SJFL's Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Carter - Nuttall Trail #315

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Carter - Nuttall Trail #315

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 14 2025
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking

Hiking
			20 LBS Pack

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The first ~1/4 mile of the trail is fine'ish. As you start to move down the ridge, it fades in and out. Until finally, right about when the trail is supposed to drop off the west side of the ridge, it all but disappears.

Despite the fact that nothing existed, I had the bright idea to still try to get down to the next plateau so that I could see if I could jump on the Nuttall Canyon Trail that would take me back up onto Clark Peak near Taylor Pass. After crashing through carefully interwoven pinon pine for an hour, I finally got to the bottom, where the intersection is supposed to be, and couldn't find anything that followed a topo line. It was just more chaos. I decided to go back up the way I came, did a lot of bouldering/climbing, and got out.

All to say, I couldn't find any trails left in there. I wonder if anyone else has had luck?

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Nov 28 2024

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Oak Flat to Campaign to Fire Line, AZ

Hiking		Nov 28 2024
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	9.30 Miles	3,103 AEG

Hiking	9.30 Miles
	3,103 ft AEG		42 LBS Pack

no routes

no photosets

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Campaign Trail #256

Fireline Trail #118

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Pretty straight forward. Campaign was in good shape. Some catclaw, etc., but a cakewalk compared to West Pinto or some of the other Supes areas. When you come down off the mountain, after passing Pinto Peak to the East, and head into Campaign creek, it helps to try and stay on the trail. Sometimes it's hard to find, and not the end of the world if you have to hike the creek, but with weight on your back, it's a lot easier on the ankles.

I didn't see a lick of water. I wasn't looking super carefully, though.

After following the trail for a minute on Fire Line, I decided to go straight up the drainage. Not the end of the world, but there was a little bouldering. Would have been easier if I just stuck to the trail... which definitely is overgrown on the east side of the peak.

Came down the west side into Reavis Ranch at dusk. As expected, plenty of water, which was a delight to see. Dropped into mid-twenties at night: didn't expect that. It was a solid 15 degrees colder than the USGOV forecast.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
A burst of color here or there in the riparian areas

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Didn't notice much, but definitely a flower here or there.

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Nov 24 2024

West Pinto Trail #212 - Superstitions

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

West Pinto Trail #212 - Superstitions

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Nov 24 2024
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	8.60 Miles	1,439 AEG

Hiking	8.60 Miles
	1,439 ft AEG		41 LBS Pack

no routes

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Started at Roger's Trough.

A grand total of 1/4 mile in, I got off-trail for the first time; I didn't cross the creek when I should have. Mistake. Super thick manzanita and holly. Was on all fours, with ~40+lbs on my back, and a camera dangling at my side. Finally got on trail again. Tried not to make that mistake again. But did. Each time, it was costly.

Whether you stay on trail or not, you're going to get lit up: the catclaw, etc. is dense.

The sycamores and cottonwoods are still holding their fall colors: super pretty.

There was water along the way. Never anything "running" but definitely pools. Thanks to a tiny pool about a quarter mile north/west of Oak Flats, I had water to get me up campaign and over Fire Line to Reavis Ranch. I saw water a total of 4 times between Roger's and Oak Flats. I walked about an 1/4 mile east on West Pinto from Oak Flats and did not find water. But according to another triplog recently, it may be a little further down toward Miles Ranch TH.

During the night, I was awakened to a loud screaming. I tried to tell myself it was an Elk rutting... but it wasn't. Looked up the sound when I got back. There was a mountain lion within 20-40 feet. I could hear it moving through the bushes. And the scream was very close by: probably in the creek. Glad it was busy dealing with other matters than me.

Will post Campaign/Fire Line and then Reavis triplogs shortly.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
The tail remains of the foliage. But still very pretty.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Maybe a few here or there...

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Nov 18 2024

La Milagrosa / Agua Caliente Canyon Loop

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

La Milagrosa / Agua Caliente Canyon Loop

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Nov 18 2024
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	6.35 Miles	1,440 AEG

Hiking	6.35 Miles	2 Hrs 6 Mns		3.02 mph
	1,440 ft AEG		18 LBS Pack

no routes

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I've been hiking this route for many years. And as some of you know, the development keeps creeping further back. I suppose we should be happy we can access these routes. But I often wonder if there is any limit to how far they can go.

