david_allen_3's Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Mazatzal Country, AZ

Hiking		Feb 23 2026
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

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Mid 60s afternoon temps. More water flowing than expected.

Wildflowers Observation Substantial

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229593

Feb 09 2026

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

San Carlos Lake Upper Gila River, AZ

Hiking		Feb 09 2026
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

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Arrived at the lake at 6:30 AM and a chilly 37 degrees (62 overnight in Phx). Lake is a little low but has risen 3 feet in about 3 weeks. Parked in a camping area on the south side of the lake and hiked about 2 miles upstream on the Gila River that was flowing bigger than I expected. (120 CFS) Dry winter so that was surprising especially considering the multiple diversion dams upstream. Lots of big birds and animal tracks. No cell signal which is a plus. A handful of fisherman in boats on the lake. Finished the hike and temps were in the upper 50s and sunny. Lots of poppies and brittlebush above the lake. Permit is easy to purchase online now at https://sancarlos.nagfa.net/new-online/index.php

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Tree Tobacco

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

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229316

Jan 18 2026

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Lake Havasu, AZ

Hiking		Jan 18 2026
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

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We took a 1 hour cruise with Sunset Cruises for $30. Well worth it. Hiked briefly at the south end of the lake NWR parking area. Parking is free and there are restrooms and walking paths. Weather was great and the hills are green. Lots of birds. I personally avoid the hot months here. Winter is the time to be here in my opinion.

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228838

Oct 31 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Ballantine Trail #283

Ballantine Trail #283

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 31 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	6.00 Miles	3,484 AEG

Hiking	6.00 Miles	8 Hrs		1.00 mph
	3,484 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break	15 LBS Pack

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Overnight camped about a 1/4 in from Cline TH parking. Stars were great, 2 falling stars. Overnight temps in the mid 40s but camping up above the valley it was about 10 degrees warmer. The road in was a little more rough than usual. 60s during the day up high. The trail up to Pine Mtn saddle was not what I expected. The first mile and a half or so from Cline TH is easy enough to follow but there are no longer any trail posts at the creek crossing near Cline TH where the trail begins. I cleared the opening up the hill and added a small cairn. About 1.5 miles in I ended up pulling out my clippers and cleared a good of trail and added more cairns. The trail crosses just upstream from the parking area not at the parking area. I lost a good 30 to 45 mins route finding before the saddle but is easier to follow now except a short section just past defunct Mtn Spring trough near the ravine, head uphill about 60 to 70 ft to regain the trail. Extra cool air greeted my pouring over the saddle at about 5500 ft where the trees start. Nice and green on top. Heard a tree loudly crack and fall down below during lunch. Deer, cat, bear sign found. Looked like a trickle of water in the creek bed flowing south due to the recent rains. The trail on top from the high point of trail to the north is difficult to see but the area is wide open. Route finding skills helpful, more cairns would be helpful to stay on course. 2 water troughs had clean water below about 5000 ft that appeared to come from and underground pipe that I am guessing get the water from an unmarked spring near Mtn Spring. Lots to explore here but had to get back to town to greet the kiddos trick and treating.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Humor

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	Mountain Spring	Dry	Dry
	Did not hike to the source just above the trail but the ravine is dry 150 ft below the spring. There is a diversion pipe that runs to the spring and appears to possibly end at a corral downstream of Cline TH. The pipe no longer runs to the trough below the spring. Unknown if spring is dry at source or not.

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2 archives

227139

Oct 06 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Mazatzals North of Sunflower, AZ

Hiking		Oct 06 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

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45 degrees before sun up. Bundled up but warmed to mid 70s by afternoon. Some of the sycamore leaves starting to turn.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light

Wildflowers Observation Light

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226475

Sep 12 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Y Bar Trail #44

Y Bar Trail #44

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Sep 12 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	11.00 Miles	2,994 AEG

