PhilMW's Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Feb 19 2015

PhilMW

Photos 63
Triplogs 6

39 male

Joined May 31 2014
Mesa, AZ

Reavis Falls Hike

Globe, AZ

Reavis Falls Hike

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Feb 19 2015
		PhilMW • Triplogs 6

Hiking	13.80 Miles	3,169 AEG

Hiking	13.80 Miles	7 Hrs 30 Mns		2.04 mph
	3,169 ft AEG	45 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

It was a great day for hiking. The weather was nice and cool in the morning and there was slight cloud cover in the afternoon. Flowers began making an appearance, and Apache Lake was shimmering in the canyon below. Not a soul was to be seen.

The hike started off with nice views of the superstitions, but the trail itself was nothing the exciting. Bend after bend it continued with nothing more than typical AZ desert...until going up through what Eric and I referred to as the portal. This small pass took us from the rocky, brush-lands to grassy, rolling hills. Our timing couldn't have been much better, as the grass was still green.

As we worked our way through the hills, we noted that snakes were coming out of their holes, as a Bull snake lay, in the middle of the trail, basking in the warmth of the sun. He didn't like our intrusion though, and slithered off into the tall grasses.

We continued on, and soon found the path the leads to the waterfall. Up and over the hill we went too discover another realm in the Superstitions. We walked through fields of green...prickly pear that is...as we headed down into the canyon of flowing water and large trees. The vegetation was very Arizonan, however, with all the thorns and harshness of it all. Reavis creek was flowing, and old leaved were sprawled across the ground. It took some time, but we worked our way through the brush up the creek until eventually, we spotted the waterfall.

There wasn't a ton of water flowing over the cliff, but it was enough to make it quite incredible to see. There was great seating for having lunch with a nice view and cool breeze. After our time enjoying the falls and a break, we began our trip out.

This was a great trip for a few reasons. The weather was just right, the scenery is awesome, and the diversity of the Superstitions never ceases to amaze me...Rocky Desert, grassy fields, rolling hills, a canyon/riparian area, and a 200 foot waterfall...all in one trail! And if you make it the the ranch as well, there's an apple orchard and pine/juniper forest in the mix as well! There are not many places in the world that can offer that. I am very appreciative that I get to live here!

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Reavis Falls

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

Jan 01 2015

PhilMW

Photos 63
Triplogs 6

39 male

Joined May 31 2014
Mesa, AZ

Superstition Peak 5057 - Carney

Phoenix, AZ

Superstition Peak 5057 - Carney

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2015
		PhilMW • Triplogs 6

Hiking	6.50 Miles	3,008 AEG

Hiking	6.50 Miles	6 Hrs		1.08 mph
	3,008 ft AEG		12 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

linked

West Boulder Saddle

Partners

none

no partners

I was looking forward to hiking up to Superstition Peak, and had set a date to go up which was the 1st. As the date became closer, the weather forecast was looking good for a storm to come through. I was excited about that for the prospect of hiking through fresh snow in the Supes. Sure enough, there was a good coating of white as Eric and I headed out there. We had a bit later start this cold morning due to a late New Years Eve, and got to the trail head at about 9:30. Snow covered the ground and brush from the start.

As we climbed higher and higher the snow became more abundant. Reaching the first summit, we gazed up a field of white, as there were 2-3 inches of snow covering every bit of the landscape. Being as late as it was, however, the sun was up and melting away what was left the day before. The sound of water falling in drops from the trees was like hearing a light rain throughout the valley. As we climbed higher, we ran into another hiker coming down, whom I believe was Dennis. We chatted for a bit as he mentioned that the top was like a whole different world.

We reached the top of the saddle and were blown away by what we saw. There was a good 5-6 inches of very soft powder all around us. It was a winter wonderland of snow and ice. At this point, we were unsure of how far we would make it. Trekking through thick snow can be slow, and when it covers an already thin trail, it becomes very tough to follow. We were able to follow footprints for a little ways, but then the prints dissipated. The owners of those prints had sense enough to turn back for the cairns were tough to point out, and you had to be sure with each footstep and the potential something like a cactus could be hiding underneath.

Eric and I pushed onward, stopping at each cairn to find the next one. We made it up to the wash, which happened to be a nice flowing creek, and pushed just a bit further. The large boulders that cairns were resting on disappeared, making it practically impossible to find the trail. At this point we decided it best to turn around. Although we didn't make the peak, we were both quite pleased by the hike.

On the route back, we stopped for a bit to admire the views and build a snowman. It was at this point that I was wishing I had my gloves with me. It is not recommended to play int the snow without a pair.

