username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Arcadia Campground - 2 members in 19 triplogs have rated this an average 3.5 ( 1 to 5 best )
19 triplogs
login for filter options
Aug 31 2024
avatar

 Guides 16
 Routes 81
 Photos 1,269
 Triplogs 1,144

51 male
 Joined Apr 30 2008
 Tucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak from Arcadia CGTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 31 2024
azdesertfatherTriplogs 1,144
Hiking10.50 Miles 3,489 AEG
Hiking10.50 Miles   6 Hrs   24 Mns   1.94 mph
3,489 ft AEG   1 Hour    Break20 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Started out at noon, with my sweet wife. Great day, great weather. Trail mostly in good shape. One water source with flowing water just under a mile from the parking lot, clear and running 3-5 gal/min.

Saw three baby snakes, they possibly eastern diamondbacks, but too small to tell as they went by fast. Only the thickness of my finger and maybe a foot long or just past that. Few butterflies, squirrels, birds as well. Also enjoyed some tiny wild raspberries, they were delicious!

This hike is a steady climb all the way.

Enjoyed a nice late lunch on the top, with beautiful views underneath the hum of the towers on top.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Wet Canyon Light flow Light flow
3-5 gal/min, very clear and clean
_____________________
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." — Henry David Thoreau
  3 archives
Jun 11 2024
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 11 2024
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.00 Miles 250 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles
250 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Down Snow Flat Rd :next: down Snow Flat trail :next: half way down Treasure Park/Snow Flat trail :next: back up Snow Flat Rd :next: drove down to Upper Arcadia for a twilight coffee before returning home.
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
May 31 2024
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Jacobson SawmillTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 31 2024
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking2.50 Miles 150 AEG
Hiking2.50 Miles
150 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Down to the sawmill and back.
Then took the back trail over to Upper Arcadia.
Short rest at Arcadia CG before heading back down.
Sunset and campfire at RTM CG before heading home.
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Feb 01 2024
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Arcadia Trail #328Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 01 2024
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking2.00 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles
300 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
First up the Arcadia trail down to the first creek crossing.
Then down to and around Arcadia Campground, it's been closed ???
Last I drove down to RTM CG for a campfire.
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Oct 08 2023
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Turkey Flat Trail #330Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 08 2023
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking3.00 Miles 450 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
450 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Turkey trail up to the first big overlook.
Arcadia CG for a ramen dinner.
Down Wet Canyon to the creek.
:)
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Mar 13 2023
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Snowshoeing avatar Mar 13 2023
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Snowshoeing3.00 Miles 300 AEG
Snowshoeing3.00 Miles
300 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Wanted to get in one more snowshoe trip.
Was surprised on the drive up by how much snow has melted up there already.
First chose Turkey Flat.
Though I could make it up in just my boots ... way wrong!
Kept sinking into 2 feet of snow in the shady areas and bailed after only the first 1/4 mile.
Decided to quit messing around and just drive to the backside of the mountain to Snow Flat.
Not much snow on this south side, but Snow Flat road was completely covered as expected.
Made it down to the flat, rested then back up.
Just beautiful down there!
Quick stop at Arcadia on the drive back down.
No snow at all left in the campgrounds.
Hiked down to Wet Canyon to sit and have a hot coffee along the roaring snow melt creek.
It was a good winter on the Big Island this year, I will miss it!
I guess it's time to chase flowers now?
:D

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Wet Canyon Heavy flow Heavy flow
Medium/heavy snow melt flow.
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Feb 10 2023
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Arcadia Trail #328Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 10 2023
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking2.00 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles
300 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Still a bit too much snow to drive into Upper Arcadia, so I parked in Lower Arcadia.
Didn't think I would need anything on my shoes, but a few hundred yards in and I had to turn back and go get my Yaktrax ... lot's of ice on the trail.
I took the trail just down to the creek crossing, good flow.
Cold AF when that sun drops behind the mountain.
Quick hot coffee before returning back.
Beautiful in that canyon with the snow and maybe more to fall soon?
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Oct 16 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Twilight SpringTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 16 2022
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking3.00 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
200 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Went up to Twilight to check fall colors.
Lightning, thunder, rain & hail on me all afternoon.
I somehow managed to get in 3 poncho miles of hiking.
Swift Trail is popping colors now, 1 more week and it will be primo!
Arcadia & RTM campgrounds were flooding.
It hailed on the upper mountain so hard that it turned the entire road completely white ... wow!
As I left the mountain, not a single cloud over it ... Pinaleno weather :?
Arrived back home to see that town got hit hard with the storms too.
Not many pics today, will give that fall colors thing a go again soon.
Stormy, but fun :D
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Aug 16 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Arcadia Trail #328Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 16 2022
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking3.50 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking3.50 Miles
500 ft AEG
 no routes
Chad & Addie's annual mountain raspberry picking trip!
From Shannon CG, took the Arcadia trail out to about 1 mile and back.
Both our mason jars were full of sweets by the time we got back to Shannon :y:
We then drove back down the mountain and hiked to Cluff Dairy to check on apples & grapes.
Grapes are not even close to ready and the apple trees have already been picked almost clean, 2 apples left that we ate up on our hike back out.
Then a stop at Arcadia and hike down to Wet Canyon for some creek time.
RTM CG was the last mountain stop for a little R&R.
Roper Lake stop back in town to check water flow ended this fun day trip.
Wildlife - I think this was my first time ever spotting 2 endangered species in one day!
Mt Graham Red Squirrel up high & 2 Mexican Spotted Owls down low.
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Substantial up high, moderate down low

