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| Backpack | 17.00 Miles |
3,200 AEG |
| | Backpack | 17.00 Miles | | | |
| 3,200 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | My plan for this backpacking trip didn't really work out because of the lack of water. The only available water appeared to be within 1 mile of the trailhead from a series of 4 springs that collectively appear to be called Nelson Place spring.
If I would offer a suggestion it would be to explore the Pine Mountain Wilderness via dayhiking. The Salt Flat campground area is pretty nice, though you have to bring all your water with you.
I would also warn potential backpackers that other triplogs reporting water for "several miles along the start of their hike" probably aren't really counting their distance and don't realize that the water ends after the first mile.
While the Nelson trail was in good shape, most of the other trails are in poor condition. The worst was the Salt Flat connector trail, and the second worst was the Verde Rim trail. Surprisingly you will find cows along every trail, including at the top of Pine Mountain itself!
I ran through 90% of my water when I was only halfway through my Saturday loop, likely due to the higher than forecast temperatures, so I struggled to finish the trip.
Takeaways:
The spring fed areas along Nelson trail are very nice, and I was surprised to see all the trout.
Pine Mountain is an enjoyable destination, and there are great views of the entire Mazatzals from the top.
The rest of the trails suffer from significant overgrowth. Some also suffer from not-existingness in sections. There was easily a half mile stretch of Pine Flat trail where I didn't see any evidence of a trail.
For some reason, once you get away from Nelson trail by more than a quarter mile (except Pine Mtn itself), you will only see Junipers, no pine trees.
Driving: Lots of triplogs speak to road conditions. I would say the last 7 miles to the trailhead is rated a high clearance rd. I think 2wd with limited slip differential or else 4wd is helpful due to the rough road. From highway 17 to trailhead took 60 minutes. From trailhead to highway 17 took 56 minutes. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Beehouse Spring |
Dry |
Dry |
| | | I was on the lookout for this spring, but didn't see anything wet. |
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Bishop Spring |
Dry |
Dry |
| | | No water in this area that I saw, perhaps I didn't go far enough off trail downcanyon? |
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Nelson Place Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| | | A lifesaver. Collectively the 4 different areas water came out of the ground probably add up to 100 gallons per minute. |
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Willow Spring |
Dry |
Dry |
| | | Perhaps I missed the spring, but didn't find anything. | | _____________________
http://hikearizona.com/garmin_maps.php
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife! |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
