Devils Canyon Alternative Routes

aldeveron · Post by **aldeveron** » Apr 06 2005 2:59 pm

I have been hiking in devil's canyon for many years and I have not yet made it down into the pools:(

Since I usually hike alone and I don't have 4WD it means that I have to start out from the highway and walk in. Not that this is a bad alternative, it just takes longer and requires more effort.

Back to the subject, alternative routes. Has anyone come in on a different route than what is described here? There are a lot of trails in the area and some look like the might be 4WD-able.

There is one trail that starts off just north of the bridge over the canyon between Oak Flat and Top of the World. I have hiked segments of the trail and it seems pretty good.

There is a trail up from the south west side off 177 that is hard core, but it looks like there is access to the pools .

If anyone is interested in discussing these alternatives, this is your chance!

John-Reed

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Apr 06 2005 4:50 pm

Very difficult hiking. You can access from Oak Flat Campground. Will be warm the next couple of days.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Apr 06 2005 5:37 pm

You can drive pretty much all the way except the last 3/4 mile in a basic high-clearance vehicle. Just park at the top of the hill and hike it, it only adds maybe 15 minutes each way. It may be the best option anyways, I was out there a couple months ago and it was a monster of a step

With a topo map you can easily figure out other approaches. I don't really care to plot it out so simple as to turn the place into disney land myself. Keep in mind, although the canyon is slow going it keeps you cool with the shade it creates.

One thing for sure, the effort is definitely worth the reward \:D/

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Apr 08 2005 6:03 pm

The trail that you are familiar with is totally doable if you have 4WD and the clearance of, say, a Jeep or Toyota Tacoma. Even though the hill towards the end looks somewhat crazy, you should be fine as long as you choose your line carefully. There is another way that I will try to describe. Once you turn on Magma Mine road, make the first left onto the dirt road where the paved road curves right. The dirt road heads east, then curves southeast as it starts to head up a hill. At this point you should notice that the road has remnants of pavement. At the top of the hill there is a wide dirt (no remnants of pavement) road to your right. Turn here. (If you keep going straight, the next right turn will be at the powerlines. I don't know where this road goes, but it might work.) The best directions I can give you from here is to head in a southernly direction. Basically follow the powerlines. They should be to your left. Again you will need 4WD and high clearance in spots. This will spit you out at the bottom of the crazy hill on the trail you already know. From there it's across the horse pasture, around the left bend and you're there. Have Fun!