La Barge Canyon View • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 03 2023
		hikemonk • Triplogs 206

Hiking	6.60 Miles	1,972 AEG

Hiking	6.60 Miles
	1,972 ft AEG

no routes

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Went all the way down to the canyon, but flow was too heavy to cross for today.

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Feb 11 2023

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

La Barcaza, AZ

Hiking		Feb 11 2023
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	15.05 Miles	2,861 AEG

Hiking	15.05 Miles	7 Hrs 10 Mns	2.25 mph
	2,861 ft AEG	28 Mns Break

no routes

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La Barge Lowest Loop

Cavalry Trail #239

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John9L

This one was John's plan but I was at least reasonably intrigued as the last time I tried to do the upper loop I got flashed out by post-fire mud flow. Having never hiked out via the lower creek, I penciled that in for the day as well.

It was insanely cold and windy to start as we took 103 up the hill. Dropping down to the creek we dodged water all the way upstream to Cavalry -- save for one poor choice -- before cutting across to Boulder Canyon. Here we saw our only people on the day, a group of likely human traffickers in town for the game, though the girls did not blink twice when we prompted them to, so on we went.

We cut the corner taking the short stretch along Boulder before meeting up with La Barge again. Any attempts to stay dry ended here, but it was an absolutely great stretch of canyon, and one I'm sorry its taken so long for me to explore. I'll be back!

After a short break at the lake, we pieced together some use trails up to 103 and back to the car for the typically annoying 88 drive back to AJ. Great day!

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Dec 11 2021

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 11 2021
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	13.92 Miles	3,696 AEG

Hiking	13.92 Miles	8 Hrs 32 Mns	2.06 mph
	3,696 ft AEG	1 Hour 47 Mns Break

no routes

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Battleship Mountain - Superstitions

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	John9L	patrickakabird
	Shewentoutwest

Patrick and Asia and I invited ourselves to join Bree, Allie, Jessie, Ryan, and 9L for a Battleship Summit. I did influence the selected route so we ended up starting from Boulder Canyon and doing a loop into La Barge with a nice visit to the box. A few in our group had never been up Battleship, so it was fun to introduce them to the place that toughboots ruined forever.

Not much traffic out there today, but a pair of hikers who were up there after us spooked a bighorn from the plateau below the summit. I'm sorry we missed that one today as it's been a couple of visits since I've seen sheep up there.

We took a break at the box before heading back downstream. I've never done lower Boulder, and neither had 9L, so with uncertainty ahead we opted instead to take 103 back the way we came.

Another great day in the stits.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Old Rusty Stuff

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

1 archive

May 22 2021

Daytripper

Guides 7
Routes 187
Photos 2,318
Triplogs 909

74 male

Joined Dec 10 2016
Gold Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 22 2021
		Daytripper • Triplogs 909

Hiking	5.58 Miles	1,509 AEG

Hiking	5.58 Miles	3 Hrs 5 Mns	2.03 mph
	1,509 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Great temps today for a hike ,had to break my rule of no weekend hikes and also usually avoid consecutive day hiking. Few cars at Canyon Lake marina , on return was quite a mob all over Canyon Lake. Decided to go as far as La Barge but not the box, ended up scrambling up some rock formation overlooking the dry creek but soaked in some of the best views of the Superstition Wilderness. Appears this may be a weekend workout hike for some of the younger folks I saw , some even jogging up to the first viewpoint above the lake. Looked like a regatta going on in the lake and as mentioned parking lots were full with lots of roadside parking. Good workout with nice views but still a slog coming up from La Barge. Expect it might be the last cool day before October

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Navy31 Army13

Feb 15 2021

Daytripper

Guides 7
Routes 187
Photos 2,318
Triplogs 909

74 male

Joined Dec 10 2016
Gold Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 15 2021
		Daytripper • Triplogs 909

