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Mar 29 2014
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 Photos 161
 Triplogs 2

45 male
 Joined Jun 19 2013
 
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 29 2014
OrangeTriplogs 2
Hiking3.30 Miles 2,857 AEG
Hiking3.30 Miles   8 Hrs   3 Mns   0.41 mph
2,857 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This trip was crazy. I do not recommend it. Several people die trying this 'trail', and each of our group of 5 (albeit at different times) nearly died ourselves...it is no joke. The NPS doesn't talk about this trail (or label it), they don't even post a trail register, and they tell people not to do it. Intense...Intense like no other...especially with the genuine fear added to the mix. Thank God for ice-axes in the desert.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
I survived lightning...it sucked!
 
Mar 17 2014
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 Photos 161
 Triplogs 2

45 male
 Joined Jun 19 2013
 
Deer Creek Trail #45Payson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Backpack avatar Mar 17 2014
OrangeTriplogs 2
Backpack8.80 Miles 2,716 AEG
Backpack8.80 Miles
2,716 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The Deer Creek Loop (Deer Creek to Goldridge) is a tough, tough trek for sure...but you are rewarded with views you can't even imagine! Much of the upper sections of trail remain destroyed from the fire that moved through here years back. There really was never an issue of not being able to find your way, as there were cairns relatively regularly throughout...or things being impassable, because you could always fight your way through.

We ended up camping near a place that widens out, almost meadow-like, called Gowan Camp. Based on the existing two fire-rings in the area, very, very, very few people make it to the upper reaches of Deer Creek. That's the awesome part...this was an absolute idyllic location to set camp.

I would do this one again...when it is cooler...for those that lean towards the masochistic side of things (really though, I'd say 90+% of us are)...and for those that can deal with the crap of not having a 'trail'. This one gets a difficulty of 4.133 out of 5.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Deer Creek / Canyon - Mazatzal Wilderness Heavy flow Heavy flow
Creek was flowing very substantially... Easily in the gallons per second magnitude. It was quite awesome really, as the water was flowing along the entirety of the creek, even flowing through the very lower reaches (albeit at a lessened pace).
_____________________
I survived lightning...it sucked!
 

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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