Mazatzal Divide Trail - AZT Passage #23 Backpack

[desertgirl]

Come backpack the Mazatzal Divide Trail - the premier hike in the Mazatzal Wilderness. This trail stays on or near the crest for its entire run from Mt Peely TH to City CreeK. This also forms Passage #23 on the Arizona Trail!

When: March 27 Friday - March 29 Sunday. We will be leaving at 9:00 am from My Peeley TH. Shawn, Ambika, Dave will be camping at the TH.

Rating: Strenuous. Long miles (~ 28 miles) , sketchy sesaonal water, 3600ft elevation gain with rolling elevation profile.

Trip Leads: desertgirl & Shawn. This will be a loosely organized group of Solo Hikers... So you need to do your homework, know the details and assess your abilities before you sign up.

Details: This will be a shuttle hike with 2 nights on the trail. We will be camping at 6000ft + elevation. Water should be generally availaable along the trail at the different springs/seeps. 2 vehicles (Shawn/Ambika) will be staged at the City Creek TH for shuttle back to Mt Peeley TH.

Trail Information:
AZT Passage Info: http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_23.html

Dayhikes: There are options for some loop day hikes and for joining in partways. Access to the Divide trail is possible via Y Basin #44 (6 miles); Barnhardt #43 (6.2 miles); Rock Creek #42 (3.3 miles)
_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

[MikeInFHAZ]

Shawn I believe you have done AZT work on this trail and can comment on the difficult route finding. From Mt. Peeley trailhead the route is easily distinguished and then it becomes faint for a while after Mt. Catherine down to Bear Saddle.
From there, it is an overgrown New Mexico Locust and Gamble Oak free for all. I have cairned much of the route from this area to Windsor Spring (dry). After crossing Windsor saddle, once again more bushwhacking. From Barnhardt saddle the trail is easier to follow and when you get to the Sandy Saddle drainage the trail becomes harder to follow after you pass the Hopi spring area. From there north I have not put shoe to Earth so cannot give advice... but judging by this 20 mile section I just described it cant be any better. In other words, if you have not been to this area before, you better take a "guide". Like Shawn!
water wont be an issue in March
If I go, allow me to offer this advice: camp night one at Bear Saddle. Its spared from the Willow fire, has a flat area and nice Pondoes. (~10 miles - Spring nearby).
Night two camp at Hopi Spring.
Mt. Peeley trailhead does not require 4x4 unless snow/heavy rain. High clearance suggested by you can make it in stock.
City creek trailhead is easy to reach, but only parking for 2 cars. I'd take high clearance.
_________________
http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

[desertgirl]

MikeInFHAZ Thanks for the detailed info. Hope you go with us!
_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

[Shawn]

I know the AZT steward has been up there recently working on deadfall, and last I heard things were much improved. I will update that information and post it.

I spent my first solo overnight at Hopi Spring one January several years ago, very nice spot. I imagine it burned but don't know for sure.

The AZT recommends bailing off the AZT at "the Park" and going down the City Creek trail. The AZT north is supposedly pretty bad, guess we should get a work crew together and go fix it.
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

[MikeInFHAZ]

[Shawn]

I'm a sucker for any pioneer era history, ebay loves me. Just ordered two books on the Verde Valley.
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

[MikeInFHAZ]

ok, im in!

just penciled it in on my brand new, kickass HAZ calendar - in which Ambika is a (deservedly so) feature photog
_________________
http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

[Hikngrl]

I signed up for thinking about it.... I have yet to test out my leg on a backpacking trip so don't know for sure but if my leg will do it I will do it! Sounds like lots of fun!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

[paintninaz]

This sounds like lots of fun and an area I've always wanted to check out...I've listed myself as 'thinking about it' until I can read up some more, do my homework, know the details and assess my abilities before committing.
_________________
~Tracy

“Friends make the bad times good — and the good times unforgettable.”

[Shawn]

[desertgirl]

[paintninaz]

[desertgirl]

Stating the obvious
Quick Alert: For those of you planning to schedule vacation days - This backpack will require Friday 27th March as a day off. We will be hiking that day ....
_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

[oliverr99]

And I like to add....be able to hike higher altitude.
I am also thinking about this one, I need to get in better shape, besides an oval. I am not fast, but I can get the job done
_________________
Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[beckett]

I will have to pass on this. I know my abilities. Be sure to take lots of pictures. So glad to see group hikes being planned!
Linda
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator