Graver Wash Trail #9904 - Prescott NF • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

[ checklist ] Apache Creek - Apache Creek Wilderness Apache Creek Wilderness Hyde Creek Upper Hyde Spring

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I've been wanting to get out to Apache Creek for a while but I thought the access would be tricky due to the private property along Walnut Creek Rd. I came out here a few weeks prior and hiked up the hill in the northwest corner of the wilderness boundary but once the dogs and I got to the top, descending the steep, rocky, cactus covered south slope did not seem appealing. We ended up hiking along the South Fork of Walnut Creek which was beautiful and flowing nicely for most of its length. On the drive home I took a detour up FR 95 to see if there was access towards Apache Creek and check the road condition. FR 95 is in good condition and easily passible in a 2002 Honda CRV.

So I returned and was eager to explore Apache Creek. I parked at a small pullout (34.90213, -112.85529) off of FR 95A when the road became too rough. The short hike to the Graver Wash Trail and down the Graver Wash Trail to Apache Creek was filled with Pinyon Pine and was very pleasant. Apache Creek is the eastern boundary of the wilderness and gets lots of use from cattle

. I didn't see any cows on this day but we saw plenty of cow poop.

The Apache Creek trail crossed the creek several times but was never too hard to follow. Once the trail leaves the creek there is less sign of cattle use and more granite outcrops. We took a break on a large low angle granite slab right off the trail about a mile northeast of Granite Knob. There were great view of Juniper Mesa to the north, Walnut Creek and the ranches along it to the east, and Hyde Mountain to the south. There was more cattle sign near the south end of the trail as we neared Hyde Creek. We took FR 95B and 95A on the way back and saw Upper Hyde Spring. It's hard to miss since it is in the middle of FR 95B.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] One-seed Juniper

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

_____________________

On the first part of the journey
I was looking at all the life
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was sand and hills and rings

3 archives

Apr 14 2022

GrangerGuy

Guides 34
Routes 138
Photos 931
Triplogs 111

68 male

Joined Dec 26 2018
Phoenix, AZ

Apache Creek Wild Explore, AZ

Backpack		Apr 14 2022
		GrangerGuy • Triplogs 111

Backpack	23.60 Miles	2,750 AEG

Backpack	23.60 Miles	1 Day 5 Hrs 37 Mns
	2,750 ft AEG		23 LBS Pack

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There are two ways to get to the Apache Creek Trail #9905. I drove to both ends to check them out, connecting by driving the length of FR95 which is a good road, but I was glad I had 4WD, as there are 4 running streams to cross.

You can start at the north end at the Graver Wash #9904 Trailhead. As indicated in previous reports, the last bit of FR95A is not very nice, but it was no problem in my Jeep Cherokee 4x4. Or you can start at the south end, from FR95B. The three miles of FR95B from Stringtown Wash to the trailhead would be possible but very challenging in my Cherokee 4x4. I think a stock Wrangler could do it no problem. I chose to walk it.

Walking in from Stringtown Wash, once you get to the intersection of FR95B/95A, the corner of the wilderness, the countryside becomes very pleasant. Upon entering the wilderness at the trailhead (there is a sign there now), it gets even better. In mid-April, there was filterable water in the stream at the trailhead.

Climbing to the first pass on trail #9905, I found the trail well marked by cairns, and the forest a pleasant mix of alligator juniper, prickly pear cactus, scrub oak, and pinyon pine. The trail drops to Apache Creek at 2.4 miles from the trailhead. There is good camping here and for the next mile or so along the trail.

I continued following the trail north, as it follows along the wilderness boundary. In mid-April, this section was OK, but not very exciting to me. It is a broad valley bottom, and spring does not seem to have arrived yet. The walking is easy, and there are many creek crossings. At the intersection with Graver Wash Trail #9904, I turned around and returned to the point where Apache Creek and the trail diverge.

This time I followed the creek off-trail upstream 0.7 miles to “The Swimmin’ Hole,” near which I spent a very pleasant no-trace night. In the morning I was serenaded by owls and woodpeckers. It was an easy off-trail route. Going upstream I stayed mostly to the north of the creek and going downstream I stayed mostly to the south of the creek. The going is much easier to the south of the creek.

On day 2, I hiked back out to my car, about 6.6 miles including FR95B.

I drove north on FR95, encountering 5 cattle who blocked the road and stared at me expectantly, as though I would offer them something to eat. After a couple gentle beeps of my horn, they wandered off. Coming around to the Graver Wash #9904 trailhead, I hiked down to the intersection with Apache Creek Trail, effectively closing the loop.

