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| Hiking | 1.89 Miles |
880 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.89 Miles | | | |
| 880 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | After camping in the area the previous week, I noticed that the official route specific to this trail was HAZ hikebot generated. So I decided to go back up and get a clean track to hopefully replace that one. My plan was to head up on Monday, May 23 to do this. I thought everything was a go for the plan until Cindy posted some triplogs Sunday mentioning a fire burning up there (Juniper Fire) and areas being taped off along Workman Creek Road. Uh oh. I knew what that likely meant, but decided to head on up there early Monday as planned, and take my chances. I wasn't planning on camping, the only goal was to hike the trail, then return to Tucson.
Sure enough, when I turned off SR 188 onto the Young Highway there was a sign advising of fire activity ahead. I didn't see any smoke and the first sign of fire traffic was past Parker Creek. I briefly drove through the Rose Creek Campground and there were campers, so thought this was a good sign. Then it was on to the turnoff for Workman Creek. No blockage of the road, but a number of fire vehicles were there. On the drive up, a short ways past the Elk's Camp, I encountered a fire vehicle coming down the mountain and stopped to ask questions. The friendly driver asked me if I was associated with Murphy Ranch, because he was supposed to meet them about getting a dozer up there to beef up defensible space around the property for planned fire activity. Interesting. I told him no, I was just up to hike Abbey's Way Trail then leave the mountain, and wanted to know if I would be allowed to do so. He said that would be alright, since technically the area had not yet been closed pending the official announcement (which came later that day). The yellow tape was to discourage folks from entering trails, knowing of the upcoming planned fire activity.
So I drove up and parked at the trailhead for the hike. It felt a little strange hiking the trail with the "do not enter" tape in place, but hey I got permission.  I rarely go past Peterson Ranch on the trail, probably the last time was in 2012. About as I remembered it: large cairns at key spots to help you along, sort of brushy and overgrown in places, with enough deadfall to work through and keep things interesting. Nothing excessive and keeping on track is pretty easy. Once you hit the final approach to Aztec Peak you are treated to some really nice views.
When I reached the top it was still nobody home at the tower as Cindy had noted. That also seemed strange with the increasing fire activity. I heard voices over by the Flintstone furniture, so walked over. A fire crew from Payson was taking a lunch break and I visited with them for awhile. That's when I learned of the plans for managing this fire. I then walked down the road a short way to that clear spot with the great views down to Cherry Creek and took my break. Some smoke was visible to the north, but not much at this point (plus the wind was pushing it away from my position).
Sure glad I was able to do the hike...got there just in time.  |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Route Editor
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