| when? | March 23, 2024 Saturday |
| Trip Report : December 6, 2014 | |
| where? | Sheep Crossing Bridge, Verde River, Yavapai County |
| the hike |
This hike will cross this spectacular historical suspension bridge and then proceed
northward along the east side of the Verde River. This bridge was used to move
sheep from Phoenix north to their summer pastures on the Mogollon rim. In the fall to
return them to Phoenix. There is a hot spring for the herders to take a bath next to the bridge.
We will be at the western edge of the Mazatzal Mountains with great views
of mountains, cliffs, and spring flowers along the Verde River.
This will be an in and out hike so we can go as far north as the group,
time and weather permit. The main thing is to get back on good road before dark.
I would expect to go 3 to 4 miles north, have lunch and then head back.
The drive to the trailhead will take 2.5 to 3 hours each way depending
upon the condition of the road on that day.
The trail is fairly easy passing over rolling terrain. The biggest challenge is getting to the trailhead. See The Drive below. Note there are no restroom facilities at the trailhead, but there is a hot spring. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
| distance | 6-8 miles |
| time | hiking 3-4 hours, driving 5-6 hours |
| EC | +-300' elevation change |
| elevation | approximately 2000 feet |
| type | in and out |
| on trail | Most of the time. Some diversion along dry washes to reach the river. |
| rating | "C" 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. |
| weather | Cave Creek |
| leader | Email the leader to confirm. Group size limited to the number of high clearance. |
| meet | 7:00 AM Ranch Crossing Shopping Center, Pima/ Princess Road about a half mile north of Loop 101 on the right. Exit off the 101 at Pima/ Princess Road and go north. At first turn in from Pima Road, there is a McDonalds on the right. Continue and take first left and park at west edge of large parking lot in front of AJ’s market and north of McDonalds. Maximum distance from AJ’s market. We will form carpools from there. If you get to Legacy Blvd, make a right turn and then a right into Ranch Crossing Shopping Center. Note: high clearance vehicles are required. Tonto Pass or Nationa Park pass is required for each vehicle (see below). |
| drive |
We will proceed northward on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road.
Turn right on Cave Creek Road (FR 24) and head north from Carefree, past
the turn off to Bartlett Lake, continue past the 7 Springs Recreation Area
and into Yavapai County.
The road “T”s into FR 269, turn right.
FR 269 starts out fairly smooth, similar to what we had been traversing
after entering Yavapai County.
After about a mile, the road surface gets rougher with rocks and ruts.
We may encounter wet stream crossings.
From the meeting place it is about 60 miles, 35 of which are unpaved.
One way driving time approximately 2.5 hours.
I will try to select drivers the day before the hike. Please sign up early. National Park passes work also. To get a Tonto Pass, go on line to The Tonto Pass or Tonto NF, click on Kinsail and follow the prompts. You will need your license plate number and a credit card and printer to print the pass. Cost is $7 plus $1.95 convenience fee ($4.95 for seniors). Riders will help reimburse this cost along with gasoline cost. |
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