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Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF - 7 members in 20 triplogs have rated this an average 3.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
20 triplogs
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Oct 05 2024
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 05 2024
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking3.00 Miles 450 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
450 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Treasure Park Campground
Hospital Flat Nature Trail
Partners none no partners
Parked at the entrance to Treasure Park.
Off trailed down to the back of Treasure Park for a short sit camp.
Then down to Big Creek Falls.
Encountered 2 young deer on the way down.
Big Creek was low flow.
Back up to Treasure Park and returned to where I started along the forest road.
:)
_____________________
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May 17 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Treasure Park from Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 17 2022
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking7.20 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking7.20 Miles
1,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Snow Flat
Snow Flat Campground
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Treasure Park Campground
Big Creek Trail #320A
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)
Partners partners
AddSanz
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
_____________________
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Jul 06 2020
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Grant Hill LoopTucson, AZ
Grant Hill Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 06 2020
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.20 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking4.20 Miles
300 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Hospital Flat Nature Trail
Hospital Flat Campground
Treasure Park Campground
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Partners none no partners
With Snow Flat closed because of logging I had to go with Plan B ... and I had no Plan B.
Threw together a loop I have though about for some time using a little of all the linked trails starting from Grant Hill. It worked out great and I got to see some new forest never seen.
Wildlife was great today - Chased 4 turkeys across Hospital Flat then had a family of skunks follow me down Grant Hill a few yards away and in turn I then followed them for about 100 yards, one of the coolest animal experiences I've ever had!
One white tail doe on the drive home ... almost forgot, another Red squirrel encounter.
:D
_____________________
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  1 archive
Apr 06 2020
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)Tucson, AZ
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 06 2020
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.25 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles
500 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Hospital Flat Campground
Treasure Park Campground
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Partners none no partners
My annual hike down the backside closed portion (foot travel allowed) of the Swift Trail before it reopens April 15.
Treasure Park - Arrived down to the meadow to find 50+ turkeys trotting around ... wow! Not much snow left here, but lots of snow melt flowing down the creek so I added Big Creek to the hike.
Big Creek Falls - Heaviest water flow I've ever seen down the canyon! Did not make it down to the big falls, became just a bit too dangerous for my liking. I then climbed over to Hospital Flat.
Hospital Flat - Still lots of big snow patches along the southeastern slopes and more big snow melt flowing down this canyon as well.
Swift Trail back to the start.
Everything looked wonderful today and I had it all to myself.
Took in a great sunset at the Arrow Tree overlook 8/10
6 deer headlighted on the drive back down.
:D
_____________________
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Jul 22 2019
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Treasure Park from Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 22 2019
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking5.00 Miles 700 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
700 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Snow Flat
Snow Flat Campground
Partners none no partners
The back trail to Snow Flat, 80% tree kill from the Frye Fire and is not recovering as well as other trails.
Big Creek Falls, beautiful the whole hike down. Low water flow, but full of wildflowers and butterflies and a hell of a lot of fun to climb down. I skipped the falls .... high wind made me decide on another day.
Car camped for a bit at Snow Flat.
Good Day
:D
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Sep 18 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Frye Fire 2017 Aftermath, AZ 
Frye Fire 2017 Aftermath, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 18 2017
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking11.00 Miles 1,500 AEG
Hiking11.00 Miles
1,500 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   11 linked trail guides
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)
High Peak Road #507
Connector Trail #507 - #320A
Big Creek Trail #320A
Hospital Flat Campground
Cunningham Loop Trail #316
Grant Hill Loop
Treasure Park Campground
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Heliograph Peak Loop
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Partners none no partners
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.
_____________________
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  1 archive
Oct 20 2016
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Mount Graham 10,720Tucson, AZ
Mount Graham 10,720
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 20 2016
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking11.15 Miles 1,500 AEG
Hiking11.15 Miles
1,500 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   8 linked trail guides
High Peak Road #507
Connector Trail #507 - #320A
Big Creek Trail #320A
Hospital Flat Nature Trail
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Snow Flat
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)
Partners none no partners
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
_____________________
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Sep 22 2016
avatar

 Routes 85
 Photos 3,718
 Triplogs 486

female
 Joined Oct 15 2002
 Rimrock, Arizona
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 22 2016
cactuscat • Triplogs 486
Hiking1.57 Miles 918 AEG
Hiking1.57 Miles   2 Hrs   4 Mns   1.47 mph
918 ft AEG   1 Hour    Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
What a perfect day on the mountain! :y: I never wanted to leave. 60-65 degrees up at 8,000-9,000 ft ... I never got the least bit hot or cold. Mostly clear skies and delicious sunshine ... somewhat windy/gusty.
I may have said this before, but THIS is definitely my new favorite trail up there. This super fun little hike packs a lot into its mile and a half ... meadows, forest, slick rock, waterfalls, pools, cool boulders, then a sporty little climb down to the bottom of the falls. Loved it.
Falls were flowing well and I enjoyed the spray and ozone at the bottom.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Big Creek
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
A few aspens near Treasure Park were already turning, and I saw a single eye-catching maple going pink.
_____________________
 
