|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 13.80 Miles |
3,169 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.80 Miles | 9 Hrs | | 1.53 mph |
| 3,169 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | I had been wanting to see the falls for about a year, but the opportunity never came. Last year in March, a group of friends and I took a backpacking trip which started at Roger's Trough Trailhead and made a loop through Reavis Ranch and up around to Plow Saddle. From there we decided to take a side exploration of the creekbed heading north from Plow Saddle to the top of Reavis Falls. We didn't make it all the way to the falls using this route, there is a large drop ~60-70ft that we could not find a way down, but we were close enough to hear the roaring of the falls nearby. We reversed course and headed back to continue on our loop to frog tanks trail. Although we didn't make it from the top of the falls, hearing them made me want to go back someday coming in from the north.
My group is planning an upcoming trip and were considering either Reavis Falls or Angel Basin. Since I had never been to the falls I decided to do a solo dayhike to them to see if it was somewhere we would want to go. I checked the weather reports and it did show high percentage chance for rain, but I chose to go anyway. If anything it made me want to go more knowing the falls would be in high flow. I left Mesa around 6:15am. There were two points on the 88 where I had to cross flood water, but it was low enough and I was in 4x4 so I pushed through it no problem. I did notice that the roads through this area had got smaller from erosion from the waters just to the right of the road. There was a light sprinkle on the drive in. I got to the trailhead around 8:00am. I was driving pretty slowly since the muddy roads were causing me to slip a little going up the winding narrow path. I didn't want to slide off a cliff.
At the trailhead I got my stuff ready and put on my backpacking poncho, wide brimmed hat, and gloves, signed the register and headed out. By this time darker clouds had rolled in and the light drizzle started coming down a little heavier. Wasn't too bad though, I knew I was going to get wet on this trip.
The sights were pretty amazing. The low rain clouds were a sight to see being almost even with them. The peaks of all the surrounding mountains were hidden by the clouds and I really enojoyed watching them roll through the valleys. It took me about an hour to get to the trail that leads over the ridgeline towards the falls. This point had two cairns marking its location and was easy to spot. The trail leading to the falls heads uphill to the left, the Reavis Ranch trail continues straight. At the very top of the ridgeline there is a firepit, but everytime I've been here, it's been extremely windy, and this time, windy and raining.
As you start to head down theres some great scenic views. Some people have mentioned ruins, and I had actually gone off-trail somewhat the last time I was out and didn't find anything. I read another post that says they're about 1/2 mile down the trail, and I was looking for them this time and didn't see them either. I'll heave to look again the next time I go. Haven't found them yet. about halfway down or so there is a nice camp stop with a large tree with a firepit. Good spots for 2 tents in the grass. Towards the bottom you come across a small patch of poured concrete and just off to the left there is another fire pit. I don't recall there being any trees at this location though.
Regarding the trail itself, it was very apparent, and easy to get down. Since it was raining there was water cascading down it, so you pretty much have to walk through it. Make sure you're wearing some waterproof boots if you think it's going to rain. Also, there is a point near the bottom where the trail ceases to be a trail and follows a stream. There are cairns to follow and it's not too difficult to find the way.
When I finally reached the bottom it was around 10:00am. Across the stream is a giant Boulder to the left. Just to the right of this there is a small opening in the brush. If you go through this, you'll find another campsite that I would say is the best one of those you see on your way down. There are lots of trees, a firepit, and grassy areas to set up tents. However, the area around the firepit is largely exposed and was extremely muddy on this trip.
To get to the falls you just follow the stream south. Occassionally there were cairns to follow, but for the most part I just chose my own path. There was a lot of debris and overgrowth and at some points difficult to maneuver. I'm sure with less water there would be exposed rocks in the water that would have offered more path choices, but since it had been raining the past week, and was still raining, the water was high, and there were not many options for crossing the water unless I wanted to be up to my knees. A little advice, choose your rocks carefully when they're wet. There are some that I had plenty of traction on even when wet, and there were others that were dangerously slick and algae covered. Also a lot of the fallen wood was extremely slippery when wet and made climbing over it difficult. I took my time finding my way since I was hiking solo. I didn't want to twist and ankle or break a bone. It took me a little less than an hour to get to the falls (around 1/2 mile from the trail). On a dry day, you could definitely make it there a lot faster, but I was trying to be particularly careful so I took my time. Along the way there were many cascades, and a couple large deep pools. From what I could see, there is no place to camp at anywhere up the creek all the way to the falls. It's all very rocky and jagged.
When I got to the falls at around 11:00am, it was pretty spectacular. Well worth the wet journey. I used my poncho to make a tarp which I ate lunch under as it continued to rain. I dried off and changed my socks and undershirt. It felt nice to get some warm dry clothes on. After lunch I spent some time close to the base of the falls. The roar of the falls was a nice sound to hear. It had been a long time since I was up next to a large waterfall. There was about a 20ft diameter pool at the base. I couldn't really tell how deep it was due to the spray the falls was putting off which obscured the bottom. I stuck around for about an hour and them headed back.
The trip up to the ridgeline took significantly longer than coming down so plan on that. I got to the very top in about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. A large portion of that time though was spent taking pictures and taking in the views when the sun broke through for some time near top. I was also hiking in wet boots and socks after falling in the creek somewhat, so I'm sure you could get up it in 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. As soon as I got to the top, very dark clouds moved in and started raining very heavily with strong winds blowing in my face. Sideways wind made the return a little unpleasant, and my hands were cold from wet gloves. This experience made me want to get a pair of waterproof gloves for hiking in wet weather when it's cold. The bad weather ended about two miles from the trailhead allowing the sun to poke through again, which lit up the western faces of the surrounding mountains giving me some superb photo ops which I took advantage of. I arrived at the trailhead at around 5:00pm.
So, I put 9 hours for this trip, but I spent a lot of time taking a lot of photos. You could probably shave off an hour or so by not taking photos like I do, and also given better weather. Despite the rain and being mostly soaked all day, It was a great hike, one that I'll definitely being doing again in the near future. If it's particularly dry, I wouldn't suggest this trail since the campsites are not that great, and if there isn't much water, the trip down to the falls might not be that rewarding. If you enjoy more of the mountain scenery, then you will find it on this trail, but you don't have to go to the falls to get it in this area. I would continue on with the Reavis Ranch Trail. If it's been wet though, I would highly recommend it because there's no where else you can see falls like this in the superstitions. It was an excellent hike.
Temperatures were in the mid 50s, dropping slighty on the return route during the heavy rain. No snow anywhere. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
