logo Arizona Trailblazers
Home
Outdoor Links
Hike Arizona
Trip Planning Guide
Trip Report Index
Calendar of Events
Library
Superior Airport to Arnett Canyon Day Hike
Superior
December 21, 2024
by Tamar Gottfried
GPS Map GPS Elevation
by Tamar
group A
Trailblazers in Arnett Canyon. [photo by Tamar]

Twelve Trailblazers caravaned to the Picketpost Trailhead and left a car and then parked at the Superior Airport- more accurately just beyond it on the dirt. We started off on what is clearly marked as part of the Legends of Superior Trail and tried to follow it for this part of the hike. In the interests of time, we didn't veer off the trail to see the remains of the wagon road that runs close to the highway.

AC02
Some fall color. [photo by Ron]
AC03
Do not fall in. [photo by Ron]

Ecstatic to still see some fall colors in late December and a bit of running water, we crossed the stream and then continued up the steep road. With a little backtracking, we went off trail and bushwhacked up a small hill to see ancient ruins on the hillside and came back down through the remains of an old homestead or mining office.

AC04
Cindy in the house. [photo by Ron]
AC05
Rock wall. [photo by Cindy]
AC06
Rock house. [photo by Cindy]

We rejoined the main trail and then took the upper road to the Apache tears mine rather than the quicker path to Arnett Canyon on the Arizona Trail. Approaching the mine, we noticed that the door to the little mine was now hard to reach after some erosion in the path. The area also seemed to have more fencing in the past and only the most adventurous folks slipped through the little opening.

AC10
Get back to the old road. [photo by Ron]
AC07
Old mine. [photo by Ron]

We then convened and went on the road that led us into the canyon and back on the Legends of Superior/ Picketpost Perimeter trail. We stopped in a verdant shady area for our snack and then continued toward the Picketpost trailhead. Much of the area still has evidence of the fire and stations set up to report current conditions of regrowth to researchers.

AC08
Lunch stop. [photo by Tamar]
AC09
Back on the trail. [photo by Ron]

We continued at a fast clip, reaching the trailhead and then stopping for a break as the drivers went back to retrieve the cars. A nice scenic and historical day was enjoyed by all,

AC11
Time to enjoy this peaceful place. [photo by Ron]
      top Top of Page
Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona updated Febuary 1, 2025
Comments? Send them to the AZHC .