Hiking	5.80 Miles	1,560 AEG

Hiking	5.80 Miles
	1,560 ft AEG		14 LBS Pack

no routes

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Had forgotten it was a holiday since I’m off everyday , pulled in to the Canyon Lake Marina to see a group of 12 gearing up, while taking my time another group of 6 and then a couple all launched before me. While waiting a bit at the chilly windy trailhead met a friendly young man , Derrick, and his dog Ray or Rainer , he was going to wait for his girlfriend to run the trail. As more vehicles arrived decided to risk the gauntlet of passing a large number of hikers and went ahead , then decided to take the unofficial trail a little north of main Boulder Canyon Trail thought I might get ahead of the big group. I did get ahead of the smaller groups but ended up right behind the big one. Decided to hang back as the prime picture spot for the lake was a short ways ahead and correctly assumed they would stop there. Engaged with a lone straggler at the back of the group, found him to be a kindred spirit as far as hiking navigation, when asked where they were going he replied ,while pointing eastward , going to a canyon he did not know the name of ,said he was just following the group. When they stopped to rest and take pictures I approached the lead fellow and told him I was joining up and asked where we were going he seemed too startled to answer so then I said just kidding to which the crowd chuckled. Moving on the views improved and was nice to see some of the char free Wilderness . Nice to see Battleship, the Tugboat and Weavers Needle lining up. About the time I was going off trail Derrick with his dog and girlfriend Katy caught up , he greeted me joyfully like a long lost friend that owed him money. This bewildered Katy and she insisted on knowing where we met and how long we had known each other, wait for it, I replied we went way way back , or at least 2 miles anyway, she laughed and said that that was hilarious, no eye rolling detected. Sometimes you meet the nicest people when hiking.Went off the trail at a drainage but not on the official route,climbed through the fence opening next to where it is bolted to a rock , not sure why the fence is there but looks like some digging went on in the area saw the rusted baking pan they left behind. Vegetation was definitely present but not too difficult to avoid. Worked my way south and west along hill tops, route scout was working until I took so many pictures it blew its flux capacitor

Decided to have a snack about where I turned around, brought binoculars along which was nice for the viewing, I could see 6 people coming down La Barge Canyon, could make out Thompson peak , Mount Ord and also the massacre falls with its now noticeable white flow tract all were too far to photograph well despite the clear air. No wildlife spotted though

Noticed a large monument sized cairn so I went over to it , still not sure what it is for. Took a different track back , mostly a deer path that led to their bed down area. Saw about 8 to 10 others on the way down, hard to quantitate but I thought the unofficial trail had less loose rocks so I went back down that way also. Nice to find some solitude today despite the otherwise busy trails, plus Apache Trail was less busy on the way back than I anticipated.

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Navy31 Army13

Dec 27 2020

hikerdw

Routes 268
Photos 2,969
Triplogs 541

66 male

Joined Aug 16 2009
Mesa,AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 27 2020
		hikerdw • Triplogs 541

Hiking	8.14 Miles	2,550 AEG

Hiking	8.14 Miles	4 Hrs 40 Mns	1.99 mph
	2,550 ft AEG	34 Mns Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Was looking for something somewhat new and recalled a recent post by @rayhuston for this hike so thought we would give it a go.

Arrived at the TH about 0740 and started hiking close to 0800. Passed several groups ahead of us on the climb up and exited the trail at the @wallyfrack point to hike the horseshoe loop in a CW direction. Great views along the way and the off trail hiking was easy to moderate which was nice. One of my goals was to check out a campsite on one of the lower saddles but I was unable to locate a safe way down from the top so we continued the horseshoe loop jumping back on Boulder Canyon and then dropped down to La Barge Canyon and hoofed it up a very steep, loose scree, route to the saddle. Had lunch at the campsite on the saddle. During our break we saw what looked like a doable route back up to the ridge which worked out great and saved us probably 30-40 minutes.

Boulder Canyon Trail was normal busy for a holiday weekend but saw no others while we were off trail. Temps were really nice, warm but the cool breeze made it comfortable hiking in pants and a long sleeve.

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Expect to self rescue

Dec 19 2020

ddgrunning

Guides 3
Routes 632
Photos 8,235
Triplogs 604

54 male

Joined Apr 13 2011
Gilbert, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 19 2020
		ddgrunning • Triplogs 604

Hiking	14.89 Miles	3,563 AEG

Hiking	14.89 Miles	7 Hrs 54 Mns	2.14 mph
	3,563 ft AEG	56 Mns Break

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Battleship Mountain - Superstitions

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

My son and I set off from the Canyon Lake Marina just before 7 am. The “in” gate to the marina doesn’t open till 8 am, but entering through the exit gets you to the parking area.

Temps were a little chilly, but the 700 ft climb right out of the gate gets the blood pumping.

By the time we crested the initial hill, the coming dawn opened up a nice view back toward the lake with a pinkish hue on the northwestern horizon.

