Cabin to Cabin Loop, Mogollon Rim, AZ

Posted on June 5, 2020June 10, 2020 by judy

June 1, 2020 perfect time to get out of Phoenix & head to cooler country. Temps ranged from 50’s to 80’s but UV rays were 10! We backpacked to 5 cabins, Pinchot, Danes, Buck Springs, Aspen Springs cabin & Fred Haught (which really is just a stone fireplace, still picturistic) We did this in 4 days, 3 nights, making it enjoyable days to scout around. We started from Fred Haught TH ( see directions below)

Right near the TH was Pinchot Cabin ( Gifford Pinchot father of U.S. Forest Service) & still being used in emergencies.

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FR 95 blow out on the Fred Haught trail

U-Bar trail # 28 is approx. 6 miles to Danes Cabin. I consided trail moderate with a nice spring 1/2 way for a rest break & site for 2 tents.
Once you get to Danes Cabin there is a nice spring coming out of a pipe & large camping spots in the area.
Buck Springs cabin still is being used by forest service & firefighters, 3 mile round trip off of Barbershop trail. Barbershop was named after a long ago sheepherder that use to cut cowboys hair. 🙂 This trail seemed to be a bit more challenging just because it has more ups & downs. Coyote Spring is the best place to filter water, but it could run dry in a dry season. Barbershop Spring you needed a cup to dip into.
Houston Brothers Trail # 171 (ranchers in the time) was delightful going north with the Maple, Manzanita, Aspen, Pine trees. Even had time to stop for a siesta break under beautiful Maple tree!

McFarland Spring had nice campsites along with the Aspen Springs cabin but I could see where that could be crowded at times, both springs were running nicely.
By going this route you will end up back at the Fred Haught TH #141 or #22 (depends on what sign you look at) where your vehicle will be parked. We stopped long enough to dump our garbage & get refreshments & head to Fred Haught stone fireplace approx. 3 miles farther. Beware where it shows blowout on map & many signs on rd 95 is really a blow out ! (see pics) We did it this way since we did not have a 2nd car to be dropped off at General Springs Cabin or a shuttle. It was perfect as it was a 6 mile day, no water between Pinchot & Haught spring. The spring that shows on map is Quien Sabe Spring which was just mud hole.
Day 4 was a leisure hike back to car except for the blow out & made it home before rush hour.
Directions for Fred Haught TH, coming in from highway 87 follow FR 95 approx. 11.15 miles to FR 139a for .1 mi, there is a sign there & small parking area. GO ACROSS THE ROAD NORTH you will see a cairn & then a trail sign.

All of the trails were marked with tree markings or cabin loop signs.

Thermopsis
Connie ‘s siestaunder a big Maple tree
Fred Haught area
Manzanita beautiful this time of the year
Aspen Spring
Western Wallflower
McFarland Springs
paintbrush
Aspen Springs Cabin
Horny toad
Aspen Spring Cabin
McFarland Spring
Fred Haught
a bit scarey
Beautiful Aspen
BUCK SPRINGS CABIN
Pinchot

Bear Ears/ Cedar Mesa, Grand Gulch Utah

Posted on October 30, 2017October 31, 2017 by judy

Bear Ears, total adrenaline rush! Ancestral Puebloans 700 – 2500 years ago. Cedar Mesa is managed by BLM managed by Monticello field office phone 435 587 1510 M-F 8a to 12p, www.blm.gov/utah/monticello . The Kane ranger station is open from March 1 thru June 15 and Sept 1 to Oct 31. All over night hikers must obtain permit & register at Kane Gulch Ranger Station located SR 261, 4 miles south US 95. Limited water at ranger station during business hours, you need a key to unlock. I would advise bring lots of water with you. There are pit toilets there that were large & clean but not flushing. Cedar Mesa is a very difficult place for 1st time hikers & backpackers. Per BLM newbies may want to explore Natural Bridges or Hovenweep.
Things to keep in mine, GPS are not always reliable between steep canyon walls & now with something called satellite drift making it difficult to get exact mileage. ( I have spoken to Garmin about this issue, sounds like there is not much we can do about it) Whoever experiences this issue make calls to Garmin. Be efficient with your maps & compass. Be aware of weather, every year flash floods come through the canyons, trails & cairns can be wiped out. Volunteers rebuild but it takes time. As I was hiking there were many reminders of how high the water had been. Cell phones did not work on the hikes we were on, but it did work on a hwy 95 that said Hole in the Wall 7,100 ft & by ranger station. Search & Rescue is through San Juan County sheriff office, tele # 435 587 2237. If a helicopter is needed for a rescue it will be the hikers financial responsibility.
Same rules as in most outback locations, Pack it in Pack it out.
Human waste – 200 ft from water source, trail, or campsite. Use cat holes 6″ deep & cover, easy where we hiked lots of sandy soil. No swimming, washing or bathing near water. This wasn’t difficult when we were there as there was no water in the creeks. No campfires at all in the canyons.
Permits – advance reservation phone 435 587 1510 hrs 8a to 12p M- F, time frame 90 days prior & no later than 5 days before trip start. No emails or faxes will be excepted, I believe there are 8 permits for walk ins at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. We got there a couple of days early to do day trips so we picked the days they had open for our backpack trip, that’s what is good about being flexible.

