This 50 mile section hike was my second trip to the Arizona National Trail and fifth time to the state. I can say with confidence that the AZT will take you through some incredible terrain and even bring out your wild side.
It was my first time traveling since covid. And despite being hesitant to follow through with this trip initially, pressing pause on the Canadian winter to mosey through the desert sparked a newfound sense of freedom and gratitude again. Dare I say I have already started planning my next section hike on this trail. When that will be, I am not sure, but as Schwarzenegger says: "I'll be back."
Day 1
I left a rental car at the small town of Roosevelt (population of 28 people!) dark and early in the morning. A local trail builder generously offered to shuttle me from the northern end of this section to my southern starting point, just outside the town of Superior.
To SH: Thanks again for supporting my hike!!
Roosevelt Lake is a massive reservoir from the Salt River, bordered by Tonto National Forest and the Maricopa Country Line. The central section of the Arizona Trail passes straight through the town, connecting the Superstition Mountain Range with the Four Peaks Wilderness.
The local marina in Roosevelt has a great restaurant and is friendly towards hikers. There aren't accessible grocery stores or other resupply options between Pine and Superior, but the marina will receive packages from you and has basic supplies. I crossed paths with two southbound thru hikers along this section of trail.
The early dawn hours at the Picketpost Trailhead. This was my starting point.
Crossing under Highway #60. The town of Superior is just 6 miles away.
Singletrack near Queen Creek (dry)
Queen Creek was seasonally dry this time of year. A little note about water... each day had 1-2 reliable water source in the form of either a slow flowing creek or spring water tank. Some of the creeks and washes can hold pools of water too, but there was not any significant rain this season and everything felt pretty dry overall. My heaviest water carry was just over 5 litres. I had also arranged a water cache at one of the nearby trailheads.
Travelling through ranch lands, these yaks were my only company on the trail today, and they seemed much less excited to see me than I was of them!
Entering the shade of Whitford Canyon (also seasonally dry)
Wildmill Tough is the first reliable water source just off the trail. It looks nasty but apparently is sourced from a well and doesn't need to be filtered. For the peace of mind, I used both a sawyer and iodine tablets. Later throughout this hike, I started to become more complacent and only used one method for water treatment which proved to be sufficient.
Reavis Canyon Trailhead
Terrain paralleling a stream bed and slowing gaining elevation. These next several miles were overgrown but the trail was generally easy to follow. I had to refer back to GPS frequently when entering the low point of these valleys and crossing washes, etc.
Ascending Montana Mountain
Temperatures were warm during the heat of the day, yet chilly during the pre sunrise hours. Temperatures hovered around 0 to -5 Celsius (low 30s) at elevation overnight. December was a great time of year to be in the desert and escape the early Canadian snowfalls.
Rogers Trough Trailhead.
Just 3 miles after the Montana Mountain saddle. This is where I was planning to camp for the first night. The question is though: will my water cache be here?
Yup! And I was VERY happy to see it waiting for me. I had coordinated this water cache with a local trail angel. This trailhead is remote and requires 4v4.
To CS & family: Thanks again for my supporting my hike!!
Camping right in the parking area. No complaints.
Day 2
Now in the heart of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness Area, the landscape was phenomenal. Though recently and unfortunately having been changed from wildfires. The subalpine terrain, multiple trail juctions, history from the Reavis Range era, and 360 views made up the majority of the day.
Terrain leading into Rogers Canyon
Pleasant rolling terrain
Long brunch break at Reavis Saddle
Evidence from the Woodbury wildfire in 2019
Heading towards the abandoned Reavis Ranch. Apparently with a history that dates back to the 1800s. The route passes the grave of Elisha Reavis. Quite the mysterious area! I would visit again for sure.
Old farming equipment scattered throughout Reavis Ranch
Some trails had were rerouted after the wildfire season and the eastern trailhead is no longer accessible by vehicle. Foot and horseback only.
Ascending out of the ranch lands near Pine Creek and Reavis Gap
Two Bar Ridge Trail junction
#AnotherBestDay
Heavy 5 litre carry leaving Walnut Spring
Camping in Tule Canyon
Didn't bother pitching my tent fly and enjoyed the stargazing nights
Day 3
Peering back through the Superstition Mountains
Paralleling the fence line and land management area boundary. I caught sight of Roosevelt Lake where my hike will be ending later this day
Following the wash at the bottom of Cottonwood Canyon
Foot soak and hygiene check up before re entering civilization
Meandering along FR #341 towards Thompson Trailhead and eventually the town of Roosevelt. This was the last picture from my hike.
Wahoo!
I devoured a burger and fries at the local marina to celebrate these awesome past few days. Leaving the trail at this point was bitter sweet. Part of me really wanted to continue northbound.
Fear not,
March 2019 was my introduction to the American long distance trails. I started at the Mexico / Arizona border and hiked northbound for 250 miles. Here is a link if you want to rewind a couple years and 🐻 with me for that expedition too: http://www.ascendandwander.ca/2019/03/arizona-trail.html