At the Indian paint mine, we ran into our first company—a couple of guys who were planning to hit up the Battleship. We informed them they missed their turn. We told them we were headed there, but they could also circle back on the LaBarge side. They decided to head that direction, and we parted ways.

From the paint mine to the second water trail junction was the coldest section of the hike. We still hadn’t seen the sun but were anxious to meet it past the second water junction.

About 1/4 mile before the turn up to Battleship, we met a couple more hikers who were backtracking in the opposite direction—also headed to Battleship and thinking they had missed the optimal turn up. I told them they were welcome to try their luck wherever, but suggested that the easier routes still lay further down a bit. They were convinced and trailed us to our chosen turn up—which incidentally is somewhat before the one reflected on the official HAZ route.

We were happy with our choice, which ended up being a pretty clear and well cairned route.

Clambering across the spine turned out to involve a bit more scrambling than I had recalled, but was a lot of fun.

We made it to the summit and had it to ourselves for 15 minutes or so until our trailing hikers arrived. After a bit though, we could see that Battleship was shaping up to be a popular destination on the day—with several groups making their way across the spine.

After backtracking across the spine, we swung east and dropped down into the LaBarge drainage. This was a section I hadn’t previously hiked, and it was the gem of the trip for me. The route down to the Box was clear and didn’t require any bushwhacking.

At the entrance to the Box was a large pool of water next to a fantastic camping spot. The shaded pool was a perfect reflection pond for the west-facing cliff face that was drenched in afternoon sun. We took lots of pictures and had a great time exploring up the Box. Lots of pools and plenty of water for filtering. What a cool area—definitely exceeded my expectations.

After taking in our fill of the Box, we tackled the northbound route through LaBarge. This involved a little bushwhacking, and boulder hopping, but again was more tame than anticipated.

Once we reconnected with the actual trail, we cruised back to the trailhead.

Turned out to be another great day in the Supes.

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3 archives

Oct 26 2020

rayhuston

Guides 1
Routes 447
Photos 4,407
Triplogs 938

68 male

Joined Mar 09 2012
Gilbert, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 26 2020
		rayhuston • Triplogs 938

Hiking	6.11 Miles	1,647 AEG

Hiking	6.11 Miles	3 Hrs 45 Mns	1.77 mph
	1,647 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

no routes

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[ checklist ] La Barge Canyon Superstition Wilderness - West

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The La Barge Canyon View is something that I looked at a few times but never really had an interest in until recently. Today I decided to go check out the views.

I cobbled together a couple of tracks for this hike, one being the official route, the other posted by @wallyfrack on his way to Geronimo Head. Since this was a wander more than a destination, I used landmarks as my guide and checked the track occasionally to make sure I was going where I wanted to go. I liked Wally's route on the way up. There is some scrambling at the beginning, but mostly easy walking after the first ridge.

There are some cool rock formations and very steep canyons at the high point on this route. Nice views all around. Looking down into the canyons made my legs a little wobbly. The brave and adventurous can continue across the steep chasm to the east to reach the Geronimo Head plateau as Wally did, or circle around and join the official La Barge Canyon View route as I did, making for a nice lollypop loop. Stay close to the ledge overlooking La Barge Canyon on the way back for the best views.

7:30 start. I didn't see anyone until I passed a few couples as I was returning on the Boulder Canyon trail. I was expecting sunshine, but it was mostly overcast. The wind picked up, too, which gave me chills a few times and made me more than a little nervous walking out to the ledges for those views.

Fun route. I will definitely do this again when it's clear and not so windy.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

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3 archives

Nov 20 2019

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Soups, AZ

Hiking		Nov 20 2019
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	15.14 Miles	2,644 AEG

Hiking	15.14 Miles	6 Hrs 32 Mns	2.66 mph
	2,644 ft AEG	51 Mns Break

no routes

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Cavalry Trail #239

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Decided to play in the Soups. Lots of options loaded, decisions to be made based on conditions. It was surprisingly dry. No flow in the creek at the lake. Huh.

Random drainages had light flow and falls, but nothing in the bottom. Odd.

Ran into a backpacker on his way out. He saw a rattlesnake yesterday.

Boulder Canyon was mostly dry. Some areas of pools. One area of light flow. I decided the lower than expected water would make the box a nice spot so skipped the battleship turn and headed up Cavalry to do the full loop.

Got to La Barge and it had flashed since my previous crossing below battleship. It was black with ash from the fire. There would be no going down this canyon today. I hadn't brought a floatie! So ... back the way I came.

