:P, Ha, a few too many. Before I knew it I bumped into another trail junction, this one with the northern end of Brody Trail, and turned down it towards Chilson Camp. As hot as it was getting this option did not sound even remotely tempting. My tarp kept the…, Finding a good spot to continue east on Davenport Wash Trail was more difficult than I anticipated.…, When June rolled around I had a startling revelation: it was almost halfway through 2018 and I…. I should have been able to, over this short distance and a direct view, yet nothing was there. Old sign near saddle junction with Mazatzal Divide, Large campsite at the Y-Bar/Divide junction. And it all starts with Y-Bar and a predawn start. I wonder how long it takes for a trail out here to be swallowed up. I was not doing the popular loop, or at least was not planning to. One of my new pieces of gear on this outing was a Sawyer Mini, which I used on my last trip out here without much luck. I also munched on a snack and eyed up my route ahead. I finished readying the rest of my backpacking gear, took one last swig of hot coffee, and set down the trail. Brody Trail heads south from here, meeting back with the Divide Trail a few miles away (though where it meets I wasn't able to see), and Davenport Trail heads west. The path is wide and rocky at first as it heads through a stile then begins following the south side of the drainage of Barnhardt Creek through a scrub forest of emory oak, alligator juniper, scrub oak, one seed juniper & prickly pear. My tight schedule was looking good as well. Y-Bar Trail follows Shake Tree Canyon between Suicide and Cactus, a fairly colorful combination of names. Maybe the Eastern Mazatzals saw more maintenance than I planned for. They were doing a three-day backpack and had strong words about the poor condition of Barnhardt Trail. Details. Wear pants to avoid getting scratched by plants. Going right will take you to the Siphon Draw trail via the Prospectors View Trail. This was my first bail option, a quick and easy descent that goes straight back to the parking area. Jacob headed out for a backpacking trip intending to do this loop plus another 30 miles but was turned back early by an ill-fitting pair of new hiking boots. I had three liters of water on me and could probably stretch that out to make the basic loop around the peak without a refill. The highest point of Mazatzal Wilderness, Mazatzal Peak, is surrounded by a triangle of trails. One thing I did not see over here was Brody Trail. This trail does circle around a massive mountain, of course, and there are deep cuts for the drainage off of it. On the south side was a hitching post and empty water trough, obviously broken, with a great view of Mazatzal Peak. This fire was lightning caused and is currently 100% contained at 550 acres due to rain over the last few days. I looked around a bit, trying to get a feel for the area. I could probably filter it, though I was thankful that I was already at full water capacity and should just keep going. "... an ambitious fifty mile loop ..." -- how many Jake adventures have started with those words? I've hiked through Ponderosas a handful of times in Arizona - namely, along the Cabin Loop on the Mogollon and in Reavis Valley - and while they don't stand a chance against the thick pine forests of Michigan they are still enjoyable. The Four Peaks in the Mazatzal Mountains At Pine , on Arizona State Route 87 , at the northeast region of the Mazatzal Wilderness , north terminus of the Mazatzal Mountains, the route traverses the contact between two important geologic units. And the trail was well-defined. Mazatzal Peak Loop is a popular hike that circles the base of spectacular Mazatzal Peak. A mile up the canyon and the Ponderosa stand showed up. There were a few spots where I crossed an expanse of hard rocks and outcroppings, doing my best to follow a straight line across, only to find that the real trail had turned one way or another. Mazatzal (MAH-zaht-ZAL, locally Ma-ta-ZEL)- the origin of the name remains obscure but one possibility is that it is from the Aztec language meaning “place of the deer”. There were some basic tasks to get done - socks to change, snacks to eat, water to drink - and the brisk wind here on the saddle was most welcome. Hot morning sun lighting up Suicide Ridge. That part of the Verde River that flows along the edge the Mazatzal Wilderness is Arizona's only Wild and Scenic River Area. I looked down with excited eyes and saw… Devastation. Fighting the urge to shiver in the predawn coolness, I busied myself with getting my gear ready to go. Sheer bluffs plunging down from Cactus Ridge. In the drier, sparser lands of the Western Supes a trail can last as long as a cairn can stand. It has an accumulated gain of about 3000' over 5.5 miles, making it one of the steepest trails around. The trail was still well defined, still climbing at a steady pace, just enough to keep me from moving too fast. Whatever it was, I hoped it lasted all weekend (it wouldn't). After a short rest at the saddle I continued forward, following a slanted trail along the slope of Mazatzal Peak in and out of numerous cuts. Established in 1940 and expanded to its present size in 1984, its name is from an old Indian culture in Mexico and is correctly pronounced “Mah-zaht-zahl,” meaning “land of the deer.” That wasn't a good sign. Pine trees clustered around the distant saddle. Plus, as I changed out my socks while resting, I found that I had developed a huge blister on my right Achilles would be a real problem soon. This trail (also known as Shake Tree) circles around and climbs the south flank of Mazatzal Peak. There was still some desert growth - a few prickly pears, various species of pincushions, and the ever-present agave - but there were enough trees to shade the trail and offer a sharp difference from most other hikes I've been on. Mazatzal Peak Loop 15.1 mi 24.4 km • 2,868' Up 874.13 m Up • 2,841' Down 865.98 m Down. I knew that Four Peaks had seen a massive wildfire due to a careless cigarette back in the 90s but hadn't heard anything about something up here. Mazatzal Peak is the highest point in the Mazatzal Mountains. US-60, AZ-87, and AZ-188 make a huge triangle that encompasses both Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness, with AZ-88 cutting the triangle in half and forming a loose divide between the two wildernesses. Probably. After the thick thorny patch of trail it swung back out and began a steady climb. During wet months, you may see a waterfall there. Mazatzal Peak - Tonto National Forest Summary: A semi-loop hike, on and off trail, to the highest peak in the Mazatzal Wilderness. The high point of the range is Mazatzal Peak, and with almost 4000′ of prominence, is one of the most prominent summits in the Arizona. Reaching the summit of Mazatzal Peak is no easy task. The Y-Bar Trail loops around the southeast, Divide the west, and Barnhardt the north side. The 'basic' loop is still 15 miles long and has a ton of exposure and elevation difference. I was feeling pretty good about the hike so far. A mix of trees and cactus along the trail. Unfortunately, the stand didn't last long. Over the next few days I wanted to make an ambitious fifty mile loop around the Mazatzals, circling up and down the ridge and eventually coming back to Barnhardt Trailhead without a single double back. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. A long view west to Table Mountain and Horseshoe Basin beyond. There was a v-shaped view between two huge mountains gave me a narrow view of a long, straight shot down to the general Horseshoe Basin area, north of where I had just done the Club Cabin overnight a few weeks ago. I pushed quickly down the trail, taking advantage of the downhill grade and doing my best to ignore the encroaching vegetation coming up. Loop hike with the Peralta trail to the Cave trail in the Superstition wilderness, Arizona. I told them about the clear spring along Y-Bar before we parted ways, them heading down and along the base of Mazatzal Peak and me pushing uphill to the saddle ahead. It climbed a short distance under the…, All things considered I had a decent night in the Mazatzals, camping at The Park. 32 Pigeon Spring Loop 150. Speaking of water - very few people hike the Davenport Trail. The Park of Mazatzals: North of Hopi Spring, The Park of Mazatzals: Retreat down Barnhardt. 40 South Fork of Deer Creek 186. Basic HTML tags allowed (a, b, i, pre). Barely six in the morning…. An old post with a weather-worn sign, too faded for me to make it out, and a well-defined trail junction. 35 Marion Spring 165. I looked back with longing at the Y-Bar Saddle, back where there were pools of water and a good breeze and several logs to lounge upon. Comments may be removed if they are deemed inappropriate. Along the way I bumped into a spring flowing across the path, creating a wide section of muddy trail with several small pools and trickling falls below. 41 Y Bar Basin 190. On this side the the stacked red layers turn into out-thrust cliffs, individual fingers reaching out like the prows of a proud naval fleet against the blue-blue sky. The only sign near Barnhardt Trail junction. Chilson Camp sits on the bottom right of the hill and Davenport Trail was supposed to run a line along the base of it. I kept a close eye out for the promised deep, sandy pools, which showed about a half-mile further on the trail. Loop hike with the Cornucopia trail and the Thicket Spring trail in the Mazatzal wilderness, Arizona. I didn't want to rest that long, not with Chilson Camp so close, so as soon as I had a full belly of water and was back up to a full capacity I hopped back up to the trail and continued on. Barely six in the morning…, All things considered I had a decent night in the Mazatzals, camping at The Park. Hiking, web development, best practices, and general awesomeness. My pack was light thanks to some recent gear updates (more on that later). High above to the right was the impressive rock features of Suicide Ridge, red layers of stubborn rock with clinging green growth, like dripping avocado green frosting on a red velvet cake. A buddy and I are planning out a few days in this area and your experiences have bequeathed the best information I found anywhere! I trotted up the slope, pushing forward with my poles and leaning into the climb. Downed trees began to show up as I left the camp and forced me to clamber over or make even wider loops. You got this. I was hit with two related thoughts. The topographic elevation of a summit measures the height of the summit above a geodetic sea level. There was a mention of pools in Deadman Creek from a triplog and that was it. Not a great sign. I pushed on without a pause, hoping to crest the saddle ahead soon. Might be time to start scaling back in my old age :). I walked under tall trees, through another area that had been spared from the fire, and kept my eyes peeled for trail signs or cairns or anything. For the most part they sucked in with the cuts and did a good job with preserving elevation. The term Mazatzal is derived from the Aztec Indian language meaning "an area inhabited by deer". 38 Mazatzal Divide Trail 176. Between the earlier switchbacks and some more gain through the cuts I was almost halfway up the ridge already. Chris and I will probably be trying it soon. Ignoring the water bottles I pushed on past the table and firepit, eager to see if there was anything else. This route starts in the Barnhardt Canyon along a creek. It looked more like the narrow view along Deadman Creek than Davenport, though I couldn't quite tell for sure. ... - Thicket Spring Loop Hot. I had heard that it was rocky and was worried about rolled ankles and unsteady ground yet had no troubles. Things were more exposed within Shake Tree Canyon. None were serious, though all would sting as I continued to sweat under the hot sunlight. Y-Bar Trail was just the beginning of my weekend. USGS Topographic Maps: Boulder Mountain, Reno Pass, Lion Mountain and Mazatzal Peak. The saddle didn't seem that far away and there was an appealing stand of Ponderosa along the way. I saw tons of deer prints out there, but I think it should be “place of the Manzanita”! Resources. Sure, I had expected Davenport to be a challenge. Other high peaks in the Mazatzals include the 7,657' Browns Peak, and the 7,128' Mount Ord. Bear Spring, and Chilson Spring coming up soon, were some of my last confirmed water sources before Club Cabin. A breeze would have been great. Scraggy growth clinging onto Mazatzal Peak, Recently scorched campsite above the pines. There isn't much water to be found, so carry in everything you'll need. With full water capacity again I pushed forward on the trail. Ascending Mazatzal Peak from the saddle ahead is one of the main routes up, and with a bit of luck and careful route finding you could probably spend a few terrible hours doing it. Air traffic overhead was the only reason this trip didn't score a perfect four. There was little to no wind so close under Mazatzal Peak, protected by the scoop of the valley and tucked under the towering cliffs, and the sun beat down with a surprising furor. Instead of fire-damaged trees and shrubby recovery growth there was a stand of Pinyons with a fantastic campsite right along the trail. Surrounding the trail was Juniper and Pinyon Pines, a pleasant change from the cactus and cactus surroundings of the Superstitions. I was finally out of Shake Tree Canyon, had climbed the upper length and was now just a swing and a climb away from the Mazatzal Divide Trail. I had supplies to spend two nights out here, water capacity to last a good ten miles between sources, and not nearly enough clothing to deal with temperatures below fifty. and passes several scenic campsites and springs. Map Scale = 1:70,000; Sheet Size = 25.5" x 37.75" The trail began to climb again as I approached Windsor Spring, one last push before the end. And that was just the first day. Speaking of this trail - it was hot. From far below I could make out a faint line of road heading south with a cluster of houses. But this? Mazatzal Peak in the Mazatzal Wilderness. I had made it up the Mazatzals and was sitting on a saddle at 6550', over five miles into the day and feeling great. This hike was steadily getting more and more painful with each passing mile. I was glad to get going and leave the views of the burned-out Y-Bar Basin behind, though I was still walking between charred ruins of Pinyon Pines. Less than a quarter mile from Chilson Camp. "Mazatzal" is an Aztec word meaning "an area inhabited by deer." > ATA Passage 23 Mazatzal Peak Loop. If it is nice flat dirt trails where you can knock out miles you crave this trail is not for you. Mazatzal Wilderness Running. Mazatzal Peak Loop, Mazatzal Wilderness, AZ Only 50 miles from Phoenix, the Mazatzal is at once easily accessible and astonishingly remote. Devastating post-fire views of Y-Bar Basin. Mountain bikes are prohibited in the Mazatzal Wilderness. It was a small stand, and it wasn't looking that healthy, but it was still a shaded path over soft pine needles that felt downright luxurious. As the sun rose I followed the switchbacks to and fro, climbing up and up, meeting the hot red light as it descended down from the hillside above. The Passage Steward; Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, 5140 E. Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205 (480) 610-3341. Be warned: Three days allows only a small sample of the area's 250,000 rocky and tangled acres. I could be back in the car and in Phoenix before dinner if I turned now. The minor bout of route finding here was an annoying distraction when I was so close to the saddle. That climb didn't seem to be too much, either. If I hiked all the way to Club Cabin and decided to bail tomorrow I'd have a hell of a time coming back up here. The new boots were feeling comfortable thanks to some shorter break-in adventures over the last few weeks. What happened here? And there wasn't many cairns out here. BLM Information Center maps. Mazatzal Trails The Mazatzal Wilderness contains over 252,500 acres of the Tonto and Coconino National Forests. Back to the Mazatzals and today's hike. The trail had a few small dips yet stayed surprisingly level throughout. You got this. I didn't want to stop for long, though time found a way to sneak past. Compare. There are switchbacks to climb up before the next phase - ravines. After a switchback climb of a thousand feet I began heading south with intent and dealt with one ravine after another. 33 Rock Creek Loop 154. I had mapped out an ambitious route so it only made sense that I kept a schedule while making decisions on how far I could get each day and when it made sense to make shortcuts. Once I finished rounding the base I got my first good view of Shake Tree Canyon and was pleasantly surprised. Climbing it from here didn't seem completely crazy any more, maybe just a little loony. The highest point of Mazatzal Wilderness, Mazatzal Peak, is surrounded by a triangle of trails. Unfortunately, there was no water running in the cuts. I finished up the snack, put the water back away, and continued up the steep path. I kept a close eye on these cuts and looked for any sign of water. The closest trail runs nearly 2000′ and several miles below, with horrible … The first table below ranks the 20 highest major summits of Arizona by elevation. I had just climbed close to 3000' from Barnhardt Trailhead and was well over an hour ahead of schedule. Pushed some code at shutterstock/public-api-javascript-sdk. It had also curved even more around Mazatzal Peak and I was now walking north with the sun on my back. Slowly I made my way around the base of Mazatzal Peak, the eastern shoulder that is also known as Suicide Ridge, and the next mound showed up around the bend. Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners I kept my eye out for Chilson Spring and didn't see anything. As impressive as the steep mountains and well-defined trails and the few remaining stands of trees were, I couldn't help but feel a bit of nostalgia for the lush green Mazatzal forests that I would never see. Nothing. Tweeted | @brad_frost Thank you for sharing. I drank my water, let my feet breath, and tried to figure out where to go next. Well, maybe it was a bit closer. From the Cut Bank trailhead, follow the Cut Bank Pass and Triple Divide Trails along Atlantic Creek (which drains … Instead I pushed forward on the Divide Trail and got a pleasant surprise. I really appreciate your well articulated insights. The Y-Bar Trail loops around the southeast, Divide the west, and Barnhardt the north side. This route can be made into a loop with the addition of the Y Bar Trail. Since we were on a loop trip and started from the Barnhardt Trail #43, we were in search of water. It climbs up to the highest trail-accessible point (over 7100!) An always impressive view of Mazatzal Peak's cliffs, Some barren hills around Barnhardt junction. Scrappy remains of a burnt Pinyon Pine forest. Much of the burn area was within the Mazatzal Wilderness, which explains all of the charred stumps and half-repaired trail system. Tonto National Forest map. 39 Deer Creek 182. Early morning light shone down on Barnhardt Trail and I beamed right back. That's right - I wanted to take the upper Davenport route down and connect with my last hike in the Mazatzals, effectively completing this trail and revisiting that spring. 34 Four Peaks Trail 158. Most of the 252,500-acre Mazatzal Wilderness rises to the east of the river. So there was a chance I'd have to hike six miles on a tough trail with only three liters, all under the hot afternoon sun. 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