Rattlesnake Trail #275 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Nov 05 2019

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 989
Photos 12,068
Triplogs 864

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Rock Creek Bootlegger Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 05 2019
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 864

Hiking	15.13 Miles	3,534 AEG

Hiking	15.13 Miles	8 Hrs 54 Mns		2.18 mph
	3,534 ft AEG	1 Hour 57 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Saulsbury Trail #263

Turkey Pen Trail #262

Saulsbury Rock Canyon Connect Trail #340

Bootlegger Trail #257

Johnny Ringo Gravesite

Rattlesnake Trail #275

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Another one day hike in the Chiricahua Mountains. Again in Turkey Creek area. On the drive in just before sunrise I saw a group of about 30 turkeys in or along the road. Don't think I ever saw that many in a group except in the supermarket frozen section. Guajolote Creek is holding up to it's name. This was a 15 mile loop hike along the Rock Creek, Bootlegger, Rattlesnake and Saulsbury Trails. With 3600 feet of elevation gain I was pretty pooped after this hike. Most trails were in fair condition some requiring close scrutiny to keep from loosing the trail and one 1 mile section on the Rattlesnake Trail that headed from Witch Ridge to Rock Creek that was more of a controlled fall. If there was a trail here it is long gone. Nothing but a push through brush, some of which had really nasty thorns. Spent the evening when I got home pulling out the ones that went through my trousers and lodged in my leg. Great hike and was able to complete a few more trails I didn't get to the last time I was here. On the way out at the mouth of Turkey Canyon is the Grave site of Johnny Ringo, I stopped to check it out. Lots of history behind this grave, the internet has a lot of the story, some truth some speculation. Beautiful sunset on the drive home didn't stop to take pictures but it was amazing. I also looked for Anticrepuscular rays but I didn't see any, guess the conditions weren't right.

TURKEY PEN TRAIL #262
This is the second time on this trail in two weeks. Pleasure to be on a trail that actually looks and feels like a trail. No one else has been on the trail in the last week because my boot prints from last week were the only prints on the trail (not counting the deer and turkey prints that covered mine in one area). Turkey pen canyon still had a few pools of water but nothing running.

ROCK CREEK TRAIL #259
This is the middle upper portion that I had not done before. This section is from Turkey Pen Trail to Rock Saddle at the Bootlegger Trail. From Rock Saddle to the Crest Trail at Bootlegger Saddle I completed last summer. The section from Fife Canyon to Turkey Pen Trail I did last week. The only section left is from Fife Canyon to the National Forest Boundary (.75 miles). When I complete that last part I will write a description and post.

The trail from fife Canyon to the Rock Saddle is there but requires a little searching in spots. This trail follows along an old logging road but the road is not apparent except in a few places. The trail follows the creek or along side it and is marked fairly well with cairns where it enters or exits the creek. This canyon along the creek was not affected by the fires so dead fall other than normal is minimal, the only exception is the upper portion before hitting Rock Saddle. Rock Creek had pools in sections and running water also sporadically.

Bootlegger Trail #257
This hike covers the Bootlegger Trail from Rock Saddle to the Rattlesnake Trail. I completed the upper portion from Rock Saddle to the Crest trail at Rustler park last summer. I will write a description for this trail but one already exists but it shows the Bootlegger Trail going from Rustler Park to Bootlegger Saddle. Maybe I could call it Bootlegger Trail #257 2.

The Bootlegger trail is very faint most of the way but follow the GPS route and there should be no problem. Rock cairns mark the trail in strategic locations. Since this is a ridge trail the views south- West and North are excellent. Aiding in the views is the fact that the north side of the ridge was heavily affected by fires so there are no trees to block the view. This trail ends at the Rattlesnake trail just below Rattle Rock Saddle.

RATTLESNAKE TRAIL #275 SOUTH
The Rattlesnake trail starts from the north in Pine Canyon and climbs up to a saddle on Witch Ridge at the junction of the Witch Ridge Trail #260 and the Bootlegger Trail #257. I completed this portion last week. This hike is from the ridge down to Rock Creek. The map shows a trail here but it is long gone. I followed the route for this one mile stretch but it was kind of pointless. I did notice when I was on track that in the middle portion I was following what looked like a trail but was so badly overgrown. The last portion I gave up trying to stay on track and just headed down toward Rock Creek. Lots of brush/trees and some kind of sticker bush with thorns from hell. Didn't notice till I got home that when I felt my leg and there were dozens of little thorns embedded in my skin. Time to break out the jewelers glasses and tweezers.

