____________________

1 archive

Dec 01 2017

ssk44

Guides 20
Routes 12
Photos 2,343
Triplogs 298

51 male

Joined Mar 31 2008
Gilbert, AZ

Globe, AZ

Walk / Tour		Dec 01 2017
		ssk44 • Triplogs 298

Walk / Tour

Walk / Tour

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If you're considering checking out the fall colors at Pinto Creek Canyon, you'll want to go soon. It's just about perfect right now and almost none of the trees have been blown out yet. This is such a cool place. Very diverse and scenic. The creek is not running across the road. It may be running above ground further downstream. That's typical in the fall. Late spring is best for running water.

Eric

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Ash, cottonwood, and sycamore.

_____________________

MATTHEW 11:28-30 / PSALM 84:1-2

3 archives

Nov 01 2016

Craigbhikin

Photos 356
Triplogs 44

62 male

Joined Apr 11 2011
Mesa, AZ

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Nov 01 2016
		Craigbhikin • Triplogs 44

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles
	75 ft AEG

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Lots of green, but not much for water. I did not make it down to the box canyon section. Still better than spending time in town.

_____________________

Craigbehikin

Apr 23 2016

arizona_water

Guides 9
Routes 118
Photos 1,079
Triplogs 118

35 male

Joined Mar 06 2016
Salt River Valle

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Apr 23 2016
		arizona_water • Triplogs 118

Canyoneering	2.73 Miles	597 AEG

Canyoneering	2.73 Miles	4 Hrs 20 Mns		0.94 mph
	597 ft AEG	1 Hour 25 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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The last .5 mile of the drive down to the creek on FR 242 was much rougher than I was expecting (most of the road was great up to the descent). My forester was fine though...take it slow and easy :pray:

We were on the wrong side of the creek for the first .3 mile or so. The east side is much easier to follow and has much less bushwhacking than the west bank.

I love the juxtaposition of the lush riparian area with the rugged cliffs covered in saguaro.
And the small narrows section is perfect. We were the only people out here on Saturday.

The creek was flowing well. I'm interested in mapping the extent of surface and subsurface flow for the entire creek.

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

- there's nothing like finding Water in the Desert -

Apr 17 2016

MountainMatt

Guides 3
Routes 202
Photos 3,513
Triplogs 530

male

Joined Jan 24 2016
Arizona

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Apr 17 2016
		MountainMatt • Triplogs 530

Canyoneering	4.51 Miles	1,345 AEG

Canyoneering	4.51 Miles	8 Hrs 42 Mns	0.52 mph
	1,345 ft AEG

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Had one of the best days in a long time reconnecting with a longtime friend of mine. With the knowledge that the only real "hiking" she has ever done was Camelback Mtn. I figured Pinto Creek Canyon would be a nice mellow trip for her. I was transfixed on this place ever since I saw OutdoorLovers beautiful photoset that popped up on HAZ otherwise I really didn't know this place existed! With that being said I'm glad it's not well known to the average joe because the ease of access to this place blew my mind!!! I figured we would see someone at the TH or at least in the canyon but we had the whole place to ourselves. I don't want to ramble and I won't but this place really blew away my expectations, yes it's a very short and easy walk but the Views, the views are dazzling! With every step I was amazed how much clear cool water was flowing with giant saguaro cacti looming on the steep hillsides above. I was eager to hit the box/narrow area that I read about in the prior triplogs but boy was it was twice as astounding than what I saw in photos and honestly photos don't even do justice until your actually here just like most places. The sheer cliff walls, sandy beaches, massive boulders, and too many mini cascades to count this place was just downright wonderful! The way the light hits in this canyon is so many unique angles is not only a photographers paradise but there were so many options for good quality shade even in the middle of the day! We found refuge at large sandy beach area, cracked open some cold ones and took a nap in the sand while listening to gentle cascading water. I just noticed I'm rambling

but this place really was something special and not to mention the friend of mine did incredible throughout the trip and enjoyed every minute of it! Now it's time to turn up the intensity full force and take her on a real hike!

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ - Selfie

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Forecast Sunset

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

1 archive

Dec 06 2015

Guides 4
Routes 5
Photos 3,377
Triplogs 783

55 male

Joined Aug 20 2009
Mesa, AZ

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Dec 06 2015
		RickVincent • Triplogs 783

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles	3 Hrs	0.50 mph
	75 ft AEG

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Took a group of 7 into Pinto Creek. One year ago, this week, I took Anna here for the big proposal. The Pinto Box never disappoints. Its a special place.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

_____________________

This is my gym. I have to travel down a bumpy road to get there. There are no treadmillls, no machines, and no personal trainers. I walk..I run..I breathe the fresh air. I can go any time I want, as much as I want and there is no membership fee.