So, which is the best way to the middle? It is a tough call. I thought the scenery of coming in from the south superior to coming in from the north. However, coming in from the north is much easier, flatter hiking.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Common Mullein

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black Bear

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Nothing worth photographing.

	Apache Creek - Apache Creek Wilderness	Medium flow	Medium flow
	There was plenty of water in the creek almost everywhere, but it was easily crossed without getting wet.

Mar 23 2022

LJW

Routes 154
Photos 1,505
Triplogs 266

31 male

Joined Jun 02 2019
Phoenix, AZ

Hyde Mountain Loop, AZ

Hiking		Mar 23 2022
		LJW • Triplogs 266

Hiking	26.51 Miles	3,707 AEG

Hiking	26.51 Miles	10 Hrs 20 Mns	2.84 mph
	3,707 ft AEG	1 Hour Break

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Stringtown Trail #9917

Apache Springs

Dead Steer Basin Trail #9908 - Prescott NF

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

Thinning operations are taking place SW of the Hyde Mountain area around Camp Wood and Yolo Ranch. Thinning will be taking place for approximately two months, with logging traffic on the road. The closure area will spread north as thinning continues into the slated 627 acres. From now until monsoon season, I would consult PNF on closure status for accessing Apache Creek Wilderness.

Wanted to remix a hike from last year to include Apache Creek from the springs down, as well as try out an alternative ending using an old ranching track and Dead Steer Basin Trail. Got going with Stringtown Wash heading toward Hyde Mountain.

Memories of Stringtown only a year old undersold. Tight walls and a bed of slick rock in the middle turns into relaxing open pine forest on the upper end. Good flow of water where it mattered, some of the way it was underground. Catching the trail on the upper end from the creek bed is tricky.

Hyde Mountain trail rocky and loose to hazy views. Almost no snow left on the shady slopes. Down 7up to Browns Spring and then up to the saddle and onto Pinetop Mountain. Followed the fenceline up and found a gate on top near the end of the road. Delighted by the big junipers and pines on top. Easy road walk to Apache Springs.

Apache Creek along the trail is easy going, defined by the grassy meadows, open pine forest, and lazy creek flow. From the springs to that point it's a gnarly canyon of granite boulders and outcroppings, forested but with healthy undergrowth. Can follow the water down except for in several spots where the water pours off and work-arounds are necessary. Some scrambling, light bushwhacking. The best of the creek is above the trail.

The Upper Graver Wash/Apache Creek jct is grassy and could be confusing heading up. Graver and the way down Apache Creek Trail is obvious. Decided not to cut it short and went all the way down to Graver, then walked the road back to Upper Graver TH. To the east there is a corral and an obvious trail. The trail leads down into Hyde Creek and dead ends at another corral. At that point I went over the ridge and into Dead Steer Basin, where I found the trail.

Dead Steer Basin Trail is an old double/OHV track. It is less pretty than the trail to Hyde Creek; it got burned over pretty bad. It's easy to follow and in good shape until the last creek crossing near where I picked it up. Once to the TH and FR95, the diversion started to make sense. The rest of the roadwalking back to Stringtown is through some awesome forest. The new sections and route finding made for a more engaging but difficult way to end.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

Apache Creek - Apache Creek Wilderness

Light flow

	Apache Springs	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Total guess, good enough creek flow

Pinetop Trick Tank

51-75% full

Stringtown Wash

Pools to trickle

3 archives

Apr 03 2021

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Apr 03 2021
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	24.00 Miles	3,000 AEG

Hiking	24.00 Miles	10 Hrs	2.40 mph
	3,000 ft AEG

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Stringtown Trail #9917

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Long haul out to this area but worth it, thanks to @LJW for the recent report. I would have never thought anywhere in AZ could have this much flowing water right now, still don't know how the small, relatively low Santa Marias apparently stay relatively wet. No doubt I'll be back.

Parked about 3/4 mile from the trailhead, did the loop CCW. Apache Creek and the summit of Hyde Mtn are great, most of the road walking is not unpleasant. Stringtown from the west side follows the creek before climbing SE out of the drainage fairly close to the route shown on the FS map, and there is a decent path cut through the manzanita and pink ribbons help stay on track. Even so I eventually lost it, but easy to continue east to hit FR95.

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Apr 01 2021

LJW

Routes 154
Photos 1,505
Triplogs 266

31 male

Joined Jun 02 2019
Phoenix, AZ

Hyde Mountain Loop, AZ

Hiking		Apr 01 2021
		LJW • Triplogs 266

Hiking	23.21 Miles	3,063 AEG

Hiking	23.21 Miles	7 Hrs 49 Mns	3.17 mph
	3,063 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Stringtown Trail #9917

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

Original plan was to do a shuttle from Hyde Mountain through the full length of Apache Creek Trail with a stop at Granite Knob. Ended up solo, so I tried to come up with a loop and decided to forgo Granite Knob on account of the added miles. Came up with this one that starts at Stringtown Wash near the Camp Wood area and circles back using roads from the Graver Wash TH. Went clockwise around 8:15am.

