October GHOTM - Reavis Ranch 10/19-10/21

Posted: 3/7/2007, 8:28 pm Post subject: October GHOTM - Reavis Ranch 10/19-10/21

Okay y'alls, this is Tom Treks, this has now been changed to the October GHOTM. I am deleteing the current list. I am taking the hike over for Hooli. Please verify with me via PM if you are difinitely going to make it. I will keep a personal list for my records.

What is it:

This will be a multi-day backpack to Reavis Ranch in the Superstitions. Hike in and stay as many days as you'd like. The main plan is to hike in early on Friday the 19th, and hike back out on Sunday the 21st.

Trailhead:

Rogers Trough (S trail #109). Those who want to hike in from the North, PM me for directions to the trailhead if you need them. Please be sure to let me know if you have decided to hike in from the North trailhead.

Directions to Rogers Trough trailhead:

Take US 60 east out of Apache Junction. A couple miles past Florence Junction turn north onto Queen Valley Road and follow 1.6 miles. Turn right onto FS 357 (Hewlett Station Road) and follow about three miles to FS 172. Turn left onto FS 172 and follow this for 9.1 miles (keep an eye out to your right near the four mile mark for a thin arch) to FS 172A. Turn right onto FS 172A and follow 3.8 miles to the Rogers Trough trailhead. The last mile of FS 172A is definitely four wheel drive due to the washed ruts and some steepness. A high clearance pick up without four wheel drive could probably make it but you'd be in trouble if it rained. If needed, we could meet at some point and condense vehicles.

Length:

12.5 miles round trip

Difficulty:

Moderate with decent elevation gain up to Reavis Saddle on the way in/out, and again on the way back up to Rogers Trough trailhead.

Trail Description:

From the scenic meadow trailhead, the Reavis Ranch Trail #109 follows along Rogers canyon. This trail has been rerouted several times and, in order to redirect traffic, the trail designers send you steeply up 100 feet just to have you steeply descend the same hundred feet a quarter mile later. This happens several times during the first mile and a half of this hike. At 1.6 miles there is a junction with the Rogers Canyon Trail #110. Stay right on the Reavis Ranch trail and follow it as it meanders up Grave Canyon. The trail is quite rocky but easy enough to follow. About .6 miles from the trail junction, you will cross a small drainage before beginning to climb out of Grave Canyon. Near this drainage, you will find a small cairn and a spur trail that will take you several hundred feet to a small pile of rocks that marks Elisha Reavis' grave. At 5.5 miles you will reach the junction with the Fire line trail. At 6.0 miles you will reach a large meadow that was Reavis Ranch. Return the way you came.

Event Plan:

There are several variations to this event that can be considered. It is possible to cover the out and back of 12 miles in one day for those who can't make the overnight plans. A shorter trip into Rogers Canyon to the ruins and back to the trailhead is also available. The main attendee plan is to hike in on Friday, set up camp, hike around the ranch Saturday with an option to visit Circlestone, spend the night at the ranch, and hike out Sunday late afternoon. A stop after the hike at "Los Dos Gringos Muchachos" (or something like that) for grub is a possibility for those interested.

This is a really great hike and overnight destination for those who haven't made this trek yet. Don't miss this one. PM me for further details and answers to any questions.

Get in here y'alls!!

Committed Participant List to Date and Proposed Start Time:

Tom Treks - Fri mid-day from S
Davis2001R6 and Emma - Sat morning from N
outside1 - Fri mid-day from S
Paintninaz - Fri mid-day from S
kurthzone - Fri late morning from S
oliverr99 - Fri late morning from S
threedogz - Fri mid-day from S
SandeJ - a maybe for the weekend

threedogz · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 668 Location: Chandler

He seems very personable and genuine. Having these two qualities along with the rest of what he is doing it doesn't surprise me how many people (groupies) follow him and admire him.

National Geographic does have a cable channel and I'm sure it is a matter of time before he is on it.

Looks like I will have to tune into something else besides the Food Network...
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

Not to mention that he was very attractive guy, to back up his personality!!! And yes paintinaz, he did have awesome legs!!!
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MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

fairweather8588 · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716

Awesome guy, good to chat with him for the hour/ hour and a half that we did. Honestly, it was some really inspiring stuff to hear him say...

I think Mike getting his autograph on his GoLite Ether was a highlight as well Laughing

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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Yeah, he's a pretty interesting dude to talk to. He's gonna go far. Has a pretty hectic schedule when he finishes it sounds like. Glad he got some new poles. He was pretty bummed about that.

Did he show you guys the snake video?

fairweather8588 · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716

Yep, saw the video, and heard his reaction....
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But let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious

Kerouac

fairweather8588 · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716

Andrew just updated his podcasts on backpackinglight.com or itunes, gives a pretty good description of AZ hiking (hard, to sum up in a word)
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But let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious

Kerouac

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

I'm thinking about possibly heading up to the GC next weekend to see him finish. Anyone else interested? I traded some e-mail with his Mom, and she said to come on up and join in. Not sure what kind of media circus it will be.

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

seeing him finish sounds cool Tom. You could also join him on his S. Bass to Tonto up Grandview trek (but you will need running shoes Shocked

) as he's a few days ahead and wants to check out the canyon some more.

I asked him if there would be a grand finale celebration type thing and he said it would be his mom Karen, his sister and brother in law and probably Coup. I would expect that Coup and Kim would show up, and possibly Ryan Jordan. I thought it would be best to let him enjoy his small family gathering, but thats your choice of course. You could always meet him in Vegas for the flight home, any excuse to go to Vegas is a good excuse!
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Yes, I'd imagine that the Go-Lite folks and BPL will be there. I'm sure there will be Paperazzi too.

Not looking to invade any personal celebration. Only talked to him on the trail for about an hour, probably doesn't even remember our names, but it's pretty cool to be a tiny part of history all the same.

Just being there to witness the ribbon cutting would be pretty cool.

threedogz · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 668 Location: Chandler

It would be cool to be there when he completes this adventure. I don't think he would mind, if he did he probably wouldn't have been so personable when we met him near the trailhead.

He wasn't in the least bit annoyed by us talking to him nor the picture taking.
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