West Boulder Saddle

Arizonaheat · Posted: 6/3/2003, 7:01 pm Post subject: West Boulder Saddle

Did a hike to West Boulder Saddle today after work, Departed Carney Spring Trail-head around 2:15 and made my ascent to the false saddle then West Boulder Saddle, made excellent time for me, 45 minutes. This hike is only 1.8 miles each way, but has about 1500 ft of elevation gain so it is a good workout. For those who have never been it is a lot like Siphon Draw. There is debate about which is tougher.

The heat didn't seem bad, although it was around 110. Found some shade at the Saddle and there was a nice breeze blowing. Hung out up top for awhile reflecting on all the great hikes I have done this season
off this trail, with great hiking partners: Superstition Peak, Superstition Ridge-line, Dacite Super Loop, West Boulder Canyon all the way to First Water (most memorable).

It was difficult to return the way I came with all those other options calling me, but I only took 100 oz of water, so I had no other options. Wink

Per usual my visit to the Supes was great medicine for the mind and soul. I will spare the details.

Tried calling someone from the Saddle but they wouldn't answer their phone Laughing

(smart person)

jmzblond · Posted: 6/4/2003, 11:49 am Post subject:

Some of us have to work during normal business hours!!! And why is it that everyone wants to call me while they're out hiking and I'm stuck working??? Am I the only one that views this as cruel and unusual punishment?? Of course I ignored my phone... you tease!!!
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Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

As info, the forest service is planning to install a gate at the mine located near Carney Springs.

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Arizonaheat · Posted: 6/4/2003, 8:32 pm Post subject:

fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Carney Springs has been dry for many years although you can still see the concrete and stone fountain with a pipe that someone built most likely for the picnic area that used to be enjoyed there many decades ago - this according to an old member of the Dons Club. The rancher that curently operates the Quarter Cir U (that includes the Carney area) told me that the reason most of the old springs in the Supes are dry is that they require regular maintenance, and since most cattle operations have ceased, they've long gone into disrepair.

Evidently there is a mine shaft somewhere up in the canyon. I've heard numerous references to it, but despite keeping an eye out, I've never located it. The mine Nighthiker may be referring to could be the Dacite Mine. It would make sense - I'm surprised it wasn't dynamited like most others within the WA. It is easily accessed off an old jeep trail that spurs right off the Carney road and up to the base of the main cliff. A couple of years ago the forest service had to go in there and clean up a huge mess left behind by someone who had obviously been living in there for some time. After that, they took a great deal of effort to camoflage the last part of the trail from where it crosses the new Lost Goldmine Tr. and the barbed wire fence -on up to the mine, but you could still pick it out pretty easily.

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

The forest service plans on installing a gate at the entrance to the mine.

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

Carney Springs Mine or the Dacite Mine.

Arizonaheat · Posted: 9/4/2003, 4:07 pm Post subject:

I would say it has to be the Dacite Mine. I have talked to people that go exploring in there. It goes back in quite a distance.

They wouldn't waste their money on the Carney Springs Mine as hardly anyone knows where it is located.

Sheesh now you got me wanting to do the Ridgeline again. Please tell the heat and humidity to slack off Laughing

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sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

jmzblond · Posted: 9/5/2003, 8:15 am Post subject:

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

Some of the folks at the forest service think the Dacite Mine and Carney Springs Mine are the same.

matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

I would like to do the ridgeline from the west side, through o'grady canyon and out at hieroglyphic canyon. It looks do-able on a map, but I've never heard of anyone actually going that way. Anyone ever been?