May 20 2016
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Snow Flat
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 20 2016
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking7.25 Miles 1,070 AEG
Hiking7.25 Miles
1,070 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)
Partners none no partners
Parked across from Shannon and took -
Swift Trail :next: Snow Flat :next: Snow Flat Trail :next: Snow Flat to Treasure Park :next: Big Creek Falls :next: Swift Trail.
Snow Flat - Always one of the most beautiful places on the mountain.
Snow Flat Trail - Short & sweet, light creek flow and greening up nicely.
Snow Flat to Treasure Park - Not very green yet & a little spooky as always.
Big Creek Falls - Good creek flow. Very scenic waterfalls on the lower section. Because of the good flow, I decided on the climb down to the Big falls. Had forgotten about the butt pucker factor on the route up & down, it was a tad :scared:
Swift Trail - Still the best trail of them all! Road looked real good today.
Not much wildlife spotted on this trip, but not surprising with all the people heading up to start the weekend.
Too early yet for the wow stuff on top, but it's starting ..... I shall return!
:D
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 Big Creek Medium flow Medium flow

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
_____________________
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Apr 26 2016
avatar

 Routes 297
 Photos 6,928
 Triplogs 552

49 male
 Joined Dec 30 2007
 Avondale,Az
Riggs Flat CampgroundTucson, AZ
Riggs Flat Campground
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 26 2016
Stoic • Triplogs 552
Hiking9.50 Miles 1,850 AEG
Hiking9.50 Miles   6 Hrs   15 Mns   1.52 mph
1,850 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   7 linked trail guides
Lakeshore Trail #340
Webb Peak from Ash Creek TH
Webb Peak via Soldier Creek
Moonshine Creek
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Ladybug Peak 8780
Arcadia Nature Trail
Partners none no partners
I had Tuesday off work, so I decided to camp somewhere I had never been. I quickly came up with Mount Graham. The pups and I drove to Riggs Flat Campground on Monday night. That night the temperature dropped to 18F not counting the windchill.
We woke up around 5am and headed toward the lake. We hiked the LakeShore Trail#340. We then drove to Soldier Creek Campground and made breakfast. After some warm food, we headed toward the Ash Creek TH. We did a 3.5mile loop up to Webb Peak and back. It was a cold and Windy treck to the top. We then hiked Moonshine creek and Big Creek Falls. Big Creek Falls was a nice hike, but it did get a little rough on the dogs at the falls. We got back in the truck and did a couple small hikes on the way down the mountain. Lady Bug Peak, Arcadia Natural Trail and very little of the Wet Canyon trail. Lady bug trail is a short trail that has amazing views. Adding up all the elevation gains for the day, I now understand why my bigger dog was exhausted. I usually dont hike more than a 1200ft gain with her, so 1800+ft was a bit much. She ended up sleeping all the way home.
_____________________
  1 archive
Jun 24 2014
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Roper Lake Ranger Trip #7, AZ 
Roper Lake Ranger Trip #7, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 24 2014
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,100 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
1,100 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   linked  
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Snow Flat
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)
Partners partners
AddSanz
Addie, Bianca, Lauren & Myself headed up Graham with the plan of hiking the Webb Peak area. The dirt road portion of the Swift Trail is not in the best of condition this year and for some reason the FS has not graded it for this summer season. We were traveling up in a low clearance car for this trip and made the decision to turn around close to the Fort Grant overlook and just hit up a few of the lower campground trails were the road was much better.
We parked and started from Treasure Park first completing the out-n-back Big Creek Falls trail. Not much water running down the canyon and we were able to hike right down the creek bed from the lack of flow, very fun!
We then took the "secret" trail down to Snow Flat. I always enjoy this one as it has such a different forest look then most of the other mountain trails.
After a short break for lunch by the small lake, we hiked the out-n-back down to the nice overlook below Snow Flat.
A walk up Snow Flat road and then back up the Swift Trail brought us to the start completing a loop.
An hour of hilarious conversation back at Treasure Park was had before calling it a day and traveling back down the mountain to Roper Lake SP.
Not our longest hike as a group, but another very enjoyable day on this great mountain!
Can't wait for #8
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Pinaleno flowers are getting ready to explode, just need one good rain.

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

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.
_____________________
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May 18 2014
avatar

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

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Treasure Park from Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 18 2014
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking5.00 Miles 830 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
830 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Partners none no partners
Leaving my campsite at Hagens Point in the early afternoon following a 3 am arrival and 4:30 am bedtime, I voyaged further up the Swift Trail to start an afternoon wander at Snow Flat. I hadn't been to Treasure Park in a while, so off into the woods I went, totally at peace in familiar, pleasant surroundings. I made a loop around Treasure Park, stopping for water along the way. I had not visited Big Creek Falls in years, so I made my way down to it as well, resting contented at the base of its slick wall of splashing water. Realizing the need to get my evening plans underway, I made the return trek back to Snow Flat and then voyaged further up the Swift Trail, after my obligatory stop at Hospital Flat. A great day so far! :)
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
May 24 2012
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Pinaleno Mountains, AZ 
Pinaleno Mountains, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 24 2012
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking6.55 Miles 1,231 AEG
Hiking6.55 Miles
1,231 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   linked  
Arcadia Nature Trail
Ladybug Peak 8780
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Hospital Flat Nature Trail
CP Flat Loop
Partners partners
outdoor_lover
Day #1 of mine & Pam's 2 day stay on Graham. I thought for the first day it would be fun to just drive up the Swift Trail and hit many of the shorter (1-2 mile) "nature" trails and leave the longer day hike trails for the next day. After meeting up at Roper Lake SP, we headed up the Swifty with the first stop being at upper Arcadia -

Arcadia Nature Trail - Short & sweet stroll along the mountain side and up through the pines & oak to a nice overlook of Noon Creek ridge & Wet Canyon below. Good start to the day!

Ladybug Peak - Always a favorite of mine to bag on the way up or down the mountain. The ladybugs are starting to congregate on top and I will have to return in a few weeks to view the full spectacle of hundreds of thousands!

Big Creek Falls - Big Creek was not flowing at it's best today, but that made it possible to hike right down the middle of the creek's rock slabs down to the big falls. Always a scenic canyon to hike down heavy flow or not!

Hospital Flat Nature Trail - One of the prettiest meadows on the entire mountain! Hiked the standard counter-clockwise loop and just took in the beautiful forest scenery with a lunch break back at the campground before continuing on up the Swift Trail.

CP Flat Loop - Trail of the day! The aspens on this trail were almost full and the walk through "Letty's Grove" was truly the highlight of the day! We both sat at the end of the grove not really wanting to leave, but the sun was starting to fall and we needed to get down to Riggs Lake and secure our camping spot for the night.

Riggs Flat Lake - After looping the campgrounds, we decided on a camping site (#1) and spent dusk getting camp set up and eating dinner. Night brought a campfire, some star trail photography & a couple of hours of good ol' campfire conversation! I settled into my tent around midnight and fell asleep to the sound of high mountain wind blowing through the pine trees above me.

Great day #1 with Pam atop my backyard mountain home!!!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
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  2 archives
May 24 2012
avatar

 Guides 7
 Routes 72
 Photos 14,456
 Triplogs 627

62 female
 Joined Aug 19 2011
 Scottsdale, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 24 2012
outdoor_lover • Triplogs 627
Hiking1.20 Miles 400 AEG
Hiking1.20 Miles
400 ft AEG5 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
SkyIslander18
3rd stop of the day. Nice little Trail out of Treasure Park Campground that meanders alongside one Creek, before joining up with Big Creek for the rest of the Hike. We had the choice of continuing to follow the Trail itself to an Overlook that would take you around so that you can see the Big Creek Falls, or just hopping off the Trail where the Creek really starts flowing through the Slick Rock on it's way to the Big Fall. We opted to follow the Creek and although the Water was very low, there was some very Scenic little Falls and Cascades. We arrived at the spot where the Creek takes the plunge over the Cliff and Chad showed me where the Overlook was located and also a possible Route down to the base of the Falls. There was so little Water running, that I decided to not take the time to go down to the bottom, or the Overlook. I'm sure that when that Creek is really flowing well, the Falls are absolutely spectacular and I will repeat this Hike to see that!!!! :D

Nice little Gem of a Hike. This will be a repeater for me when the Water is better!!!
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Deers Ears  False Hellebore (Corn Lily)
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Big Creek

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Big Creek Light flow Light flow
From South of Treasure Park to Big Creek Falls.
_____________________
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "Wow What a Ride!"
 
Aug 02 2011
avatar

 Guides 44
 Routes 162
 Photos 24,766
 Triplogs 2,411

75 male
 Joined May 04 2004
 Mesa, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 02 2011
CannondaleKid • Triplogs 2,411
Hiking1.03 Miles 257 AEG
Hiking1.03 Miles      53 Mns   2.13 mph
257 ft AEG      24 Mns Break7 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
trixiec
After an early start yesterday, a strenuous hike and a few more albeit less strenuous hikes today, we sought one more easy one before taking the long trip back to Mesa. Again the allure of a water fall caught our interest.

This one was pretty short and sweet, just right to end the day of hike. The trail was traveled enough no bushwhacking was needed on the hike down to the falls, but we didn't continue around and down to get below them, which looked like a challenge. A challenge more than we cared for just before a long drive home, so after a few photos we began the short climb back to the trail head.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Clark's Spiny Lizard  Yarrow's Spiny Lizard
_____________________
CannondaleKid
 
Mar 31 2011
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Cunningham Loop Trail #316Tucson, AZ
Cunningham Loop Trail #316
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 31 2011
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking8.24 Miles 1,150 AEG
Hiking8.24 Miles   3 Hrs   22 Mns   7.85 mph
1,150 ft AEG   2 Hrs   19 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Hospital Flat Nature Trail
Partners none no partners
With the back half of the Swift Trail (Hwy 366) still closed until April 15th, I decided that I just could not wait anymore for it to open and mountain biked my way in to the trails. I first biked in to the Grant Hill TH and hiked the lower Cunningham Loop, jumped back on my bike and rode down to Hospital Flat and hiked the nature trail, then back on the bike down to Treasure Park and hiked down the Big Creek Falls trail. Spent about an hour at Treasure Park before jumping back on the bike and riding back up to my truck parked at the High Peak Rd TH.
All 3 trails still have a few patches of snow on them and I was up to my knees on one short stretch along Cunningham Loop. Weather was perfect and all the trails were beautiful!!! I really thought by biking in I would be the only person on this side of the mountain for the day, but I must have been passed by 10 vehicles driving up that I assume were Mt. Graham telescope workers. This was the first time I have ever mountain biked on the Swift Trail and it ended up being one of the funnest day trips I have ever had on the Grahams!
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Southwestern White Pine
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Checkered Beetle
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ Rides
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
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  2 archives
Sep 11 2010
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 11 2010
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607
Hiking1.20 Miles 400 AEG
Hiking1.20 Miles   1 Hour   15 Mns   0.96 mph
400 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Third and last hike of my day trip on the Pinalenos. Took the creek down the canyon from Treasure Park and made it to the end of the trail (boulders). My legs felt like jelly and I decided not to make the climb down to the base of the big fall. That last 50 feet down looks a little scary :scared: Hiked back out as the sun started going down and arrived back at my truck to notice 3 deer about 40 feet away. Sat and watched them for about 5 minutes before heading home.
_____________________
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Jul 29 2010
avatar

 Triplogs 45

male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Mesa, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2010
jmcwilli • Triplogs 45
Hiking1.20 Miles 400 AEG
Hiking1.20 Miles
400 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
An easy, great hike along the water. Lots of wildflowers along the way.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
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Sep 05 2009
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 Guides 2
 Routes 24
 Photos 3,436
 Triplogs 230

47 male
 Joined Dec 22 2007
 Mesa, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2009
skatchkins • Triplogs 230
Hiking1.20 Miles 400 AEG
Hiking1.20 Miles
400 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Just a quickie before heading back to camp. Parked near the campers then went back to the road and took the trail downstream. Trail was really easy to follow. More wildflowers here than on Cunningham Spur. Got down to the falls but didn't stay long. I hope those kids made it down the cliff they scrambled up. I'm sure they had parents somewhere. I'm also sure they had no idea what the severity of their kids' play area was.
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May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
Armchair Crisis Design
 
Jul 14 2009
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 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NFTucson, AZ
Big Creek Falls - Coronado NF
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 14 2009
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking2.40 Miles 350 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
350 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Hospital Flat Nature Trail
Partners none no partners
After a boiling hot day at work, I threw the ice chest in the truck and gunned it up Graham. With 1.5 hours of light left, I pulled into Hospital Flat campground. Immediately, a large black lab walked past. Oh wait, that's a bear! I watched the rather bold bear roam the campground, digging in a fire ring, and then opening a bear proof trash can and dragging out a full bag of trash to root through. Eventually he wandered off, and I headed down the Hospital Flat Nature Trail with my big-o-can of pepper spray conveniently holstered. I broke off the nature trail and continued down the path that follows Big Creek, arriving at the meadow above Big Creek Falls in time for a killer sunset. I continued downstream to just above the falls for a photo op, then returned via Treasure Flat and the Swift Trail in the waning light. On the way home I parked at Shannon overlook, where I ate dinner and watched a thunderstorm hurl bolts down on the Tucson area. Saw a fox on the way down, too. A perfect summer evening!
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Black Bear
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunset
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
average hiking speed 1.52 mph

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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