Semiferalhiker's Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Apr 18 2025

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Manning Camp via Douglas Spring

Tucson, AZ

Manning Camp via Douglas Spring

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Apr 18 2025
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	26.00 Miles	5,700 AEG

Hiking	26.00 Miles	14 Hrs 50 Mns		1.90 mph
	5,700 ft AEG	1 Hour 8 Mns Break	17 LBS Pack

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This hike began a couple minutes after 5am at the Douglas Springs trailhead. Typically I’m alone on the trail until well after sunrise. But that day a trail runner passed me in the first mile. I set a pace and tried not to stop too often to take photos. I got a late start and knew the gains above Cowhead Saddle would really slow me down. There were some secluded pools below Bridal Wreath Falls but the pools right next to Douglas Springs Campground were all but dry.

As I reached Canyon del piño I saw two deep pools but otherwise the trip to Manning Camp was dry. I ran into a wonderful NPS worker pick-axing catclaw bushes out by the roots to help keep the trail clear. Blessings to her because my legs are permanently scarred from those pricks!

Continuing up to Manning Camp after mile 11 is always a magical experience. The Turkey Tom’s were strutting and gobbling and the deer were active and visible. Once I got to the campground I filtered a liter of water and turned back with a heavy heart… it’s always so hard to leave paradise.

The decent down was windy and chilly but was absolutely perfect for a massive day hike. I stopped again to chat with the NPS worker and accidentally ended up with an hour of stopped time but it was well worth it.

I made it back to the trailhead at 8pm with some amazing pictures of the sunset. I saw deer, rabbits, a snake, a gecko, a millipede, and tons of really cool spiders on this trip.

Mar 03 2023

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Loma verde trailhead to Douglas Springs trail, AZ

Hiking		Mar 03 2023
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	15.69 Miles	1,958 AEG

Hiking	15.69 Miles	8 Hrs 33 Mns		1.96 mph
	1,958 ft AEG	33 Mns Break	25 LBS Pack

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Just a short hike at lower elevations where I could avoid colder temps and snow. I only went to about 4,300 feet on Douglas Springs trails because it got chilly.

The water was everywhere this trip and the waterfalls were spectacular. Streams that I could hop across on my way out, had risen considerably through the day and had to be forded on the way back. Thank goodness I brought my Luna sandals.

I had up close encounters with four deer, 2 does and their fawns. I also walked up on & spooked a coyote who was minding his own business trying to poo in peace. I’ve never happened on a coyote that didn’t seem habituated before then. That was a real treat, not the poo bit though… that smelled as bad as you’d expect.

1 archive

Feb 25 2023

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Loma Alta to Grass Shack out and back, AZ

Hiking		Feb 25 2023
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	20.16 Miles	3,012 AEG

Hiking	20.16 Miles	11 Hrs 1 Min		1.97 mph
	3,012 ft AEG	48 Mns Break	25 LBS Pack

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This hike was one of purpose. I did this out and back as a sort of mental exercise. December of 2021 I had a cougar come to my camp at Grass Shack and was only 11 feet from me. It was very scary but I was raised on horseback and taught if you’re thrown, you get back on the horse. About a month after the cat and I scared the beans out of each other, I hiked back and made myself sit alone with my fear for 15 looong minutes. Logically I knew I was safe but the primitive part of my brain was screaming “Get Out!” the whole time. After that I decided I’d go at least once a year until I stopped being scared.

My day started a bit overcast but pretty warm even before the sun rose. I was about six miles into my hike before a trail runner passed me by. About a mile later his less enthusiastic looking running buddy followed. He looked sad when he asked and was told he was about a mile behind his friend.

As soon as the Quilter trail started to ascend into the oak juniper transition zone the trail became a muddy mess in places. The trail remained that way for rest of the hike to Grass Shack. I brought my Luna sandals just in case and swapped out my trail runners for the sandals when I got to Grass Shack because the creek was pretty high. I also saw a couple of deer right next to the trail just a few feet away from me right before I crossed the creek. I always enjoy seeing wildlife and is half the reason I leave early and hike alone.

I sat in the campsite where ole Steve French and I met for ten minutes. Luckily this time I was ok and didn’t have any real fear. I even contemplated camping there again. I swore I would never sleep there again but I think I’m finally over it. Lol, it’s still going to be awhile but I’ll challenge myself to sleep there again eventually.

When I left I kept the sandals on knowing I wouldn’t be able to keep my shoes dry on the way back. I was glad I did but man was that water cold. The way out was warm, breezy and the views bucolic. I all but skipped down the mountain. That is until I heard a girl speaking loudly from a turn in a switchback about 2 miles from the junction with Hope Camp trail. At first I thought she was vlogging or something. But as soon as I was five feet past her, she started talking loudly again and I realized she was more than a little off. That put some pep in my step and I fell into a faster cadence. Once on the desert floor I was met by an even more unusual sight. A shirtless man in a bucket hat about four feet off the trail. What he looked like wasn’t especially strange but what he was doing sure was. He was bent over a pile of rocks and appeared to be moving them, perhaps organizing them? I don’t know. I do know he seemed oblivious to my presence and that was two too many weirdos for me and I once again hit the accelerator! As I moved away the trail looped around and I saw him hucking some personal belongings down an arroyo. It looked like he threw an insulated cup but I wasn’t about to go back and investigate.

The rest of the hike was mellow even though bucket hat guy passed me and hella gave me the heebs. I’m not easily spooked but those two had to be together and were not the type of strange trail folk (like me) you typically run into. No judgement though, half the time people look me over and give me some weird looks. Pity maybe? More than a handful of short distance day hikers look like they’re wearing uniforms comprised of muted shades and sensible boots. Whereas I dress in bright colors and am often wearing an athletic skirt. I imagine I look wholly unprepared… just the type that keep SAR folks in business.

All in all the day was superb and helped get me one step closer to overcoming my fear of the Grass Shack!

2 archives

Feb 04 2023

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Saguaro East low elevation trails 2, AZ

Hiking		Feb 04 2023
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	21.35 Miles	682 AEG

Hiking	21.35 Miles	9 Hrs 8 Mns		2.34 mph
	682 ft AEG	14 Hrs 3 Mns Break	22 LBS Pack

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This was my second trip to Saguaro National Park East to hike all the low elevation trails. On my last trip I hiked to Bridal Wreath Falls by using a handful of low elevation trails to start. This trip I wanted to hike as many of the trails as I could. I got a really late start (8:48) but knew on such flat ground I’d be going much faster so there wasn’t much to be gained by an earlier start time.

It was an odd day for me hiking on a series of short and well traveled trails. However it was worth it to check them all off the list. Plus I saw a hiker with a pack donkey. I don’t know why but they made me happy and a tiny bit jealous.

I didn’t get all of every trail but after 21 miles I was glad to see the car and left some bits and pieces of many trails for another day.

Jan 20 2023

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Bridal Wreath Falls from Loma Verde Trailhead, AZ

Hiking		Jan 20 2023
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	15.80 Miles	1,121 AEG

Hiking	15.80 Miles	8 Hrs 41 Mns		1.94 mph
	1,121 ft AEG	33 Mns Break	18 LBS Pack

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I hike Douglas Springs trail all the time but use it to access Mica mountain. Consequently, I leave very early and usually hike the low elevations in the dark. The snow was down to about 7,000 feet and I decided this was the perfect time to travel all the smaller, lower elevation trails in Saguaro National Park. Not in one day of course but I got about 15.8 miles and a handful of them hiked on this trip.

For this adventure I parked at the Loma Verde Trailhead on Cactus Forest Road and hiked a very short distance on the Loma Verde trail and took Squeeze Pen trail until it intersects with the Carrillo trail. I’d never seen the Garwood dam before so that was a nice treat to see on the way to the trail junction with the Three Tank trail. Once at the junction I took Three Tank trail until it joined with Douglas Springs trail. I was vaguely shocked at the numbers of people hiking that trail. As I said I’m usually hiking Douglas Springs in off peak hours and never see many people. The short hike to Bridal Wreath Falls was gorgeous and when I arrived at the falls had it to myself for about ten minutes. I got some great pictures and a video or two then headed back to the warmth of lower elevations.

I took Douglas Springs to the Carrillo trail. Happily there was more running water and magnificent views of Mt. Lemmon and Mt Bigelow covered in snow. Once back to the junction with Tree Tank I took it instead of continuing back the way I came. I took Three tank to Wildhorse Trail and then took Bajada Vista trail. When I hit the trail junction with Squeeze Pen I jumped on that trail until it met up with the Pink Hill trail. The summit of Pink Hill was a bit anticlimactic but it was part of the trail. After that I got back on Loma Verde trail until the junction with the Cholla trail and took that trail. I hoped onto Cactus Forest trail next and took that to the Mesquite trail where I headed back to the Loma Verde trailhead.

On the way I noticed that I had a couple of short gaps in footsteps along the beginning of Loma Verde that I could fill in before sunset so I did. I finished with just under 16 miles. But being a weirdo I walked around a bit until I got to 16 and called it quits.

There was water running in all the washes and I felt very lucky I never soaked my shoes considering how many times I crossed running streams. Next time I’ll make sure to have my Luna sandals in case of higher water levels.

