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What: Clean and clear the scenic and very overgrown Davey Gowan Trail #48, which lies near the head of Deer Creek, in the Mazatzal Mountains. This could (and should) be combined with a campout or backpack, I'm thinking.

When: Late August? September? (I'm booked until then) Those who are interested, throw out some dates!

The details: Regarding some interest expressed here on HikeAZ, I discussed this idea with the Tonto Basin Ranger District's trails guy. He was very supportive of the project, and was willing to provide tools (and possibly an extra guy or two) as needed. Participants would need to sign the Forest Service's "volunteer agreement" (a waiver?). Whether or not the trail crosses into the Mazatzal Wilderness area is unsure (i.e. no chainsaws on that part), but Tonto's trails man said he would have it marked.

Anyone interested?

I'm interested as long as it doesn't conflict with an Arizona Wildcats home football game. Or my buddy's wedding on some ranch in Northern California the first weekend of September.
I'll bring the tequila (and Grand Marnier so we can make real margaritas)

I'm open for overnighters the weekends of Aug. 8-9 and Aug. 15-16. After that my wife and kids are back from their extended vacation, and I have the similar football problem that Jim has once September rolls around.

I would really like to be a part of this. August or Sept will work for me, but I will be out of state and will not have a weekend available until Aug 21-23 or 28-30? Since we all have various commitments this June-Sept'09, I hope Preston can nail a weekend date down soon (Fri to Sun..2nts/3days I prefer for those who can get away for an extra day/night). The Davey Gowan TH elevation is about 6100'+ with only a very small clear area for camping and almost no parking off FR201. The Peeley TH (at 5600' w/more shade) is another 1.45mls at the end of FR201 and has a large area for parking and camping(on the road area..if approved). I just remembered that probably the largest & best campsite area is ~1ml before the Davey Gowan TH down FR3348 (by the start of the upper Gold Ridge TH/TR#47).

Preston Sands wrote: Participants would need to sign the Forest Service's "volunteer agreement" (a waiver?)

This is the same thing that SuperstitionGuy went through with the Mesa Ranger Station to approve our last March'09 "catclaw Revenge" work project out of the Woodbury TH. It is basicly a disclaimer agreement where one person who agrees to sponsor this project (Preston )needs to take full responsibility for ALL. Also, ALL participants are required to also sign the agreement and then Preston will need to turn that document back in to the F/S after the project dates. SuperstitionGuy can add more to this, but I would recommend that Preston picks up a copy of all this F/S documentation ahead of time to understand what he would be signing up for.

If the dates work I would be there for a day/overnight

I'm not sure how far up that trail goes. I've been up it to the Gowan grave marker but no farther. How much trail is there?

thebrayer wrote:I'm not sure how far up that trail goes. I've been up it to the Gowan grave marker but no farther. How much trail is there?

Your thinking about the Deer Creek TR#45 that originally was 8+mls one way and has two TH's, one lower off Hwy87 and the upper end TH at the end of FR201 at the Peeley TH. For this proposed work project, Preston is referring to the Davey Gowan TR#48 which ran ~1.5mls with the upper TH on FR201 and the lower TH intersecting the Deer Creek TR#45 much further up from the Gowan grave marker at the old Gowan Camp area.

Huh? How about a map?

Like this one? http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=27843

I'm taking care of some details. Date coming soon...

Thank you!

I"m game schedule permitting, first or third weekend of Sept works for me.

In response to Grasshopper:
Well that's good, haven't been there yet. Thanks for clearing my mind about where the trail is.

im interested but will only be there for a dayhike so depending on access with a passenger car, im in.

Passenger car access will require it to be dry. It will also depend on how many morons tried to drive the road when it was muddy, those SUVs could tear it up pretty good.

nonot wrote:It will also depend on how many morons tried to drive the road when it was muddy, those SUVs could tear it up pretty good.

nice ;)

well if anyone else is planning only a day trip let me know.

I wouldn't take a passenger car up FR 201!

Will backpack in but may need transportation to the trailhead if the road is as bad as some say it may be. Being retired I can be available for most dates but need some advance notice as I will be traveling down from Utah. The last week of September and first week of October I will be traveling and not be available. It would be nice to meet some of you HAZ members and share stories and lies around an evening campfire.

Preston Sands wrote:I'm taking care of some details. Date coming soon...

Are you getting closer to nailing down a date for us?

I can also join date permitting!

Im definetly down for whatever date you choose. Can i get back there with a 2 wheel drive truck thats stock?

In response to Out for some air:

Yes, and welcome aboard!