FS maps show a road on the east side of the wash and the trail only going about half way through from the west. Figured it wouldn't be too much to work up the wash and connect them. Cows roam Stringtown, so there's all sorts of trails, almost to the point that the FS could just stick plastic cairns in the ground, update their maps, and call it a day. Ended up unexpectedly one of my favorite parts of the trip. There was water trickling through the wash, a few small cascades and a tiny waterfall. Nice forest of pine that gets nicer farther west. It is a little tricky to find where the trail picks up to the west, but if it comes down to it following the wash the whole way makes it to the road.

Brief road walk to Hyde Mountain Trail. Quickly works its way up to the summit. Rocky and loose in parts. Really nice views of Northern and Western AZ from the top.

Down the west side of the mountain the trail conditions are deteriorated but not too bad and it's easy to follow. Made it down to 95B and walked that to the upper Apache Creek TH. Really nice stretch of road through the pines. Goes along Hyde Creek, which had a light flow of water. Most every creek and drainage was flowing, and there was some snow left on the north side of Hyde Mountain.

Apache Creek Trail starts on the north end in a beautiful clearing in the pines. Not much in the way of parking or signage. There's a small wilderness sign that leads across the creek to the trail. Upper end is steep and the views are big and bouldery. Personal favorite stretch was everything after linking up with Apache Creek. Trail's in good shape, creek had a good flow of water. For a while it's all meadows and pines. The oaks have yet to regrow their leaves.

Graver Wash trail to swing back round. It had the only FS signage and register box by the TH of the trails I saw. It's in good shape and is a nice trail especially for the looping options it affords, but after Apache Creek it won't stop anybody in their tracks. 95A and 95B between the TH and Camp Wood are mighty rough. Road walk was frankly too long but gets good closer to Camp Wood where it enters the forest. Day ended up partly cloudy, low 40s to low 70s. Didn't see anyone on the hike.

Apache Creek

Medium flow

	Brown Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	A guess, but there was a light flow in the creek

Stringtown Wash

Light flow

4 archives

Oct 15 2020

AugustWest

Routes 174
Photos 471
Triplogs 184

51 male

Joined Mar 16 2019
Phoenix

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 15 2020
		AugustWest • Triplogs 184

Hiking	10.26 Miles	628 AEG

Hiking	10.26 Miles	4 Hrs 11 Mns	2.86 mph
	628 ft AEG	36 Mns Break

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Upper Graver Wash Trail #9906 - Prescott NF

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Nice day out in this beautiful and wild area. I was hoping for more water, but the only water I saw all day was at the first crossing of Apache Creek at the bottom of Graver Wash. The creek was flowing pretty nicely at that point and it instilled a sense of optimism that ended up in disappointment.

I started out on the Graver Wash TH off Forest Rd 95A at a little before 11. The temp was already up to 80 degrees. The only people I saw all day were on 95A. On the drive in a dog ran out from the forest barking at my truck. The Australian Shepherd had a hiking pack and its people ran out of the bush pretty quickly yelling at the pooch. It was a pretty random spot and I didn't see any cars around at all.

This is a trail that fit my lazy and lethargic mood perfectly. It is flat, partially shaded, easy to follow and forested most of the way. The pine, oak and walnut forest is healthy, mature and intermingled with interesting granite formations.

At the point where Apache Creek Trail turns away from the dry creek bed, I continued up the wash for about a half mile off trail. The search for water was fruitless. It is dry as a bone out here except for at the very start of the trail.

After making my way back to the path, I followed Upper Graver Wash trail back to 95A after about 1.25 miles. Upper Graver Wash has some interesting geology at the start. The road walk back to my truck wasn't bad at all. The temperature at my truck on the way out was up to 90.

The trail register at the start of Graver Wash has 17 entries since the beginning of May so this area is getting some use and the very easy follow tread is indicative of this.

The final mile or so of the ride to the TH was definitely high clearance, but I didn't feel that engaging the 4WD was necessary any point. Going any further past the trailhead on 95A could get squirrely without a well equipped offroad vehicle.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Some early yellows in the AZ Walnuts

	Apache Creek - Apache Creek Wilderness	Light flow	Light flow
	Good flow at the intersection of Graver Wash and Apache Creek Trails.