OK now about the hikes we took, truly amazing! Nancy Vail, Connie Simmons & I Judy Eidson decided to scout out the area to see if we wanted to do future hikes here, YES! It was approx 7 hrs to Blanding, Ut. We stopped off at visitor center in Blanding & spoke to Vickie that had good info & hand written material for us which was very useful. I also bought a National Geographic Grand Gulch/Cedar Mesa map. I felt the map was not detailed as it should be. Car camping is very easy & almost any pull off can be a car camp on Hwy 95, remember you will be in sand or slick rock. The next day we took 3- day hikes: All on Hwy 95, Mule Canyon to House on Fire

which is on county rd 263 . It got its name when the sun hits the ruin it looks like it has smoke & flames coming out of it, this would be a good family hike, as no elevation to speak of & hiking down a wash with good path when we were there. 2nd one was almost across the road near MP 102 -Canyon Towers. Again an easy round trip about 1 1/2 miles. Bring binoculars, as there are many ruins across the canyon worth looking at. Then the last hike was called Mule Canyon Ruins near MP 101. This is where you can drive up & get interpretive information about what they think this ruin was used for, plus a reconstructive Kiva. Bathrooms &,there were 2 Mule deer in near the parking lot. Even though these were short hikes plan 1/2 day if not all as there is so much to take in.

10-22 & 23 we backpacked to Junction Ruin, it was a $8 permit ea. We were advise no water near this ruin, & the closest would be at 8 miles near Totie Springs up a canyon. We each took 3 to 3 1/2 liters of water which was ok for us as our destination was a 4 mile marker. The trail was thru narrow aspen leaf path, narrow boulders, stream bed, slick rock.

You do not get board as something new around each corner. About 1 hr into hike look for a ruin on the south side of the canyon, which is unusual since most dwelling are on the north side.

Our camp was under beautiful fall colored cottonwoods & the backdrop was the Junction ruin, one of the larger ruins in this canyon. For day hikers don’t just take a picture at a distance & keep walking, near the base you can walk right to it. There are pottery chards, corn cobs, etc. well worth taking the time to explore. We were so glad that is where we stopped as we would have hated to hurry through here. Each night it got warmer as the 1st night was 34 degrees, so bring your long johns this time of year, day temps were in the 60’s. Keep in mine the evenings are long since it gets dark around 7:30pm & day light is around 7:30am & chilly! Next day Connie & I hike on to Turkey Pen Ruin which was amazing not only of the dwelling but of the well-preserved petroglyphs, then onto Stimper arch. Beware there is bear in the area, so we hung our bear bag, the only reason the ranger said anything is because we asked, no signs that we saw, but what she did say is if you see one feel lucky.

The last day in Bear Ears I was up & at the Kane Ranger Stationby 7:30 am to get 3 permits for Moon House. They are special permits as they only issue 8 that day & are high in demand. The drive out is on Snow Flat road about 6 miles from the ranger station then another 8 miles on a sandy but doable road, then another 1 1/2 mile on a 4 wheel drive high clearance road. Was happy my jeep had no issues! This trail was a bit intimidating, slickrock, cairns & a 10 ft drop. Connie & Nancy stayed at the 10 ft drop. By looking across the canyon you would never know there was such a large ruin! I made my way to the ruin & was wondering how I would make it back up the cliff. The ruin is a 49 rooms with a 3 separate structures. Well preserved petroglyphs & an interior court-yard. There are also granary & kivas but do to time I did not get to see all of this. I would suggest go early to take your time, or even camp on Snow Flat Road if you could get an early permit & not the same day permit. I was able to get out of the 10 ft drop ok but as you see in the pictures not all was so lucky.

ok down, now where? where are my buddies?

We decided we deserved a nice comfy bed, so we called Goulding trading post at Monument Valley & got a room. It was lovely as we had a patio that over looked Monument Valley, trail ale, appetizers then went to their quaint movie theater & saw Searchers by John Wayne from 1958! 10-25 the trip isn’t done yet, after a great breakfast there we went to the visitor center at Monument Valley then took a road trip around all the monuments.

We were home by 4:30pm. A super trip, lot packed into 5 days! I’m still feeling the adrenaline rush!

Fossil Creek

Posted on April 1, 2016 by judy

Fossil Springs

temps ranging from 70’s to 40’s, 2 hr drive from Phoenix, Colleen Hunt, Glenda Cope, Judy Eidson

Thinking we were leaving on Monday through Wed we would have the upper canyon to ourselves, wrong. Looks like college is still having spring break but no backpackers till we came out. It is 4 miles to the spring, but you can do adl 11 miles to go to the south & picked up there which maybe a good idea for future hikes. There are signs everywhere how many people they rescue each year including no fires. Does anyone read these signs?One of the 1st things we encounter as we hike down from 5100 ft are 3 young 14 yrs to 20’s year olds carry 1 gal jug of water for the 3 of them, no hat, sunscreen,food, sandles/sneakers & smoking pot. Long story short time they got to 3800 ft they were ready to go back up as they were sunburned, tired & getting late. So we helped them out with water purification tablets & sunscreen. We found a beautiful site not far from the spring, the temp of water is around 70 degree’s year round so perfect! The next morning early was a animal scratching at both Colleen & Glenda’s head. Whoops left food in the tent vs hanging it, that did not happen again for the next night. We did a day hike to the dam, old homestead what a nice surprise, the pictures can tell the story.

The blackberry bushes are very overgrown so this should be a great year for the berry pickers! As we continued our hike on the Flume Road we past some day hikers we met earlier in the day that had a fire going, even though there is signs everywhere including right where they were –no fires. Colleen politely informed them that there was high wind advisories out, no fires & that there were forest serve people out. They said they would put it out?? The scenery looking down on the creek was breath taking.

After a exerting dayhike “NOT”, we had lunch by the creek & enjoyed ripples of the water, smells & the lush watercress that surrounded us. Its so seldom we get to hear or be by flowing water, what a treat!

We continued on to the trail that leads to the other side of the springs, it is just as beautiful! Lovely campsites there also but for some reason I have then & in the past going only so far & turn around so I do not know where or how far that trail leads.