Leaving that aside, all was "normal" out there. The paths were clear. All the usual water spots were dry: though something had been digging hard in the cattle tank on the south portion of the trail before or after the turn off to Agua Caliente Hill. Whatever it was--javelina probably--I can imagine it probably found a little bit of moisture and moved onwards.

That's about it.

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Aug 31 2023

Cunningham Loop Trail #316

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Cunningham Loop Trail #316

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Aug 31 2023
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	5.40 Miles	1,212 AEG

Hiking	5.40 Miles	3 Hrs		1.80 mph
	1,212 ft AEG		18 LBS Pack

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I parked at the "TH" about 200 yards down from the start of the trail. Not a big deal, but you can also just park right at the entrance to the trail on the north side of the road.

I did the upper loop to the lower loop. The signage is a little confusing, but basically you just want to stay on the road rather than taking the small animal trails that branch off and mysteriously have trail signs right near them--that are not related to them: again, they are confusing.

As you get further along the loop, the road is no longer traveled by vehicles. And at that point, it's a lot of climbing over felled trees and crouching beneath them to make your way forward. As you get toward Grant Creek, where the upper and lower trails meet, the "trail" gets completely overgrown and just about impossible to follow. I took a few stray turns and ended up high on Grant Creek and meandered my way down the drainage that had plenty of water. It was anything but a cakewalk.

Once I met up with the lower trail, the further along I got, the easier it was to walk.

Amazing amounts of birds. So many types that I couldn't identify.

In terms of trees, there was everything from blue elders, to aspens, to pines. Lots of mullen, too.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

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Aug 22 2023

Webb Peak from Ash Creek TH

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Webb Peak from Ash Creek TH

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Aug 22 2023
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	3.50 Miles	900 AEG

Hiking	3.50 Miles
	900 ft AEG		18 LBS Pack

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I did this late in the day. It's a super quick and straightforward hike straight to the fire tower. The aspens are growing in thick. And the fire damaged trees are lined up like matchsticks all along the beginning of the trail. There are lots of large burnt pines along the way. Some of them have an amazing and overbearing presence.

When I got to the top I walked around some of the burn at the top. As you head south, there are some high points that give you amazing, clear views to the south and west. There are no trails, but since you have the fire tower as a landmark, it's pretty hard to get lost.

This trail would make a great trail run for anyone that needed to pop out of one of the nearby campgrounds and get away for a quick workout fix.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Apr 28 2023

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Pontatoc Trail #410

Pontatoc Trail #410

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Apr 28 2023
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	6.85 Miles	2,400 AEG

Hiking	6.85 Miles
	2,400 ft AEG		15 LBS Pack

no routes

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I had a somewhat ominous beginning and end to my hike:

At the very beginning, just as I dropped off the split between Finger Rock and Pontatoc trails, I heard, and then saw, a terrible melee between some javelina and a domestic dog. The sounds were bone-chilling. And when the owners finally separated their dog, the two javelina that took off were enormous. The dog seemed pretty badly injured. I hope it made it. All to say, for the sake of your dogs and the wildlife, please keep them on a leash. It was very sad.

The hike ended with me getting stopped about 1/2 a mile from the TH by Search and Rescue. They were loading someone onto a litter and raising them into a helicopter evac. There were, no joke, over 50 responders--fire department, EMT's, S+R... and I don't know who else. It seemed like a little overkill. But whatever it takes. I hope that human was also ok.

The hike... That was beautiful. It was a little warm, and the elevation change was somewhat taxing, but once you get far enough back, it starts to feel somewhat wild (minus the constant views of Tucson at your back). A beautiful racer or whipsnake did it's usual thing and flew across my path--I nearly crapped my pants, but instead let out a manly yelp that reverberated back and forth through the canyon.

There is a little bit of water in there and it's easy to find at all the crossings that go through the canyon bottom. It's not crystal clear, but not horrible either.