_____________________

Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again

Jan 18 2015

bendorbreak

Routes 2
Photos 125
Triplogs 20

45 female

Joined Nov 19 2012
Prescott, AZ

Upper Graver Apache Creek Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 18 2015
		bendorbreak • Triplogs 20

Hiking	7.20 Miles	540 AEG

Hiking	7.20 Miles	3 Hrs 10 Mns	2.88 mph
	540 ft AEG	40 Mns Break

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Did this hike with a group of people. We made a loop using Upper Graver, Apache Creek, Graver Wash and FR95a for a total of 7.2 miles. Great day for a hike, the weather was perfect. The creek had more water in it than last time I was out there. I'm still itching to complete the rest of the Apache Creek Trail and find some water holes. Hurry up summer!!

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Oct 18 2014

bendorbreak

Routes 2
Photos 125
Triplogs 20

45 female

Joined Nov 19 2012
Prescott, AZ

Upper Graver Wash Trail #9906 - Prescott NF

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 18 2014
		bendorbreak • Triplogs 20

Hiking	6.00 Miles	612 AEG

Hiking	6.00 Miles	3 Hrs 30 Mns	1.71 mph
	612 ft AEG

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Hiked a portion of this trail in conjunction with Upper and Lower Graver Wash Trails.

We started off at Lower Graver Wash Trail #9904 in the early afternoon. The trail was well marked with lots of cairns along the way. It was a bit rocky along the way but a nice easy trail that wound mostly downhill. After a mile we crossed Apache Creek and started onto Apache Creek Trail #9905. This trail seems to be a cow trail, and we were hiking behind a herd that kept running just a little ways ahead of us and stopping. It was rather amusing... except for the big bull that kept looking at us!! We stayed on this trail for only a couple miles and camped for the night just past the junction to Upper Graver Wash Trail #9906. In the morning we woke up and hiked out trail #9906 to FR95B, which we took back to our vehicle near the Trail for Lower Graver Wash. This was a pretty trail with water available along the way. Will probably do more hiking in this area, as there was much more to see. This time was a quick overnight, as it was my 9 year olds first time backpacking.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
There were still a few trees changing, but many had lost leaves already.

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Sep 13 2014

tibber

Guides 21
Routes 1,182
Photos 36,858
Triplogs 1,570

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Graver's Wash - Apache Creek - 95B&A&B, AZ

Hiking		Sep 13 2014
		tibber • Triplogs 1,570

Hiking	15.10 Miles	1,705 AEG

Hiking	15.10 Miles	7 Hrs 22 Mns	2.32 mph
	1,705 ft AEG	52 Mns Break

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	FOTG	John9L
	SpiderLegs	te_wa

This hike was suggested by HAZ host Chumley (except for the 95A part; that was a detour I apparently decided to challenge my skills or lack thereof ). I uploaded the routes to Scout III, good thing too! Lesson One, when you have the option to load the waypoints, select YES! Based on the hike desc it is only a 5.6 mile hike. Apache Creek Trail is 5.6 mile hike but if you come in from the north, you have to hike Graver's Wash first and at the end you have to road walk about 3 miles to get to the other TH. Once we figured this all out before leaving from camp, we were good to go. Oh and on the way since Chumley thot a few of us would be hiking separately, he said be sure to take a left at the road.

It was a little warm and we got a bit of a late start but it was nice to hang around camp and take our time getting ready. Chumley was kind enough to shuttle us up to the northern TH. Once you turned on the road to the TH, it was more like driving a trail

! He dropped us just slightly before the official start of Graver's Wash. We signed in and continued our way down the wash with great views of Juniper Mesa.

Soon some water and a creek came into view; the dogs promptly headed down and into the creek. We came to the area for us to step stone across. After making our way through some very tall green flora, we came to an open grassy plain reaching the Wilderness sign around 10:50. I decided this would be a great group photo and perhaps can be an addition to the Arizona Wilderness Brewery wall. I took a few of the folks and then decided we needed to have Blanco and Cup. I kept shooting photos while they were trying to get the dogs to cooperate. It turned into a cute sequence I think.

Anyway, this was a pretty area but we kept on at a pretty good clip for me. I felt as long as I could get a good visual of them that I was keeping up enough. Somewhere around the 3 mile mark, I realized the track did not reset so I reset it. I did but at the end of the hike in all the commotion of my emotions, I forgot to save MY track, DRAT! We crossed over a wider channel of the wash and continued on our way. The landscape would change from time to time always keeping me interested which met Tibber Moviemode was in full swing even if my legs were moving much faster than normal :lol:

. We did stumble upon two FS crew and their ponies. Always love to visit with a horse; should have borrowed it for the rest of the day.

