Arizona Fall Hang

[abeldanger]

Looks like a fun trip. Wish I could make it. One of these times I'll make an AZ hang. Have fun guys.

[Swingblade]

I headed out to scout early Wed afternoon planning on doing an overnight.

Guess it's hiking season in Sedona. Pulling into FR530 was a beehive of people, vehicles and activity - NO available parking at turn in. For Pete's sake it's Wednesday. Rough road began almost immediately leaving everyone without a capable vehicle hoofing it to they're destination (Devils Bridge probably gets 90% of hikers visiting trails off FR530). Going to be tough on a long weekend like Nov 13-15. For those without at least a crossover vehicle you might wish to hook up a ride in. I will have a 5gal waterbob in the back of my truck so if you have to hoof in you won't need to pack full water allotment along the FR. I will describe how to access camper shell next report.

Secret Canyon trailhead took me 20min from start of FR. Unfortunately with 38" tires & no odometer compensator I couldn't get an accurate mileage reading. Considering location of trailhead along length of road to end dejoha's estimate of 3.4miles is probably close.

Secret Canyon trail head parking was empty. There was one truck parked out by the main FR. Tracks suggest 2ppl with a dog only visitors to the trial today. Only made it in less than a mile. Had equip failure so I turn around & will try again next week, trail report to come.

[longbow]

Does anyone know the anticipated water situation in Secret Canyon, at this time of year? Is water available or is it a matter of packing in what is needed?

[Swingblade]

I passed a long rock gulch with plenty of water in it. I have no idea whether Secret Canyon trail will have any but most likely. I was packing 4L for just an overnighter. We'll have a better idea once I get a scout trip accomplished. Looking to do a day hike turnaround on Monday, hopefully. Sure would be nice not to have to pack 2-4 days worth of water in.

[te-wa]

i've wanted to hit Secret Canyon. here's that HikeAZ page Dejoha speaks of: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=116
if not there, a cool spot is Taylor Cabin via the Dogie Trail into Sycamore, or just upstream there's Dorsey/Kelsey/little LO/geronimo area that has more reliable water sources.

thanks Derek for getting the ball rolling on this, you made a great choice.

[dejoha]

Woot! I'm excited. I'm planning to bring a few hammock noobs too.

[SamuelJD]

Ole Sammy JD is in for a fall hang. Just finished making some new gear this week gonna need to test it out show it off and have it critiqued by the senior members. I just got on this post and still working on some projects right now kinda busy will peruse the thread soon for more details but definitely planning on attending the trip. I remember last year west clear creek down the Maxwell trail we had several hangers it was a really awesome time fog rain and sleet made an interesting time and was my first hang ever.

[te-wa]

^not to mention the skunk incident..

[Swingblade]

Well folks no trail scouting today & weather report calling for thunder storm/rain tonight through tomorrow. Wed/Thur looks sketchy as I won't do the FR or trail wet. Too much risk. My 27th anniversary this Thur & we're going down to the big city on Fri so the weekend looks out. Sorry, I'll try for next week. Bright side is if we get enough moisture the rock gulches should hold plenty of water.

[dejoha]

No problem, Swingblade. I'm glad you're willing to scout this place out. I'd like to get confirmation about who's coming, especially for those for whom I am planning to hump extra gear. If I'm going to hike in the extra 3.5 miles with loads of water AND two sets of UQ/TQ, I wan't to know it's not going to waste

Also do we have a firm idea about where along the trail we want to hang? I asked before if we want to hike upwards of 5 miles to the waterfall (or rock face, depending on moisture), or 3 miles in to the first "nice" spot?