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Mar 16 2014
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 43
 Triplogs 6

37 male
 Joined Jul 06 2013
 Phoenix, AZ
Strawberry Mountain 6813Payson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2014
SonoranBoundTriplogs 6
Hiking4.00 Miles
Hiking4.00 Miles
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Found Strawberry Mountain looking at topography maps near the Mogollon Rim. After seeing nothing on Hike AZ for the peak I knew I had to get in a description. I got to the trailhead about 7:40am on a Sunday morning, it was around 35 degrees. Started up the first peak, following the property line, by the time I reached the first ridge I was winded. Smooth sailing from hear on, got to the top of peak 6631 and took in some views. Shortly after reaching the first peak I spotted doe scampering away, nice!

After taking in the views here I headed towards Strawberry Mountain. I was feeling pretty warm by now and took of my jacket. After reaching the top I headed over to the overlook. Great Views of the Mogollon Rim. Stopped for lunch and thought about The Apaches that once roamed the land and the battles that took place near the area with General Crook.

After lunch headed back down the way I came. Was back at the car in just over three hours. It had warmed up into the upper 50s. Was back in Phoenix by 1:30.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mogollon Rim
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Oct 29 2013
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 43
 Triplogs 6

37 male
 Joined Jul 06 2013
 Phoenix, AZ
Barry Goldwater Peak via Goat CampPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 29 2013
SonoranBoundTriplogs 6
Hiking13.30 Miles 3,379 AEG
Hiking13.30 Miles   6 Hrs      2.53 mph
3,379 ft AEG      45 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Had the week off of work so decided to get a good hike in. Started this hike at 7am and it was 55 degrees. I had my 2 liter camelback, plus 4 20oz bottles which would turn out to be the perfect amount. The first mile or so is a breeze, good for stretching your legs and getting your blood flowing. Shortly into the second mile you start your climb. This second mile is a good indication of the type of trail goat camp is. After a bit the trail evens out and then the final quarter mile or so you climb up out of goat canyon and gain your first ridge. The third mile is more of the same. A little bit of climbing up the side of another canyon crossing over and gaining another ridge. I had to take a few breaks along this 2 mile stretch.
Good news, mile post 2-3 and 3-4 are pretty much the hardest part of this trail. By the time you hit mile post 4 you have already gained your second ridge and loop around another canyon on a gradual decent. Once you hit mile marker 5 you're on the other side of the canyon and have already started a gradual incline, nice and steady.
This is when I started looking for the side trail that leads up to peak. It is pretty easy to spot, I was able to identify where it would be before I actually saw it. There was a small peak on the left that you wrap around, and just follow the ridgeline.
In 15 minutes I hit the service road and followed that up to the top. It took me about 2:30 to make it up. After a rest and some lunch I headed back down. By this time it was about 65 degrees. The way down was easier on the legs but tougher on the feet (I have the blisters to prove it). Make sure you have good shoes for this. By the time I made it down it was well over 70 degrees, although it felt hotter as there is not a lot of shade. Was done by 1:00pm.
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Aug 16 2013
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 43
 Triplogs 6

37 male
 Joined Jul 06 2013
 Phoenix, AZ
White Box & Hanging Gardens of WCCCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Canyoneering avatar Aug 16 2013
SonoranBoundTriplogs 6
Canyoneering3.60 Miles 540 AEG
Canyoneering3.60 Miles   6 Hrs      0.60 mph
540 ft AEG6 LBS Pack
Canyon Hiking - Non-technical; no rope; easy scrambling; occasional hand use
B - Up to light current; wading/swimming; possible wet/dry suit
II - Normally requires a half day
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
If you are looking for adventure you have come to the right place. First off, have four wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle. I tried to get in here a few weeks prior with my friends, non 4x4 truck, not a good idea. Originally I had tried to get in on FR 142b, after that first failed attempt, I talk my friend with a 4x4 jeep Cherokee into going and we went in on NF-9241N which follows power lines and connect with 142B further down the line. I would recommend this way as an alternative, still a rough road by any standards but a littler better than 142b.
Finally, I made it to the trial head. Anyone who has gone into clear creek using the trail that starts at the end of 142e will find this one (142b) a much easier way in, its getting there that is the hard part. The trail starts off with a descent covered by cottonwood trees and scattered pines. Its not long till you begin to hear water. Once you get to the creek the rest of the journey will consist of rock hopping and swimming/wading through the creek. Make sure you brought some good shoes for this one as it can be very easy to take an unwanted dive into shallow water. At this part I would mark the area well with a cairn to designate you way out, it would be easy to miss it on your way back. There are a few 30-40 yard swims through the canyon. If you are a good swimmer you should be fine, if not definitely bring a flotation device of some kind, especially for the way back after being tired.
After measuring with a scientific device (a long stick) the water was at least 12ft deep in some spots. I couldn't help but wonder if there were any good size fish in this area. After a couple of twist and turns through the canyon you wonder if hanging gardens even exist. The hike feels much longer because of the swimming and wading.
Once you reach your destination it does not disappoint. People can't believe it when I show them the pictures and tell them this is Arizona. It is amazing! You can swim under the overhang and check out the spring. Take a rest at this point and take it all in. There are some great flat rock to create perfect seats and have lunch.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Canyon Tree Frog
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Mar 16 2013
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 43
 Triplogs 6