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Roper Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Wet Canyon Light flow Light flow
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Aug 05 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Arcadia Trail #328Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 05 2022
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking2.00 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles
300 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Wanted just an R&R trip up in the pines, a couple short hikes happened.
First the Arcadia Trail sucked me in up to the first creek crossing.
Then back at Arcadia CG I hiked down to Wet Canyon.
Along the way I had another encounter with an endangered Mexican Spotted Owl.
This one let me get very close, like 5 feet close ... cool!
After my two short hikes it was back to Arcadia for dinner, campfire & stars.
:D

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Wet Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
May 10 2021
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Riggs Flat LakeTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 10 2021
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking3.50 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking3.50 Miles
200 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Overnight camp with Jayden high on Graham.

Monday - Arrived at Riggs Lake in the AM and right away got our lines in the water for dinner. Holy smokes we caught our limit of rainbows (8) in under a 1/2 hour ... the fishing was GOOD!
We then set up our campsite (#16) and hiked the Lakeshore Trail followed by a hammock rest. At sunset we built our campfire and had dinner. Later into the night we made our way down to the lake shore to take in the endless stars on the moonless night ... wow!
Day 1 ended back at the campfire with conversation, laughs and bed.

Tuesday - Awoke early to a nice 50 degree morning. Packed up camp and headed out to the end of the Swift Trail for the hike of the day. We looped CP counter-clock, always a nice little hike through the aspens. Leaves are just starting to come in. After hike plan was to just slow roll our way back down the mountain taking our time with stops at Solider Creek, Treasure Park, Arcadia & RTM campgrounds.

Good overnight with a great friend on an Awesome mountain!
TY J
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Apr 20 2020
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Jacobson SawmillTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 20 2020
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking2.00 Miles 150 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles
150 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Down to the sawmill and back ... beautiful down there with some good flowing water.
On the return trip I encountered a nude man at the Cluff Dairy site ... conversation with 2x the social distancing guidelines were enforced!
I then poked around the Arcadia CG area for an hour before leaving.
It's crazy up there, all the developed sites are closed, but more people than ever are using the mountain right now.
:)
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Mar 16 2020
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Wet CanyonTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2020
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking2.50 Miles 1,050 AEG
Hiking2.50 Miles
1,050 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Wet Canyon loop using the Swift Trail back down.
Good creek flow today.
Every time I go up this canyon it has been altered again by flooding, kind of like hiking a new canyon every time.
Took a break at Arcadia before the walk back down.
Beautiful throughout!
Arcadia CG was stocked with TP :y:
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Sep 23 2019
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Arcadia Trail #328Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Canyoneering avatar Sep 23 2019
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Canyoneering3.00 Miles 500 AEG
Canyoneering3.00 Miles
500 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
First took Arcadia up to the Wet Canyon crossing.
The crossing is now a bit dangerous from all the flooding.
Dropped in and took the canyon down for the first time ever ... and probably last!
Slow going rock hop and path finding adventure.
Exited at the Wet Canyon trail up to Arcadia.
Tough going route, but a lot of fun.
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Jul 28 2018
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Pinalenos East Side, AZ 
Pinalenos East Side, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 28 2018
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking10.00 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking10.00 Miles
1,800 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Sun up to sun down day trip starting from the top at Ladybug Saddle and working my way down the Swift Trail to the bottom. Ladybugs-spotted owls-berries-apples was the plan ..... 1 out of 4 accomplished :|

Ladybug Peak - Not 1 single bug on top, where are they?
Bear Canyon - Hiked the upper trail down from Ladybug to the Bear/Dutch T. Always an enjoyable scenic stretch down with many very nice places to camp. Had a real nice 2 hour hammock camp here before returning back up to the saddle.
Dutch Henry - Ole Dutch has seen better days, could only get about .25 mile down the path before the mountain starts to reclaim it. This is where the spotted owls live and I believe FS will never (I've heard) repair this trail to help further protect them. No owls found on this once outstanding trail.
Twilight Spring - Drove down to Twilight road and hiked in to the spring. The biggest patches of wild raspberries I've ever found are along this trail and it was not a question of them being there, but will they be there? As I made my way many of the berries had been picked by bears or others?, but there were still plenty left to fill my cup all the way down to the spring. The yellow sunflowers at the spring I anticipated were surprisingly out of peak, but that was OK as I had a cup full of wild berries to eat while I rested. My poo will look amazing soon!
Jacobson Sawmill - I then drove down to Jacobson and hiked in to the old Cluff Dairy to maybe pick some apples. Arrived to see way too many people camping at the dairy and that ended my apple picking dreams. The worst decision FS ever made was removing the gate and allowing people to drive down to this old historic area. Artifacts have been replaced with trash.
Arcadia - Stopped at the CG and hiked down to Wet Canyon to check the creek flow. Wet Canyon continues to flood and I still can not believe what this canyon now looks like since the fire!
RTM CG - Last stop down the Swift Trail was made at RTM for sunset and a walk down to Noon Creek.