Was planning on doing a description for this trail as the one posted shows the Rattlesnake Trail heading up to Rock Saddle. The Rattle Snake Trail actually heads up to the ridge from Pine Canyon and then heads back down to Rock Creek. Not sure I want to post a hike for a portion of trail that doesn't exist anymore, unless it was for historical reference.

SAULSBURY TRAIL #263

Both the Saulsbury #263 and the Saulsbury Connector Trail #263A are in good condition. The connector trail is a little vague at first from rock creek but just go up. This trail soon becomes quite obvious and is marked with cairns occasionally. The connector trail is very steep, no switchbacks, it just sees where it wants to get and goes there directly. 500 feet in .4 miles. Smokers night want to consider an alternate route, it's a lung burner. Luckily it is only .4 miles long.

The Saulsbury Trail from Saulsbury Saddle is a little steep if going up but then the complete trail from Turkey Creek to the Crest Trail has to go up 3000 feet in 5 miles. There was a little water in lower Saulsbury Canyon near what looked like a spring but other than that was dry. The sign at the trail head in Turkey Canyon is spelled wrong (Saulsberry) but other than that was in good condition. Plenty of parking at the trail head.

Turkey Pen Canyon

Pools to trickle

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Oct 22 2019

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 989
Photos 12,068
Triplogs 864

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Hoovey Rattlesnake Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 22 2019
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 864

Hiking	13.17 Miles	2,334 AEG

Hiking	13.17 Miles	7 Hrs 53 Mns		2.10 mph
	2,334 ft AEG	1 Hour 37 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

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Hoovey Canyon Trail #261

Rattlesnake Trail #275

Witch Ridge Trail #260

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This was an adventure in path finding. Other than the Pine Canyon Road and the last half mile of the North Rattlesnake Canyon Trail there really is no trail anymore. Couple of signs at a few junctions indicating there once was a trail. I started on the Pine Canyon Road about .3 miles in from the Downing Pass Road and walked to the Hoovey Canyon Trail. I took Hoovey Canyon to the Witch Ridge trail and headed west for about a mile to a pass then returned along the Witch Ridge to the junction with the Rattlesnake and Bootlegger Trail. Rattlesnake Trail back down to the Downing Pass Road and back along the Pine Canyon Road to the start point.

Pine Canyon Road.
This is a high clearance road that is rather rough in places. I opted to only go in a couple of tenths of a mile since being a loop hike I would have to walk it anyway. Probably not true but I swear I could walk as fast as I was driving on some sections. I'm not sure what I will decide to do for trails that are at the end of this road about 6 miles in. Will either have to get the mind set to drive the rough road or attack the trails from the Turkey Creek side. There was sporadic flow along Pine Creek.

Hoovey Canyon Trail #261
This trail follows an old fire road along Hoovey Creek. While the road is missing in some areas, where it was visible it made for a little easier walking. Further up the canyon the road becomes more of a trail. Now when I say road or trail keep in mind that they are all but totally gone. Sometimes a good imagination helps in locating a good route. The dilapidated sign at the Trail head along Pine creek should be a good indication of the trail conditions. The trail description posted on HAZ for this trail along with the GPS route are quite good, I was amazed when I got up to the ridge where the Witch Ridge trail is or should be there was an old sign. Totally blew me away because I thought I was really winging it on the climb up but when I came up on the ridge I practically bumped into the sign.

Witch Ridge Trail #260
I took this trail west about 1 mile to a saddle overlooking Greenhouse Canyon then returned heading east to the Junction with the Rattlesnake and Bootlegger Trail. While the Hoovey Canyon Trail took a little effort to stay on track the Witch Ridge Trail made the Hoovey look easy. There are sections where tread could be found but they were few and far between. From what I have seen the faint trail is there but it is so overgrown that it is hard to stay on track. Once off the trail it is a thick jumble of brush or rocky slippery slopes that must be traversed. I followed the GPS route as best as possible but I found I was usually higher up the slope than necessary. At one point between Hoovey and the Rattlesnake Trail I was a good hundred feet above trail in a jumble of rocks. Once past this section and looking back I could see where the trail went. The trail probably passed through some brush and I missed it. My GPS showed I was off trail just slightly high but I couldn't see a trail below me and assumed it was just GPS tracking error. My best advice is follow the GPS route that I got off HAZ closely. It is always easier when looking back to see the path but when you are in the thick of it it is easy to loose. In between looking for the trail I got my first views of Rock Creek to the South and Chiricahua Peak with the golden glow of aspen trees. I finally took a break after 5 hours of hiking. I kept planning to stop earlier but it was always "let me find the trail first' or "This isn't really a pleasant spot to stop". Finally along a section of faint trail, a good view with a slight breeze I took lunch under a pine and ate my Subway sandwich, life doesn't get better.