Hiking	11.00 Miles	17 Hrs		0.92 mph
	2,994 ft AEG	5 Hrs Break	16 LBS Pack

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I only planned on staying 1 night but 1 night turned into nearly 2 due to Mr Dog not wanting to hike in the middle of the day. He is getting a little older so I honored his request and we day camped at Y Bar Tanks until near sunset. From my experience Tanks are not tanks at all but a spring in a creek bed. I had little desire to explore this place in the past because I thought 'tanks' referred to old cattle ponds. When I learned that is not what it is my interest grew. I arrived on Thursday night and slept in the car near the trail parking area. We broke trail at 6 AM. Tree cover is fair to good along much of the Y Bar trail but mile 2 to 3 runs along a dry rocky slope with little to no shade. Y Bar Spring was dry. Once again I did not locate the start of the trail to Y Bar Tanks so I made my own route down and intercepted the old non maintained trail about a ¼ mile east of the tanks / spring. I was happy to find clean fresh water trickling in the stream bed. Weak winter and summer rains still found water. The water was helpful and easily filtered. Mr dog loved the water. The small pools and trickle of a stream does not last long as I also briefly scouted the area downstream but no water was seen below the spring area in Y Bar Canyon. I would love to know why the area is called Y Bar Tanks. Was the stream once more developed with small dams or was there actual metal tanks? I am guessing it has to do with cattle ranching improvements prior to the wilderness designation in the 1960s. I made some minor improvements to the trail by lopping off some brush here and there. The upper section from off of the Y bar trail could use more attention. Left the tanks / creek around 4:30 PM. Stopped and slept along the trail around 10 PM. High daily temp at tanks around 81 degrees. Got back to the car near midnight.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Poison Ivy

Y Bar Spring

Dry

	Y Bar Tanks	76-100% full	76-100% full
	The area says tanks but is really a spring making a small creek. No 'tanks'seen. 2 or 3 small pools and light trickle of water between them, about 1/4 quart per minute guestimate. Weak winter and weak summer rains.

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225902

Aug 24 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Aspen Corner Alpha Fia, AZ

Hiking		Aug 24 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

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This is accessible from Aspen Corner parking area about a mile from Snowbowl Ski Lodge. Pond water was mostly clear and easily filtered. Temps at 12:30 68 degrees, cloudy, some rain.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Wax currant

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Alfa Fia Tank	26-50% full	26-50% full
	Mostly clear, filterable.

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225501

Aug 24 2025

Polar Aspen Alley - aka Aspen Corner

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Polar Aspen Alley - aka Aspen Corner

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Aug 24 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	5.40 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	5.40 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG

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Re-post to correct location

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225693

Aug 18 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Barnhardt Trail #43

Barnhardt Trail #43

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Aug 18 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	5.90 Miles	2,055 AEG

Hiking	5.90 Miles
	2,055 ft AEG

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Started the hike at 8 AM. My plan was to take it easy and mainly stay in the lower canyon under tree cover and it worked well. Explored areas off trail and along Barnhardt Creek that I often overlook. There was water in places but large sections of the creek were dry. Where there is water in the creek it is barely a trickle and many trees up high, above the creek are stressed. Need more rain. Nearly got sprayed by a skunk though I never saw it and something large was nearby a couple of times but not able to see it, possibly javelina. Temps only got to around 95 by late afternoon around 4500 ft level with low humidity and with plenty of tree cover, light breezes and some clouds some of the time it was pleasant and a great day out of the furnace.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

	Garden Seep	Dripping	Dripping
	Dripping near the makeshift spring box with the ferns growing out of it right next to the trail slightly west of the larger seep.

	Garden Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Light flow. Possibly 2 to 4 quarts per minute.

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Wherever you go there you are.

225406

May 26 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 26 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	3.00 Miles	1,191 AEG

Hiking	3.00 Miles	5 Hrs		1.00 mph
	1,191 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break	10 LBS Pack

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Camped near the trail parking area overnight. Started hiking at 5:20 AM and 56 degrees.

Wildflowers Observation Light
Here and there. Lots of thistle.