At 11:40 we arrived at the junction with Apache Creek Trail. And I think it was around noon when we went off trail toward the swimming hole. At this point you are walking in the creek bed and along the creek. This is always a fun challenge but now I would really fall behind because I literally fell forward while going over a tree snag wanting to get a picture :oplz:

. OUCH! I didn't hurt too bad but would take a couple ibuprofen just in case. And yep, I would have many bruises and sore places to remind me of this beautiful area.

I kept on keeping on and got to a wider area of the creek bed not sure where to go except to follow the creek. Decided to head to the middle where Lee caught up from their break and led the rest of the way encouraging me, it's just up here. It sure is a nice place with the sandy beach and all. Lee jumped right in, the dogs were having none of this swimming over to the other side despite Lee's beckoning. Kim walked just a little way into the water and James went in, swam to the other side and also tried to test for the bottom which was pretty deep.

Around 1 we left the swimming hole to go back to the main trail. We started hearing voices and thot it was Karl and Bruce so we yelled out but didn't get much but hellos back; mostly since they were forest service workers (Lee went back) doing tamarisk eradication which the FS workers we met earlier had mentioned. Meanwhile, Blanco was not happy that we were leaving Lee behind and a couple times he reminded us not to forget. It was the cutest thing

.

So off we went soon to be entering the Apache Creek's Wilderness of the Rocks. The group was getting pretty far ahead by this time so once I got within ear shot of John I told him to go ahead and if an area got tricky to follow, they would wait for me. This was fine with me because now I could stop and enjoy this incredible scenery and get some more pictures. There were quite a few areas that I had to study the topography to figure out where I needed to go. Sorry BobP but I could have used just a few more cairns. I was always relieved when I chose the right route. A couple times I would go back a bit just to be sure that this was the best way to go.

And then Mother Nature decided she would give me a real test with lightning, LOUD thunder and then the rain :gun:

. Couldn't be just a light rain but a pouring one so I pulled out the umbrella. Fortunately the trail is mostly open so the umbrella didn't get caught up on anything but it does obstruct my vision a bit; especially because I held it close to my head - didn't want the lightning to get any ideas.

The hike was still beautiful despite my anxiety and even though I couldn't really see all the sites; really a shame too because I think this is probably the prettiest section of the hike. But I continued on hiking : rambo :

since I was so far behind. I figured if the group could find cover, they would yell out at me. And if they were hiking, they would really pick up the pace. The weather would be difficult from time to time and then it let up for a bit. I still tried to enjoy my hike and once I hit the road, I thot I was home free and so relieved. I came to another slight fork in the road where it looked like I could take the road right or left but I continued left since I presumed Tonto Jr was to the east of where I had been hiking.

I don't know how long part of the road becomes more grassy and meadow-like. I passed some cattle, walked around a downed tree and thru the opening of a wire fence. The weather turned again so I held the umbrella tight and continued. Can't remember if I saw the 5B sign or not. Not knowing I had missed the right turn south, I continued on my merry way hoping the rain would stop as I could see blue sky.

I crossed a couple creek/drainage area and was then presented with a rocky hill. So I figured I had to skirt the side of this hill and it would eventually take me back down. I recalled from reading previous trip reports that they all complained about this road walk. But THEN I was presented with another rocky hill that seemed to go up quite vertically. I'm thinking, surely Chumley would have mentioned this but nonetheless I trudged ahead. I decided I would go for another couple miles with the hopes I would eventually head down hill but THEN another hill. I finally topped out and hiked for awhile until I came to a barbed wire fence with a tight wire gate (like the one on the 95B). :out:

.

So I raced down the hill knowing that would be a possibility even as I climbed it. I looked at my clock to see it was 4 so I still had a few good hours of daylight to try and figure this out :-k

. I mentally went thru my pack to figure if I had enough food, liquid and an ability to hang out if got dark. My only concern was the cold. I was going to hike back to 95B and wait there if need be. I knew the gang would come looking for me if it got too late and it would be best to go to a place they could easily find me.

It's amazing how quickly I flew down that mountain considering it was a little slick with the rain and all. Oh, on the way up I did take a few pics but on the way down I took one. I do wish I had taken a pic at the gate so then I would at least know how far I had gone. I kept hiking and hiking the same way I had come. Pretty country.

At some point once I got down I decided to see if I could figure out where that darn road was on my GPS but I couldn't find it for nothing. So I decided to pull up the Hyde Mountain route figuring it could at least get me in the direction of camp. Fortunately I had loaded up the waypoints that Chumley had put together and there was one for HAZfest

; not the one we were at but the campsite he had originally planned which was almost right next to the TH. Sure glad he pointed that out on our way past it to the TH (a hop, skip and jump). So I said "GO" to Scout III and I would check the mileage to make sure it was getting less and it was.

At 4:26 I came upon the 5B sign; the 95B sign. I looked to the south and by gosh, there was a road road. But I'm looking at the arrows on these signs that run east/west and just shaking my head. THIS road had to be the right road didn't it? HOW did I miss this sign?! ](*,)

. You can even hear me berate myself in the video for it. All of that anguish over a stupid mistake on my part. Once again I pulled out Scout III to see that I was still inline for HAZfest. I checked the mileage; I think it said I had almost 3 miles to go.

I had decided coming down the hill that I would not stop hiking until I got to a recognizable place or back to the road. But I was still anxious so I just took a restroom break and drank some of my Gatorade. The scenery was quite lovely the rest of the way and despite my weariness, it was nice to enjoy. The weather was also cooperating now so between that and my surroundings and the view, it soothed me. I came to a barbed wire fence that the gate was so tight, I could hardly budge it. I thot even if I could get it open, I will never get it closed so I decided to go over the wire; it looks like others had done that too. Surely a gate assist should be available with that and the gate on top.

Now I was playing the GPS game guessing how far I had gone in a certain time frame. The trail had a bit of water still running thru it so I had to pay attention to my footing. Surprising it takes a long time to get down this long hill. And then you skirt the forest before coming to another fork in the road. I continue hanging left and finally I see the vehicles we saw this AM :DANCE:

which means Tonto Jr will be right there. I assumed the others would have walked back to camp; I should have given them my keys. I saw that Karl's vehicle was still there. I took a pic of Scout III's screen; thot I had saved the track but :doh:

and sipped on some Gatorade thanking my lucky stars that this all turned out so well.

As I'm driving down the road a little after 6PM I see my rescue crew en route to come find me. We were all happy about that meeting on the road. Chumley & Lee say they had stocked up on beer and such if they needed to entice some of the quad folks for assistance. SO glad that wasn't necessary. SO glad I didn't totally panic; did think about giving up hiking forever though .
The weather contributed to the problem; if it hadn't rained I would have easily met up with the rest of them. As it was, I ended up at the right place less than 2 hours after they did. I'm glad I have a pretty good sense of direction and I'm glad I had a gps and downloaded routes and waypoints. WISH I would have had a land map of some sort showing the roads.

As Lee said, "that kind of experience makes you a stronger hiker". Anyway, I enjoyed my time with the other hikers on this trail. It really was a great day. I wouldn't mind going back and getting another look at those last two miles along the Apache Creek Trail.

I have 4 videos for you, as of 9-16-2014:

a bit of the trail drive, hiking Graver's Wash http://youtu.be/rTDTJ-31uiU
Graver's Wash, Apache Creek Trail and swimming hole http://youtu.be/UQWQbxmwfz8
Apache Creek Trail, the rain, 95A http://youtu.be/sh5JtCxTSfg
95B and some of my discussion with myself about the detour http://youtu.be/EOasy-Bvzww

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Scruffy Praire Clover

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Juniper Mesa

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

1 archive

Sep 13 2014

chumley

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

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Walnut Creek Exploration, AZ

Hiking		Sep 13 2014
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	5.03 Miles	375 AEG

Hiking	5.03 Miles	1 Hour 47 Mns	2.82 mph
	375 ft AEG

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North Access to Apache Creek Wilderness

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After dropping off the group at Graver Wash for their Apache Creek hike, I decided to further research access to this wilderness from the north. The forest service doesn't have any indication of access, but it is so close that I just had to try. After all, the drive to the Graver Wash trailhead really is quite a chore, and if you hike the 95A road, it adds unnecessary and boring miles.

I started at a nice turn out on FR95 at the east end of the valley, having previously seen an old roadbed that leads away from the Graver Wash trail just east of where it crosses Apache Creek. I got lost, turned around, chased by hungry horses, and eventually spotted by a farmhand working in the fields on a tractor.

I quickly continued to the west, over a route that was much longer than I had remembered or expected from looking at maps. Finally I reached the wilderness and decided to investigate the more direct route directly north to Walnut Creek Road to exit the wilderness. My map showed that I had just 1/4 of a mile of private property that needed to be crossed. To get there, I had to hike nearly half a mile along the wilderness fence line over a small hill.

From there, I passed through a gate and took the most direct route. I was back at the road in no time, but not before encountering some more horses as I got a bit closer to a corral and ranch home than I would have liked. I spent a little bit of time investigating better options before hiking the road back to my truck.

At no point did I see any No Trespassing or Private Property signs. Some of the gates did have locks on them though. I got home and did some research. Contact information for the ranch owners is easy to come by, and having been there once, I think that's by far the best course of action before the next visit.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dam - Rock Truck Remains/Wreckage

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Hunt Ranch Juniper Mesa Round Valley Spring Taylor Ranch

_____________________

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

Aug 16 2014

chumley

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

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Hyde Mountain - Apache Creek Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 16 2014
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	25.03 Miles	3,468 AEG

Hiking	25.03 Miles	11 Hrs 18 Mns	2.92 mph
	3,468 ft AEG	2 Hrs 43 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

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[ checklist ] Benchmark Informational/Interpretive Sign Swimming Hole

Partners

partners

	FOTG	John9L
	The_Eagle	Tough_Boots

When I learned that Joe had bequeathed an eagle to me while getting his affairs in order before heading out to go Bass fishing, I decided I better take it out and see if it could fly without him.

I was happy to see that things went well. I had previously known that I can rely on him to do everything and all I have to do is show up. Worked great! I had come up with an alternate plan, but I'm glad we stuck with the original -- with a short detour just to get a little taste of the area I had proposed. Turned out to be a highlight of the day. And by highlight, I mean bright, pasty white, blinding, sunlight reflecting... Luckily the water was perfect and we spent a while diving, swimming, and just having a good time in the middle of our hike.

Apache Creek was flowing for it's entirety, and the monsoon has obviously brought enough moisture here to spring this area to life. It was loaded with green grass and flowers everywhere. It appears to be a healthy ecosystem, with numerous deer sightings, tons of birds, and plenty of scat from coyote, bear, and kitties.

The return portion of our loop was a long road hike that none of us were looking forward to. It ended up being much more tolerable than we thought, but I wouldn't want to attempt to drive it. No stock vehicle could do it. We did pass a group of 6 Jeeps that were making a day of it. I'd have to say that it won't be too many more years before not even Jeeps can make it.

I drank 4.5 liters of water. I think Bruce said it hit 97 in the sun, but I don't think it was ever out of the 80s for real. There was plenty of shade to be found, the breeze kicked up when needed, and late afternoon shadows saved us from getting baked on the road hike. My GPS decided to take a nap for a while, so I'm stealing Bruce's stats.

Great day. I'll be back here for certain.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Moss

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Apache Creek Apache Creek Seep Apache Creek Wilderness Brown Spring Camp Wood 2 Lookout Tower Camp Wood Mountain Granite Knob Granite Mountain Hyde Creek Mountain Hyde Mountain Fire Lookout Juniper Mesa Mohon Peak Mount Hope Pinetop Mountain Wabayuma Peak

_____________________

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

Aug 16 2014

The_Eagle

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Hyde Mountain - Apache Creek Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 16 2014
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	25.00 Miles	3,468 AEG

Hiking	25.00 Miles	11 Hrs 16 Mns		2.79 mph
	3,468 ft AEG	2 Hrs 18 Mns Break	16 LBS Pack

Linked

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[ checklist ] Apache Creek Apache Creek - Apache Creek Wilderness Apache Creek Wilderness Brown Spring Camp Wood 2 Lookout Tower Granite Mountain Hyde Mountain Fire Lookout Juniper Mesa Ruins Tank

Partners

partners

	chumley	FOTG
	John9L	Tough_Boots

Chum's and I had been tryin' to get in a hike, for what seems like forever. Our schedules never meshed. We'd both scoped out the Juniper Mesa and Apache Creek areas and had ideas on some hikes.

We decided on a loop I'd put together, with an exploration portion for a future adventure.

Somehow Toughboots, 9L and Boy with Dog found out and joined us.

After they wrote letters to their moms, blew their noses and made sure to put on clean underwear, we were off ... slightly late.

We started from the Camp Wood area. Some great camping areas back here! It's a 16 mile drive on a dirt road (FS21, ie Camp Wood Rd) off of Williamson Valley Rd. When dry, this road is doable by just about any vehicle.

After the ladies got all their food, beverages, skirts, snacks, etc.. ready, we were off like a heard of turtles just after 8am. Blanco is a good dog an listens to everything lee says. He did a good job of pointing out the Fauna to us. Numerous deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Lizards were spotted.

The hike started by gaining 1/2 our daily AEG in the first 4.3 miles to the top of Hyde Peak at 7270'. The Hyde Mountain Trail #6 was slightly overgrown but easy to follow except one short section just below the Lower Saddle. 360 views from up top were just spectacular.
The lookout building from 1936 has a brand new Generator Unit and never used outhouse, but the property does not seem to have been used for a year or more.

