DOCSLIB.ORG

GYMOAZ0716 Mount Baldy

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
GYMOAZ0716 Mount Baldy The Wisdom of Mountains Mount Blady East Trail #95 By Anne Groebner GYMOAZ: 07-16 When writing about hiking mountains, Mount Baldy is the first one that comes to mind. From its heavily wooded areas and beautiful open meadows to its series of dramatically shaped basalt pinnacles, there is something magical about this mountain. Once an active volcano, Baldy’s unique display of stone figures can be attributed to a series of eruptions that ceased about 8-9 million years ago and its slopes were carved by water erosion and glaciers. The fact that this mountain is sacred to the White Mountain Apaches, gives it an added mystique — it is known to inhabit the mountain spirits and is part of the four most sacred mountain ranges: The White Mountains of Eastern Arizona, the Pinaleno Mountains near the town of Safford in Southeastern Arizona, the Four Peaks near the City of Phoenix and the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. I have hiked Mount Baldy many times in my 21 years of residency in the White Mountains and I will certainly hike it many more. It’s a challenging trail that brings many rewards to its hikers. It is one of the few wilderness areas in the country that travels through a sub-alpine life zone. The heavily forested slopes are made up of a variety of trees including Colorado blue spruce, white fir, Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, white pine and aspen. The Little Colorado River and the Salt River have their headwaters on the slopes of Mount Baldy. A variety of wildlife inhabit the lower reaches of the mountain, such as Rocky Mountain elk, black bears, Mexican grey wolves, mule deer, porcupines, wild turkeys and blue grouse. Wildflowers are sprinkled across the meadows and strawberries, raspberries and mushrooms (during and after the monsoon season) line the trail in late summer. Quote: “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”— Henry David Thoreau Phelps built his homestead on the East Fork of the Little Colorado River back in the 1800s at the entrance to the trailhead and this entrance to Baldy has been known to many avid hikers as the Phelps Cabin Trailhead. There is plenty of parking but, unlike the West Baldy Trailhead, there are no restroom facilities. For many, a quick four-mile shuttle from one trailhead to the other is the best way to hike Mountain Baldy so you can hike up one side and down the other but, on our last hike, we chose to stay on the East side of the mountain and only took one car. You could, however, hike the 3.5-mile Crossover Trail #96 and end up back where you started. That would put you at about an 18-19-mile hike. Mount Baldy comprises 6,975-acres and is one of the smallest, but most pristine, areas included in the federal wilderness system. Once on the trail, it’s not long before you see for yourself that it is one of the most amazing trails you will ever hike. The East Fork of the Little Colorado River snakes through vast meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers at the beginning of the hike and, about half a mile up the trail, you’ve ascended 800 feet and the views are incredible. My favorite part is the first ridge that looks across portions of the White Mountain Apache Reservation, Big Lake, Crescent Lake, part of the Black River Valley, Escudilla Mountain, the Blue Range and into the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The basalt pinnacles here seem to watch over the landscape and resemble something out of a Grimm’s Fairytale book. The folds in the rock sculptures show the heat of molten lava that at one time flowed down the gentle slopes of Baldy. Quote: May your trail be crooked, winding, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. — Edward Abby The wind-whipped trees on this ridge make the terrain resemble something from a Star Wars movie as it shapes the pines and bends them in Bonsai fashion. Once you leave the ridge and head back onto the forest-lined trail, step lightly or be surprised by a grouse as he maneuvers his way up into a tree and out of your path. At about 5.5 miles on the trail, you can see the remains of a plane wreckage that took place around the late 1940s or early 50s. The foliage takes on riparian qualities from the small stream that flows through the slate rocks that form the stepping stone path. We didn’t make it all the way to the plane wreckage on this trip because of the monsoon storm that was brewing. In his book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Aldo Leopold talks about the storms that hit Mount Baldy, or “White Mountain” back then. “When I hear anyone say he does not fear lightning; I still remark inwardly: ‘He has never ridden The Mountain in July.” That said, if you are going to hike Mountain Baldy during monsoon season, check the weather before you enter the trail and leave early enough to return before the thunder and lightning hits. Not only is the lightning dangerous, but on the mountain, temperatures drop incredibly fast and getting wet and cold is a recipe for hypothermia. Once the rain starts and you are on top of the mountain, you still have about seven miles to hike back down. Note: Hiking to the peak is prohibited without permission because it is on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. To me, the East Trail of Baldy has the best views and is the easiest of both trails to hike up the mountain. Either way, the starting altitude is 9,300 feet and at the top it ranges around 11,203 feet. It is definitely an up-hill climb. I feel, however, that the incline is gentler on the east side. It takes several hours, regardless, and is usually visited by many travelers that want to hike Arizona’s seventh highest mountain. As part of the wilderness system, there are some restrictions when visiting Mountain Baldy. The number of people in your group is limited to 12 for day hiking and six for camping. No metal or glass containers and pack out what you pack in. No motor vehicles and keep on the trails (don’t cut corners). If camping, stay approximately 100 feet from water. Pack and saddle stock have the right of way on trails and hikers should move a few feet off the trail and stand quietly until the animals pass. Remember: we didn’t inherit this land, we are merely borrowing it from future inhabitants and users. I always think about Black Elk and his vision from the top of Harney Peak (the highest mountain in the Black Hills). He says he was at the center of the world… “I looked ahead and saw the mountains there with rocks and forests on them, and from the mountains flashed all colors upward to the heavens. Then I was standing on the highest mountain of them all, and round about beneath me was the whole hoop of the world.” …and then he later mentioned that “anywhere is the center of the world.” (Neihardt’s Black Elk Speaks) I think it’s when you are on top of a mountain and you have a 360º view that you feel most centered. To find the East Baldy Trail: There are two Trailheads; both off of Rte. 273. The main trailhead is on the north side of the East Fork of the Little Colorado River. Take Rte. 260 about 34 miles from Pinetop- Lakeside to the Sunrise Park Resort Turn on Rte. 273. Turn right on 273 and follow it past Sunrise Park Resort, the West Baldy Trailhead and Sheep Crossing until you reach the East Baldy Trail on the right. The other trailhead is located in the Gabaldon Campground, an equestrian campground. It is located further down from the Phelps-area Trailhead on Rte. 273 on the right. The trail from Gabaldon meets with the main trail in about a quarter of a mile..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Arizona Regional Haze 308
    Arizona State Implementation Plan Regional Haze Under Section 308 Of the Federal Regional Haze Rule Air Quality Division January 2011 (page intentionally blank) TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Overview of Visibility and Regional Haze..................................................................................2 1.2 Arizona Class I Areas.................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Background of the Regional Haze Rule ......................................................................................3 1.3.1 The 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments................................................................................ 3 1.3.2 Phase I Visibility Rules – The Arizona Visibility Protection Plan ..................................... 4 1.3.3 The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments................................................................................ 4 1.3.4 Submittal of Arizona 309 SIP............................................................................................. 6 1.4 Purpose of This Document .......................................................................................................... 9 1.4.1 Basic Plan Elements.......................................................................................................... 10 CHAPTER 2: ARIZONA REGIONAL HAZE SIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ......................... 15 2.1 Federal
    [Show full text]
  • Geologic Influences on Apache Trout Habitat in the White Mountains of Arizona
    GEOLOGIC INFLUENCES ON APACHE TROUT HABITAT IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OF ARIZONA JONATHAN W. LONG, ALVIN L. MEDINA, Rocky Mountain Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, 2500 S. Pine Knoll Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001; and AREGAI TECLE, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 15108, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 ABSTRACT Geologic variation has important influences on habitat quality for species of concern, but it can be difficult to evaluate due to subtle variations, complex terminology, and inadequate maps. To better understand habitat of the Apache trout (Onchorhynchus apache or O. gilae apache Miller), a threatened endemic species of the White Mountains of east- central Arizona, we reviewed existing geologic research to prepare composite geologic maps of the region at intermediate and fine scales. We projected these maps onto digital elevation models to visualize combinations of lithology and topog- raphy, or lithotopo types, in three-dimensions. Then we examined habitat studies of the Apache trout to evaluate how intermediate-scale geologic variation could influence habitat quality for the species. Analysis of data from six stream gages in the White Mountains indicates that base flows are sustained better in streams draining Mount Baldy. Felsic parent material and extensive epiclastic deposits account for greater abundance of gravels and boulders in Mount Baldy streams relative to those on adjacent mafic plateaus. Other important factors that are likely to differ between these lithotopo types include temperature, large woody debris, and water chemistry. Habitat analyses and conservation plans that do not account for geologic variation could mislead conservation efforts for the Apache trout by failing to recognize inherent differences in habitat quality and potential.
    [Show full text]
  • Late Wisconsin Climate Inferences from Rock Glaciers in South-Central
    LateWisconsin climatic inlerences from rock glaciers in south-centraland west-central New Mexico andeast-central Arizona byJohn W. Blagbrough, P0 Box8063, Albuquerque, NewMexico 87198 Abstract Inactive rock glaciersof late Wisconsin age occur at seven sites in south-central and west-central New Mexico and in east-centralArizona. They are at the base of steep talus in the heads of canyons and ravines and have surfacefeatures indicating they are ice-cemented (permafrost) forms that moved by the flow of interstitial ice. The rock glaciersindicate zones of alpine permafrost with lower levels that rise from approximately 2,400m in the east region to 2,950 m in the west. Within the zones the mean annual temperaturewas below freezing, and the climatewas marked by much diurnal freezing and thawing resulting in the production of large volumes of talus in favorableterrain. The snow cover was thin and of short duration, which fa- vored ground freezing and cryofraction. The rock glaciers in the east region occur near the late Wisconsin 0'C air isotherm and implv that the mean annual temperature was depressedapproximately 7 to 8'C during a periglacial episodein the late Wisconsin.A dry continental climate with a seasonaldistribution of precipitation similar to that of the present probably prevailed, and timberline former timberlines. may have been depresseda minimum of 1,240m. The rise in elevation of the rock glaciersfrom east to west acrossthe region is attributed to greater snowfall in west-centralNew Mexico and east-centralArizona, which reducedthe inten- sity and depth of ground freezing near the late Wisconsin 0"C air isotherm.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of Arizona History Index, M
    Index to the Journal of Arizona History, M Arizona Historical Society, [email protected] 480-387-5355 NOTE: the index includes two citation formats. The format for Volumes 1-5 is: volume (issue): page number(s) The format for Volumes 6 -54 is: volume: page number(s) M McAdams, Cliff, book by, reviewed 26:242 McAdoo, Ellen W. 43:225 McAdoo, W. C. 18:194 McAdoo, William 36:52; 39:225; 43:225 McAhren, Ben 19:353 McAlister, M. J. 26:430 McAllester, David E., book coedited by, reviewed 20:144-46 McAllester, David P., book coedited by, reviewed 45:120 McAllister, James P. 49:4-6 McAllister, R. Burnell 43:51 McAllister, R. S. 43:47 McAllister, S. W. 8:171 n. 2 McAlpine, Tom 10:190 McAndrew, John “Boots”, photo of 36:288 McAnich, Fred, book reviewed by 49:74-75 books reviewed by 43:95-97 1 Index to the Journal of Arizona History, M Arizona Historical Society, [email protected] 480-387-5355 McArtan, Neill, develops Pastime Park 31:20-22 death of 31:36-37 photo of 31:21 McArthur, Arthur 10:20 McArthur, Charles H. 21:171-72, 178; 33:277 photos 21:177, 180 McArthur, Douglas 38:278 McArthur, Lorraine (daughter), photo of 34:428 McArthur, Lorraine (mother), photo of 34:428 McArthur, Louise, photo of 34:428 McArthur, Perry 43:349 McArthur, Warren, photo of 34:428 McArthur, Warren, Jr. 33:276 article by and about 21:171-88 photos 21:174-75, 177, 180, 187 McAuley, (Mother Superior) Mary Catherine 39:264, 265, 285 McAuley, Skeet, book by, reviewed 31:438 McAuliffe, Helen W.
