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46 triplogs
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May 31 2014
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Dixon Lewis Trail - Fossil Creek WaterfallCamp Verde, AZ
Dixon Lewis Trail - Fossil Creek Waterfall
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar May 31 2014
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking2.20 Miles 210 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles   3 Hrs      0.73 mph
210 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
What an absolutely beautiful area. Fossil Springs is where I brought my wife to 16 years ago that "bought me" the opportunity to bring her (and later our children) hiking all over the state.

Since that time, this place has changed.

The "trash" was overwhelming.

We left Queen Creek at 5:30am and arrived at the trailhead around 9:15am (including 2 stops). The closest parking lot was full and we were the last two vehicles to make it into parking spaces in the 2nd lot.

The water was absolutely beautiful and the temperature was perfect for this time of year. This was the kids first trip to the area and they had a blast.

But as time wore on, it became more and more crowded. The waterfall area was "standing room only". People were walking in with full lawn chairs and heavy coolers. One gent carried in 2x 36 pack cases of terrible beer (one over each shoulder). From what we could tell, groups of 15-20 people brought in chairs and just sat to drink all day long.

I would not call this a family friendly atmosphere. I wouldn't even compare this to a "spring break" party. This was something else...

Then there was a the garbage. It was everywhere. Dropped salsa containers all over the rocks. Beer cans. Beer bottles. Random clothing and footwear just tossed where ever. What an absolute mess!

All due respect should be given to the forest service attempting to maintain this area. They really are working hard out there. But there is only so much they can do.

My wife's comment following the trip, "It is so beautiful there. We are not going back until they put in a permit system and start charging $30+ per car. That was gross and overcrowded."

This needs to end. There were far too many people down there and it is seriously impacting the area.
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Mar 29 2014
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
North Phoenix Preserve Mystery LoopPhoenix, AZ
North Phoenix Preserve Mystery Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 29 2014
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking2.00 Miles 15 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles   1 Hour      2.00 mph
15 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Went in about a mile and looped back with the kids and in-laws.
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Feb 22 2014
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Tom's Thumb TH to Gateway THPhoenix, AZ
Tom's Thumb TH to Gateway TH
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 22 2014
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking8.50 Miles 2,400 AEG
Hiking8.50 Miles   5 Hrs      1.70 mph
2,400 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
First trans-mcdowell hike with Peter, Troy, and Don. Tom's Thumb TH was nearly empty at 7:30am and the trail was very quiet. Took about an hour to reach the thumb. The gateway side of the trail was very busy when we walked out at 12:30pm.

Perfect hiking weather early in the morning. Wouldn't want to do this later in the afternoon.
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Feb 01 2014
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Picketpost Mountain SummitGlobe, AZ
Picketpost Mountain Summit
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 01 2014
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking4.00 Miles 1,921 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   4 Hrs   36 Mns   0.87 mph
1,921 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Pete C.'s first trip up.

Started at 7:45am at a mostly empty parking lot.

Great weather for this hike. We were in the shade for the majority of it.

Became much more busy by 10'ish and the parking lot was more full by the time we left at around noon.

We took the "right side" on the way up and the "left side" on the way down. The right side is more scrambling. The left side is more dusty and slippery. Its' probably a good idea to stick to the right side both directions.
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Dec 29 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Tom's Thumb Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Tom's Thumb Trail - MSP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 29 2013
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking4.70 Miles 1,611 AEG
Hiking4.70 Miles   3 Hrs      1.57 mph
1,611 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We haven't hiked up to Tom's Thumb since the "improved" trailhead was installed. 10+ years the most used trail went thru private land to get up there.

The new trailhead is nice and there is a lot of parking. We arrived at 12:20 and there was quite a few spaces for everyone. The trail was very busy, but thankfully not as busy as Piestewa or Camelback. On our way out it did pick up some and there were a good number of dogs on the trail by the time we left.

It is a very slippery trail. Members of our group (and groups around us) were continuously falling on the trail due to the angle and the loose surface. It is probably a good idea to wear shoes with good traction while hiking this area.

The temperature was perfect and this time of the year the trail is in the shade for a bit of the hike.
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Nov 30 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Siphon Draw Trail #53Phoenix, AZ
Siphon Draw Trail #53
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 30 2013
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking3.90 Miles 1,113 AEG
Hiking3.90 Miles   3 Hrs   45 Mns   1.04 mph
1,113 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hike with the Hausers.

Arrived to the trailhead at 8am. Plenty of parking available.

The weather was perfect and we did not get sun until our way out.

Fairly busy day at the trail, but not as bad as we were expecting.

Trailhead parking lot was completely full by 11:45.
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Nov 10 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Telegraph Pass Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Telegraph Pass Trail - South Mountain
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 10 2013
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking2.40 Miles 525 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   1.60 mph
525 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked up to the "castle" with Anneli. The trailhead was busy as usual. Parking lot was completely full at 8:30am, but we lucked out and pulled in as someone was leaving.
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Nov 03 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Metate Trail - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Metate Trail - Spur Cross
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 03 2013
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking2.10 Miles 75 AEG
Hiking2.10 Miles   2 Hrs      1.05 mph
75 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Family hike around the Metate-Spur Cross loop. Parking lot was fairly empty at 9am when we started and didn't change much by 11 when we returned. Quite a lot of horse trailers, but did not see many horses. There was also a good number of cyclists on the trail. Perfect weather for this hike.
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Mar 31 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Hieroglyphics Trail #101Phoenix, AZ
Hieroglyphics Trail #101
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 31 2013
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking3.00 Miles 588 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles   3 Hrs      1.00 mph
588 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
kjcooper
Late afternoon trip to Hieroglyphics with quite a few kids. Lena only made it about 1 mile and we turned around, but the rest of the group finished the trip and had a great time.

Light cloud cover kept the temperatures very pleasant for the entire hike.

The trailhead was nearly empty at 4:30pm and we were the last cars there when we left at 7:30'ish.

Didn't see any poppies on the trail. But the brittlebush were in full bloom and more than made up for it.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Brittlebush
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Feb 23 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Flatiron Hike - SuperstitionsPhoenix, AZ
Flatiron Hike - Superstitions
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 23 2013
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking5.85 Miles 2,900 AEG
Hiking5.85 Miles   8 Hrs   20 Mns   0.77 mph
2,900 ft AEG      45 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
kjcooper
First trip up for Peter.

After heavy snow fall earlier in the week there was still lots of snow and ice on the trail above the slickrock. Very slippery in some parts and this slowed down progress considerably. 6" of snow in several places on top.

The trail was not nearly as busy as usual and we were able to find a parking space at 7am.

The mexican poppies are starting to sprout here and there. Given another week or two it could be in full swing.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Sep 14 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
West Baldy Trail #94Alpine, AZ
West Baldy Trail #94
Alpine, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 14 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking1.00 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   0.67 mph
200 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hike up the west baldy trail with the Hausers. For at least the first 1-2 miles this trail is very flat and easy to manage with kids. Started around 4:30pm and made it back to the parking lot around 6pm. By the end of the hike the temperatures were down into the 50's. Some of the trees are beginning to give just a hint of color.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Aug 25 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Railroad Grade Trail #601Alpine, AZ
Railroad Grade Trail #601
Alpine, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 25 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking0.50 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking0.50 Miles   1 Hour      0.50 mph
300 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Quick hike near sheep's crossing with the kids. Very green this time of year, even in the burn areas. Some of the maples are getting a touch of color.
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Jul 06 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Woodland Lake Park, AZ 
Woodland Lake Park, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 06 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking1.00 Miles
Hiking1.00 Miles      30 Mns   2.00 mph
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Paved trail around Woodland Lake Park.
_____________________
  2 archives
Jun 16 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108Sedona, AZ
West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 16 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking2.00 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles   2 Hrs      1.09 mph
200 ft AEG      10 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Family trip to west fork. The parking lot officially opens at 9am. The ranger at the gate told us he likes to open it at 8am. The parking lot was full by 9:25. We arrived at 9:40 and waited about 30 minutes to get in (2nd in line).

There is parking along the side of the 89 but it is not watched and walking with young children next to the busy highway is probably not a great idea.

The trail itself is fairly sandy this time of year because of the lack of rain. During the monsoon season the rains help to firm up those sections of the trail.

The water level in west fork was clear and cool. The trail was busy all morning. Many had dogs and the vast majority were on a leash.
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  1 archive
Apr 01 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Grand FallsNortheast, AZ
Grand Falls
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 01 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking0.30 Miles 210 AEG
Hiking0.30 Miles      20 Mns   0.90 mph
210 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route 70 has not improved since 1999 when the directions were originally written. It is still a terrible washboard road. A 4x4 with good tires can probably blast right down it, but we decided to take the minivan this time and struggled somewhat. Not impossible, but definitely had to take it slow in some parts.

On the other hand 6910 is a fantastic road and it actually is "fairly well" marked.

The falls are flowing. All those in our group were impressed. It was also busy while we were there with a constant stream of 4-5 vehicles at the parking lot.

The temperature at the falls was around 71F and it was windy. We didn't attempt the hike to the base of the falls since we were not sure the kids could make it down the trail. Maybe next time.

Back in Flagstaff it was 49F with a very light snow. So we ended the excursion at the Lumberyard before heading back down to the valley. :)
_____________________
 
Mar 24 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Siphon Draw Trail #53Phoenix, AZ
Siphon Draw Trail #53
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 24 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking3.90 Miles 1,113 AEG
Hiking3.90 Miles   4 Hrs   20 Mns   0.94 mph
1,113 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The original plan was to hike up to the Flatiron. Half of the group was late at our rally point, and then a few decided that siphon was enough. A small group still wanted to finish, but couldn't leave the rest sitting in Siphon for 1-2 hours.

The new plan is to return before it gets too warm so those who are still interested can bag it.

The saguaro parking lot was not full at 8am, but was by 12:30ish when we left.

We started later than we wanted to and the heat beat up some of our members while we hiked up to Siphon. By mid day it was more overcast and that seemed to help. If it was a clear day the temperature would have been too much for most of us.

This is definitely a warm spring. If you are going to hike this trail start as early as possible.

Finally, I could have sworn I saw 1-2 groups of people from the site on the trail.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
 
Mar 03 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Reavis Gap Trail #117Globe, AZ
Reavis Gap Trail #117
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 03 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking6.80 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking6.80 Miles   6 Hrs      1.24 mph
2,300 ft AEG      30 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
kjcooper
The road was in much better shape than a few years ago. On a good day a non-4x4 with some ground clearance could make it (there is one deeper creek crossing). But just a little bit of rain would make getting in or out of this area difficult even with a 4x4.

The first mile after the campaign trailhead was very lush and green. The springs were flowing down into the creek and it kind of reminded me of fossil springs.

The Reavis gap trail is definitely rocky, but I would not say "inordinately" so. With that said going up the hill was easier than going back down the hill. The first mile or so is on the canyon bottom, then it travels along the southern edge of the canyon wall and is very exposed. Hiking this trail in the warmer months would be difficult.

Our group decided to end the hike at Reavis Gap. That's a pretty good day trip at around 7 miles round trip.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
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Jan 22 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Telegraph Pass Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Telegraph Pass Trail - South Mountain
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 22 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking2.40 Miles 525 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   1 Hour   20 Mns   1.80 mph
525 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Plenty of parking at 7:40am. None by 9am.
_____________________
 
Jan 15 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Pinnacle PeakPhoenix, AZ
Pinnacle Peak
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 15 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking3.58 Miles 1,060 AEG
Hiking3.58 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   2.39 mph
1,060 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
 
Jan 07 2012
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Photos 75
 Triplogs 46

45 male
 Joined Aug 07 2003
 Queen Creek, AZ
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300Phoenix, AZ
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 07 2012
soren2004 • Triplogs 46
Hiking2.20 Miles 1,180 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles   3 Hrs      0.73 mph
1,180 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
First summit trip for Anneli.
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average hiking speed 1.23 mph
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