My GPS had the hike topping out at 6.85 miles. But I went all the way to the terminus sign... and then continued up into the backcountry for at least another 1/4 to 1/2 mile. So, not sure about the 7.6 that this is listed as. Same for elevation change: My GPS put it at around 2400. I don't necessarily trust my GPS.

Wildflowers Observation Light
Lupine, Brittlebush...

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2 archives

Dec 10 2022

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Babad Do'ag Drainage

Babad Do'ag Drainage

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Dec 10 2022
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	4.80 Miles	1,369 AEG

Hiking	4.80 Miles	7 Hrs 10 Mns		0.67 mph
	1,369 ft AEG		15 LBS Pack

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The first 1/4 mile of this drainage was a little trickier than I expected. I read the route description and would caution anyone that there are a couple of moves in this stretch that felt slightly exposed. If you slipped or fell backward, it could be unfortunate. After that first stretch, it's pretty straight forward up to the "wall," or what is otherwise described as a waterfall. Other than a ton of fountain grasses and some slightly slippery granite, it's classic drainage fun. And, there was plenty of clear water in small pools/puddles.

Once I got wall/waterfall, I headed up to the trail and then back into the drainage for another 1/4 mile or so. The vegetation thins out a bit above the trail. Plenty of live oaks and a few playful cholla dispersed throughout thick grass. Be careful for the shin daggers; it's easy to get around them, but if you miss one...

It was in the mid 30's when I started; which felt cold in the shadows. But by the time I got that 1/4 mile in, I was stripping layers.

I moved super slow on account of making photographs. But I think this could be done in half the time. By the way, I went up the drainage and then down the trail.

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Nov 24 2022

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Red Tanks Trail #107

Red Tanks Trail #107

Globe, AZ

Backpack		Nov 24 2022
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Backpack	8.20 Miles	1,515 AEG

Backpack	8.20 Miles
	1,515 ft AEG		40 LBS Pack

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I haven't read others reports on this route. So, I'm sure I am repeating.

This is a remarkably beautiful hike. And it's a tough trip too. The trail is largely gone due to fire. And the catclaw has grown in thick in many places. It would be a miracle to move through that landscape without leaving DNA.

There were only a few "sketchy" moments. And most of that was due to me trying to cut corners rather than backtrack. So, while this is a difficult and strenuous route, I wouldn't label it as dangerous otherwise.

For the first third of the trip (from south to north/west), I saw water in small pools here and there. Most of the time, it looked filterable.

When it comes to solitude, I didn't run into anyone in the ~48 hours I was in the area. As per above (catclaw, no trail, etc.), for good reason.

	Brads Water	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Don't know that it's "quart per minute" because this is a pool in a cave in a rock wall. But there was plenty of water in there. NOTE: if you are claustrophobic or squeamish about flies, this isn't the water source for you to rely on.

	Red Tanks Canyon	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	TO BE CLEAR: I don't know exactly where this water source is supposed to be. But I saw water up and down the first ~1/3rd of the mile of Red Tanks Canyon. And then from there up a ways, I kept on seeing small pools in the sand/rocks at canyon bottom.

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Nov 23 2022

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Coffee Flat Trail #108

Phoenix, AZ

Coffee Flat Trail #108

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 23 2022
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	7.50 Miles	1,100 AEG

Hiking	7.50 Miles
	1,100 ft AEG		40 LBS Pack

no routes

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I only did a section of the trail--up to the junction with Red Tanks. As others have no doubt pointed out, this area was hit hard by the burn in summer 2020. Saguaros are dying left and right. The landscape is pretty barren. But of course, that has its own beauty too.

If you are relying on Reeds Water, follow your sight-line to the windmill. I couldn't figure out how the trail leads to it... other than coming up from the east/south. As of my visit, there was plenty of water in the bottom of the mill--as per others instructions on how to lower your cistern into the bottom (rope, container, etc.)

Coming out of Reeds Water, I didn't make the left turn along the wall and ended up going south in the drainage for a couple hundred feet. Just make sure you make the left (going east).

The wall along dripping springs was wet. But no pools or reliable source that I could see. About a 100 feet downstream, definitely a little pool that was passable for filtering. (though I didn't.)