2 archives

Dec 31 2022

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Douglas Springs to Tanque Verde Ridge trail, AZ

Hiking		Dec 31 2022
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	21.57 Miles	4,653 AEG

Hiking	21.57 Miles	12 Hrs 25 Mns		1.84 mph
	4,653 ft AEG	41 Mns Break	18 LBS Pack

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I started this day hike at 5:15am at the Douglas Springs trailhead. Sunrise was about 7:30 so it was dark for the beginning miles. It had rained quite a bit that night and was sprinkling off and on until an hour after sunrise. The grass along the trail was quite wet and quickly soaked my shoes. Ernie falls was flowing well although I couldn’t see it as I passed because it was still dark. When I got to Douglas Springs the creek was running quite fast but not bank to bank. I was still able to hop across in a narrow spot. As I neared Cow Head Saddle fog rolled in and it started misting lightly. The forecast showed snow at 7,500’ and I had planned the trip to stay well below that elevation. Once at the saddle I took the Tanque Verde Ridge trail and headed towards the summit. The trail was easy to follow and not too badly overgrown. I passed the odd patch of snow on the north facing parts of the trail but not enough to worry about. The fog was pretty dense the whole way but began rising near the peak. Once at the peak I signed the register which consisted of two sheets of unlined paper that were completely full. Then I scurried down the trail continuing toward the Tanque Verde Ridge trailhead. I saw the first people of the day just east of Juniper Basin campground. They were a couple of day hikers that started from the Freeman Homestead trail to summit the peak. As I passed by the campground I didn’t see or hear campers. Later though, I passed a couple groups of backpackers headed to the campground. Once I dropped to below 4,000’ the sun came out and I was able to shed some layers. The rest of the hike was sunny and warm. Being winter only the evergreens had foliage and there weren’t any wildflowers. Still, the biomes you pass through are spectacular at anytime of year. The diversity from the desert floor to the small pine forests near the top of Tanque Verde peak were exactly what I had come to see. Once at the trailhead I road walked to the Saguaro National Park East Visitor Center and ended my hike there to catch a ride back to Douglas Springs trailhead.

Dec 09 2022

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Wrightson Wilderness Loop #1, AZ

Hiking		Dec 09 2022
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	16.13 Miles	4,470 AEG

Hiking	16.13 Miles	10 Hrs 32 Mns		1.63 mph
	4,470 ft AEG	37 Mns Break	18 LBS Pack

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I started this day hike at the Madera Canyon Picnic Area from the Bog Springs Trailhead. After a short ways I got super spooked by green eye shine that wasn’t running away. It was just a deer but I had a heart pounding encounter with a cougar last year that left a mark for sure. Anyway I chickened out and returned to the parking area and headed up the road to the Bog Springs campground. From there I jumped on the Kent Springs Trail and headed towards the Junction with Four Springs Trail. This section was very steep but the trail was well groomed and easy to hike. I passed Sylvester Springs and Kent Springs along the way. The creeks were running nicely and both spring basins were overflowing. Four springs trail was as steep as anticipated but reasonably easy to hike. The trail tops out on a ridge at 8,000’ and from there becomes a bit more challenging with breathtaking views. If you’re afraid of heights and have vertigo (which I do) it may not be the trail for you. The trail continues until you top a ridge and you pass over to the south and east facing side of the mountains, looking towards Florida Saddle. The trail was easy enough to follow but steep. There was a lot of dead vegetation along the trail here and it’s a safe bet that in the summer it is likely overgrown. Armour Spring was mostly frozen solid but there was some dripping. The trail joined the the Crest Trail 0.2 of a mile north of Florida Saddle. As I headed towards Mount Wrightson the trail was was still steep and gaining elevation until it topped out at close to 9,100’. From there the Crest Trail drops as it heads west towards Baldy Saddle. The views of Mt. Wrightson from the east side were spectacular. Until that point I hadn’t seen a soul. As I approached Baldy Saddle I saw a lone hiker in the distance but they were long gone when I reached the saddle. I had planned to summit the peak but the combination of trails to that point was too miles longer than anticipated so I heady down using the longer Super trail route. Once I was on the south facing side of the mountain I was delighted to see that the trail had received some much needed maintenance. The trail had been very overgrown but was now wide and very nicely groomed. The miles flew by and I was soon at Josephine Saddle. From there I headed down the Old Baldy trail to the parking area. I saw a handful of people as I neared the trailhead but there weren’t many people out that day. I had to road walk back to the picnic area where I parked. I took a small unmarked trail that runs parallel to the road for a bit but got back on the road where it petered out. I was happy to see a large rafter of turkeys just past the gift shop. I see turkeys in the road near sunset on every trip and adore them. There are some real rope draggers in Madera Canyon.
I’ve called this hike Wrightson Wilderness loop #1 but is just one of many loop hikes around those mountains.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Kent Spring Sylvester Spring

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Some leaves clinging here and there in lower elevations

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Some here and there but mostly dead or dying

Sep 28 2022

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Douglas Springs to Manning Camp three day trip, AZ

Hiking		Sep 28 2022
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	13.16 Miles	5,443 AEG

Hiking	13.16 Miles	9 Hrs 36 Mns		1.48 mph
	5,443 ft AEG	44 Mns Break	28 LBS Pack

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Day 1 of 3:
I needed a break and the smell of an Arizona pine forest in my life! I left the Douglas Springs Trailhead at 4am and started the 13 mile hike up into the Rincons. I left early to avoid the fall heat and was over 6,000 feet before 11 am. There was a tiny amount of water at Douglas Springs where the trail crosses it but I didn’t look for pools downstream where the cottonwoods grow. As I headed up towards Cowhead Saddle the manzanita and oak scrub closed in and gave me shade and cool breezes. I heard water running in parts of the creek next to the trail but had plenty for the trip up.

Once at the saddle I took a short break while clouds started to roll in. I recovered (aka got cold) and began the most difficult part of the hike. There is only four miles to go from that point but the elevation gain always slows me way down. Sometimes there are big mean biting flies in the next mile and a half of the trail but luckily none on this trip. They’re a menace and lie in wait in the shady areas. They’ll creep up on you from the ground and hop on and start biting immediately. As annoying as they can be they’re great for motivation.

I didn’t see a soul until I got to Manning camp and saw an NPS worker who waved from a distance. When I arrived at camp I had my choice of campsites. As I hoped I was the only person there for those three bucolic days. I chose my favorite campsite and got the tent up just in time to hop in when a light rain started. The rain stopped about thirty minutes later and I was able to finish getting area set up, collected water from the spring and cooked a meal.

As expected several deer passed through the camp and provided a delightful alternative to electronic entertainment. They pass through at least twice daily if the campground is quiet. They head to the horse corrals to scavenge grain and hay. I’ve been lucky enough to be quite close without disrupting them. Manning Camp seems to be the home base for an old Coues Buck with the biggest rack I’ve seen on one of his subspecies. He’s a magnificent sight when he has his antlers. Unfortunately I didn’t see or hear any turkeys.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

Dec 09 2021

Semiferalhiker

Routes 16
Photos 84
Triplogs 9

49 female

Joined Dec 11 2019
Tucson, Az

Wrightson Wilderness Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 09 2021
		Semiferalhiker • Triplogs 9

Hiking	13.00 Miles	3,605 AEG

Hiking	13.00 Miles	7 Hrs 12 Mns	1.95 mph
	3,605 ft AEG	31 Mns Break

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I parked in the topmost parking lot in Madera Canyon and set out up the Vault Mine trail towards the Agua Caliente Saddle trail. The hike is steep but the views are spectacular. I seldom see more than one or two people on this trail due to some signage at the bottom warning hikers about the steep grades… which to me aren’t bad at all.

Once I reached the Agua Caliente saddle trail I turned toward Josephine Saddle. The 2.2- ish mile trail is mostly flat and then begins to descend as it nears Josephine Saddle. If you’re eyes are sharp you’ll see a connector trail (unmarked) that will take you up to the hairpin road to the top of Mt Hopkins. It was pretty windy and cold so I didn’t summit any of the peaks this trip.

When I got to Josephine Saddle I took the Old Baldy trail to Baldy Saddle. Once at the Saddle I took the Super Trail back to the Josephine Saddle. On the south side of Mt Wrightson it got very cold and the wind was fierce so I dug out my puffy coat. The coat was just what I needed and I quickly warmed back up. It started to feel like snow though so I got a weather report on my inreach. Not surprisingly it showed snow flurries in the overnight forecast.

The Super Trail is all down hill and super cruisey from the direction I took and very soon I was back at Josephine Saddle. I stuck to the Super Trail because it is a almost two miles longer than the Old Baldy trail from Josephine Saddle to the parking lot. The trip down was gorgeous and sheltered from most of the wind. When I hit about 6,000 feet it was warm enough to take my puffy off.

I didn’t see any critters on this trip but with the cold windy conditions I wasn’t all that surprised. I love the Wrightson wilderness for days when I want a short day hike (less than 20) but still want a lot of elevation gain and a tough workout. It is a smaller Sky Island area but there are miles and miles of well established trails. Some are marked on maps and others there’s no record of, but they’re there and frequently used. The total distance for this trip was 13 miles.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Most of the deciduous trees had already lost their leaves. Some sycamores, low in the canyon were still turning colors though

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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