Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Cabin Loop Backpack
June 3-5, 2022
Coconino National Forest, Mogollon Ranger District
clipbord   Trip Report : June 3-5, 2022

to: Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
from: Rodney Baba
reply to: rodneybaba@cox.net
subject: Cabin Loop Backpack

This is a 3-day intermediate backpack. We will be hiking three of the trails that make up the Cabin loop system.

Day 1 (6.4 Miles): Travel from Houston Draw down the UBAR trail (#28) to Dane Springs.

We will begin the hike where FR95 intersects Houston Draw. We will cross the stream and join the Fred Haught trail (#141) for a short jaunt to Pinchot Cabin. We will pass the cabin and head up the UBAR Trail (#28). We will travel about ½ mile along the ridge intersecting a road (139G). ¼ mile along the road, we cross FR 95 and head east for ½ mile crossing the shallow stream at the bottom of Dick Hart Draw and climbing out the other side. We turn SE and travel along a plateau for about ½ mile where we drop sharply about 200 ft. into Barbershop canyon crossing another shallow stream. We climb out of Barbershop Canyon (½ Mile) and cross another road (9709G). We cross a plateau and follow a road (9616A) into McClintock Draw near McClintock Spring. Climbing out of McClintock Draw, we cross road 145A before we descend into Dane Canyon. After crossing a shallow stream, we parallel the stream bed for 1 ¼ mile to Dane Spring. We will spend the first night camped near Dane Spring.

Day 2 (about 8 Miles): Travel west across a series of ridges and shallow streams to East Bear Canyon then travel north on the Houston Brothers Trail (#171) to the springs in Houston Draw.

After packing, we travel down UBAR Trail (#28) about 1 ½ miles to the junction with Barbershop Trail (#91). We turn west at the junction and drop into McClintock Draw after ¼ mile. Crossing a shallow stream and climbing out of McClintock Draw, about 1 ½ mile from the Junction, we will intersect FR321C. We travel along the road for ¾ mile and turn southwest leaving the road for about ½ mile. We turn Northwest and climb about ½ to a plateau. From the plateau we drop into Dane Canyon cross another shallow stream then climb out about ½ mile to a ridge. We cross FR145 and drop into Barbershop Canyon. We climb out of Barbershop Canyon ¾ miles to Dick Hart Ridge passing Barbershop Spring along the way. We cross a road (FR139) before dropping into East Bear Canyon intersecting the Houston Brothers Trail (#171). We will travel north on the Houston Brothers Trail to the springs in Houston Draw (2-3 Miles) where we will spend the second night.

Day 3 (about 5 Miles) On Day 3 we will travel north on the Houston Brothers Trail (#171) to where FR95 intersects Houston Draw.

After packing, we travel north on the Houston Brothers Trail. The trail will slope down gently until we reach Pinchot Cabin. About 3 miles north from our campsite we will pass Aspen Springs Cabin.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place (no campfire).

I will send an informational email a week before the hike. Individuals will be responsible for their own meals unless they want to join me.

Group equipment: Water Filters, Cooking Gear, Stove, First Aid, Survival will be provided.

Distance 20 Miles
Duration 3 Days, 2 Nights
EC +-2200' elevation change
Elevations   Trailhead 6968', Dane Spring 7353', Houston Draw (Campsite) 7200'
Type Intermediate Backpack Loop
Starting at Trailhead North of Pinchot Cabin 34°30'23.5"N 111°11'40.1"W
On trail UBAR (#28) 40%, Barbershop (#91) 20%, Houston Brothers (#171) 40%
Rating "B" Rate yourself as a hiker.
Dogs no
Cost Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
Weather Happy Jack
Meet Friday, June 3 at 6:30 AM in the parking lot of the Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the north curb away from Target.
Trailhead at 9:00.
Drive
•  From Payson, continue driving northeast on AZ 87 for 47.2 miles to FR 95.
• Turn right (SE) on FR 95 and continue driving for about 10.2 miles.
• At about 4 miles, cross a bridge over East Clear Creek in Barbershop Canyon.
• Stay on FR95 ¾ miles past the junction with 139G. You see a “Houston Draw” sign. The parking area should be on your right.
• The road is washed out a couple of miles past our trailhead.
• FR 95 is maintained and suitable for all vehicles. There are no facilities at the trailhead.

 updated June 9, 2022