Considered crossing over the stern to check out the box from above, but was already pushing my miles and wasn't sure I'd get back across downstream anyway. Might have to bail to 1st water and phone a friend.

At La Barge again, I poked the shame sticks carefully. There was good flow, but despite the ashen color, it wasn't "thick", which I had feared. I managed to keep the boys dry and get across for the climb back out. I'd guess only 60-80cfs at the time, which I was happy about.

Back at the marina, I took the 2 mile detour to the flats. Flow in the creek there was not fire-charred and was low enough that I would not have hesitated driving across if not for the closure.

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

1 archive

Jan 07 2019

Daytripper

Guides 7
Routes 187
Photos 2,318
Triplogs 909

74 male

Joined Dec 10 2016
Gold Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 07 2019
		Daytripper • Triplogs 909

Hiking	9.60 Miles	1,990 AEG

Hiking	9.60 Miles
	1,990 ft AEG

no routes

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After avoiding Apache Trail past First Water road for all of 2018, to avoid the construction ,it was nice to return to this area. The road is nice and smooth now but alas no bike lanes included. Started hiking from the Canyon Lake Marina with a quick warm up to nice views of Canyon Lake, down to a waterless La Barge creek . On the return decided to explore the peaks and ridges above the trail. Ascended from the creek then a right turn off the trail heading up to a ridgeline choosing a path to avoid vegetation. Checked out several high points as I moved generally south, route scout rested itself today due to less than 12 feet accuracy, but using a garmin marked a couple of waypoints ,one high point of 2670 which had a ridgeline extending to the base of Geronimo Head just east of the cliff face, save that possibility for another day. Returned by a different route and as I neared the trail passed by a barbed wire fence the end bolted into rocks I recalled having encountered it a few years back not sure of it’s purpose. Entertained by a red tailed hawk soaring above the canyon during a break, returned to the marina having seen about 10 other hikers all day only on Boulder Canyon trail.

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Navy31 Army13

Dec 30 2017

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Battleship via Canyon Lake, AZ

Hiking		Dec 30 2017
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	12.80 Miles	3,100 AEG

Hiking	12.80 Miles	7 Hrs 35 Mns		2.07 mph
	3,100 ft AEG	1 Hour 24 Mns Break	4 LBS Pack

no routes

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Boulder Creek at #103 / #236 Jct

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8 partners

	Dave1	Eaglet
	JuanJaimeiii	rayhuston
	The_Eagle	Tortoise_Hiker
	trekkin_gecko	wallyfrack

Kelly has the full replay

What motivates a group of nine to wake up early to go exercise and freeze? The hike or company are strong candidates.

Battleship beat me today down the balance beam spine. In retrospect backwards may have been the ticket. I didn't expect to conquer the short bomber grip climb and it was fun getting to the spine. Everyone helped, I enjoyed stepping on Denny's back to get up the little five foot pitch.

Turning around I met Kayla and Amanda. We hiked the half mile back to the saddle then had to part ways as they started at First Water.

The New Year's gang returned and we headed down to La Barge box. Which is an underrated destination. Boulder hopping back to Boulder Canyon Trail was scenic as Autumn Foliage keeps delivering magic.

Most of the group rejoined at Carolina's. We shut the place down I tell ya!

Water
Carried 48 oz, consumed 40 oz

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
La Barge Canyon was a sweet surprise

Dry

	La Barge Box	Light flow	Light flow
	Very light flow. Huge clear pools certainly won't be going dry anytime soon.

La Barge Creek - E of Battleship Mtn

Dry

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- joe

Dec 30 2017

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Battleship via Canyon Lake, AZ

Hiking		Dec 30 2017
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	13.62 Miles	3,735 AEG

Hiking	13.62 Miles	7 Hrs 25 Mns		2.02 mph
	3,735 ft AEG	41 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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Boulder Creek at #103 / #236 Jct

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8 partners

	Dave1	Eaglet
	joebartels	JuanJaimeiii
	lil_tortoise_hiker	rayhuston
	Tortoise_Hiker	wallyfrack

Year 8 that Denny and I have been doing a NYE-ish hike. We picked up a few new misfits to join us.

A brisk 7am start, but nothing steady 700' climb in the first 1.25 miles wouldn't take care of.
Dropping into LaBarge Canyon, it cooled right down again.

Since Ben was with me, I payed the extra $25 for the tour guide commentary. Paint Mine, cave with a cross, old homesteads, mountainside mines, old beds, wheelbarrows, gold stash, caves with eyes, were just a few of the highlights.

