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| | | Arnett-Telegraph-Perlite Explore, AZ | | | |
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Arnett-Telegraph-Perlite Explore, AZ
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| Hiking | 11.15 Miles |
1,535 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.15 Miles | 4 Hrs 51 Mns | | 2.40 mph |
| 1,535 ft AEG | 12 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | I've done the Picketpost Circumference through Arnett and Telegraph Canyons previously, but wanted to come in from the Perlite road side and cut right to the most interesting/scenic parts of the canyons. This worked out well.
The drive in to the Perlite was fine for a sedan up to about 0.5 from the TH. Depending on how much you care about your car, you could probably drive all the way, but I opted to park where the road goes downhill and was rutted deeply from the recent rains.
From the actual parking area, I followed the official trail, which performed an elaborate u-turn, but on the way back, I just took the more direct route to the parking area, and I would skip the u-turn if out this way again.
From there, it's an initial walk down Perlite Road, which is more of a SxS track at that point. It ends ina 4x4 parking area.
Beyond that, I wandered over to the mine, which has some cool carve outs. It was fun to see lots of "Apache Tears" all around.
From there, I backtracked to the 4x4 parking area and descended to the connection with Arnett Canyon. This is a scenic approach, and Arnett continued the scenery. Still lots of water but it was clear there was a literal deluge running through here a couple of weeks ago.
After reaching the end of the scenic section of Arnett heading west, I bactracked and then headed west. At the Telegraph Canyon junction, I headed left--new territory for me, continuing up Arnett Creek.
There are several horse gates in the area. One on Arnett had been undercut by the flooding, totally exposing the concrete footings and toppling the solid gate.
Where Arnett Canyon crosses the SxS road, I walked the road before dropping back into Telegraph Canyon from the upper end. Lots of good sized pools and evidence of 6+ feet of water flowing through the area after the recent rains. Saw a garter snake and several frogs.
Reconnecting with Arnett, I climbed back up to Perlite road and then did some off trail exploring of the cliff area to the east of the road. At the base of the cliffs are a couple of potential ruins--one looked legit, with typical mud mortar; the other was just stacked stones partially enclosing a rock cavity. Both looked like they had had some homeless occupants.
Down from the ruins is the foundation of a more recent ruin--an old homestead, I presume.
From there, I bypassed the "u-turn" and headed back to my car.
Post-hike, I drove up the canyon beyond Superior to check out the "Atlantis" climbing area beyond the tunnel. Lots of folks out enjoying the crags, and it's a lovely spot. May be back here with family visiting over Thanksgiving. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
. Amazing while it lasted. I look forward to exploring this area more often to see what and which water is reliable for backpacking trips.
Near the end we took the L.O.S.T. Loop Trail #219 to see the carved steps and return to the lot.
it was a good choice for today because I was hiking with my kids... Who really don't like hiking! 
It wasn't a hard or long trail, so there was no complaining. And really, the trail is beautiful with all the water in the creek (water appeared about 2 miles in from the picketpost trailhead) and all the magnificent cottonwoods!! We also enjoyed the gigantic saguaros and the odd palm trees! I was impressed by how much water was in the creek. Pools, but big ones, and a lot of them. 
as we neared the end of the hike. Capped off a great day with lunch at Porters Saloon. Great day! Thanks guys! 
