Sipsey Wilderness, Feb 7,8,9

[Bammacker]

Is 204 at Bee Branch? What creek is that you are camped on, Borden? Or Sipsey River or Bee Branch?

We took 204 Bee Ridge, the alternate route to 209 is 204a East Bee Branch. In the photos you see we were on Borden creek.

[dukhntn]

204 is the official trail-runs from 224 to 209 on the ridge east of Bee Branch.
204A is the popular trail everyone uses straight up Bee Branch and up East Bee Canyon to The Big Tree.

I've been to the sipsey once and came from 224 down 204A to 209. Most of the time I was on 204A I wondered if it was a human trail or if it was a pig trail. Over, under, and around downed trees. gps4 and I are heading over in a few weeks. How are the 201 and 206? I didn't get the chance to hit them last trip and wouldn't mind checking them out this go round. What about Johnson cemeteries on the 202? What are they like?

[squidbilly]

201 is in great shape. Pretty much a level easy hike across the high ground until you drop off the ridge to the Sipsey Fork. ( either straight ahead north on 206 or east on 209) I would cross the Sipsey on 209 though, or slightly upstream at the cascades. The 206 crossing is way too deep. 206 is in great shape too, in spite of massive storm damage, thanks to Wildsouth volunteers and private contractors. Wildsouth volunteers also worked on 201, clearing storm damage. Either of these trails is an easy route to the Shiprock area.

Johnson Cemeteries are neat. Old hand carved simple sandstone markers and more modern gravestones, worth the short walk to check it out.

The reason 204A seemed like a pig trail is, because it is a popular trail, not an official trail. It is not maintained by the FS or any volunteer group.
http://www.sipseywilderness.org/