Ash Creek Trail Bypass #307A, AZ :: Question by gordee151

[gordee151]

What can you tell me about the condition of Ash Creek Bypass pre 2017 Frye Fire? We are working with the USFS and Fort Grant Crew to consider reopening it but haven't full scouted it down to the Slick Rock View Area. Was this a quality route that you think could be restored? I see that Skyislander18, RWStorm and Pivo were some of the most "recent" to hike the trail.

Cheers!

[RedRoxx44]

Well, don't know pre fire but I hiked to the falls in 2019 using what was left of the original trail and just the scoured canyon. I attempted to locate the bypass route but did not get very far before it seemed totally brushed out. I thought it should be easier than what I had done, but decided to go back the way I came. I would think if it was restored it would definitely be an improvement over the rock scrambling and deep banks you have to negotiate now for most hikers. Past the slickrock area the original trail is intact but full of brush and wasn't bad at the viewpoint of the big falls.

[chumley]

From my 9/2/18 [ photoset ]

With my travel going so slowly, I opted for the bypass route when I came to it, which seemed to be a better option. There wasn't much fire on this hillside, but the tread is still eroded, and the lack of use for two years has made it quite overgrown. But rehabilitating this bypass won't be too difficult.

Of course it’s sure to have grown over more in the ensuing years, but the tread was there and wasn’t too badly damaged.

I think it’s a prime candidate for some trail work to get it back into shape.

[gordee151]

@chumley
Hi Chumley, Thanks a bunch. Saw your photos and the caption that stated back in 2018 you thought a crew might be able to punch through the bypass in a week. Would you mind emailing me at communications@sdmb.org? I'd like to ask some follow up questions and perhaps connect you with someone that may scout it next week.

[nonot]

I hiked it pre-fire in 2011. Described from the bottom up - Basically, rather than follow right next to the stream, it did a switchback to get perhaps a hundred or so feet away from the creek then followed a somewhat steep uphill to a small knob, for there it was did a few ups and downs overall staying fairly level until it intersected Ash Creek trail back up above the slickrock area. It meandered around a few bushes but overall was in fairly good shape and not overgrown in 2011. In 2011 it had been impacted by a previous fire (2005?) that had killed off many of the trees near the trail and left it fairly treeless near the bottom part. Writeup and 2011 GPS route is here:
[ Ash Creek Trail Bypass #307A ]

The old topo maps show it swinging way uphill to the ridgeline, but the GPS route I posted to that trail description should help you find the original trail, or at least what's left of it. I haven't hiked it since the fire.

[gordee151]

Ft Grant Crew has made it down below the Mill Site. They tuned up the blow out crossings best they could and re-established single track along the drainage headed down to the bypass. Bypass is up next but wanted to get some insight before scouting and flagging. The scouting may happen before it gets too snowy this season. Questionable if they'll have time to complete the work. If it stays dry the next couple of weeks, then maybe. If not, then they'll work stuff lower down the mtn. Thank you all!!

[nonot]

Awesome, please convey our thanks to the trail maintenance crews - that is hard work!

[PrestonSands]

Thank you gordee!!!