Rattlesnake Canyon Trail #275
There is a sign at the junction with the Witch Ridge, Bootlegger Trail. The trail is faint here but visible. The Rattlesnake Canyon Trail heads north down Rattlesnake Canyon at this point. The Rattlesnake trail actually continues on along what I called the Witch Ridge trail for another couple hundred yards before heading south down into Rock Creek and this is where the Witch Ridge trail ends. Nice view of Rattlesnake Peak from here. I was contemplating including the peak on this hike but at this point I was just concerned about getting back before sunset. From the junction with the Bootlegger Trail at the sign if you look really close with a little imagination you will see the Rattlesnake trail heading down the canyon. The trail along the first half mile can be followed without too much difficulty but once you get down into Rattlesnake creek you are on your own, find the best route. Sometimes in the creek bed other times along side. Once down to the junction with Pine Creek, about 2 miles the going is easier and the trail/road is easier to follow. There was water sporadically in Rattlesnake creek.

I enjoyed this hike in spite of its difficulties. Always nice to explore new areas. This area is definitely a wilderness, of the half dozen hikes I have done here I have never seen another person on the trail. The few people I did see were campers along the long dirt road that passes through the mountains and some at Barfoot Park. There are a lot of other areas I want to check out on the flanks of the Chiricahua's and winter is the time to see them.

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Aspen on the peaks of the Chiricahua's

Hoovey Canyon

Pools to trickle

	Pine Canyon	Light flow	Light flow
	Sporadic flow

Rattlesnake Canyon

Pools to trickle

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Oct 16 2019

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 989
Photos 12,068
Triplogs 864

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Ida Peak FR357 Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 16 2019
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 864

Hiking	10.05 Miles	2,550 AEG

Hiking	10.05 Miles	6 Hrs 34 Mns		2.04 mph
	2,550 ft AEG	1 Hour 38 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

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Ida Peak Trail #274

Rattlesnake Trail #275

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Loop Hike along the Ida Peak Trail #274 and the Route along the old FR357 road returning on the Downing Pass Road. Had Plans to do the Rattlesnake to Bootlegger and down to Rock Creek and back to FR 357 but had to scrap this due to lack of time. Did not plan on delay on the Ida and FR 357 due to poor trail conditions.

I should of had a clue about the Ida Peak Trail when I saw the Trail Head sign down and in the brush. The trail starts out in fairly good condition and easy to follow but soon becomes vague but still easy to stay on track. I lost the trail twice where the trail crosses over some side canyons, the brush gets thick and spent some time looking for tread by comparing the GPS route I had. Once out of the side canyons was able to reacquire the trail. Down falls along the trail became a nuisance at times and brush was encroaching on the trail in many places. There are great views to the North looking over Chiricahua National Monument , Cochise Head with Dos Cabezos and Mount Graham in the distance. Once at Ida Pass there are views of the Chiricahua Crest. Looks like the Aspen are changing on the crest. The trail down to Barfoot Park was easy to follow and in fair condition with brush encroaching the trail but the pace was slowed due to the numerous dead fall.

Took lunch at Barfoot Park. Fall is definitely here, it was cool at the park and with the breeze it was really comfortable sitting in the sun leaning up against a pine. The initial descent down to the remnants of FR357 was a bit of a challenge due to once again the thick growth and dead fall. For the first quarter mile along FR357 it was slow going as the old road is pretty much non existent but once past the narrows of the creek the visible remnants of the road make the going a bit easier. Easier is a relative term because the numerous dead fall made the going slow. The constant decision making as to whether to go under or over got old. going over was difficult because of the constant one leg over, sit then the other leg over,going under required getting back up again. There are stretches where you are doing this every 5 feet and then there was the cluster sections that required crossing multiple logs all in a pile. There are apps that measure trail difficulty by Miles or AEG, they need one that measures dead fall crossings, not sure how that could be done though. Once down in Pine Canyon the route adds another hazard, Creek bed loose rocks. The old road is visible along short sections along the creek but is washed away for most of it. The last half mile or so to the Pine Canyon Road and Downing Pass Road the going is a lot easier. There was abput a gallon per minute flow through much of Pine Creek. I did not see the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail but did see an old road that headed in the general direction and assuming that's where it was at.

Good hike in spite of the slow going. It was good to be hiking in the Fall again where hiking the lower flanks of the Chiricahuas and the Pinaleno Mountains will be possible. There are a lot more trails in this area that I want to do but I have a feeling the conditions will be much like this hike.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Aspen on the Chiricahua crest

	Pine Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Pine creek about a gallon per minute

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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.

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