Colleen is at the far end of this picture, she thought it was a better advantage view point! The day & night only got better as we had trail ale, snacks & a full moon to look forward too! The full moon brought out our little creature that was sniffing at our tent the night before Peppe le pew! He was in for a surprise as the food was hanging high in a tree!

The trip out was more people taking hikes in including the sheriff, & search n rescue, hopefully it was not for our friends the 1st day but they mentioned clean up. We stopped going in to Fossil Creek Creamery Goat & Llama Farm, so we also stopped going out to pick up some of there wonderful soap, fudge,& lotion. I do believe that is the 1st time I’ve ever seen a baby goat born, how wonderful that was! Momma did a great job & the baby was up & walking & us holding them in

minutes! A great trip by all!

Circlestone, Reavis grave,Reavis Ranch, Az

Posted on March 30, 2016 by judy

A trip I have been wanting to do for a long time so finally the time has come! Connie, June, Nancy & I headed out from Pnx, it took 2 1/2 hrs to get to Rogers Trough & 200 miles later. Temps were in the 70s for the high & 29 to 32 for low.
First we stopped off at Reavis Grave as the girls had not been there before. The cross had been redone & looked like a postcard. Manzanita, wall flowers & Fuchsia were in bloom to set the scene.
Our goal was to find Circlestone which the next morning we set out to hike up Fireline Trail. It was right on target that I had down loaded on my gps so here is the coordinates to help anyone else out. The cairn was large on fireline trail at this time – N 33.48761 W 111.13240. The trail up to Circlestone was steep but cairns were placed so no issues. N 33.47777 W 111.13430. This is also located NE of Mount Mountain the highest Mt in the Superstition’s. When you read about Circlestone there are a few theories but most agree it is a ancient solstice & equinox sun watch station, ceremonial site. Built by ancient Sinagua which dates back to 1250AD. This is also called Az Stonehenge, we have a few around the state.
The next day we did a day hike to the ranch which was only 1/4 mi from where we camped, to my surprise all the apple trees were in bloom! Oh my gosh I thought most of them had died off since they are quite old, so this fall there should be plenty of apples. I miss the old ranch house, only a foundation stands, vinca still come up around the steps, old machinery still lay around. I had seen the place before it burned down but no matter what its still beautiful! We also met up with a solo hiker that was doing section hikes of the Arizona Trail, she was a stewart from passage 40b, I believe her name was Liz Good.

The day only gets better as once we got back to camp I ran into a gal from Flagstaff, Deb Linda. We did a trip in Colorado a few years ago, so we got caught up on what was happening & hope to hook up with her for a hike in the future, it’s such a small world! We met 2 Arizona Trail Hikers coming out but only got one name which was Porcupine- Kara from Alaska.
Be aware of bee’s we had to go by 1 nest coming & going, rattlesnakes are out do to the warm days. This time of year it gets very cold at night so be prepared for that as day temps you sweat like its summer and freeze like its winter! Also best to be aware of unusual activity from animals as at the trailhead mentioned rabid fox in area. Here are a few flowers & bushes that were in bloom, fernbush, catclaw acacia, juniper, oak, ponderosa pine, western wallflower,firecracker, desert marigold, thistle, fleabane, tidy tips, tufted evening primrose, verbena, love grass.

Take time to check out the rest of the pictures on the media, great time by all!

2016 Superstitions- Apache Lake “Boulder Canyon to 1st water Trailhead

Posted on January 15, 2016January 25, 2016 by judy

First backpack for the New Year. Starting off the season with a Rookie Carolyn Mahon Cope, first time with a backpack on & she did great, also Glenda Cope, Connie Simmons, Nancy Vail Colleen Hunt & Judy Eidson. The Rookie was promised a Paris hike, this is what it’s called from Hikengirls nice & easy- like a hike where you can hike out incase you run out of trail ale ;).

Well this wasn’t quite that way, but regardless there were plenty of water, snack, rest & veiw breaks.

It was slow going as Boulder Canyon got its name for a reason! Most of the 1st day was cloudy which gave a relief due to no shade trees & very exposed. The evening temps were chilly but had a nice fire, it did get below freezing during the night.

Day 2 We decided to hike to next location over by Hackberry Spring, where we found lots of boyscouts which we expected due to MLK holiday But found a nice location away from all the noise. We had not set up camp yet before Glenda Cope had tripped & hurt her wrist. Wow just got my Solo Wilderness 1st Aid in Nov & already got to practiced it twice. My diagnosed was correct she fractured her wrist. So I did what I was trained & did a line & traction which pain level went from a 11 to 7. That made us happy along with Advil, cold water bags, & ace bandage with a nice sling. It was to late in the day to hike out, so made her as comfortable as we all could including a bit of wine & she was set for the evening.

We had one more incident which is where Connie spilled boiling water on her leg!

Day 3 I’ve hiked all the trails in the Sups but years since I hiked out to the horse parking lot. This is not on any maps, & I could not remember if it was more bouldery than the hike up to Garden Valley & 1st water but knew it was shorter so we went for it & it was the right decision. We all felt we needed a burger & beer at Dirt Water Springs.
The doctor on Monday confirmed Glenda did have a fracture, which as of now she is wearing a brace. Connie’s leg is healing. The Rookie got a 1st hand on a Paris hike, not quite what she visualized, but she said she will be back !

airline, what you can carry on when you backpack

Posted on June 25, 2015 by judy

Batteries Carried by Airline Passengers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What kinds of batteries does the FAA allow in carry-on baggage (in the aircraft cabin)?
A1. Passengers can carry most consumer-type batteries and portable battery-powered electronic devices for their own personal use.
Spare batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit. Battery-powered devices must be protected from accidental
activation and heat generation. Batteries allowed in carry-on baggage include:
 Dry cell alkaline batteries: typical AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button-sized cells, etc.
 Dry cell rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCad). For rechargeable lithium
ion batteries; see next paragraph.
 Lithium ion batteries (a.k.a.: rechargeable lithium, lithium polymer, LIPO, secondary lithium). Passengers may carry all
consumer-sized lithium ion batteries (up to 100 watt hours per battery). This size covers AA, AAA, cell phone, PDA, camera,
camcorder, handheld game, tablet, portable drill, and standard laptop computer batteries. The watt hours (Wh) rating is marked
on newer lithium ion batteries and is explained in #3 below. External chargers are also considered to be a battery.
Passengers can also bring two (2) larger lithium ion batteries (100-160 watt hours per battery) in their carry-on. This size covers
the largest aftermarket extended-life laptop batteries and most lithium ion batteries for professional-grade audio/visual
equipment. Most lithium ion batteries for consumer electronics are below this size.
 Lithium metal batteries (a.k.a.: non-rechargeable lithium, primary lithium). These batteries are often used with cameras and
other small personal electronics. Consumer-sized batteries (up to 2 grams of lithium per battery) may be carried. This includes
all the typical non-rechargeable lithium batteries used in cameras (AA, AAA, 123, CR123A, CR1, CR2, CRV3, CR22, 2CR5,
etc.) as well as the flat round lithium button cells.
 Nonspillable wet batteries (absorbed electrolyte), limited to 12 volts and 100 watt hours per battery. These batteries must be
the absorbed electrolyte type (gel cells, AGM, etc.) that meet the requirements of 49 CFR 173.159a(d); i.e., no electrolyte will
flow from a cracked battery case. Batteries must be in strong outer packagings or installed in equipment. Passengers are also
limited to two (2) spare (uninstalled) batteries. Spare batteries’ terminals must be protected (non-conductive caps, tape, etc.)
within the outer packaging. Batteries and outer packaging must be marked “nonspillable” or “nonspillable battery.” Note: This
exception is for portable electronic devices, not for vehicle batteries. There are separate exceptions for powered wheelchairs.
Q2. What kinds of batteries does the FAA allow in checked baggage?
A2. Except for spare (uninstalled) lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries, all the batteries allowed in carry-on baggage are also
allowed in checked baggage. The batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit or installed in a device. Battery-powered
devices—particularly those with moving parts or those that could heat up—must be protected from accidental activation. Spare
lithium metal and lithium ion/polymer batteries are prohibited in checked baggage—this includes external chargers.
Q3. How do I determine the watt hours (Wh) rating of a battery?
A3. To determine watt hours (Wh), multiply the volts (V) by the ampere hours (Ah). Example: A 12-volt battery rated to 8 Amp
hours is rated at 96 watt hours (12 x 8 = 96). For milliamp hours (mAh), multiply by the volts and divide by 1000.
Q4. Is there a limit to the number of batteries I can carry?
A4. There is no limit on the number of most consumer-size batteries or battery-powered devices that a passenger can carry for
personal use. The larger lithium ion batteries are limited to two (2) batteries per passenger; see “Lithium ion batteries” explanation
above. Only two (2) spare/uninstalled nonspillable wet (absorbed electrolyte) batteries may be carried.
Q5. What does “protected from short circuit” mean?
A5. When metal objects such as keys, coins, tools or other batteries come in contact with both terminals of a battery it can create a
“circuit” or path for electricity to flow through. Electrical current flowing through this unprotected short circuit can cause extreme
heat and sparks and even start a fire. To prevent short circuits, keep spare batteries in their original packaging, a battery case, or a
separate pouch or pocket. Make sure loose batteries can’t move around. Placing tape over the terminals of unpackaged batteries
also helps to insulate them from short circuit.
For a quick reference guide, see illustrated table on next page…
Federal Aviation Administration
February 10, 2015 Office of Hazardous Materials Safety http://www.faa.gov/Go/PackSafe
Batteries Allowed in Airline Passenger Baggage in the US
Type of Battery There is no limit
to the number of batteries or devices carried for
personal use unless specified below.
Allowed in carry-on
baggage?
Allowed in checked
baggage?
In equipment1 Spares In equipment Spares
Dry alkaline batteries YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
Dry rechargeable – Nickel Metal Hydride
(NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), etc.
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
Lithium ion (rechargeable lithium, lithium
polymer, LIPO) as used in small consumer
electronics, such as cell phones, tablets, tools,
cameras, PDAs, and laptops. Limited to 100 watt
hours2 or less per battery.
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES NO
Larger lithium ion, 100-160 watt
hours2 per battery—with airline approval.
Limits: Two spare batteries per
passenger.
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES NO
Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) as used in
small consumer electronics such as cameras,
LED flashlights, watches, etc. (2 grams or less
lithium per battery).

YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES NO
Nonspillable wet batteries (absorbed
electrolyte) for portable electronic devices, 12
volts and 100 watt hours2 per battery.
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit and in strong
packaging. Battery
and outer packaging
must be marked
“nonspillable.”
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit and in strong
packaging. Battery
and outer packaging
must be marked
“nonspillable.”
For more information and for rules on battery-powered wheelchairs or assistive devices, please go to http://www.faa.gov/Go/PackSafe or call
the DOT Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922. For TSA security restrictions please go to http://www.tsa.gov
Limits: Two spare batteries
per passenger.
1Note: TSA security rules prohibit some power tools in carry-on baggage. 2Note: Watt hours
Batteries Allowed in Airline Passenger Baggage in the US
Type of Battery There is no limit
to the number of batteries or devices carried for
personal use unless specified below.
Allowed in carry-on
baggage?
Allowed in checked
baggage?
In equipment1 Spares In equipment Spares
Dry alkaline batteries YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
Dry rechargeable – Nickel Metal Hydride
(NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), etc.
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
Lithium ion (rechargeable lithium, lithium
polymer, LIPO) as used in small consumer
electronics, such as cell phones, tablets, tools,
cameras, PDAs, and laptops. Limited to 100 watt
hours2 or less per battery.
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES NO
Larger lithium ion, 100-160 watt
hours2 per battery—with airline approval.
Limits: Two spare batteries per
passenger.
YES YES
When protected from
damage and short
circuit
YES NO
Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) as used in
small consumer electronics such as cameras,
LED flashlights, watches, etc. (2 grams or less
lithium per battery).

Hazardous materials
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and outer packaging
must be marked
“nonspillable.”
For more information and for rules on battery-powered wheelchairs or assistive devices, please go to http://www.faa.gov/Go/PackSafe or call
the DOT Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922. For TSA security restrictions please go to http://www.tsa.gov
Limits: Two spare batteries
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1Note: TSA security rules prohibit some power tools in carry-on baggage. 2Note: Watt hours (Wh) = Volts (V) x Amp hours (Ah) or V x mAh ÷

Hazardous materials
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Paria River from White House Trailhead to Lee’s Ferry

Posted on May 18, 2015 by judy

5-4 to 5-9 2015

Nancy Vail our trip leader got our permits 4 months earlier, Glenda Cope, Connie Simmons & Judy Eidson

2015 Paria we are at horseshoe look out heading to the Paria

Phoenix to Lee’s Ferry is 250 miles, Cousin Bob (Connie’s Cousin) from Page picked us up at the long term parking. Because it was raining the day before & when he picked us up he talked us into staying at his place for the night & giving us a great tour of Page area, we welcomed the idea!

The Paria Ranger Station and Visitor Centeris located on the South side of Hwy 89 between mile marker 20 and 21

PERMITS

Permits are required for both day hiking and overnight trips in Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch. Walk-up permits are available for day hiking at the trailheads, but overnight permits must be obtained through the Paria Canyon online permit application system. Overnight permits can also be obtained in person the day of your hike, IF there are any permits available.

The BLM only allows a total of 20 people per day to enter the canyon on overnight permits, and that is across all of the trailheads. An overnight permit is $5 per person per day. Dogs are also allowed for an extra fee of $6 per dog per day.

For overnight permits, the reservation system opens up at 12pm Mountain Time on the 1st of every month, 4 months before the month of your hike. Refer to the BLM’s chart below to determine when you need to apply.

Paria Canyon Backpacking permit lottery calendar

Paria is a challenging, exciting, & beautiful 38 mile hike. Hiking conditions change in the canyon with the season. In 1993 I hiked same month & week 50% was hiking was in water, this year 95% which meant more quicksand, muck & made it more difficult.

Generally the route through Paria Canyon is river bed itself, however mile 28 has large boulder clog the river which they call boulder slide. Most hikers leave the river at this point & follow a route on the right side of the stream. See my notes coming on day 5.

Day 1: Once you start on the White House Trail GO DOWN THE PARIA, not the well maintained trail to the left. The hike was beautiful but from the beginning we were walking in the river.Right before our break I mentioned to watch for quicksand, WELL all I wanted to do was wash off my sandy sock in the creek & yikes up to my knees in quicksand, , Connie jumps into save the day with a cracker in hand & a broken wrist that is trying to heal. She now is in the same boat as I am! As I try to push her up onto the bank I quickly go up to my thighs.Nancy holds out her hiking pole gets me out now we save Connie.

I will never forget the look on her face! ( I never heard of anyone getting in trouble with quicksand in the Paria, but I guess it’s worth checking into) We did go over the procedures of it happening like going onto the belly! ;))

The narrows are beautiful, we made camp near the confluence, set up camp & did an evening trip to the log jam up Buckskin Gulch. We saw one sacred mouse in this cold dark section & wondering what he was doing in there.

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Day 2: It had rained through the night but had cleared up before day break. The canyon was crisp, clean & clear for the rest of the day, it was extremely scenic, but with rain in the last couple days made the river run higher than normal. It’s always murky, sandy & silty but just more so when has just rained. My GPS & Nancy’s SPOT did not work well in this canyon at all. I never had this happen before but because of it being a narrow canyon I guess it could not get a satellite. So if any one uses either one of these instruments you may need to have other means. Glenda’s Fit Bit seem to work & have close mileage. I never put a lot of faith in it only because I had one & I returned it do to not being correct, but it may have been I never moved my arms like I should had. Big springs was running but keep a close eye out for them. Many of the springs are easy to miss. We filled up here & camped near wooded terrace.This was a beautiful campsite with a huge covert in front of us. It was large enough to have a least 3 groups of backpackers in the area in still be private.

2015 Paria River-005 2015 Paria River-003

Day 3 Our highlight today besides the scenic canyon was Judd Hollow with the old pump the history that follows that, swallows, wild flowers, & cactus in full bloom. But once again I find my self in what I think is quicksand but it could have been muck, it happened so fast. All I no I was in the middle of Paria I went up to my thighs in whatever & water to my waist, once I yelled out, I put my 2 hiking poles which must of been in a sandbar & it just popped me out. What ever happen I has grateful. Not long after that we come to a narrow & 2 large boulders that makes it very deep & no way around. Of course we are a bit paranoid now since that last incident so out of the blue a solo hiker comes by we tell him we want him to go 1st, he plows right through it like it was nothing of course we follow like little chickadees. Once again we thank the good lord it was nothing major. All this was quite an adrenaline rush! Some how we missed Wrather Canyon with all the excitement I think we were just walking on not paying attention. I did see the arch in 1993, so we will have to come back to see it for the others as it is worth it. We camped at nice site which I felt we were lucky to find a spring or seep that was running well but not on the maps.

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Day 4 Today the clouds hung around a little longer but was nice hiking. We thought we had most of boulder alley behind us but there was still plenty to overcome, once we got to the last campsite on the map we decided that is where we would make camp. Good thing as we threw down our packs due to rain & wind. A mistake on my part as my Tarptent/ Moment broke a pole in the wind, I should of sat it out & put it in a more sheltered area. Once the 1st gust past I mended the pole with duc tape, then next 50mph wind came all I could do is sit on the tent, all of us had our umbrella’s so that was our shield from the sand blast. Now it was time for our last shot of trail ale!

We never got supper as the rain & wind hit again about 6p, we all went to our tents, it rained on & off the rest of the night.

Day 5 It was still raining at 8a but we decided to leave anyway, which it did end soon after that. I was looking forward to the trail which was coming up to the right & would by pass boulder slide. This is a remark I found Mile 28, large boulders clog the river, obstructing this way. Most hikers leave the river at this point and follow a route on the right (south) side of the stream where some scrambling through boulders is required. Choosing to follow the river through this section may not be possible during periods of higher water, and requires negotiating a route through many pools and over large boulders. Hiking in the lower canyon consists of traversing long silt terraces or benches with fewer stream crossings. Do not go this way if possible.

The stars wasn’t lining up, we get in about 1/2 mi & find the trail is a foot wide. I go test it out very soft with all the rain & plunges straight down 200 feet. The 3 girls say no way, so we head to the river bottom. The above statement was true, if you don’t have to do this don’t. We hiked about 1 mile I decided to climb up a ridge to see if I could see anything at all, about 30 min later I spotted a clearing in the distance, I hike another 1/4 mi, sure enough it was the trail, yippie! The girls climbed up, we were all worried about Connie as she had to protect her arm, I’m sure Glenda & her was saying many things under there breath. Even if the GPS did work , it would of not made any difference, there is no trail. Per a friend Cierrz “It is what it is!”

It was great trail after this, (compared what we had just gone through)we stopped off at Wilson Ranch for a lunch break. I checked out the area, the building is gone, but the corral & old machinery still in the area. There is a spring, water was on the trail but you could not get to it as it was back in a lot of brush & fence line. The gate into Lonely Dell was a welcome sight.

This was a great hike, don’t expect to find much of any trails, Paria River is the trail on much of it. Keep close eye on mileage if you are looking for major springs, bring a filter for a backup, sturdy water shoes would be good, although my old pair of boots worked fine. If you want a major well groom trail this is not the hike for you, if you want solitude, beauty & some adventure go for it!

Havasupai & Grand Canyon Backpac trip

Posted on April 26, 2015 by judy

This is to add to connie trip to Havasupai Canyon.

5 of us went on to the campground that was Dana Phillips (hdmama) Glenda Cope(happycheeks), Colleen Hunt(wineO), Dr Connie Ayres(Cierrz) and I Judy. I will not go into much detail since she has already. But here are some adl facts that maybe helpful. Seligman Hotel – Canyon Lodge 928 4223255, two men from Germany own the place and was very accommodating they let us use there freezer for our ice packs for the cooler. Each room is decorated differently such as John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe etc, it follows the theme of highway 66 as Seligman had that highway 66 theme going on in each of the yards.

Havasupai tourist enterprise 928 448 2141 or 2237. $35 entry fee $5 environmental fee $17 for each night of camping plus tax. if you wanted to rent a horse it was a $187 round trip, for DSCN4764 11083842_10202868064017134_9100842308033843367_n

,130lb 92448 2121.

Sinyella Cafe is the first cafe you come to that was very good. It had picnic tables outside in the shade, plus a store behind the building. It had cold drinks and a nice selection of goods, very family friendly. They have approx 6 solar outhouses now at the campgrounds that was a huge improvement. Also just before entering into the camping area Havasupai Indians was selling Indian fry bread, oh yum!

Elevation at the village is 3250 and the Hilltop i s 5200.

GRAND CANYON

Once we hiked out of Havasu, 3 of us Dana (HD Momma), Dr Connie Ayres( Cierrz) & I drove over to GC Yavapai Lodge to spend the night.

The next 5 days was organized by Ken (Hazelnut) with the Arizona Backpacking Club (abc) this could of not worked out better. Neithe Cierrz or Dana had been in the canyon before. We met up with Ken, Zac, Nova, Xd on the Kaibab trail, our 1st and last night was at Bright Angel campground, day 2& 3 was at Cottonwood campground. None of them had bp the canyon before either, so they went & did a day hike to N. Rim.

I investigate Roaring Springs, 2 side canyons. The pump house seems so empty since the Ackerman’s left, I missed the lemon aid stand. Ken did do some fishing & caught a trout, released. Our trip back to Bright Angel was great as we did 2 side trips, 1 to Upper Ribbon Falls, then to Lower Ribbon Falls.

Our hike out took about 5 hours, which was some of the most beautiful Red Bud Trees I have ever seen. Perfect trip in the canyon once again, I’m so blessed I live so close to 1 of the seven wonders of the world!

Things to know:

1.Phantom Ranch Cantina closes at 4p so they can prepare for dinner, opens up again at 8p.m. They have candy, apples if any left over from snacks, peanuts, tea, pop, bagels, beer & wine. They will make up lunch bags to go, order if possible day before, cost is $13.50. I felt well worth it.

2. Water not turned on at Cottonwood Camp ground till May, so bring your own water purifiers.

3. I got bit up on expose area of feet by no seeums. They stayed with welts for about a week. (even in March)

4.Plant book of the area would be good as many bushes & cactus was in bloom.

Check out Dana facebook page on trail journal

HDMama’s 2015
Continental Divide Trail Journal

Coffee Flats & Red Tank Superstitions Mt- snow storm‏

Posted on October 21, 2014 by judy

temps 28 to 70’s, nancy vail, june storment, judy eidson, 2-19- to 2-21 2013

Not a long hike, but a beautiful one. Knowing there was a storm coming in what a better place to go but the sups. There won’t be a lot of detail on the is hike as pic’s are louder than words in this case. Beautiful wet snow on the saguaros, hummingbird holding on to her nest for dear life. Fun

making snowman, & water running in every trail & creek near by.

Pine River Trail (Los Pinos River) to CDT to Chicago Basin

Posted on March 17, 2014 by judy

Pine River Trailhead (Los Pinos River) to CDT to Ute Lake over to Rock Lake to Vallecito Trail to Chicago Basin 9-3-12 to 9-15-12

Dwayne Freeman trail name “Shannon-Lewis & Clark” Sister judy eidson

Temps 25 to 80’s, 75 to 80 miles total,pack weight 30lbs total!

My first long trip with no supplies for 2 weeks. Even when I did the Arizona t beat that! The journey begins!!

9-2 Stayed at Blue Spruce RV & Park, cabin # 8 twin beds $100 total. Nice dinner Pasta, bread & salad. Breakfast was omelet in a baggie.

9-3 Parked one car at Vallecito (don’t forget the keys) where we were planning on exiting. Drove jeep to Pine River Trailhead about 11 miles away, where we would start our hike. Warmer than I expected, my buff came in handy, had to wring it out a few times. Hiked about 9 miles in, what a great way to start the trip, no rush, was able to take pictures, study the plants & trees, check out the snakes ( 4 total) talk to twins in there 70’s that was fishing & backpacking-dressed alike) a family horseback riders that had the cutest 5yr old cowboy that the hat was as big as he was, & a pack horse with a dash hound balancing on the back, a kodak moment that I missed. The trail was easy today, a couple said they saw moose just past the 3 mile marker.

9-4 Hiked in lots of Aspen meadows, not changing yet, stayed at Granite Ranger Station. Lots of dead trees, beetle bug & mistletoe disease. Nice river below cabin, closed for season. Lots of wood cut, old Kentucky bottle of Bulleit Whiskey, above door hanging on a lucky horseshoe. Dwayne knew history of this from a VFW Magazine from Vietnam Vet that started his own distillery. A young buck came to visit, seemed almost tame. It’s bow season, watch out! Due to cold nights I sleep warm with the correct sleeping bag & night clothes we would trade every so often sleeping bags through this trip so Dwayne could get some sleep. Not to mention that I was sleeping in my tarptent the Moment. Dwayne had a homemade tarp made into to a tent, a bag that was good for about 45 degrees – theory was to wear all his clothes to bed. A big Agnes summer matt, it just wasn’t good enough for the cool & damp nights. He’s a Ray Jardine fan, so am I, but he needs to perfect it to his body type.

9-5 the 3 days have been moderate in the hike, which has been wonderful, hiking up to above 12000 feet. Stopped off at a waterfall to do some trout fishing, we did well off lures & power bait. Dwayne skinned the trout to boil later. We hiked a few miles when we found out that Dwayne’s boot sole was coming off, we stopped off at a great campsite, with a homemade king chair with the right amount of twine we needed to take with us, for future repairs. I had a tie wrap to mend the boot with duc tape, along the trip the boot would need to be continued to be repaired. We hiked for a few miles later, which we were glad we did as it was very steep & made the next day easier. Our camp was near a beaver pond, we saw female moose with a youngster. Colder due to camp in a low area & near water, condensation was a problem, my new Trails Design stove was not working as well as expected with wood, but esbits works well. 32 degree’s, top layer of ice in our water bag the next morning. It was good to have a cold breakfast & get going.

9-6 Past Avalanche Field over the CDT Divide a lung buster day, but the most beautiful scenery you will ever see! UteLake which was off trail about ¼ mile, fishing was biting off power bait. Again by water so colder night around 32 degrees but beautiful days! Grouse was in the area

9-7 beautiful scenery as we hiked higher in elevation, 12,300 meet up with Flat Foot a CDT hiker from Georgia around Twin Lakes he was representing www.sunshinefoundation.org it is like wish foundation, he is a Triple Diamond hiker with over 8,000 miles completed, his true name is Gene Butcher. We hiked on to a steep trail on the Rock Lake Trail, camped at Rock Lake an alpine lake. We believe this was winter kill for fish due to others I talked to in July. Two Llama’was near us on a hill with 2 other tents, also others were hiking over RockLake to the South looks like they were hiking towards Emerald Lake, very steep. Scary eyed creature that turned out to be deer, but at night all you could see was green eyes when flashlight shinned on it. Worried about Dwayne through the night as it was raining, cold but we did trade sleeping bags. I had all my clothes on including rain suit, & took a P.M. blue sleeping pill so was comfortable. Found out that he had to take off some of his clothes as my sleeping bag was a bit warm with all clothes on. Hum, I wasn’t that warm, ha!

9-8 By 11a it was 68 degree’s, easy hiking all down hill on Rock Creek Trail, towards Vallecito Trail. Vallecito Trail was also easy as it gradually went down in elevation, a few creek/downed tree crossing. Also grouse in the area & now starting to see hunters on horse back. Camp was near Johnson Creek, plenty places to camp in area. Shortly after dinner & having time to play a game of cards it started to rain. Washed all clothes so put them in tent, wow big condensation now.

9-9 Major error, I washed all clothes except what I was sleeping in, No clothes dried through the night, plus a cold night woke up putting on baggies on wet socks, which worked out wonderful like normal. I put one set of clothes on top of backpack to dry out as I hiked which did not take long to dry. Was glad to have my ultra light Dri Duck rain suit with me, as it blocked the wind, kept me warm, & of course was super against the rain. Snow Cat from Denver that was doing the Colo Trail started 8-15-12 was lost & beside her self to say the least! No gps or map of this location, I gave her a big hug, Dwayne said some kind words, got a map to show her what happened. She was going to beat feet to Vallecito “Blue Spruce RV Park” to try to hitch a ride to Durango then bus to Silverton to get her supply box to finish the last part of her hike to Durango. Felt for her agony! Since we dropped a lot in elevation we now had to gain in elevation, ugg! We reached 11,600’ it made a doable day as we did not need to hurry since Marietta-my sister n law, nephew-Michael Freeman, his fiancé Jamie, & friend Erica would not be there till afternoon on 9-11. I tried for 3 hrs at 3 different locations to get SPOT to send out a OK but could not get it to go thru. This was a concern that Glenda our over seer on the SPOT would not take action. This was a deer paradise, many we saw thru the evening. One more game of cards, I won! I slept in Dwayne’s tent tonight, I made it in a Ray Jardine’s tarp with 18” around, I slept warm, but also had my Mt Hardware sleeping bag rated 15 degree’s. My traptent was still coolish for Dwayne, but with a summer sleeping bag what do you expect.

9-10 38 degrees got a high of 50’s, but perfect hiking weather. Heading towards ColumbinePass very steep, aspens starting to change, went by a few mines before making our turn to Hazel Lake. I didn’t expect this rough of a trail to this lake, we reached 12, 830 before heading down to lake, was glad when we arrived. No trees, or bushes, in a big bowel but a very pretty lake, in fact there was two. Power bait was the winner again. Dwayne got an 18” brown & a 17” native cutthroat we think, very salmon color meat. I got 3 smaller ones from the smaller lake. Fun day, I made up a couple of hot water bottles for our sleeping bags, how nice!

9-11 Beautiful a.m. out of the blue a rain storm rolled in so hunkered down till it past on. Then another hr to fine brothers glasses, oh yea around his neck, made up for me loosing my pant leg a couple days prior. We knew we had plenty of time as the other gang would be hiking in from the Durango train. The trail up the steep terrain was easier than going down, so once we got to ColumbinePass was breath taking. Had a nice break, pictures, snack, too beautiful to hurry the moment! We chatted with a solo hiker that had a tarp & a bivy sack to sleep in. Told us about other adventures he had taken with llamas. We reached ChicagoBasin about 1p.m. Marietta & Erica arrived around 2p & Michael & Jamie around 4p. Once we got our site picked out it started to rain around 4:30p. Michael & Jamie were not as lucky to get set up before they were soaking wet, come to find out they set up in a bog. I guess they were ok as we offered to help them to move to higher ground. We set up Dwayne’s tent into a canopy so we could cook & stay dry underneath it, worked out well. Good thinking Dwayne, he then got to cuddle with his wife!

9-12 Rain continued to make a miserable a.m. but 4 of us set out as soon as it slowed up to go for a day hike to Twin Lakes. We made it 1 3/4 miles before it started to rain, thunder, hail, sleet, once we made it back to camp we made a nice hot drink once we got back & played cards- Pitch in the tepee tent till supper. I don’t think Michael or Jamie ever left there tent, or got warm!

9-13 25 degrees, everything was iced over! My hiking partner Michael for the next two days (we were to go out over Columbine Pass to Vallecito trailhead to get to my jeep) decided he had enough, he & Jamie were leaving by train to Durango today to get a nice dry, warm motel room & scout out the area. He had a 50 degree bag, summer matt, & not the right type of clothes. My brother by this time, had both soles of his boots duc taped, twined up, & with all the rain the heels were falling off. What is a girl to do, ok go with the flow, tomorrow will head out with the other 3, go to Silverton by train, eat a good meal, have a Durango Wheat Brew & enjoy!

9-14 Beautiful day, day hiked towards ColumbinePass to check out the mines. Met Chris a REI personal from Colo Springs, Bob & Earl hiking the 14,000 3 peaks. Erika & I had a great time checking out the mine, but Dwayne & Marietta never showed, found out Marietta fell so was soaking her leg in the creek, all was well in the long run. In the mean time was able to take pictures of doe & her twins, Mt Goat & her baby. We decided to hike about 3 ½ miles down the trail to make it easy for the next day out to Silverton that would leave at 11:30a then next day on the train. So leaving a 4p.m. worked out well.

9-15 Another beautiful day, left camp around 9:30a plenty of time to meet the train. Had to get tickets at Silverton, everyone was very helpful as 2 of us did not have tickets. All went as planned, great meal, cold beer, shopping. Now off to pick up my jeep, & drive over to South Fork to meet up with my husband, cousin Curley (Michael Gray) for a 4 wheel drive trip.

It was wonderful to have my brother there with me to hike, chat, laugh and oh yea clean the fish, luv ya Bro!

Thanks to Glenda Cope for being responsible for us on the SPOT. Nancy Vail for giving us the SPOT to use & everyone else keeping us in your prayers.

Hiken Girls

Backpacking Arizona

Author: judy