Next down the 7 Up to Hyde Mountain Trail #5. This got us into some more tall pines, green grass at the Brown Spring area. At this point Hyde Creek was next to us on the pleasant walk in the pines on no longer used FR52. There was filterable water the entire length.

Off of 52B and on to the Apache Creek Trail #9905. There is no indication for the southern TH. We built a few cairns just off the road for future hikers. The trail is obvious once you get in a 100'. The southern portion area is a bolder wonderland, reminiscent of theWilderness of Rocks trail.

Once we got to Apache Creek we took some lunch and then took the .6 mile hike to what appeared to be a pool of water on the satellite views. We were all surprised to find lot of water on our way up there. For the highlight of the day, we arrived at 30' x 20' and 10' Deep pool of the best swimmin' water around. We took a 1/2 hour cooling off, jumping off the rocks and cooling down.

It's now 2pm and we're only 10 miles into a 25 mile hike, time to move on.

The scenery was not arizona-like at all. More water, pines, deciduous trees, grasses and tall flowers.

We hit the Gravers Wash Trail #9904, and made the turn to the barn.

FR 95A was a slog, but not as bad as first feared. There were views to be had, some shade and even water along the way. It was the ankle busters that get tiresome hiking on. Not everywhere, but enough in the final 8 miles to say... enough.

Short Video from Hyde and the Swimmin' Hole :next:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Ues1T ... UA&index=3

Chum's shared some of his private stock of Natural Lite with us at the end and it was appreciated!

Good to finally hike with Chum's, 9L, Boy With Dog and again with Bootsie.

Thanks for driving Chum's. We have unfinished business out there

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Moss

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dog

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Swimming Hole

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	Apache Creek - Apache Creek Wilderness	Medium flow	Medium flow
	There was water in Apache Creek almost the entire length of our hike. At the point of this waypoint, the water was 30' x 20' and about 10' deep. I would think even in the driest times there would be water in this spot

	Brown Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	The spring area was dripping, but the creek below was running.

	Ruins Tank	76-100% full	76-100% full
	As far as tanks go, I'd filter it in a pinch. But there was no need on this day as there were pools of water all along the way.

_____________________

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

Aug 16 2014

John9L

Guides 6
Routes 183
Photos 5,612
Triplogs 1,647

male

Joined Mar 12 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Hyde Mountain - Apache Creek Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 16 2014
		John9L • Triplogs 1,647

Hiking	25.00 Miles	3,468 AEG

Hiking	25.00 Miles	11 Hrs 16 Mns	2.79 mph
	3,468 ft AEG	2 Hrs 18 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

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Partners

partners

	chumley	FOTG
	The_Eagle	Tough_Boots

Big loop in the Apache Creek Wilderness. This was my first time in the area and I was pleasantly surprised. The hike had a bit of everything including a fun swim hole near the halfway point.

We started from a large car camping area that would be worth returning to. We made good time to Hyde Lookout which was very cool! From there we continued north and entered the Apache Creek Wilderness. This was my favorite part. The trail is easy to follow but faint in places. Some route finding was in order and it helped carrying the GPS track. The landscape is rugged and dense. It had a unique beauty in itself. Great area!

Around the halfway point we had lunch and then detoured to the swimming hole. This was the highlight of the trip. The water was cool and refreshing. I need to do this more! Afterward we continued our hike and we headed east at this point. The trail was still faint but it was well cairned. There were large piles of rocks every few hundred yards. It was easy to follow. After a while we turned to the south and continued.

We eventually hit a road and from there had eight miles to go. We basically put our heads down and hiked. A group of jeeps passed us about an hour later. They looked like they were having fun except I didn't see any alcohol. Weird! The last couple of hours blended by as we grinded back to the vehicles. All of us were happy when back to the car to Flat Denny waiting for us.

This was a great area and fun group. It was great to hike with Bruce for the first time. Let's do it again soon! And nice job putting this route together. I really enjoyed it! Thanks Lee and Chumley for driving!

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

Aug 16 2014

Tough_Boots

Routes 67
Photos 2,708
Triplogs 755

89 male

Joined Mar 28 2008
Phoenix, AZ

Hyde Mountain - Apache Creek Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 16 2014
		Tough_Boots • Triplogs 755

Hiking	25.00 Miles	3,468 AEG

Hiking	25.00 Miles	11 Hrs 16 Mns	2.79 mph
	3,468 ft AEG	2 Hrs 18 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

	chumley	FOTG
	John9L	The_Eagle

long day... cool hike... so so company

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

Jan 12 2014

chumley

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

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jan 12 2014
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	4.13 Miles	891 AEG

Hiking	4.13 Miles	2 Hrs 6 Mns	2.85 mph
	891 ft AEG	39 Mns Break

Linked

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