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Nov 18 2022

Douglas Spring Trail to Douglas Spring CG

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Douglas Spring Trail to Douglas Spring CG

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Nov 18 2022
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	12.90 Miles	2,509 AEG

Hiking	12.90 Miles	3 Hrs 30 Mns	3.69 mph
	2,509 ft AEG

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To begin with, I didn't get all the way to Douglas Springs. I made it past the turn off to Bridal Wreath and went about a mile beyond.

Everything is status quo out there. The trail is well maintained. The morninglory vine has died off a bit. And the three-awn grass is moderate; got plenty into my shoes and socks, but I've been in drastically worse conditions that felt like Hellraiser acupuncture.

I ran across a curious and small snake on the path. Given the time of year, it was surprising to me. A couple lizards were out too.

On my way back, I decided to go off-trail. I've always wanted to see the space up above Bridal Wreath. This is where the three-awn grass was particularly annoying. Dare I say, it was somewhat worth it. The small canyon system/riparian habitat was beautiful. Saw a toad. Rocks were super slippery.

Instead of taking the gnarly route down to Bridal Wreath proper, I traversed a scree slope a little bit to the east and dropped back onto the trail. The rest of the hike back was pleasant.

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Feb 09 2022

South Fork of Cave Creek #243

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

South Fork of Cave Creek #243

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Feb 09 2022
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	5.90 Miles	1,438 AEG

Hiking	5.90 Miles
	1,438 ft AEG

no routes

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Linked

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Burro Trail #240

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I did the full loop in one day leaving from the South Fork TH, branching off onto the Burro and then dropping down back to the top of South Fork and back.

It's important to know that large parts of the Burro Trail are almost completely burned out/lost. At times there are some slightly uncomfortable maneuvers in order to bridge the gap--i.e. scree ground at a steep angle leading down a steep cliff. Other times the catclaw has completely grown in. In short, it's a rough trail right now... and no trail in many places. As you get up to snow line, that gets even worse. It didn't look like anyone had been up there for a long time. So, there's no trail for the snow to lie horizontally on. Which means, there's no visible trail. I ended up pounding my way through hundreds of yards of icy snow. If I didn't punch a hole in the snow, I would have slid down and off a cliff. Often I had to go up steep inclines, on the ice, just to get to safer ground. Then finally dropped down a gully, through the snow, to get back onto South Fork. Once on South Fork, it was a cake walk.

Moral of the story, this trail is not at all maintained. And is a bit of a bear to get through. That being said, lots of beautiful views and indefinite solitude.

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Mar 23 2021

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

White Canyon

White Canyon

Globe, AZ

Canyoneering		Mar 23 2021
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Canyoneering	7.50 Miles	824 AEG

Canyoneering	7.50 Miles
	824 ft AEG

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I drove a Forester in and decided to car camp just past the gate at Walnut Canyon. I actually made it to the top of the hill, approximately 1/10th of a mile from the TH, but the hill going down was very steep and rutted out. Didn't want to wager trying to get back up. I had a decent camp spot back toward the ranch gate... once I cleared out the cow pies.

The hike up White Canyon was wonderful. As someone else mentioned it feels somewhat intense for a solo. But with a lot of caution it seemed relatively safe. Of course the off chance possibility of moving "that tiny stone that was holding that enormous boulder in place" kept on running through my mind.

I got all the way to what is marked as "swim pool" on the posted route for this hike. There was water, but it was low enough that I couldn't figure out how someone could get over the boulder and continue onward. If anyone wants to chime in on that, I would be interested in case I ever return.

Up until that point, I was amazed at how often things seemed impassable... but something always revealed itself.

The variety of geology and landscapes along the way is amazing. At times I felt like I could have been in Aravaipa and then on the Esplanade of the North Rim and then back in one of the nearby canyons in Tucson.

Saw a few turtles along the way. I haven't made a positive ID, but I think they are mud turtles; which are somewhat rare.

I didn't think the cairns were necessary. And the register at the trailhead was loaded with profane opinions on that matter.