I know we don't expect to have white Christmas here, but it was great to have a white New Year! And what an awesome way to start out 2015! :y:

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Holiday Spirit

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] West Boulder Saddle - 3683ft

_____________________

Nov 17 2014

PhilMW

Photos 63
Triplogs 6

39 male

Joined May 31 2014
Mesa, AZ

Fish Creek Canyon - Upper Bridge

Phoenix, AZ

Fish Creek Canyon - Upper Bridge

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Nov 17 2014
		PhilMW • Triplogs 6

Canyoneering	6.30 Miles	950 AEG

Canyoneering	6.30 Miles	4 Hrs 45 Mns		1.33 mph
	950 ft AEG		12 LBS Pack

Canyon Hiking - Non-technical; no rope; easy scrambling; occasional hand use

A - Dry or little water; shallow or avoidable water; no wet/dry suit

III - Normally requires most of a day

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Being a cooler day we started off later than usual. Eric, his dad, and me got to the trail-head at about 9:30 in the morning. It started out on the rough side, because we weren't exactly sure how to get down with out getting wet. There was a wall to wall pool under the bridge. We ended up finding the route on the west side of the bridge that leads to the cave and down from there. All the graffiti and trash in the cave is surely discouraging. It definitely ruins the appeal of the natural beauty here. We passed the cave and saw no more aside from a piece of trash here and there throughout the rest of the canyon.

I was pleased to see a decent amount of water running through despite the lack of rain and moisture recently. It was nice that there was little enough to where we avoided having to get wet though. I don't mind a good tromp though a creek, but when it's 50 and breezy, that's a bit too cold for that.

It's a beautiful canyon in the fall for sure. Looking through the forest of leaves turning yellow against the red canyon walls and the black and white boulders is a fantastic site. The terrain also promotes a bit of out of the box thinking too. There were definitely times where it seemed like the best route wasn't. There were also places that multiple options were feasible. Climbing over boulders, rock hoping across the creek, crawling through tunnels between rocks and scrambling up steep walls were all apart of our journey. It wasn't a long hike, but it was enjoyable for sure.

The far side of the canyon became a bit less interesting as it opened up and became more overgrown with shrubs. We decided to turn around towards the end of the canyon because Eric's dad wasn't feeling the greatest. We didn't have much further to go according to the gps's and it didn't look like we were going to miss too much from that point on.

Overall, I really enjoyed the canyon. It's a beautiful spot in our awesome desert, and it makes for a fun hike.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Not a huge variety of colors, but most everything was still green or turning yellow.

_____________________

Oct 30 2014

PhilMW

Photos 63
Triplogs 6

39 male

Joined May 31 2014
Mesa, AZ

Haunted Canyon #203

Globe, AZ

Haunted Canyon #203

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Oct 30 2014
		PhilMW • Triplogs 6

Hiking	11.00 Miles	2,040 AEG

Hiking	11.00 Miles	6 Hrs		1.83 mph
	2,040 ft AEG		12 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

It was the eve of Halloween, and I was unable to make the Hazoween event, so Haunted Canyon seemed like it would be a suitable trail for the day. Eric and I had taken 1 vehicle and decided to reach the cabin and turn back.

The cold of the morning hit unexpectedly as we watched our breath escape our lungs. The first (and last) bit of the trail seemed to go on and on as it was all monotonous dirt road with proof of mining spread about. Once we reached the actual trail by the coral, things turned for the best.

The air was cool and crisp as we entered the canyon. The trail brought us along the dry creek where in the midst of desert was an oasis of Oaks, cottonwoods and other trees that were all beginning to show their seasonal colors. I had gone through West Fork 2 weeks prior and there was more color here to my surprise.

As the trail neared the creek and hit the fence, a decision was to be made. Neither of us had been here before, so the direction seemed to us more likely to go up to the right. A clear trail leading up was present, whereas the other direction which felt correct was to go through the creek bed without much sign of a path. We followed the logical path that eventually lead us up higher and higher. The trail kept parallel with the canyon, yet seemed as if it would eventually leave the canyon behind. We decided to turn back after going about 1/2 a mile up and soon reached the creek which we followed upstream. This area became our favorite spot of the trip, as this was about the only area of the canyon that really felt like a canyon.

The black rock cliffs rose above our heads masked by large trees and vines that ran up the walls. It was here where we had a sense of why this place was named haunted. It was eerily quiet. There was no water babbling, no birds singing, no wind blowing, not even any flies buzzing. It was a strange, yet beautiful silence that is rarely heard. This quiet lasted through most of our journey along this trail, though not as deeply as this segment.

As we moved along and the sun rose higher, the canyon wall gave way to more gentle sloped hills. We came across a tarantula resting on a rock. It didn't seem to take to kindly to our presence so we left it alone, aside for a picture or 2. We soon reached what must be a popular camping area. There were flat open areas for tents, and remnants of campfires lying around. As we passed through this area, a heard of deer we must have spooked ran off. There must have been around 10.

It was at this point I knew we were near the cabin, and we found the trail that leads off to it. We wandered in that direction and the trees gave way for the first time to an open field. Through the fields we came across the little old ranch. This ended our adventure as we ate lunch and talked about the name of haunted canyon and the legend of the cave of 1000 eyes.

Overall, this was a great hike. It's a beautiful gem in the desert of the superstitions. The quality of the silence there is incredible. The place makes me think if Reavis Ranch to some extent, If only there were apples here as well!

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Tarantula

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Haunted Canyon William Toney Ranch

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
I was surprised by the colors out here. It may not be as awesome as other areas, but for the location it's good stuff!

_____________________

Sep 04 2014

PhilMW

Photos 63
Triplogs 6

39 male

Joined May 31 2014
Mesa, AZ

Fish Creek Lower Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Fish Creek Lower Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Sep 04 2014
		PhilMW • Triplogs 6

Canyoneering	4.00 Miles

Canyoneering	4.00 Miles	3 Hrs		1.33 mph
			12 LBS Pack

Canyon Hiking - Non-technical; no rope; easy scrambling; occasional hand use

B - Up to light current; wading/swimming; possible wet/dry suit

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

My friend Austin and I were planning a hike, and I had been wanting to get to Fish Creek at some point. I had done a bit of looking and found that this was a bit easier than the upper canyon and also wanted to stay by the creek rather going up the hill, so it was a good choice.

We got to the trail at about 9:30, and there was some cloud cover, which was very nice, especially in the hot month of August. The trail started out easy enough, and we soon ran into the creek, which seemed pretty low...though I wasn't expecting too much from it. The trail slowly dissipated into not much more than a few leftover track from previous hikers and their pets. This made for some decent bushwhacking and random creek crossings. After a while of that, the canyon opened up some to allow for easier hiking with some scrambling here and there.

Everything was so peaceful in the canyon as well...aside from all the flies buzzing around our heads. There were several moments where we stopped just to enjoy the serenity, the creek running alongside us, and the towering canyon walls.

There were a few critters we ran into while we were out there aside from the common lizards, frogs, and flies. A garter snake was on the rocks in our path enjoying a nice bit of sunbathing. He wasn't even fazed by us. We also found a red and black jumping spider crawling around. Also found a bunch of javelina track and a spot where they had bedded down recently.

We made it about one and a half to two miles - which is a bit of speculation judging from the curves we took in comparison to the map - before turning back around. The way out seemed easier, probably because we knew what to expect. Overall, I enjoyed the hike, and would like to return when it's a bit cooler, and try to make it all the way to the river.

Wildflowers Observation Light
I was fairly surprised to see as many flowers as I did.

_____________________

Jul 01 2014

PhilMW

Photos 63
Triplogs 6

39 male

Joined May 31 2014
Mesa, AZ

Kinder Crossing Trail #19

Payson, AZ

Kinder Crossing Trail #19

Payson, AZ

Backpack		Jul 01 2014
		PhilMW • Triplogs 6

Backpack	1.95 Miles	584 AEG

Backpack	1.95 Miles	2 Days 12 Hrs
	584 ft AEG		50 LBS Pack

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Kinder Crossing is a trail I had heard about years ago when I was a boy scout, but I never actually went, so when I was planning a backpacking trip, I thought I would give it a try. I went with two good friends and spent 2 nights sleeping in hammocks and exploring the creek.

We left on Tuesday the 1st of July and nobody was up there. It was quiet, and beautiful. It was definitely warm up at the parking lot, but as we hiked down into the canyon, t cooled of and some clouds began rolling in. From what I had seen, a majority of people go downstream when they get to the bottom. We had decided to check out the other way. We found a good spot to set up camp about 1/2 a mile from the base of the trail. There were signs of other people who had done the same, but not much of a trail though.

It began to rain lightly on us when we got our hammocks and tarps up, which gave us a bad feeling that we may have been in for some bad weather. Not long after the rain started though, it stopped. Everything became so much nicer as it had cooled of some, and the sun wasn't threatening to beat down on us too much. The rest of the time down there was like that which was awesome!

I had a 50 pound pack with me due to the fact that I had carried my camera gear down with me. As we explored the canyon, went swimming (and tried avoiding all the crayfish), and climbed some of the rocks and hills, I captured a ton of beautiful footage. I also set up a time-lapse the first night which gave an awesome view of the stars.
*I edited a lot of the footage into a video which you can watch here - http://youtu.be/EXSB_j6q-hA

We started hiking out on Thursday morning and decided to go downstream a little ways. We came across an awesome swimming hole, with even more crayfish of course, and swam around a bit before turning around and heading up out of the canyon. At this point we saw a guy and his dog hike down (the only person we encountered during our trip). As we were on our climb out clouds began rolling in again, and we could hear thunder rumbling in the distance. By the time we had reached the parking lot, the storm was much closer, but still not on top of us yet. About 3 minutes into our drive out, it began pouring rain. We couldn't have had better timing with our hike out.

Overall, it was a great trip. It was beautiful, the weather was just right, and everything was so peaceful. That's what I look forward to in a backpacking trip.

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

5 archives

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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