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Tutt Creek Trail #105 - 3 members in 3 triplogs have rated this an average 2.7 ( 1 to 5 best )
3 triplogs
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Jun 04 2023
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Red Hill loop, AZ 
Red Hill loop, AZ
 
Run/Jog avatar Jun 04 2023
ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356
Run/Jog19.45 Miles 3,735 AEG
Run/Jog19.45 Miles   6 Hrs   34 Mns   3.04 mph
3,735 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Red Hill Trail #56
Horse Ridge Trail #38
Tutt Creek Trail #105
Foote Creek Trail #76
Partners none no partners
Had a few options I was waffling between, but shortest drive ultimately won out. Plan was to go down Red Hill Trail, and head across Tutt Creek trail to connect with Foote Creek and Horse Ridge. Decided to start at Red Hill TH and go CW because Foote Creek looked to be the most sure water source. I also figured if any of these trails was in absolutely horrible shape, there might be a bail-out option involving hitchhiking.

Started at around 7:30am, the first part of Red Hill on the north side of the rim is high-elevation burn scar, so probably great raspberry picking in a couple months. Once over the ridge, vegetation changes to the drier variety. Great views from the ridge, and the trail wasn't hard to follow for the first 4 miles. After that, there are some overgrown parts and an occasional need to stop and look for the trail. At one point, the trail splits, with one going up and over a ridge, and one contouring around the side. I took the side route, although for a couple hundred feet it's pretty washed out and slightly hairy.

Eventually got down to Bush Creek, which was flowing at the first trail crossing. Lots of cattle in the area so I probably wouldn't touch it. About a quarter of a mile down Bush, I walked up on a mama bear and a cub. Let them know I was there and they cleared out without too much a fuss. Trail is hard to follow in parts of Bush Creek, although if you lose it, you can just go downstream.

Got to Tutt Creek Trail 8 miles in. This trail was in much better shape, and pretty easy to follow all the way to Foote Creek. Drank some water at the spring, which was flowing nicely. The drop down into Foote Creek was a bit rougher and had a little bit of catclaw, but wasn't too bad.

Foote Creek Trail was pretty spotty. A few minutes in, I unknowingly walked right by a napping bear, who got up, looked at me, and ran off like a frightened deer. At one point I lost the trail and stumbled on a nice big pool with a couple of waterfalls, which you miss if you're on trail. Got the the spring, drank more water, and took some extra with me just in case. From the spring up to the Horse Ridge junction, the going was easier.

I was planning on Horse Ridge being the worst part of the day. The first big climb ascends about 700 in 3/4 mile. Once gaining the ridge, there is a relatively level mile with sweeping views. I actually really enjoyed this trail, although I might have had a different opinion if it weren't for some clouds and a nice breeze. After passing a spot where the ridge pinches off into what I'm calling the Causeway, the climbing resumes. That last mile and a half to the top was an absolute grind.

From Horse Ridge TH, is was mostly just following 191 for a half mile or so, then going cross country for a more direct route back to Red Hill TH.

This loop was actually much better than I expected it to be. I think I can actually kinda recommend it (although a day that's not too sunny is ideal). Horse Ridge Trail is in outstanding shape, so now's the time to do it.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Bear Mountain  Castle Rock

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Bush Creek Light flow Light flow
Intermittent flow along Red Hill Trail. Dry at Tutt Creek.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Cleveland Spring Dripping Dripping
A couple of little puddles.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Foote Creek Medium flow Medium flow
Solid flow from Tutt Creek Trail up to the spring. Intermittent flow from the spring up to Horse Ridge Trail.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Tutt Creek Light flow Light flow
More or less consistent flow up to the spring, which has good water for filtering. Dry above the spring.
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  1 archive
Jun 25 2018
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 Guides 107
 Routes 249
 Photos 2,067
 Triplogs 514

male
 Joined Nov 18 2005
 Phoenix, AZ
Blue Crossing CampgroundAlpine, AZ
Blue Crossing Campground
Alpine, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 25 2018
nonot • Triplogs 514
Hiking35.17 Miles 7,090 AEG
Hiking35.17 Miles
7,090 ft AEG20 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   8 linked trail guides
Tutt Creek Trail #105
S Canyon #53
Lanphier Trail #52
Sawmill Trail #39
Largo Trail #51
Cow Flat Trail #55
WS Lake Trail #54
Foote Creek Trail #76
Partners none no partners
It was far too hot to be enjoyable, but I was looking to do some heat training hikes so this fit the bill. I would not recommend this time of year to visit the Blue, it was 90 degrees by 9:30 AM and stayed at least that hot until 7 PM each day.

It is quite the drought, and the Blue River itself dries up before reaching Sawmill trailhead.

Highlight was seeing a bear on day 3. Saw dozens of elk and deer, because of the dry conditions I think they are all getting driven down into the Blue River valley in search of water.

Day 1: Up S Canyon, along Cow Flat, down Lanphier
Day 2: Tutt Creek and a bit of Foote Creek
Day 3: Up Largo, to WS Lake to get tot the top of Bear Mtn, down Sawmill

The forest service appears to take trail maintenance seriously, though there are some newish fallen trees. The worst is the middle part of Sawmill trail, where it is heavily eroded before reaching telephone ridge, and the trail is also getting eaten by brush.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
A few prickly poppies

dry A Spring Dry Dry
Dry in the area

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Cashier Spring Dripping Dripping
Muddy ground here, but it was wet

dry Cleveland Spring Dry Dry

dry Cow Flat Spring Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Dutch Oven Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
The spring catchment was full, though it was muddy.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Foote Creek Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
Middle Foote Creek was dry at Tutt Creek Trail intersection, but was trickles and pools the next mile upstream

dry Franz Spring Dry Dry

dry Indian Canyon Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Lanphier Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
The lower 2 miles of Lanphier had good flow, the upper part of the canyon was dry

dry Largo Creek Dry Dry

dry Maple Spring Dry Dry

dry Right Fork Foote Creek Dry Dry

dry S Canyon Dry Dry

dry Tutt Creek Dry Dry

dry Whoa Canyon Dry Dry
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  2 archives
Sep 05 2016
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 Guides 37
 Routes 556
 Photos 10,872
 Triplogs 1,052

43 male
 Joined Jan 21 2013
 AZ
Tutt Creek Trail #105Alpine, AZ
Tutt Creek Trail #105
Alpine, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2016
FOTG • Triplogs 1,052
Hiking7.63 Miles 1,577 AEG
Hiking7.63 Miles   3 Hrs   33 Mns   2.31 mph
1,577 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Foote Creek Trail #76
Blue Crossing Campground
Partners none no partners
This one was only on the radar because someone may be chasing some silly completion list thing on HAZ. My expectations were very tempered going into the hike and I warned Jackie that it could end up being a little dull. However, much to my satisfaction the hike proved to be rather pleasant with a nice ending point and destination along the perennial Foot Creek.

We got a rather early start to beat the sun and enjoyed a nice chilly start to the day. The trail was in pretty good condition overall and there were several areas of nice forest on the way to Foote Creek. There is a pretty good climb during the middle miles to clear the ridgeline that divides the Foote Creek drainage, but its not too overwhelming and goes pretty quick. The tread is a little thin and the grade is steep, as you descend into Foote Creek, but there are no real route finding issues. Judging from the minnows, Foote Creek is perennial where Tutt Creek Trail ends and the area is pretty nice in general at the area where the creek's other main fork joins the main body of Foote. Wanting to beat the sun on the way out, we only went a few hundred feet up Foote Creek Trail and then enjoyed a quick break along the creek. It did get a little warm on the way out, but there was enough shade to break up the sun and just enough water to keep the dogs happy.

This trail exceeded my expectations and piqued my interests for that area a little. I bet this trail has a lot of potential during the earlier Spring months and even later in the year than Sept. Only two trails left to cover in the Blue Range.
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  2 archives
average hiking speed 2.31 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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