	O'Neil Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Trickling out of the spring box

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223690

May 05 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

S Fork Hardt Creek Mazatzals, AZ

Hiking		May 05 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	4.50 Miles	900 AEG

Hiking	4.50 Miles	5 Hrs		1.00 mph
	900 ft AEG	30 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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I have wanted to hike this mountain, canyon since I was a little kid. Started hiking at 4:45 AM. A little dark, stars partially blocked by clouds, ground was wet with recent rain and more storms threatening. I never thought a couple weeks ago when planning this hike that I would be starting the hike in the upper 40s at 3300 ft. but better than too hot. Nice healthy Arizona Conifers growing near the 4000 ft level. Found some foundations of possible long lost structures. There is oddly a trail in sections. Overshot the spring and hiked back down thru almost impenetrable brush making about 3 feet per minute. Somehow in the thick of it all there was freshish bear scat. Grabbed my bear spray and then realized the bigger threat was spraying myself while crashing through the brush. Finally broke through at the canyon bottom and found a welcome forest section with nice tree canopy and a dripping spring that is not marked on any map, not unusual for the Mazatzals.

Wildflowers Observation Light

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Wherever you go there you are.

223238

Apr 11 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Gold Ridge Trail #47

Gold Ridge Trail #47

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Apr 11 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	10.00 Miles	2,820 AEG

Hiking	10.00 Miles	12 Hrs		1.25 mph
	2,820 ft AEG	4 Hrs Break	15 LBS Pack

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As much as I love this trail I have to say it may be the most difficult trail in the Mazatzals due to, in my estimate a 45 to 50 degree slope in spots where it is more of a scramble with at least 3 points of contact used for safe climb. Although the trees are gone in some of the lower sections it is very green due to the variety of mtn shrubs including manzanita, service berry and unkown species that are tall enough to provide some shade however there is about a mile section around 5000 ft mtn tops with little to no shade. The hike would have been even nicer except for the Maple and Gambel Oak not yet leafed out. Temps were around 80 but breezy in the hottest part of the day during my siesta. (103 degrees in Phx) I waited, napped out the worst of the sun from 1230 to 330 and it did help. The upper section (5000+) appears to be an old mine road and is much easier to traverse than the lower section that must have been built by mountain goats. Green grass in sections. Carried 1.5 gallons of water and was the 1st time in a long time I had plenty. Strapped the gallon of water to my walking stick and carried it as a bindle, easier than in my pack. Saw coyotes, gila monster, dragon fly, quail, blue birds, crows, and rabbits. Possible elk tracks. No other hikers on the trail or at the trailhead. No recent bear or lion sign.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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5 archives

222674

Mar 14 2025

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Payson Area Between Storms, AZ

Hiking		Mar 14 2025
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

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2 to 3 inches of snow in Payson. Temps in mid 30s most of the day. Significantly more snow at higher elevations. Sycamore Creek near Sunflower light flow, moderate flow at lower elevation crossing. Camp Creek and Pine Creek moderate flow. Rye Creek light flow. E Verde River light to moderate flow.

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222030

Sep 13 2024

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 13 2024
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	4.50 Miles	600 AEG

Hiking	4.50 Miles	5 Hrs	1.20 mph
	600 ft AEG	1 Hour 15 Mns Break

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Camped overnight above the trail parking. Upper 60's overnight on the ridge above the valley. It was surprisingly almost 20 degrees colder in the low valley areas. Thermometer read 51 degrees at the start of the trail. Hiked up to the power line service road and then north on the AZ trail to begin the hike. Area was a little dryer than I expected but there is still water available in the creek at spots. Saw bear scat and paw prints near the creek. Creek was flowing about a gallon per minute, more in some spots.

Wildflowers Observation Light

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7 archives

217644

Jul 12 2024

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Y Bar Trail #44

Y Bar Trail #44

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 12 2024
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	6.50 Miles	2,994 AEG