Nov 22 2015

RedRoxx44

Guides 5
Photos 26,458
Triplogs 807

female

Joined Feb 15 2003
outside, anywher

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Nov 22 2015
		RedRoxx44 • Triplogs 807

Hiking	1.50 Miles	75 AEG

Hiking	1.50 Miles
	75 ft AEG

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Needed something easy and short and this was it. Trees are nice but the full effect of the Cottonwoods is not yet. Road after the gate is interesting in a few spots, due to run off from flooding. An old car used to shore up some of the side of the road has been revealed on the switchbacks; I did not take a picture. Some scree flow and dead wood in the first part walking downcanyon but minimal change. Less water meant could go farther in the narrows more easily. Saw a rattlesnake, I've seen more in the last few weeks than all summer. Very pretty and enjoyable.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black-tailed Rattlesnake

_____________________

Apr 14 2015

Digital_Sherpa

Photos 398
Triplogs 49

male

Joined Jul 20 2002
Gilbert, AZ

http://www.ronadcockphotography.com

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Apr 14 2015
		Digital_Sherpa • Triplogs 49

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	1.50 Miles
	75 ft AEG

no routes

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This is a fun little remote canyon, though very short. I started the hike just as the sun was cresting over the surrounding hills and began raking the scree slopes with warm light. The peace and quiet was shattered when I flushed a couple of whitetail deer near the start of the trail, which sounded like a herd of charging bison due to the thick underbrush and dried leaves. Once my cardiac arrest was over, I continued along the creek finding only a few very small waterfalls. The box area was definitely the highlight with massive boulders to navigate and great pool reflections beneath stunning canyon views. It would be great to be here with a higher flow as the waterfalls would be more numerous and impressive. Perhaps another visit in the Fall...

_____________________

Dec 07 2014

Guides 4
Routes 5
Photos 3,377
Triplogs 783

55 male

Joined Aug 20 2009
Mesa, AZ

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Dec 07 2014
		RickVincent • Triplogs 783

Canyoneering	2.25 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	2.25 Miles	4 Hrs	0.56 mph
	75 ft AEG

Canyon Hiking - Non-technical; no rope; easy scrambling; occasional hand use

A - Dry or little water; shallow or avoidable water; no wet/dry suit

II - Normally requires a half day

no routes

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Pinto Creek Box - Part 2
Returned to the Box with Anna, the kids, a few close friends and a ring. No one seemed to mind the bushwhacking and boulder hopping required to get there. Well, not too much anyway. A few bumps, scratches and soakers are par for this off-trail route. The pay off made it all worth it.

On the way out, I gathered everyone together for a portrait, set up the camera on a tripod and set the timer to take 10 consecutive pics. Surprised Anna, well everyone, with a marriage proposal and ring.

Couldn't have picked a better place or even better witnesses to share in the moment. We drove back home for an early pasta dinner and celebrated with wine, beer and bubbly. Great day.

P.S. - She said yes. :y:

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Special thanks to Joe and Pam for the Pinto Box pre-scouting report.

_____________________

This is my gym. I have to travel down a bumpy road to get there. There are no treadmillls, no machines, and no personal trainers. I walk..I run..I breathe the fresh air. I can go any time I want, as much as I want and there is no membership fee.

Nov 29 2014

Guides 4
Routes 5
Photos 3,377
Triplogs 783

55 male

Joined Aug 20 2009
Mesa, AZ

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Nov 29 2014
		RickVincent • Triplogs 783

Canyoneering	2.25 Miles	75 AEG

Canyoneering	2.25 Miles	4 Hrs	0.56 mph
	75 ft AEG

Canyon Hiking - Non-technical; no rope; easy scrambling; occasional hand use

A - Dry or little water; shallow or avoidable water; no wet/dry suit

II - Normally requires a half day

no routes

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Pinto Creek Box - Part 1
Scouting trip for a good place to bring Anna and our friends the following weekend. Also, a potential setting for a marriage proposal. Pinto Creek Box fits the bill for both. I brought the camera and tripod and spent a few hours shooting the area.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Arizona Sycamore

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Pinto Creek Canyon @ FR242

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial

_____________________

This is my gym. I have to travel down a bumpy road to get there. There are no treadmillls, no machines, and no personal trainers. I walk..I run..I breathe the fresh air. I can go any time I want, as much as I want and there is no membership fee.

Nov 18 2014

outdoor_lover

Guides 7
Routes 72
Photos 14,456
Triplogs 627

62 female

Joined Aug 19 2011
Scottsdale, AZ