Canyon Lake to Peak 2811 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

This peak and ridge always caught my eye when driving out to the lake. Finally decided to check it out. Leftover fog from rain the previous day made for a nice experience. The first (and last) half of this route is not the funnest with loose rock and some unstable footing. But once up on the “ridgeline,” it is more enjoyable. And worth the views. Originally I thought 2811 to be the next similar elevation but not-as-steep peak just southwest of actual 2811. From a distance, 2811 looked too steep all around to be doable. But when you get closer, the route is fairly easy to follow and not too sketchy.
Amazing 360 views. Four peaks was obscured by clouds. As was the Superstition ridgeline. But Castle Dome, Geronimo Head, Malapais, Battleship Mtn, Bluff Spring, Weaver’s, etc. we’re coming in clear.

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3 archives

Aug 29 2021

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Aug 29 2021
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Hiking	3.10 Miles	1,663 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles
	1,663 ft AEG

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I started out at the lake shore to catch a sunrise, but I guess all the color was south and over the mountain. Started out hopefully, but it was very sublte.

Once that was out of the way, I met my hiking friends to see if we could hike up the ridges south of the lake. The goal was to make it to the start of the ridgeline that goes to the peak. We fell a little short and ended up exploring the area between the first two ridges. My friends kids were not happy with my "trail" choice. ha ha. Yeah, seeing as there is not really a trail, I can see why.

A nice day to be out. It was a little toasty towards the end, but a steady breeze and the sun on our backs helped out. We made it to the first ridge and decided to go explore what we thought was cave. It was an up and down path to the cave that turned out to be just a small alcove. Interesting area up there. Lots of tuff to climb and great views in all directions.

We all noticed the huge amount of yellow sphinx caterpillars out there. Looks like a "plague of hummingbird moths" is coming our way.

We made our way back down and to the pull out on the 88. They went to Tortilla Flats for 1/2 price breakfast (August only, sorry) and I made it home to finish off the Honey-Do list I attempted to ignore yesterday....ha ha

I will make it up to the peak one of these days. Today was not that day. Perhaps when the temps drop a little and I go it alone without my hiking "family" (Mom and Dad would have made it though).

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

1 archive

Mar 07 2021

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 07 2021
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Hiking	3.10 Miles	1,663 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles
	1,663 ft AEG

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Started off along the shore of Canyon Lake and the plan was to hike up to Peak 2811.

I did get a nice sunrise along the shore and I did make my way up the “trail” towards Peak 2811, but alas, did not venture all the way to the top. I made to the “X” Joe has on the Trip Description. I was looking at my watch and looking at what was left and decided to leave the peak for another day.

There is a semblance of a trail along most of this as far as the “X” goes. A cairn here and there, even a clear trail in spots. Lots of game trails and I followed a few on the way up to the 2nd ridge. I made my own way when it seemed prudent. I really loved the views up along the 2nd ridge area. The lake looked great and so did the area behind the ridge in the opposite direction – the Peak, the Superstitions and the Goldfields. The only bummer was the wind was really howling, so the air was not very clear.

After spending too much time stopping to take pictures, checking the gps route I had loaded to compare it to what I was doing and to catch my breath a few times in the steep stuff, I opted for a turnaround along the 2nd Ridge. The path to the peak looked very clear. Just drop down from the ridge and climb up to the next ridge over and follow it up to the peak.

I really loved seeing the area to the west of the Peak. Such amazing geology. I had admired all of that from afar up on Peak 2882, looking up from First Water Canyon, and seeing it from other explorations of the area along Hwy 88. I will have to do a little exploring in that area as well.

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

Feb 01 2020

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Needle Vista - Hackberry - 2811 Lasso Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 01 2020
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	14.57 Miles	2,502 AEG

Hiking	14.57 Miles	10 Hrs 59 Mns		1.56 mph
	2,502 ft AEG	1 Hour 39 Mns Break	18 LBS Pack

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Needle Vista to Hackberry Spring

First Water Lower Creek Shuttle

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

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The_Eagle

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

Goldfields are sorta cool. First Water Creek Canyon options rank similar for myself. Neither are my favs, a trip is typically enjoyable.

Wanted to utilize Needle Vista's easy, paved and abundant parking. Check. The unofficial well used route to the tidy looking Hackberry system of trails is a fabulous option. Popular with horses but not destroyed like a historical SoMo trail that gets a bad rep.

FWC heading in exceeded my expectations. Almost 4 miles in we turned east/right to gain the blobbed ridge that separates FWC from a no name drainage with an upper origin near Cholla Tank dubbed Cholla Tank Canyon on Nov 07 2015 by Bruce. Anyhow we made adjustments to my planned route based on the terrain. Stumbled upon a pioneer if not decades sooner Oro and sun glyph overlooking Cholla Creek.

Still recovering from a slip 12 days ago on wet rock I made a crucial mistake on this hike. Brought my daypack instead of my fanny pack. Had to carry the cumbersome pack in various positions for the hike. Got a serious workout.

Four Peaks, Malpais and Canyon Lake views along with good luck route finding had our hike moving right along with smiles. As an ol' friend I haven't visited in 15 years neared I was full of anticipation. 2811 is a little gem destination. Sketchy footing and a slightly intimidating route keeps return trips to a minimum. Yellow litchen foreground with a lake and the Four Peaks views is a winner in my book. After a fab lunch we headed on down.

Bruce questioned my route and we switched it up. Bushwhacking beat the life out us. Bruce did ALL the work and I still struggled to keep up. The last tenth of a mile or so to FWC was a gift. Someone recently cut a path. A good fifteen foot tunnel at the end that would be a lot of work with anything less than a long blade chainsaw.

FWC was a welcome sight. I just wasn't finding a grove. After a while I requested a break. Felt better and moved on. Next we unexpectedly opened a can of whoopass. Needed to wade some water. No biggie, get'r over. Slippery and up to mid chest on Bruce I figured I got it. In I went. Yeah it's cold and slippery. Wait a minute, why is the water near my neck. Pack balanced on my head. A little bit of laughing. Perhaps some screaming.

Oh it gets better. Bruce lost a bag of pistachios now floating in the water. Joker suggests I pick it up on route with my mouth. The impossible happened. On the second attempt I somehow managed to throw that sucker and he caught it. I'm notoriously known for a bad throw. Either that or the forty degree swim zapped me back to life.

We almost made a bad route finding decision with daylight passing quick. A little in I pitched my plea again. For once I had a clue what I was talking about. We backed the train up and got on course to get out before the warm star said goodnight. The loop I put together didn't pan out but this was certainly memorable.

I would not bring a dog on this hike. Lots of cholla. Road was paved. Tread of hike sucked for large portions. A fit scout could knock this out easier. Some of the views will probably draw me back. Glad Denny didn't come, never would have heard the end of it. Shockingly only crossed paths with a couple in the final ten minutes of our hike.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Hackberry Desert Wishbone Bush Tepary bean

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Chalcedony

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Leaves of red maids and dudleya no flowers
Lots of Brassica tournefortii in several areas, tiny flowers at best now
Lots of Canyon ragweed in the Hackberry spring vicinity for reference

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- joe

Feb 01 2020

The_Eagle

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Needle Vista - Hackberry - 2811 Lasso Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 01 2020
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	14.74 Miles	2,704 AEG

Hiking	14.74 Miles	10 Hrs 59 Mns		1.54 mph
	2,704 ft AEG	1 Hour 25 Mns Break	13 LBS Pack

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Needle Vista to Hackberry Spring

First Water Lower Creek Shuttle

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

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joebartels

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

This area of the Supes has always intrigued me driving by. I had started working on a loop in the area, the same week Joe proposed this loop. I was in.

I had never hiked from the Needle Vista TH. A paved lot and 300 yards of sidewalk yielded to a pleasant hiking path all the way to Hackberry Spring. We were shocked that there were no campers at the spring area

First Water Creek had pools of water the entire length. We started our off trail, up an unnamed canyon, looking for a route up to Peak 2811. Travel was slow because of the prickly flora. At the top of the canyon we stopped at a rock out cropping with some great views. [ youtube video ]

The geology up here is special up here. We continued to Peak 2811 and then to the real Peak 2811. [ youtube video ]
Here's where the excellent 360 views are. Looking off the NW side, it did not look like it was possible to get down, but it all worked out.

We followed a ridgeline down, before hopping into various small canyons on our way back to First Water Creek. There was one 50 yard section that was so thick with brush, I had my doubts. Then magically, we began to see where some kind soul had started to trim this unnamed canyon.

Where we got out of this canyon, was actually where Canyon Lake meets First Water Creek. There was a nice area to camp here.

Back to the trek down First Water Creek.

We got to one place where we took our shoes off to keep from getting them wet. No luck keeping them dry, as just around the corner was a 25' section of neck deep water that froze the nether regions.

After this is was just a matter of keeping up the pace to keep warm in the sunless canyon. Shockingly, there was still nobody camped at Hackberry Spring.