    [Show full text]
  • Saddlebrooke Hiking Club Hike Database 11-15-2020 Hike Location Hike Rating Hike Name Hike Description
    SaddleBrooke Hiking Club Hike Database 11-15-2020 Hike Location Hike Rating Hike Name Hike Description AZ Trail B Arizona Trail: Alamo Canyon This passage begins at a point west of the White Canyon Wilderness on the Tonto (Passage 17) National Forest boundary about 0.6 miles due east of Ajax Peak. From here the trail heads west and north for about 1.5 miles, eventually dropping into a two- track road and drainage. Follow the drainage north for about 100 feet until it turns left (west) via the rocky drainage and follow this rocky two-track for approximately 150 feet. At this point there is new signage installed leading north (uphill) to a saddle. This is a newly constructed trail which passes through the saddle and leads downhill across a rugged and lush hillside, eventually arriving at FR4. After crossing FR4, the trail continues west and turns north as you work your way toward Picketpost Mountain. The trail will continue north and eventually wraps around to the west side of Picketpost and somewhat paralleling Alamo Canyon drainage until reaching the Picketpost Trailhead. Hike 13.6 miles; trailhead elevations 3471 feet south and 2399 feet north; net elevation change 1371 feet; accumulated gains 1214 northward and 2707 feet southward; RTD __ miles (dirt). AZ Trail A Arizona Trail: Babbitt Ranch This passage begins just east of the Cedar Ranch area where FR 417 and FR (Passage 35) 9008A intersect. From here the route follows a pipeline road north to the Tub Ranch Camp. The route continues towards the corrals (east of the buildings).
    [Show full text]
  • Summits on the Air – ARM for the USA (W7A
    Summits on the Air – ARM for the U.S.A (W7A - Arizona) Summits on the Air U.S.A. (W7A - Arizona) Association Reference Manual Document Reference S53.1 Issue number 5.0 Date of issue 31-October 2020 Participation start date 01-Aug 2010 Authorized Date: 31-October 2020 Association Manager Pete Scola, WA7JTM Summits-on-the-Air an original concept by G3WGV and developed with G3CWI Notice “Summits on the Air” SOTA and the SOTA logo are trademarks of the Programme. This document is copyright of the Programme. All other trademarks and copyrights referenced herein are acknowledged. Document S53.1 Page 1 of 15 Summits on the Air – ARM for the U.S.A (W7A - Arizona) TABLE OF CONTENTS CHANGE CONTROL....................................................................................................................................... 3 DISCLAIMER................................................................................................................................................. 4 1 ASSOCIATION REFERENCE DATA ........................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Program Derivation ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2 General Information ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Final Ascent
    [Show full text]
  • A Classification of Arizona Man-Made Lakes with Applications to the Prediction of Water Quality
    A classification of Arizona man-made lakes with applications to the prediction of water quality Item Type Thesis-Reproduction (electronic); text Authors Kessler, Steven Jack. Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 24/09/2021 14:38:28 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/191672 A CLASSIFICATION OF ARIZONA MAN-MADE LAKES WITH APPLICATIONS TO THE PREDICTION OF WATER QUALITY by Steven Jack Kessler A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 1978 STATEMENT BY AUTHOR This thesis has been submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for an advanced degree at The University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this thesis are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the head of the major department or the Dean of the Graduate College when in his judg- ment the proposed use of the material is in the interests of scholar- ship. In all other instances, however, permission must be obtained from the author.
    [Show full text]
  • 066 Bear Wallow Wilderness Addition Southeast
    Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Draft Wilderness Evaluation Report Bear Wallow Wilderness Addition Southeast Potential Wilderness PW-03-01-066 June 2009 This draft potential wilderness evaluation report is divided into four parts: background, capability, availability, and need. Capability and availability are intended to be objective evaluations of existing conditions in the Bear Wallow Wilderness Addition Southeast Potential Wilderness. The most important area of focus for public comment is the “need” evaluation. The intent of this part of the evaluation is to consider if the potential wilderness fits into the National Wilderness Preservation System at the regional level. This report offers data that helps us understand different sources that might generate need. Ultimately, however, need for wilderness is generated by public demand. Therefore, public input is an essential component of this part of the potential wilderness evaluation. We would like your feedback on this draft report - if we have missed an important detail or if you would like to share your comments or other input, please contact us. Written comments can be sent to: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Attention: Forest Plan Revision Team, P.O. Box 640, Springerville, Arizona 85938, or E-mail: [email protected]. We are also available by phone; ask for a planning team member at 928-333-4301 or 928-333-6292 (TTY). Table of Contents Introduction..........................................................................................................................................1
