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| | | Reavis Gap - AZ Trail - Reavis Canyon TH, AZ | | | |
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Reavis Gap - AZ Trail - Reavis Canyon TH, AZ
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| | 17 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Took a couple of days off from work and decided it was time to knock out another partial section of the AZ Trail. It had been a couple of years since hiking Reavis Gap to the AZ Trail, so like giving birth, I had forgotten what fun that trail was, and after 2 years, decided to do it again. We left the TH about 1:00 Monday afternoon, after about 2.5 miles, my escort Cannondale Kid turned back and I continued on my way to Pine Creek. Arrived about 4:00, it was flowing great, was able to filter water and spent the night at one of the many campsites on the west side of the creek. There are some nice ones on the east side too. One thru hiker stopped to chat about the weather, he was "cowboy camping" and was curious when the rain storm was due to hit. He mentioned he must be ahead of "the bubble" as he has been alone most of his hike. I informed him, he and I, we are the bubble. He advised me of some cats claw obstacle up ahead, then was on his way. It was a peaceful night, I think I saw cat prints in the mud on the trail, but pretended I didn't.
Left camp about 7:30 the next day, trail was a little muddy, but after heading down into Reavis Ranch area, it dried out. Met 3 people from Washington who were backpacking through to Payson. They were fun to talk to, they shared their gummy bears, I took a photo of them, and made fun of the fact they were carrying chairs. "Hey, you got a kitchen sink in there too?" They were knocking out 9 miles a day.
Told Cannondale kid I wouldn't do anything stupid while alone on the trail, but did take a fall while trying to find my way through the dead fall in areas where the trail just disappeared. Glad I had the AZ Trail app to get me on track again.
Filled my bottles again at Reavis Saddle Spring which was flowing great and started the descent to Rogers Trough TH. Again, water flowing everywhere, numerous water crossings and areas where the trail was falling apart, especially on the switchbacks where water had been cutting across the trail. I totally missed seeing Reavis grave and the turn off to the cliff dwellings. Guess I was focused on not falling again.
Made it to Montana Mountain, where I climbed to the top for cell service to let Cannondale kid know I was still alive. Found a nice grassy spot under some mesquite trees out of the wind to set up my tent and had another quiet, uneventful evening. The area had a lot of divots and bumps but I actually was more comfortable sleeping here than on the level ground. I'll rate my comfort satisfaction an 8/10. Heard one deer snorting and walking by my tent at one point during the night.
Headed out the next morning just as the drizzling rain started. Met another group of young ladies from NM heading NOBO who were concerned about the rain and could I advise them if they could bail out on the 109 north if need be. I hope they either hunkered down or made it to the ranch before the rain got too bad. Cannondale Kid met up with me on Wed morning and we hiked out together.
By the time we arrived home, the rain was really coming down and I was glad to not be out in it. It was, like Bill and Ted would say, an excellent adventure. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
Oh yeah, that's why virtually everone backed out. 
When finally back to TH, I took another trail back to my vehicle. No joke!
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