Here's a place that I've been wanting to explore but haven't gotten around to so lets go! All I can tell you is from what I've read and heard. This trail is up near Payson, less than a 2 hour drive from the meetup location and is passenger car friendly. The meetup location is subject to change and people are encouraged to figure out on how to get here. However, if you need a ride, don't be shy, participate in the trips comment section and we'll figure something out.
This trail is hot in summer, and warm most days in the spring and fall time. There's a lot of sun exposure on this 7 mile one way hike. I try to time my trips for the best time of year for that location so this should be a comfortable time for it. A good portion of this trail follows an old road with a bunch of small ups and downs. However the final 2 miles are steep and very rocky. I once knew someone who fell doing this trip and sustained a large gash on her leg that required a trip to the ER for treatment. I've read a number of trip reports and many suggest using hiking poles. Also there's 3400' of accumulated elevation gain (AEG) over the course of this trip.
Once we get to the creek, it'll be rest and relaxation time. We'll have a campfire and settle in for an evening of small talk and maybe some tall tales. In the morning we'll pack up at a leisurely pace and head out. Figure on starting the hike back out 3 hours after first light. Afterwards we may stop for a late lunch in Payson before heading home.
I'm going back to charging a $5 refundable deposit. You'll be put on the wait list until funds are received. The $5 is refundable to the people who attend or cancel within 1 week of the trip. I don't like doing this put there's been a large number of drop-outs lately. I've found the charge in the past has kept many from signing up who aren't serious about attending and for those who pay, its an 80%+ show up rate.
I'm by no means a professional guide but have done hundreds of backpacking trips. I like leading trips since it brings people together and new friendships are created. Most of the places that I venture to are remote with help being many hours and sometimes days away even in the days of cell phones and InReach. When you attend an event of mine, you must accept that you are responsible for yourself and bad things can happen. I intend on using good judgement when leading but I will not be with you at all times. In an event that something bad happens, I intend on getting help and/or helping out as soon as its safely possible. I expect the same in return, I watch your back and you watch mine.
