Viewing posts about Sierra Ancha.

Overnight at Hell's Hole

Hiking up the old two-track

We needed to get out to the backcountry. It was early summer in 2021, and the kids and I were raring to go on an adventure. There was a spot, next to the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, that I had been looking forward to exploring, so with a loose plan and two full backpacks we headed east, driving past…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted February 6, 2022
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Asbestos Point and Mine

Kids checking out the old truck near Pocket Creek

As I've began to venture into the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, I can't help but wonder if it'd be a suitable destination for my kids. Compared to the Superstition and Mazatzal Wilderness it is rather small (a mere 20,000 acres), which is reflected by the shorter trails and easier access, yet it is much…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted July 4, 2020
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Moody-Coon Loop: Coon Creek

An easy start on Coon Creek Trail

Waking up in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, sleeping under a twisted oak with only a down quilt between me and the elements, was a pleasant and leisurely affair. I ignored the predawn rush and continued reading my book from last night, eagerly devouring the last dozen chapters before emerging onto a…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted May 12, 2020
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Moody-Coon Loop: Moody and Below the Rim

Fantastic section of trail on Moody Point

Descending down Moody Point Trail was an exercise in variety. The route quickly entered a devastated burn section, cutting wide switchbacks through a dead, gray landscape, exposed to the sun, and obvious mud damage to the tread. The trail maintenance was fantastic - thorny stuff cut back and helpful…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted May 8, 2020
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Moody-Coon Loop: Climbing up Parker to Aztec Peak

A cold, dark morning on Parker Creek Trail

Musk of skunk hung heavy over Parker Creek Trailhead. As I laced my boots and checked my pack I wondered idly if my Jeep had been sprayed on the drive up, or if I had just missed an encounter a few minutes ago. Either way it reeked. I double-checked my pack, making sure that my key was safely tucked…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted May 3, 2020
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Moody Point Trail

Moody skies over Moody Point

Dim ridges and cliffs reached high above Cherry Creek, towering above me at the humble Leisure Canyon Trailhead. I was parked about a mile away from the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, near the southeast corner, and I was trying to convince myself that climbing Moody Point Trail with an over-laden backpack…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted March 31, 2020
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Rim Trail and Aztec Peak

Early start in the Sierra Ancha

While sleep was hard to find, perched on a hammock near the Pueblo Canyon overlook, watching the moonlight play over the Sierra Ancha cliffs and Cherry Creek valley was simply breath-taking. I didn't begrudge the multiple times I woke up from a rustling branch or distant twig break much - they gave…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted September 19, 2018
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Center Mountain to Pueblo Canyon Overlook

Big trees along FR 410

Tall pines shushed in the light breeze over the narrow two-track, and I practically had to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn't dreaming about the Huron Mountains of Michigan. I was in the Sierra Ancha range, still in Arizona, and I didn't even have to drive all the way to the Mogollon Rim to get…

  • Category Hiking
  • Posted August 25, 2018
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