Hardscrabble Loop Photoset • hikerdw • 2021-09-18 • HikeArizona.COM

Hardscrabble Loop, AZ

	2021-09-18
	7 by hikerdw

1 label

Hardscrabble Loop, AZ

Hiking	11.48 Miles	1,727 AEG

Hiking	11.48 Miles	4 Hrs 53 Mns	2.80 mph
	1,727 ft AEG	47 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Oak Springs from Hardscrabble Rd

Oak Spring Trail #16

Walnut Trail #251

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

The Drive from Pine off HWY87
Heading north, turn left on Hardscrabble Road and drive 1.9 miles to the trailhead which is clearly marked. There are two small parking areas at the trailhead, enough for 2 or 3 cars, and there is a larger parking area a couple hundred feet past the trailhead if those are full.

Oak Spring Trail #16 to the spring
Signs of recent heavy water flow down the trail itself or this trail hasn't received a lot of use from this end since the earlier monsoon rains. This is a really nice trail and the solitude was appreciated. The spring and catchment were both full however the spring water looked a lot more inviting.

Walnut Trail #15
Nice climb up to Hardscrabble Mesa. Trail was clearly marked with a gentle hiker grade so the uphill passed quickly. The only small negative would be the rocks and high grass which forced your eyes to be looking down for feet placement vs outward at the nice sights.

Hardscrabble Mesa
We were looking forward to checking out the new alignment of the AZT in the area. Really appreciate the hard labor that went into that project. The most obvious was the lack of rocks which made for smooth sailing. We actually hiked out and back to Alder Ridge where we took a short refueling break while enjoying the views.

FR 1654/1655
These two FR's complete the loop back to Hardscrabble Road. Very nice two-track hiking, lots of pine trees, several tanks along the way, and no people seen until we hit Hardscrabble Road. On Hardscrabble Road we passed several race check-in tables as some mountain bike event was in progress. Crossed several bikers walking their bikes up the road as we were walking down as the road is a little steep going up.

Although a little warm this time of year on the Mesa this 12 mile hike was a very enjoyable. A nice shorter variation than the similar lasso loop from the Pine TH. Great day!

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Oak Spring

	Bear Canyon	Dry	Dry
	Only slightly damp.

	Oak Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Spring and catchment were full.

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Expect to self rescue

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