The views from around Peak 2811 were the highlight of this hike for me

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bald Eagle

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

First Water Creek

Pools to trickle

Hackberry Spring

Quart per minute

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

1 archive

Mar 02 2019

Pickles

Routes 7
Photos 1,242
Triplogs 61

57 female

Joined Nov 21 2015
Phoenix

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 02 2019
		Pickles • Triplogs 61

Hiking	3.10 Miles	1,663 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles
	1,663 ft AEG

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I have had this hike uploaded in my RouteScout for quite some time but, for whatever reason, kept it on the back burner. I was going to do Rough and Ready Canyon but decided last minute to get this one done!
I followed HAZ_Hikebot's route with only a couple of exceptions. His route was spot on to get anyone to the intended destination. I parked at the first pullout on the left after crossing the first bridge at Canyon Lake, crossed the road and made my way up the drainage.
What I discovered on this hike is that there is quite a bit of exposure to get across the spines, more than I anticipated. At one point, I decided to navigate around a spine, instead of coming across it directly, due to the level of exposure I was subjecting myself to. Being up there all by my lonesome I felt I better think more on the logical side rather than trying to be some kind of hiking superhero! My stature is 5"3 on a good day so I have to keep that in mind when I know I have to climb up OR down and have to rely on good foot and hand holds to get me from Point A to Point B. It is what it is!
Having found my way to the grand finale at the end of the hike, I took a few deep breaths, thanked God for keeping me safe and for giving me the ability to enjoys these excursions, took a few photos and then made my way back to my car down below.
There are no signs of a trail that I found as everything was so overgrown. However, I did find quite a few cairns and added a few of my own. I know some hikers think they are the epitome of evil in the hiking realm, I appreciate them, especially in terrain such as this, just to give a little direction when one might feel it would be beneficial. There are certainly areas of "ruggedness" up there but I have been through worse. No signs of a trail but RouteScout was extremely helpful in guiding me to where I needed to be. You will also find areas of loose rock once you are leaving the first spine but nothing extraordinary. The views along this hike are quite impressive and, once you reach a certain part of the hike, all noise from the highway below, dissipates! I did pick up a few friends during this hike that I discovered within a couple of hours of completing it. I have hiked hundreds, if not thousands, of miles over the last 10 years and this was THE first time I ever found ticks! Nasty little blood suckers!
This hike turned out to exceeded my expectations in many ways. It isn't very long but do not let the distance fool you into thinking you will not need to exert yourself, you will!

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Mar 29 2016

rtaylor3235

Routes 110
Photos 670
Triplogs 204

74 male

Joined Nov 02 2013
Apache Junction,

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 29 2016
		rtaylor3235 • Triplogs 204

Hiking	5.24 Miles	1,207 AEG

Hiking	5.24 Miles	2 Hrs 41 Mns	2.28 mph
	1,207 ft AEG	23 Mns Break

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I took Dustin up to peak 2811 and then beyond a bit, beautiful cool, breezy day.

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Apr 08 2013

jameslcox44

Photos 3,883
Triplogs 169

80 male

Joined Mar 18 2012
mesa,az

Apache Gap to Mailbox TH/ Goldfields, AZ

Hiking		Apr 08 2013
		jameslcox44 • Triplogs 169

Hiking	6.80 Miles

Hiking	6.80 Miles	6 Hrs	1.13 mph

no routes

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Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

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We dropped off a car at Mailbox TH and drove the hikers (3 of us) to Apache Gap TH. From there we walked up the right side of the wash to the ridgeline. We moved northerly across the ridgline until sighting an old mining road below us. We moved down to the road and followed it to the top of the ridgeline on our right. We continued on the ridgeline sighting Canyon Lake on the right and Saguaro Lake on our left. We continued until we sighted Horns of a Dilemna then move to the wash below (Sidewalk Canyon?). We walked the wash until it filled with brush, then moved to the right to the ridgeline until we saw Junk Canyon below us. We moved to the wash at Junk Canyon. At Junk Canyon, we moved toward Saguaro Lake. As we got closer to the lake, we encountered car sized boulders that made a good spot to view the lake from about 100 feet away. We got some pictures as we moved across boulders to get a better look.
Leaving the area, we backtracked to the first canyon on the left. It took us to the Morman Flat Dam road. As we walked the road to Mailbox TH, we spotted the arch to the east.
The beauty of the hike was the flowers and sighting Canyon Lake on the right and Saguaro Lake on the left.

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
lots of brittlebush, mexican poppies, globe mallows and others I couldn't name. Some hedgehog cactus were blooming as well as a few prickly pears.