Hiking	6.50 Miles	20 Hrs		0.81 mph
	2,994 ft AEG	12 Hrs Break	25 LBS Pack

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Arrived at the trailhead in late afternoon and mid 90s but it rained briefly shortly after arriving dropping the temperature about 5 degrees. Smell of Pinyon, juniper woodland was great. The sun was mostly behind the peak by the time I started. I cowboy camped about 2 miles in, had heavy rain for about 20 mins about midnight and overnight temps dropped into the mid 60s. Used an emergency shelter to stay dry. I was treated with a near and far lightning show all night Smelled great after the rain. Heard foxes calling nearby overnight. I saw 2 of the weirdest bugs ever, they had body color and texture of a spider but shape of a 2 inch cockroach and very fast. The next morning continued to Y bar saddle and then Y bar spring. Tree cover is good after about 3 miles in. Found a skunk next to the trail, unsure what to do a made some tapping noise but he didn't notice then when walking quietly closer he saw me and froze and just then I heard more noise to my right a saw a second skunk on the other side of the trail. I hastily continued on without incident. Bear sign was also noticed in more than one location. I was hoping for a little water at Y Bar Spring but it was dry. I couldn't find the start of the trail down to Y Bar Tanks, I think it is now covered with brush clippings and there is no signage. I could have made my way with or without the trail but being low on water I couldn't risk not finding water so I turned and headed back without a status report on Y Bar Tanks, too bad as they sound reliable at the tanks and further downstream according to other reports. The hike back was uneventful. The sun was intense when not under tree cover. Air temp was in the upper 80s higher up but upper 90s near the trailhead. The forecast promised moisture, clouds but the day was very dry compared to the day before.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Skunk Walking Stick (other species)

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

	Y Bar Spring	Dry	Dry
	Hiked up to what looked like the source but no water, ground was dry as well.

_____________________

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216702

Jul 05 2024

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Pivot Rock Canyon

Pivot Rock Canyon

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 05 2024
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	3.10 Miles	475 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles
	475 ft AEG

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High temps in the mid 80s. Upper 50s overnight. The area is green from recent rains. Not too crowded esp. for a holiday weekend.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Field Bindweed

Wildflowers Observation Light

Pivot Rock Spring

Gallon + per minute

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2 archives

216564

Jun 28 2024

Sunrise Peak - White Mtns

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Sunrise Peak - White Mtns

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jun 28 2024
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	2.50 Miles	1,370 AEG

Hiking	2.50 Miles	2 Hrs	1.50 mph
	1,370 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

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Temps around 70 degrees near the summit and low to mid 70s at the base all day, light rain appeared to be moving in as we left. Upper 50s overnight at our base camp in Pinetop. The area is very green and it appears the summer rains have started early. We rode the tram to the top and hiked backed down. Lots of butterflies. Anther hiker said they saw a fawn nearby but we were unable to spot it. I would guess the trail mileage was about 2.5 miles from summit to base but we didn't always stay on the main trail so hard to say for sure. Pleasant day far away from Phurnace.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

Wherever you go there you are.

216424

May 27 2024

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 27 2024
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	1.52 Miles	1,191 AEG

Hiking	1.52 Miles
	1,191 ft AEG

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Camped overnight near the trail start. Nice and cool overnight, 55 degrees with a 5 to 10 MPH breeze made me bundle up just a little. The area burned again last July 2023 (mostly due to back burns on the advancing fire coming in from the west) The area around the springs was spared due to slurry drops around the area. I question how bad the area would have actually burned without the intentionally set backburn since it just burned about 10 years prior but that's all water under the bridge. High temps in the mid to upper 80s by afternoon vs 103 in Phx. Lots of foxtails growing back after the fire but the nicer smaller grass like plants seem to be coming back. Water trickling from multiple springs in the area. Lots of birds, heard an owl overnight. Possible bear, lion and/or coyote sign.

Wildflowers Observation Light

	O'Neil Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Hard to determine flow exactly due to the multiple areas seeping water. If you could funnel it all to one spot you could possible gather about a quart per minute give or take. Spring box is overflowing.

_____________________

Wherever you go there you are.

215795

Apr 22 2024

Guides 1
Photos 2,019
Triplogs 137

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 22 2024
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 137

Hiking	3.85 Miles	1,433 AEG

Hiking	3.85 Miles
	1,433 ft AEG

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This trip was more camping than hiking but made it a little ways up the trail + a little off trail exploring. Plenty of water in the streams and lots of green grass. Overnight lows in the upper 40s to low 50s, 82 degrees when I left at 1:30. Car said 100 degrees when I got back to Phx.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

Wherever you go there you are.

3 archives

214910

Apr 01 2024