No ladybugs,spotted owls or apples, but I did get my berries!
Along the way I spotted - 3 deer, 2 Abert's, turkey vultures, skunk, Mexican jays & a bobcat. Also heard but not spotted were many turkeys (Bear Canyon) and something big breaking tree limbs down in Dutch Henry Canyon ..... maybe a Preston Yeti?
I choose the East side on this day because all of these trails/area were Not affected by the Frye Fire and all looked great ..... I needed a no burn day :)
Wonderful trip!
:DANCE:
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Light to Moderate

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

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Twilight Spring Dripping Dripping

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Wet Canyon Light flow Light flow
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Dec 24 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Shannon CampgroundTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Car Camping avatar Dec 24 2017
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Car Camping
Car Camping   6 Hrs      0.00 mph
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Day camp with breakfast in the snow up high.
Wonderful Christmas Eve day.
:D
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Oct 06 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Noon Creek Ridge Trail #318Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 06 2017
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking8.30 Miles 1,350 AEG
Hiking8.30 Miles
1,350 ft AEG
 no routes
Got on Noon Creek Loop before sunrise.
Watched the sun come up on Noon Creek Ridge.
Exited down on the cutoff trail.
Swift Trail up to Arcadia.
Wet Canyon down.
Swift Trail back to the start for the figure 8.
The Noon Creek trails were great! Very scenic and a lot of fun. The Ridge and Cutoff trails are a little overgrown, but nothing too difficult to follow.
Arcadia and the Swift Trail as beautiful as always.

Wet Canyon ..... WOW ..... it was like hiking down a brand new canyon! Major flooding has altered this canyon beyond belief. I will dearly miss the old canyon that was chocked full of thick foliage and wonderful plant life ..... but this new look of a wider, deeper, boulder blanketed with new waterfalls and now clear of obstructions up & down looked something special to me ..... I think many will like it too. I just hope FS rebuilds the old picnic grounds at the lower bridge.

Another good one on Graham!
:D
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Wet Canyon Light flow Light flow
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
  1 archive
Aug 13 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Mount Baldy Peak 8359 - Pinaleno MtnsTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 13 2017
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Hiking4.30 Miles 1,250 AEG
Hiking4.30 Miles
1,250 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Swift Trail (366) has been re-opened up to Ladybug Saddle ..... again. Flooding continues to be a problem at Wet Canyon and has closed the road I believe 3 times now since the Frye Fire.

Headed up with the first stop at Wet Canyon crossing. And as pre-warned, ADOT has removed the old 1935 historic CCC bridge. Another historic Pinaleno structure lost forever :pk: ! The flooding at Wet Canyon has been violent and I along with a few others were shocked at the "new" look of the entrance to this most loved canyon/picnic area, but to remove the old bridge was IMO unnecessary & lazy. ADOT does own the road (and old bridge) and because of that can do as they please ..... whatever!

I then drove up to Arcadia CG and hiked down to Upper Wet Canyon. Again as the lower crossing, completely changed forever from the flooding, but in a good cleaned out/opened up way. Before/after pics won't be believed to those who know Wet Canyon. Then it was off to my main hike for the day up to Mount Baldy Peak.

Took Turkey Flat up, hung a right onto the Ladybug Trail, then off-trailed up to the peak. Took in the outstanding views on top, ate lunch & signed the ammo box register before leaving. Beautiful hike back down through the pines on this very scenic trail.

Last stop was on the drive back down to Noon Creek to check things out. This is the lowest burn area on this side of the mountain and all trails here are posted closed indefinitely, the picnic grounds are open.

Wildlife spotted - 6 white-tails, 4 Abert's, skunk, spiny lizards, butterflies and many vocal hawks & vultures up high.

:( & :x & :D

Mount Baldy Peak views -
[ youtube video ]
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Noon Creek Medium flow Medium flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Wet Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Aug 24 2016
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,607

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Arcadia CampgroundTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Car Camping avatar Aug 24 2016
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,607
Car Camping
Car Camping1 Day         
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners partners
AddSanz
Farewell overnight camping trip for our friend Lauren who will be leaving us soon for a new opportunity.
We chose Arcadia Campground up in the pines, site #15
The trip included - 2 hammocks, 1 tent, a short-n-sweet hike down to Upper Wet Canyon, a brief rain storm forcing us into the car to ride out, adult beverages, snacks, campfire, white-tail doe, skunk, stars, and story's with laughs of our times together at work & play.
Thank You Lauren ..... :lone:
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
average hiking speed 1.94 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.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker