Six Shooter Trail (Mt Pinal)

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

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.

Matt Hoffman · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH

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

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.

Matt Hoffman · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH

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.
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Shawn · 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.
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Matt Hoffman · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH

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!
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sbkelley · Joined: 20 Feb 2007 Posts: 284 Location: Tempe, AZ

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?

Matt Hoffman · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH