The ARIZONA TRAIL-Sections 16&17-Kelvin to Picketpost-31 Miles

[AZP&Y]

Well it is definetely that time of year again! PRIME TIME Hiking weather!!! This time our crew (3 of us and 3 dogs) decided to take on sections 16 & 17 of the ARIZONA TRAIL.

The hike started near Kelvin Arizona and the Gila River. Over the course of 31 miles we would end up at Picketpost trailhead just west of Superior.

 

Day 1-was just incredible hiking with sunshine and cool breezes. Section 16 is under construction and instead of taking the dogs through the thick cactus and rocks, we decided to take the old way along the railroad tracks. We didn't want to beat them up too bad, but I hope to return to do the section as intended. Before long we were into some nice single track and the desert wildflowers were blooming everywhere. A few miles into the hike we came upon an old chalky muley shed lying in the wildflowers, we left it behind for someone else to enjoy. Another couple of miles and what a treat to discover the black and orange beaded creature of the desert lazily lying smack in the middle of our path. The setter (otis) and golden (milo) were not sure what to make of it ? So we slowly walked the dogs by as he reared his head and gently 'hissed'. After 9 miles the sun would be setting soon and it was time to pitch the MSR trekker mesh tent in a soft sandy wash. The Moon 95% full made for a nice evening and no headlamps were needed, as the rays cascaded shadows on the rock faces and surrounding saguaros.

Day 2-brough light winds and some rolling clouds and again temps in the low 70's. Our destination today would be an artesian well 6 miles away. Again more wonderful single track intermixed with jeep trails and our only visitor was a snake and some folks in a Rubicon from Montana that said, " where did you guys come from?"... After 3 more miles we dropped into a narrow boulder strewn canyon. Lots of rock hopping and we even at times had to lift the dogs over the waist high boulders to help them along. As water trickled down the canyon floor, we knew we were getting close. A bit of navigation and we were able to find the well and fresh water was a welcome site after 15 miles. A peacful night in the slot canyon on a bed of soft sand, only to be awoken by the light mist of a rain storm that last from midnight until 4am. Dreams of the Anasazi-Hohokam filtered through my mind...

Day 3--A partly cloudy morning and an exiting front gave way to the fresh smell of the desert after a rainstorm and a bighorn high on the bluff greeted us. Today is the BIG push. 1800 "+" vertical through tough country with full loads of water and only rock cairns to guide us through WHITE CANYON WILDERNESS> The walking stick will earn it's keep today. The views rival Sedona and every Saddle and Summit you see here we earned for sure! I am drawn to one peak and fondly name it "THE TEMPLE OF SYRINX" 4 hours and we've gone 2 miles. As we traverse the ridge line we notice 6 bighorn sheep on the far bluff. Time to rest and enjoy the moment. Another 6 hours and 1500 vert of up and down have us pitching camp at 3800' with a 20-30mph wind. The moon is full and I eat my freeze dried Lasagna and sip whiskey... a great finish to a TOUGH day on the trail ..ZZZZzzzzZZZZ

Day 4--is clear, cool and bright. 11.5 miles today to get to the truck. After the prior days serious vertical climbs, we get a late start. 6 miles down and the sun is high overhead beating down. We stop intermittently to rest the dogs in the shade where we can find it. The remaining 5.5 miles few words are spoken and after every zig/zag of the trail the truck comes faintly into view. Finally

 

End to end one of the most challenging, rewarding and enjoyable backcountry trips I've done in a long time. Thanks for reading and if you scrolled to the pics- well that's ok too

 

AZP&Y -Doug

Otis Along the Railroad tracks An old muley shed for the next hiker to enjoy A neat Gila Monster searching for some shadeThe Temple of Syrinx:Precious water in the desert

Desert Bighorns (that ram on the left is going to be a shooter some day)...Views of the Gila River valleyNo Sedona Red Rock pass required here:The last evening of the Hike:

[WFGinNM]

Thanks for sharing, you folks sure have some amazing country in AZ.

 

--Bill

[billrquimby]

My in-laws lived in Hayden Junction in the 1950s, and we used to hunt mule deer, javelinas, and quail in that country. The largest herd of javelinas I ever saw was not far from your "temple." There were no sheep there then.

 

Bill Quimby

[COOSEFAN]

Awesome! I wish I had your energy, time and passion....i think i got the passion, but you need the first two to make it all come together as you did! Great job and great pics! JIM>

[Red Rabbit]

Doug,

Real neat rock formation with the banded layers in the last 3 photos. Is that a cave in the left peak in the bottom pic?

 

RR

[Atypical]

Inspiring hike and fabulous story, seeing nature the way most people never do. My feet are hurting

[KGAINES]

Thanks for sharing.

[cramerhunts]

Very nice Doug! Great story and pictures. There's something special about the desert that sets it apart from every where else!

 

Phil

[SilentButDeadly]

sweetness

 

 

[AZP&Y]

Thanks guys for the nice comments!

 

Real neat rock formation with the banded layers in the last 3 photos. Is that a cave in the left peak in the bottom pic?

 

Yes , RR it was a small recessed cave in the face of the rock. I only had my steiner 8x22's but enjoyed checking out this particular set of rocks. We saw lots of little caves and this looks like excellent mountain lion country!

 

I think one of the true keys to longer distance hiking/trekking is time. Pushing enough, but not too much.

 

Couldn't resist posting a few more pictures...

 

Doug AzP&Y

[NRS]

Great writeup and pictures.

 

Did you notice any ear tags in the sheep?? If there were no tags, they are probably young animals born since the first release of sheep in the area about 5 years ago. Most of the area that you covered up Walnut canyon to the artesian well and through the White Canyon Wilderness were not on the official Arizona Trail. The official trail is still under construction farther west of the wilderness and also goes through some beautiful country.

[CouesWhitetail]

Thanks for posting your trip Doug! I always enjoy seeing the Trail through your eyes. Hey, Otis looks like an orangutan in that first pic!

 

Amanda

 

[mattys281]

Awesome pics Doug, as always! Man, I wish I could've made that one.

Matt S.

[Kilimanjaro]

Simply awesome Doug! I should make that AZ trail a part of my "to do" list of hiking to get done!