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I've heard all kinds of odd stories about the Sierra Ancha; Pine trees under glass for expirementation, no camping due to radiation, and various other stuff...

Anyone been there recently? It's been years for me. Is the creek still flowing (I believe it flows year around?). Is camping prohibited at all? I want to go exploring and hike up Aztec Peak, but don't want to come back growing a third arm or anything. :-)

It's all good, I still only have two arms.

Ranger Red's been up top for quite a few years now and he seems alright. I highly recommend going up there. He also said he's had girl scouts camping up there recently at the meadow just below Aztec Peak.

paulhubbard wrote: no camping due to radiation,

Is camping prohibited at all?

Yep, camping along Workman is prohibited at "Cascade" and "Creekside" campgrounds due to radioactive waste rock left behind from the mining operations.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/news/2009 ... _Sheet.pdf

I camped at Falls campground in October. Camped on the creek, drank the water and didn't need a night light.

Radiation huh,,,well that sucks. I had no idea, although I knew mining was up in the Anchas, just not there.

So that explains on GE the pic of the prehistoric site at Workman's Falls with the radiation sign.
Btw, anyone know how to get to that site?

Is Ranger Red the one who made Stonehenge meets The Flintstones on top of Aztec Peak?
Way foking cool!

Okay, most likely going to to the Sierra Anches this weekend, but does anyone know if Workman's Creek will be flowing this time of year?

Yes, it's perennial.

Both Workman and Reynolds creeks are perennial creeks. I've never seen either without water.

Peterson Ranch seems like a nice place to camp. You might want to check on any fire restrictions, though. The lookout tower is right above you and you will be seen. There is also a couple nice camping areas along the Parker Trail.

Tough_Boots wrote:You might want to check on any fire restrictions, though. The lookout tower is right above you and you will be seen.

1. There are no restrictions right now.
2. I doubt that anybody ever mans that tower in September
3. I sure as hell hope that "you will be seen" is not a contributing factor in your decision to have or not have a fire when restrictions are in effect.

It was flowing decent and just right for dipping LD weekend. Plus there's some crazy talk about rain tomorrow. That could add some more to it.

Thanks, everyone! Just the info I was looking for! Should be a nice weekend!

chumley wrote:sure as hell hope that "you will be seen" is not a contributing factor

I would hope not, too!

chumley wrote:3. I sure as hell hope that "you will be seen" is not a contributing factor in your decision to have or not have a fire when restrictions are in effect.

So getting wasted and lighting a huge bonfire during extreme wildfire warnings is a bad idea? I always just worry about the fines... come on, dude-- relax. We're all a little more responsible than that here. Its just an added reason why its a bad idea.

Yeah, I always light my bonfires deep in the thickest part of the forest so I can run and hide real fast!

Tough_Boots wrote:come on, dude-- relax

Todd is one of the most relaxed dudes...thats why his hazopelli is.... drum roll...relaxopelli.

paulhubbard wrote:Yeah, I always light my bonfires deep in the thickest part of the forest so I can run and hide real fast!

I look at controlled burns as a challenge from the FS. I like to show them who's the best in town!

Sorry my snarky sarcasm doesn't always come across in print...

As for fires, I myself prefer those I can start while randomly shooting my machine gun with the National Guard on the outskirts of SLC. :STP:

Just got back from there, the creek and falls are running! Pictures/Video tomorrow.

chumley wrote:Sorry my snarky sarcasm doesn't always come across in print...

oh, the never ending failure of social media!