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This May, I would like to assemble a group on the Mazatzal Divide trail from Mt. Peeley trailhead to Bear Spring Saddle. My estimate on length is 8.5 miles one-way... with an overnight stay at the Bear Saddle Spring. Return the way we came in. Distance is moderate +, route finding is above normal. I'll give it a difficulty rating of 2.5
I'll give it a scenery rating of 3.5
the beauty of this hike is the rugged ranges that make up the Mazatzals. Bear Spring saddle has nice tree cover, a small spring and is the headwaters of Deer Creek. A great campsite.

The original plan was to do a 35 mile car shuttle but to ease the pain of high gas prices its better to all pile into 2 vehicles.

depends on when it's planned. First parts of may is finals and the last part I'll be in NYC for my brothers graduation

I should be able to fit this one in. Once the date is set I'll try to make it work.

I'm interested, but May is a tricky month for me. Might be some scheduling conflicts.

That sounds awesome. However, my car would only be able to get to the Barnhardt trailhead.

ha! not if you let Matt drive it. Actually James, Steve took his Taurus to Mt. Peeley last fall and the road was in good shape. You dont have to bother because my truck and Wally's truck will each hold 5 and those are the vehicles we will likely take. sign up!

I can drive if there's a need. I should have my front lift in by then and maybe new tires.

any day but May 11th, thats my wedding anniversary.

Windsor Spring is a small one; as May progresses and it gets dryer/hotter, water there may be an issue. I'm assuming it will be the water source.

I'm in. I'm sure my roommate will be in as well as long as it's not the last weekend in May. I'm in unless something drastic happens.
My car was hurting on the road to the Peralta Trailhead, so it's as likely to make it up FR 201 as I am to date last month's Playboy Playmate of the Month. The next vehicle I abuse down to the nuts and bolts is going to be a 4 wheel drive for sure.

JamesLyding wrote: My car... it's as likely to make it up FR 201 as I am to date last month's Playboy Playmate of the Month.

yeah, but she's so last month
I'll drive
I have alternate water sources and locations as well.
this for now, is planned as MAY 3, 4th
I shouldnt plan any hikes after that date as my wife is expecting to deliver on June 2, so were allowing a 2-3 week cushion.

unless, the absolute dedicated backpacker would like to go in from City Creek trailhead, and hike the entire 27 mile Divide trail with a camp at Hopi Spring. Then on to the Mt. Peeley trailhead. about an even 14 miles each day. No problem right?

If anybody is interested in going up the weekend before the overnight to check out the water conditions I'd be interested in going then to.

thebrayer wrote:If anybody is interested in going up the weekend before the overnight to check out the water conditions I'd be interested in going then to.

sounds like a good idea, but im almost positive that Bear Spring holds water. Just out there last weekend and there were seeps coming from all around... even on the very top of Sandy Saddle. anyway, bear spring had water in it last August even after a lame monsoon season.

Were there any flat spots near Bear Spring for a (small) tent dweller like me?

I believe so Preston, I remarked to Steve when we were there that the bear spring saddle looked like a good camping area. its in a pocket of surviving forest. there was a flat bare area w/ a fire ring. i'll be in the trees so that will free up a tent spot, but then again this time of year many of us just cowboy camp. (sit on yer fist, lean back on yer thumb)

I was just up to the Peeley trailhead this afternoon and hiked up the trail about two miles (didn't start till 3:30 ) Lots of grass cover on the trail and nats. Drove in the 10.6 miles off Hwy 87 in a ford cargo van and the road was in good shape. Just thought someone might want to know.

I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on making this trip an out and back from Mt. Peeley to the Bear Spring Saddle.
so far, the only people signed up will not be able to do a vehicle shuttle, only one high clearance SUV.
If everyone likes the idea of an out and back and it would be easier than a 35 mile shuttle drive, then yes, I dont think its a bad idea.
Everyone is invited to park at my place in Ftn. Hills and from there we will arrange carpool to the Mt. Peeley trailhead. (medium clearance suggested, Ive seen a Ford Taurus make it without incident but that was before the winter rains)
The trip to Bear Saddle is about 8.5 miles one-way. The campsite is in a shaded riparian setting.
My Montero seats 5.

Well I have a bone spur in my right heal and it's started to make my right knee sore. I'd be glad to do a shuttle from the Barnhardt trailhead back to the Mt. Peeley trailhead. I'd also like to come out with a day pack and hike part of both days. I have a four door two wheel drive dodge pickup. Let me know if this will work for ya'll. It does have a bed cover on the back so I could only haul five people not including driver.

Right now, it's just two hikers, which means te-wa's certainly going to get his pick of hammock trees, since he's usually way ahead of me. (Is OK - I have longer straps....) I'll defer to Te-wa whether we want to shuttle or in-n-out, but you'd certainly be welcome in either case.

Tony