| when | Trip Report : February 25, 2012 | ||
| Trip Report : December 16, 2006 | |||
| where | Mazatzal Wilderness Area | ||
| the hike |
The Little Saddle Mountain Trail is part of the Arizona Trail and offers
spectacular views, including towering rock gorges and an abundant variety
of trees and cacti. The trail receives little use – it follows
Sycamore Creek for the first half of the hike, then crosses the creek
several times.
The first two miles are partially shaded with pinyon, juniper, sycamore,
and ash trees. The trail then rises out of the creek bottom and tops out with
a panoramic view of the Mazatzal Mountains. Option A: We will hike about 3.25 miles, stop for a lunch break at the top, then return the way we came. Option B: Those who want to follow Bill Zimmermann will leave the group at about 2.8 miles and hike an old road toward Sheep Spring Creek, then bushwhack south up to the saddle for lunch. More bushwhacking to Bronson Tank, then bushwhack a ridgeline eastwardly with great views before descending into a valley were we pick up a horse trail. Descend south to a saddle where we follow a ridgeline east to the “power line road,” on which we walk back to the cars. Note: The two groups will arrive back at Cross F Trailhead at different times. What to bring: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses • long pants (there is overgrown prickly brush) |
||
| distance | A: 6.5 miles round trip, or B: 8.4 mile loop | ||
| time | 5-7 hours | ||
| EC | A: +-1300', or B: +-2200' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 3720' (Cross F Trailhead) to 5020' (panorama) | ||
| type | round trip | ||
| starting at |
|
||
| on trail | A: 100%, or B: 40% — Little Saddle Trail #244 | ||
| rating | "C" or "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs? | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
||
| weather | Payson. | ||
| meet | 8:00 AM in the parking lot of the Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the north curb away from Target. | ||
| drive |
For those who wish to meet at Cross F Trailhead: From Shea Blvd and Beeline Hwy, drive north 32 miles just past mile marker 222. We will be passing the Ballantine Trailhead, Whiskey Springs, and Kitty Joe Creek. Turn left at the Sycamore Creek turnoff. There is also a sign here for Mt. Ord which is on the right. WE TURN LEFT. If you pass the yellow safety pull-out on your right, you have gone too far. Drive 3.4 miles on the paved road past the large power lines that slant across the highway. On your left is a rusted metal sign in the shape of Arizona; the sign reads “Arizona Trail”. Park in the small non-paved parking area on the left. If you miss the sign (it’s hard to see) you will reach a barricade and you’ll have to turn around. Our meeting place is 1/4 mile before the barricade. |
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