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| 4x4 Trip | 14.75 Miles |
435 AEG |
| | 4x4 Trip | 14.75 Miles | 3 Hrs 5 Mns | | 4.78 mph |
| 435 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | This is an ATV journey from the Queen Creek drainage at Hewitt Station up to Quail Spring and then on up Peacock Canyon about another mile. We traveled on FS Trail 1900 from the point where it begins at a "Y" branching off FSR 172 close to Queen Creek.
The trail itself is certainly 4X4, high clearance country with a few challenging sections that brought a wheel off the ground navigating the ruts. Erosion from water and 4X4 traffic has created several areas that are slow going and rough. Occasionally as you crest a hill, you are presented with some spectacular views of Roblas Butte and portions of Hewitt Ridge. It's too bad this is an extremely dry year, normal flower outbreaks would surely challenge the senses.
We soon reached Quail Spring after traveling about 5 miles where we parked the ATV's and began hiking the still navigable trail. We found the spring down in the flowage where the sound of water dripping off some of the rocks was the giveaway. There was a small pool with water that could easily be filtered for use if necessary. We continued heading up Peacock Canyon until we found a clearing and had our lunch break.
As we sat there, taking in the views, I noticed a large Butte up ahead presenting itself between some of the closer hills. By the maps, I believe this to be Buzzards Roost (see photos). It was fortunate that some clouds shaded the near hills, allowing the Butte to be basking in the sun.
We hiked back to the ATV's and began our return trip until we came upon an unnamed trail that brought us over to FSR 172. From there we headed North and East into Hewitt Canyon close to Byous Butte where we took another break to scan the mountains for Big Horn Sheep. After several frustrating minutes of viewing the steep slopes with our binoculars and seeing no sheep, we decided to return to our parking place in Queen Creek.
This was an exploratory outing to get back into some mountainous areas where I have not been yet. The object was to travel the 4X4 trails and then break out the hiking gear to complete the adventure in some surely remote and scenic areas. I think this plan is workable so I expect to be doing more of it in the future. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
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Quail Spring |
Dripping |
Dripping |
| | | There is dripping water in the creekbed, but no flowage. A pool of clear water could be filtered for use if necessary. | | _____________________
| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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