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Mar 19 2021

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Off route, AZ

Hiking		Mar 19 2021
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	5.50 Miles	1,500 AEG

Hiking	5.50 Miles	5 Hrs	1.10 mph
	1,500 ft AEG

no routes

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I decided to go straight into the wash that leads north out of the TH. The wash eventually narrows out and dead-ends at a beautiful pool (beautiful in shape, though not particularly inviting or potable) with a large vertical wall. Which forced me to back out a hundred feet and scramble up a steep hill to the ridge and eventually back onto the trail. After getting to the large tank around mile 1.5 (?) on the trail (which has been dry for the past couple years I have been there), I decided to again go over the ridge and back into the wash. The grasses are a little out of control in some parts. And I was surprised to come across a few junipers (I'm pretty sure they were junipers but didn't expect them so low).

As a note, there were some tiny pockets of water from last weeks rains. I doubt they'll be there for more than a few more days.

Otherwise, another beautiful day in the desert!

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Feb 22 2021

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Plenty of Water But Burned, AZ

Hiking		Feb 22 2021
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	9.75 Miles	2,800 AEG

Hiking	9.75 Miles
	2,800 ft AEG

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Started at Miles Trailhead. It was completely empty. Didn't see anyone for three days. But ran into some Coati near the junction of West Pinto and Spencer Springs.

The trail was fine up until the Oak Flat area. But from there in any direction--continuing on West Pinto or headed West/South/West on Spencer Springs--it was badly burned out and eroded. I only went a few miles up the Pinto, but there was some thick catclaw and a few spots that required a tiny bit of attention to avoid a fall.

The weather was perfect. And it was a worthwhile adventure. But it's a very distinct type of beauty that I don't think is for everyone.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Dec 24 2020

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Redflield Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Dec 24 2020
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	6.40 Miles	1,266 AEG

Hiking	6.40 Miles	5 Hrs 5 Mns	1.26 mph
	1,266 ft AEG

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I took the unmarked road that heads east from North Cascabel road and runs along the south side of Redfield Canyon toward the TH to the cliff house. That road is a bit rough for my Forester. It took me over an hour to get within a mile of the TH. Really sharp rock, very steep climbs (and descents), and generally bad road. Almost exactly a mile before the TH there was an obstacle that the Forester wasn't going to overcome. I parked it and walked the rest of the way. Hope this is helpful for others.

The TH to the proper trail is toward the west side of the "parking lot." But I went down an excuse of a trail that was all the way on the east side of the parking lot. Don't do that. Lots of scrambling and getting lost. Evidently a few animals met their end in the small narrows I was moving through. Eventually I found my way over to the proper trail which ushered me gently into the canyon.

When you get to the bottom, you have the option of going east, up canyon, or west, down canyon. I did both. The fall colors are amazing now. There is a trail that comes and goes. But since it's all in the canyon, things are pretty straightforward.

Never made it to the cabin because I was running out of daylight. But there were some beautiful (and rare) air ferns that were infesting several of the oaks. I gather this species is only present in Redfield Canyon and Sycamore Canyon down by the border. I have seen them in both places now, but this is the first time I have seen them become almost parasitic.

Otherwise, the trip back out was much easier once I knew where the proper trail was.

I probably won't attempt this again in my Forester. But when I finally get a vehicle that can handle it, there's no question I'll be dropping back in.

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4 archives

Nov 22 2020

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson

Fireline Trail #118

Fireline Trail #118

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Nov 22 2020
		SJFL • Triplogs 18

Hiking	3.50 Miles	980 AEG

Hiking	3.50 Miles
	980 ft AEG

no routes

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Linked

linked

Campaign Trail #256

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On November 19, 2020, I did the Reavis Gap, Campaign Creek, Fireline loop out of Reavis Ranch. I'll focus on Fireline for this triplog.

To begin with, Campaign Creek was trashed by the fires of summer 2020. And any trail that once existed is barely noticeable; though some cattle have kept some semblance of a trail visible in a few spots. Either I blew past the trail sign for Fireline or it was never replaced after the fires. And going up Fireline out of Campaign Creek for the first 2/10ths of a mile was straight up the drainage; which was somewhat rough going. The trail was spotty for the next mile or so. It became more clear, though still trashed, all the way into Reavis Ranch. Not to mention, the burn was really bad all the way.

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Dec 08 2018

Baboquivari - East Approach

Triplogs 18

53 male

Joined Jun 08 2015
Tucson