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Jan 11 2013

vanman

Routes 195
Photos 1,151
Triplogs 345

59 male

Joined Jan 07 2012
Gilbert

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 11 2013
		vanman • Triplogs 345

Hiking	3.25 Miles	1,900 AEG

Hiking	3.25 Miles	4 Hrs 15 Mns	1.00 mph
	1,900 ft AEG	1 Hour Break

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Since I hadn't hiked for a couple weeks I wanted to hit Flatiron to get some exercise. By the time we got off the 60 Mike convinced me we should go to Plan B since I had to be home early. And I'm glad he did!

This isn't a long hike but it is really cool! "No fluff" as Mike puts it. Get out of the car, go up!! Great views, some fun scrambling, minimal bushwacking and great formations! Can't wait to go back and explore some more out there! Great call Mike!!

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Mar 05 2012

Charger55

Guides 4
Photos 542
Triplogs 573

46 male

Joined Oct 19 2010
Mesa, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 05 2012
		Charger55 • Triplogs 573

Hiking	2.80 Miles	1,270 AEG

Hiking	2.80 Miles	3 Hrs 30 Mns	0.80 mph
	1,270 ft AEG

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This was the last hike on my Apache Trail to-do list. Halfway up, I brushed up against an agave plant. The needle broke off and buried itself in my leg. Try as I might, I couldn't remove it with the tweezers from my first aid kit. So I soldiered on, topping out at miniBabo, which I mistook for Peak 2811. It's more impressive looking than 2811 and roughly the same height, so I was satisfied. When I got home, I used the mini-tweezers from my Boy Scout knife to remove a 3cm agave needle from my leg. That little bugger caused a lot of pain.

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"I've driven across deserts, driven by the irony, that only being shackled to the road could ever I be free"
- Frank Turner "The Road"

Dec 05 2009

desert_boonie

Guides 2
Photos 1,691
Triplogs 212

45 male

Joined Aug 05 2004
Peoria, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 05 2009
		desert_boonie • Triplogs 212

Hiking	3.99 Miles	1,270 AEG

Hiking	3.99 Miles	2 Hrs 44 Mns	1.46 mph
	1,270 ft AEG

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Wanted to do this trek for awhile now so finally got back out to Canyon Lake. Started just before 7:30am where the wind was howling in the already mid 30's weather, guess winter is here this week. Went up the wash and up the rocks to the first ridge where it seemed like the peak was still pretty far away. Made my way along the ridge and enjoyed the views along the way but not the wind chilling my body. From a distance the mini Baboquivary looking peak looks rough and very exciting to go up, but once you get to it there is nothing hard about it. You can easily make it up the peak from the north enjoy the views on top and skirt right down the south end to the peak behind it. Plus the views are better up there and makes the trek more exciting. While on top had to dodge the wind as it was flat out bone chilling once I worked up a sweat. Headed back the same way and came down a different wash about a 1/4 mile east and finished on the road back to my Jeep and then headed over to the Flatiron. Nice off trail trek that doesn't involve anything too difficult that most should be able to handle.

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"Never Satisfied"

Feb 19 2009

spacyway

Triplogs 59

41 male

Joined Jun 25 2003
Tempe, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 19 2009
		spacyway • Triplogs 59

Hiking	1.75 Miles	1,270 AEG

Hiking	1.75 Miles
	1,270 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

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_____________________

Feb 03 2008

AZLOT69

Guides 177
Routes 249
Photos 10,213
Triplogs 2,215

74 male

Joined Feb 12 2002
Gold Canyon, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 03 2008
		AZLOT69 • Triplogs 2,215

Hiking	2.80 Miles	1,270 AEG

Hiking	2.80 Miles	2 Hrs	1.40 mph
	1,270 ft AEG

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The weather was threatening and it even sprinkled a bit. An enjoyable hike with a view. Things are getting interesting now.

_____________________

It's best for a man to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open his mouth and remove all doubt.
--Mark Twain

Oct 29 2006

Vaporman

Guides 3
Routes 4
Photos 8,687
Triplogs 931

46 male

Joined Mar 28 2005
Gilbert, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 29 2006
		Vaporman • Triplogs 931

Hiking	1.50 Miles	1,270 AEG

Hiking	1.50 Miles	2 Hrs 10 Mns	0.69 mph
	1,270 ft AEG

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I was originally thinking of hiking to peak 2811, but after reaching the ridge that's marked with an X on Joe's map and seeing how much time I'd spent just to get here; I decided to head back if I was going to be back in time for church later this afternoon. This is fairly rugged terrain and tests your route finding skills, but nothing too thick or steep was encountered in the sections I hiked. This made a great Sunday morning hike now that it's started to cool down.

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Yea, canyoneering is an extreme sport... EXTREMELY dramatic!!! =p

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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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