Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Thicket Spring Loop Day Hike


when? Trip Report : April 16, 2011
where? Mazatzal Mountains
the hike     On this exploratory hike we will take the northern portion of passage 22 of the Arizona Trail, starting on trail #86 from Mt. Peely Trailhead, south past Thicket Spring, then continue on the Cornucopia Trail to visit the mine. Return via trail #260 connecting to the Arizona Trail #95. This makes a loop of 7 miles, +-2000' elevation change. We can return on the Arizona Trail or extend the hike south to the Story Mine. This option adds 4 miles and 1000' elevation change.
    Along the way we’ll pass through McFarland Canyon and enjoy fine views of Mt. Peeley, Sheep Mountain, and Saddle Mountain in the mighty Mazatzals. Note that we are starting at the high point, hiking downhill, and then climbing back to the top. Bring lots of water.
    Passage 22 of the Arizona Trail is described on pages 180-187 of Arizona Trail: The Official Guide by Tom Jones and Jerry Sieve, Westcliffe Publishers, 2005.
distance 11 miles
EC +-3000' elevation change
elevations 5640' (Mt. Peeley Trailhead) to 4620' (Cornucopia Mine)
rating "B+" without, or "A" with, the Story Mine option.      Rate yourself as a hiker.
time 8 hours
type extended loop
starting at
Mt. Peeley Trailhead 34° 0.207' N,  111° 28.358' W  [NAD27]
on trail 100% — Arizona Trail passage 22, Cornucopia Trail
dogs? no
cost Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Payson
meet 6:30 AM in the parking lot of Wendy’s on the north side of Shea Blvd., about a block west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park in the back parking lot of Wendy’s.
drive Drive SR 87 to the Mt. Ord/Sycamore exit, then take FR 201 north and west 10 miles to the end of the road.


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updated April 19, 2011 © Copyright 2011, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.