|
View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
fritzski
Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ
|
Posted: 4/1/2008, 7:05 pm Post subject: Six Shooter Trail (Mt Pinal) |
|
|
|
|
Actually had to hike over some snow near the top! I wonder how deep the snow must have been to still be up there on Apr 1st. Needless to say, the creek was still flowing vigorously.
Many downed trees across the trail. My guess is the beetle infested trees are finally all coming down. The good news is the remaining trees look very healthy with very few brown ones to be seen.
Started from the bridge/road which I recommend. Great hike for warmer days. At 80F in the valley, I was comfortable at the bottom and definitely chilly at the top. Rusty's new little sister Penny (6 mo old Jack Russell) came with us on her second hike and did awesome! I've determined that the rock scrambling skills are genetic to the breed:>)
This is definitely one of my favorite "close to the valley" hikes. Just non-stop gorgeous. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Matt Hoffman
Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH
|
Posted: 4/1/2008, 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: Six Shooter Trail (Mt Pinal) |
|
|
|
|
fritzski wrote: |
Many downed trees across the trail. My guess is the beetle infested trees are finally all coming down. The good news is the remaining trees look very healthy with very few brown ones to be seen.
|
This is good to know. This trail is one of my favorite to mtn bike. I suppose I'll have to do some trail maintenance this year. I actually got to ride this trail once last year without a single tree across the trail! I went back 2 weeks later and there were a ton of downed trees. A few more weeks till the snow melts you think? _________________ "Your day-glo ballet days are over." Ancient chinese proverb.
http://web.mac.com/climbingsponge/Matt_Hoffman_Images/Welcome.html |
|
Back to top |
|
|
fritzski
Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ
|
Posted: 4/1/2008, 9:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
You could ride right across the snow, but you better take a good size chain saw or you'll be stopping and carrying your bike over many obstacles. Many have already been cut fairly recently. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Matt Hoffman
Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH
|
Posted: 4/1/2008, 9:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
Cool. I'll probably give it a few more weeks to dry out a bit before I ride it.
I've been thinking about the chainsaw thing, but I can't think of a practical way to haul one around that trail. I suppose I'll just have to suck it up and carry one with me. _________________ "Your day-glo ballet days are over." Ancient chinese proverb.
http://web.mac.com/climbingsponge/Matt_Hoffman_Images/Welcome.html |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shawn I'll sell you map to Lost Dutchman mine!
Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 2592 Location: Ahwatukee, AZ
|
Posted: 4/2/2008, 6:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
A 36 inch bow saw is light and manageable and will handle up to 12 inch logs very well. _________________ The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Matt Hoffman
Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH
|
Posted: 4/2/2008, 7:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
True. But you should see the size of some of the trees that are falling down on that trail. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes or more to get myself and my bike around one of those suckers! _________________ "Your day-glo ballet days are over." Ancient chinese proverb.
http://web.mac.com/climbingsponge/Matt_Hoffman_Images/Welcome.html |
|
Back to top |
|
|
sbkelley
Joined: 20 Feb 2007 Posts: 284 Location: Tempe, AZ
|
Posted: 4/2/2008, 8:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
That's right - I hiked that trail back in late Jan. and the downed trees, particuarly between the first and second miles as it's contouring beneath the ridgeline were choked with a maze of brush and trees.
And you're right, Matt, a chainsaw's about all that would do it with some of those monsters. Maybe we have an idea for a trail maintenance project now? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Matt Hoffman
Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH
|
Posted: 4/2/2008, 4:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
sbkelley wrote: |
Maybe we have an idea for a trail maintenance project now? |
You could count me in on that! It's been a while since I've given something back.
I can't feasibly plan this until next month though.
We could camp at that awesome looking campground near the top of of the mountain. _________________ "Your day-glo ballet days are over." Ancient chinese proverb.
http://web.mac.com/climbingsponge/Matt_Hoffman_Images/Welcome.html |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Back to top
|
|