As other have mentioned, the trip to the top is pretty well defined now. once up top, I don't think I've taken exact route ever. We lost Ray to an injury and Joe an area that was not safe for him to negotiate, so we were down to 7 at the summit. I took Kelly and Ben out to the Bow to check out the sweet views before returning to meet the others back down at the saddle.

LaBarge Box is always a geological marvel to visit. The water was low, but flowing.

Some boulder hopping, 2 dead foxes and Aylor's place, highlighted the trip back.

LOTS of people out enjoying the day.

Great finally hiking with Kelly.
Wally, JJ, Dave far too long
Ray get better my friend
Ben, always a treat to share the outdoors with you son.
Joe, Denny.... as always, enjoyable

Thanks all

The past 7
12/31/10 South Mountain 620 Trail Loop, AZ
12/31/11 Phoenix 7 Summit Challenge, AZ
12/30/12 Battleship Loop via Canyon Lake, AZ - W/ Joe & Dave
12/28/13 Picketpost-Up-Down-and Around, AZ w/ Joe
12/27/14 The Needle via the Hassayampa - w/ LP, lil_Denny
01/02/16 Battleship - Garden Valley Bull Run Loop - w/ Dave, Father Dave, Joe, lil_Denny , Ray, Wally, LP
12/31/16 Superstition Peak via Hiero - w/ Dave, JJ, Wally, LP

HAZpy New Year to All!

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Weavers Needle

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
some color was enjoyed

Dry

La Barge at Boulder Creek Trail #103

Dry

La Barge Creek - E of Battleship Mtn

Dry

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Jan 29 2017

hikemonk

Photos 1,217
Triplogs 206

68 male

Joined Aug 04 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 29 2017
		hikemonk • Triplogs 206

Hiking	4.60 Miles	930 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles
	930 ft AEG		12 LBS Pack

no routes

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Short, but always a great view!

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Apr 16 2016

Nightstalker

Routes 189
Photos 7,236
Triplogs 1,740

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 16 2016
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,740

Hiking	13.40 Miles	2,678 AEG

Hiking	13.40 Miles	8 Hrs 31 Mns		1.97 mph
	2,678 ft AEG	1 Hour 42 Mns Break	16 LBS Pack

no routes

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La Barge Lowest Loop

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Decided to follow bensondk's description from Jan 2013. Trail was easy enough to follow up until the trail split over to Boulder Canyon. Rock hopped up La Barge Canyon up to the box with some moderate route finding. The box section is spectacular! The trail up to the saddle from the campsite was easy to find and follow. Dropped down off the saddle to Boulder Creek, trail was easy to follow up to the La Barge split. We rock hopped and bushwacked for a half mile further down Boulder Creek until we found the route impassable with overgrowth and deep, dark, murky water. The sound of a rattlesnake in the tall, thick grass sealed the deal and we returned to the La Barge split and followed that trail past the old mine and returned the rest of the way we came. This choice added many additional miles and AEG! We were beat! Cold drinks and some grub at the marina were the perfect finish to a long hard hot hike!

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Plenty of cactus blooms.

	Boulder Canyon	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Deep pools!

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Nov 07 2015

hikemonk

Photos 1,217
Triplogs 206

68 male

Joined Aug 04 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 07 2015
		hikemonk • Triplogs 206

Hiking	4.60 Miles	930 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles
	930 ft AEG		12 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

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no linked trail guides

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Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Reptile Molt

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Apr 18 2014

DaddyLongLegs

Guides 1
Photos 64
Triplogs 44

66 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 18 2014
		DaddyLongLegs • Triplogs 44

Hiking	4.60 Miles	930 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	5 Hrs 30 Mns	1.31 mph
	930 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break

no routes

no photosets

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This was a long awaited hike, since first reading about it more than a 3 years ago. I made an attempt on this about 3 years ago late in the afternoon but ran out of time as sunset was approaching and needed to get back for dinner. I was eager to do it again.

So, it was a nice April day, overcast and cool, good to be on the train again. The high was expected to be 85 degrees. It was my fourth time on the Boulder Canyon Trail. I really enjoy this view of the Superstitions. We had the whole day ahead of us. :GB:

The familiar views of Canyon Lake, the Boulder Canyon, Weavers Needle, and Battleship were like a warm welcome to this returning hiker. We initially expected this would be an out and back, but then after enjoying the terrain and the peaceful surroundings we decided to make it a loop.