    [Show full text]
  • Forest Insect and Disease Conditions in the Southwestern Region, 2018
    United States Department of Agriculture Forest Insect and Disease Conditions in the Southwestern Region, 2018 Forest Southwestern Forest Health September 2019 Service Region PR-R3-16-18 In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720- 2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Peak List Please Send Updates Or Corrections to Lat/Lon to Mike Heaton
    Operation On Target Arizona Peak List Please send updates or corrections to Lat/Lon to Mike Heaton Description Comment Latitude Longitude Elevation "A" Mountain (Tempe) ASU campus by Sun Devil Stadium 33.42801 -111.93565 1495 AAA Temp Temp Location 33.42234 -111.8227 1244 Agassiz Peak @ Snow Bowl Tram Stop (No access to peak) 35.32587 -111.67795 12353 Al Fulton Point 1 Near where SR260 tops the Rim 34.29558 -110.8956 7513 Al Fulton Point 2 Near where SR260 tops the rim 34.29558 -110.8956 7513 Alta Mesa Peak For Alta Mesa Sign-up 33.905 -111.40933 7128 Apache Maid Mountain South of Stoneman Lake - Hike/Drive? 34.72588 -111.55128 7305 Apache Peak, Whetstone Mountain Tallest Peak, Whetstone Mountain 31.824583 -110.429517 7711 Aspen Canyon Point Rim W. of Kehl Springs Point 34.422204 -111.337874 7600 Aztec Peak Sierra Ancha Mountains South of Young 33.8123 -110.90541 7692 Battleship Mountain High Point visible above the Flat Iron 33.43936 -111.44836 5024 Big Pine Flat South of Four Peaks on County Line 33.74931 -111.37304 6040 Black (Chocolate) Mountain, CA Drive up and park, near Yuma 33.055 -114.82833 2119 Black Butte, CA East of Palm Springs - Hike 33.56167 -115.345 4458 Black Mountain North of Oracle 32.77899 -110.96319 5586 Black Rock Mountain South of St. George 36.77305 -113.80802 7373 Blue Jay Ridge North end of Mount Graham 32.75872 -110.03344 8033 Blue Vista White Mtns. S. of Hannagan Medow 33.56667 -109.35 8000 Browns Peak (Four Peaks) North Peak of Four Peaks Range 33.68567 -111.32633 7650 Brunckow Hill NE of Sierra Vista, AZ 31.61736 -110.15788 4470 Bryce Mountain Northwest of Safford 33.02012 -109.67232 7298 Buckeye Mountain North of Globe 33.4262 -110.75763 4693 Burnt Point On the Rim East of Milk Ranch Point 34.40895 -111.20478 7758 Camelback Mountain North Phoenix Mountain - Hike 33.51463 -111.96164 2703 Carol Spring Mountain North of Globe East of Highway 77 33.66064 -110.56151 6629 Carr Peak S.
    [Show full text]
  • WEB GYMOAZ-07-20 Giants Among Us
    THE GIANTS AMONG US A Journey through the White Mountains BY ANNE GROEBNER When the Spanish and Hispanic explorers reached the southern section of Apache County, it is said that they “christened the expanse of snow-covered mountains before them ‘Sierra Blanca’ — White Mountains.” In his book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Aldo Leopold, one of Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest’s first forest assistants and a nationally, well regarded conservationist, refers to Mount Baldy as “White Mountain.” Possibly derived from a translation of the Apache’s name for it “Dził Łigai Sí’án" (“white mountain”). I write about this because there has always been the resounding question of whether it’s “White Mountains” or “White Mountain.” “Is there a White Mountain?” I am asked on many occasions…Regardless of its humble but wild beginnings, the stretch of landscape -- in an area we now affectionately call “The White Mountains” -- along Arizona Route 260, harbors some pretty amazing and gigantic hidden wonders. If you head south on AZ Route 260 toward Greer, the first town you come to after passing Hon- Dah Resort Casino is McNary. This town was once one of the largest logging towns in this area. It was named after James G. McNary, a banker from El Paso, who moved his logging business to the northeastern mountains of Arizona. The town of McNary, leased from the White Mountain Apache Tribe, was the center of everything in the White Mountains. Everyone came there for doctor visits because there wasn’t a hospital back then. They came there to bowl, to watch movies at Art Crozier’s movie theatre and to buy groceries.
    [Show full text]
  • Kaibab National Forest
    United States Department of Agriculture Kaibab National Forest Forest Service Southwestern Potential Wilderness Area Region September 2013 Evaluation Report The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Cover photo: Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab National Forest Potential Wilderness Area Evaluation Report Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 Inventory of Potential Wilderness Areas .................................................................................................. 2 Evaluation of Potential Wilderness Areas ...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]