Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Overnight camping trip to Devil’s Chasm ruin

when	November 16-17, 2024
	Trip Report : March 12-13, 2022
where	Globe
the camp	The club last did Devil's Chasm two and a half years ago. The Devil’s Chasm ruin is one of the most spectacular remains of the Salado culture. Though the distance to the ruin is only 5 miles round trip, the difficulty is greater than Syphon Draw, making this an A+ hike. There is a trail, but the last portion has become very worn, loose dirt. Distance is about 5 miles round trip. Tree ring dating of timbers used in construction indicates that the Anchan ruins were built and occupied over a relatively short seventy-year period, from 1280 to 1350. Though the distance to the ruin is only 3 miles, the elevation gian is 3000 feet. Difficulty is comparable to Syphon Draw, making this an A hike. There is a trail which has become very worn.     The hike proceeds up a deep, wooded canyon. A spring comes out of a cliff about a mile beyond the campsite, beyond which the canyon narrows and we come to our first low cliff, with a rabbit hole to scramble through. From here, the trail climbs steeply and we come to a second cliff with many hand and footholds. Sometimes there is a rope here. The last 500 feet is up the side of the canyon to the ruin. This is the most challenging part.     We will hike to the ruin first, then return to set up camp at the trailhead. A creek runs by the camping area and there is a spring about a mile up the road. I recommend bringing drinking water for two days.     Sunday morning we will pack up, then hike to the Pueblo Canyon ruins. This hike is about 7 miles. Along the way we will pass the remains of an old uranium mine from the 1950s. Overall, the trail is less challenging, but there is a tricky spot where we walk behind a waterfall. See links below for info on all the ruins. Devil’s Chasm Pueblo Canyon     This hike is highly weather dependent. If rain has been recent or predicted, we will be forced to cancel. Parts of the trails are not doable in muddy conditions, and the ford across Cherry Creek may not be passable. Required: •  At least 3 gallons of water and food for two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast •  Overnight camping gear, tent, stove, ... •  Head covering, jacket •  Sunglasses, sunblock •  leather gloves Recommended: •  Hiking poles •  Snacks •  Camera
distance	5 miles for Devil's Chasm, 7 miles for Pueblo Canyon
time	6 hours for DC, 8 hours for PC
EC	2200 for DC (feels like more!), 2500 feet for PC
starting at	Devil’s Chasm Trailhead
on trail	unimproved rough trails
rating	"A+"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. Bring your own food.
weather	Globe, though temperatures will likely be lower than Globe.
leader	You must email the leader to confirm. Limited to 9 or 4x4 vehicle availability.
meet	6:50 AM, at Home Depot in east Mesa, next to the Burger King, at Power Road and Superstitions Springs Blvd. We will need to leave at 0700 sharp.
drive	•  Cherry Creek road is a well-maintained gravel road up to the point where it crosses Cherry Creek by a ford. The Devil's Chasm ruin trailhead lies 2.25 miles beyond this point. From the river crossing, the road is an unmaintained track suitable for HC 4x4 vehicles only. I am limiting this hike to 9 people and three vehicles, due to limited parking at the trailhead. The number of hikers will also be limited by 4x4 availability (three people per vehicle). I will check with Payson FS (928-474-7900) for latest road conditions. This hike is highly weather dependent. If rain has been recent or predicted, we will be forced to cancel. Parts of the trails are not doable in muddy conditions, and the ford across Cherry Creek may not be passable. • Take US 60 east through Miami. • From the town of Claypool head north on AZ188 toward Roosevelt Lake. • Turn right on AZ288 and continue to unpaved Cherry Creek Road. • Take a right to Forest Road 203. • Drive 19.5 miles on FR 203 to Ellison Ranch on the banks of Cherry Creek. The road crosses the creek by a ford. This ford, and the next 2.25 miles require high-clearance. • Roughly 125 miles, 3 to 3.5 hours.

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