It was an moderate to easy climb up to the ridge. We choose to turn left off the Boulder Canyon trail just above the ravine. (a little further than suggested on the route) The view is best as you stay to the right and traverse up on the ridge. It's a cool drop off. I love being up high and looking down. Once on top, we got a clear view of Tortilla Flats. Four orange school buses caught my eye as they passed through the town far below.

I enjoyed the off trail portion. It was fairly easy to maneuver around the small brushes and scramble up the rocks. I always get a little nervous about finding snakes but there was not a single sighting. I like seeing snakes as long as I don't get too close t0o quick! :scared:

This was one of those times when my friend and I thought, "I wonder what it would be like to make this loop." The rim of the large bowl to the north of us looked inviting. As I studied the topo I found a couple of routes back to the trail. From the high point, we continued north along the ridge and began to find our way around the rim, slowly traversing down toward the west. This route naturally led us down to a dry creek bed where water obviously flows during heavy rains. We stayed up above the creek bed as long as we could, to avoid the larger plants and bushes. Eventually, the Boulder Canyon trail became visible when we came to a drop off. There were larger boulders and a steeper climb down but it was not too difficult to make our way down to the trail.

It was a nice hike, very secluded & quiet. :--:

I'd do it again.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

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Apr 12 2014

cdeperro

Guides 3
Routes 43
Photos 666
Triplogs 41

54 male

Joined Jun 17 2013
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 12 2014
		cdeperro • Triplogs 41

Hiking	4.60 Miles	930 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	2 Hrs 49 Mns	1.63 mph
	930 ft AEG

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This hike is just an out-and-back hike on the Boulder Canyon Trail #103 to the excellent LaBarge Canyon view, about 2.5 miles from the Canyon Lake Marina trailhead at AZ 88. I was looking for a nice half-day hike for a hiking group with a great view, and this is it. I've been wanting to try hiking down to the LaBarge Box too but time did not allow for that this time.

I will say that if you're aim is to see the LaBarge Canyon view, as was mine, you are best doing it in the afternoon. This hike generally traverses to the southeast, which means you would walk into the sun in the morning, and then your view into LaBarge Canyon is also to the southeast, meaning that your pictures will be into the sun. I noticed this on some other photosets for this hike. If you compare the pics I've posted to some others, you should notice the difference in the view. I think it's far more stunning in the later afternoon, reminiscent of a mini-Yosemite Valley, with Battleship Mountain as the equivalent of Yosemite's Half Dome.

This trail has absolutely no shade so make sure it's not too hot do this in the afternoon! I probably wouldn't try this in the afternoon much after early May, until perhaps October. And be careful on some of the loose rocks in the initial large ascent.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Informational/Interpretive Sign

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1 archive

Nov 10 2013

Uberdroog

Guides 2
Routes 174
Photos 1,554
Triplogs 179

47 male

Joined Jul 01 2011
Wexford, PA

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 10 2013
		Uberdroog • Triplogs 179

Hiking	11.09 Miles	3,609 AEG

Hiking	11.09 Miles	5 Hrs 34 Mns		2.26 mph
	3,609 ft AEG	40 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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This is the first time i have been out this way. Beautiful. It was a good hike with more bolder hoping than I would have preferred. The start of the trail is a nice burner up the hill but it evens out and gives some great views of the adventure ahead. I want to come back and explore more of the canyon. The way back was boulders every step of the way. We thought we were making good time until the canyon denied us. There are some parts that are make your own way when it is not obvious or cairned. My feet and ankles hurt after this one. We did see three separate tarantulas so that was pretty worth while.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Honeysuckle

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Tarantula

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Where there was deep water some big trees had some color.

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Apr 07 2013

josetoe5

Routes 8
Photos 163
Triplogs 19

male

Joined Jan 09 2011
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 07 2013
		josetoe5 • Triplogs 19

Hiking	4.60 Miles	930 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	2 Hrs 30 Mns	1.84 mph
	930 ft AEG

no routes

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no linked trail guides

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Having hiked the battleship a month or so ago from First Water trailhead, I wanted to check out the approach from Canyon Lake. I definitely enjoyed the views more than the pretty tame first few miles when hiking on the First Water trail.

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Sep 22 2012

charlieaz

Guides 8
Routes 20
Photos 512
Triplogs 194

54 male

Joined Apr 22 2008
Mesa, AZ