37 male
 Joined Jul 06 2013
 Phoenix, AZ
Governors PeakPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2013
SonoranBoundTriplogs 6
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,700 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles   4 Hrs      1.25 mph
1,700 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
What a great hike! Went with a friend from work on a rainy day, really light drizzle. After crossing a huge wash we managed to find the TH and signed in. It had been raining for a couple days and the area was nice and green. After a while we came to a canyon with a nice amount of water flowing through it (Probably dry without the rain). Shortly after crossing this "Raging river" (note the sarcasm) we lost the trail and it became pretty rocky. We started up a wash that was more of a climb at times. After reaching the top of this portion we could see Governors peak over the false peak. It was just about this time that the clouds came in. It was spectacular! We were covered in fog and couldn't see more than 10ft. Luckily when we reached the top the fog broke just enough to give us a brief look at the surrounding area. After spending some time in the clouds we decided to head back down.
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Mar 16 2013
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 43
 Triplogs 6

37 male
 Joined Jul 06 2013
 Phoenix, AZ
Flatiron Hike - SuperstitionsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2013
SonoranBoundTriplogs 6
Hiking5.85 Miles 2,900 AEG
Hiking5.85 Miles   5 Hrs      1.17 mph
2,900 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This is a great hike for beginners who are ready to adventure into something a little more strenuous. If you are looking for seclusion move on, this is a popular hike, but it doesn't take away from great views. We got out early and started around 7am. The trail starts out flat for the first mile or so going north/south with the iconic Superstitions mountains to the east, you have probably seen this view in pictures hundreds of times. As the trail bends to the east the trail steadily ascends into a canyon with many neat rock formations. Once in the canyon you can see Flatiron high overhead and it looks like the trail will probably ascend deep into this canyon and swing back towards Flatiron. This area had a small trickle of water and was extremely slick due to its smooth surface.
You soon realize that the trail does not ascend deep into any canyon and it becomes much more of climb, sometimes literally. Its a straight shot up from here and you will defiantly get a work out. The last portion of this hike involves about a 10ft climb up a wall and a nice steady climb along the edge of flatiron to its point overlooking Apache junction and the rest of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is quite an amazing view. You can sit and hang your feet over the edge, but be extremely cautious, you will not be walking away from a fall.
We spent some time exploring the area around the Flatiron, it seems a lot of people set up camp in the area. Once we started back down the trail, and before the climb back down the 10ft wall portion we went up a side trail. Turns out this is where a plane crash on Nov. 23rd 2011 happened. Very sad. You can still see the crash site and some of the wreckage, basically nuts and bolts that were left behind. There is a small memorial up here too. Not the best way to end a great hike, but it really drives home why we should all cherish our short lives.
After that we headed down, this can be a little trickier than the way up as you must be a lot more aware of what you are doing. Seems we started at the right time since the crowds were getting larger as we made it down. All in all, a great day out.
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Dec 23 2012
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 43
 Triplogs 6

37 male
 Joined Jul 06 2013
 Phoenix, AZ
Quartz Peak Trail - Sierra EstrellaPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 23 2012
SonoranBoundTriplogs 6
Hiking5.20 Miles 2,550 AEG
Hiking5.20 Miles   6 Hrs      0.87 mph
2,550 ft AEG9 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
desert_boonie
Started out with a couple buddies on cold December morning. By the time we made it up the first incline to the ridgeline things heated up pretty quick. After a couple switchbacks we could see the peak in sight. The peak looms overhead ducking out of sight from time to time. Once you reach the top the quartz is nice and cool to the touch. What's most amazing is the secluded feeling in a spot so close to a city of 3 million people. Well worth the trip in my opinion :) Trip down is nice and easy, only stopped a couple times on the way down as opposed to numerous times on the way up. Thank You ken for getting us out there, glad I was able to tackle this hike.
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average hiking speed 1.28 mph

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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