| • |
General Description:
Many people flock to the White Mountains in the middle of summer to escape the
Phoenix scorching heat. But did you know it’s also a great spot to go in
search of glorious fall colors? This White Mountain Fall Color hiking weekend
will explore the Escudilla Mountain Wilderness and Blue Range Primitive Areas of
the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Alpine AZ. The 200,000 acre Blue
Range Primitive Area is the last remaining primitive area on National Forest
land. All of the other original 75 primitive areas have become designated
wilderness areas. The Blue Range remains one of Arizona’s untouched and
little known jewels. This is a land of rugged mountains, steep canyons, and
stark ridges that is at the same time remote and accessible through an extensive
trail system. Trails are open to non-motorized and non-mechanized use only
within the primitive area. Some are surprised to learn this also means no
bicycles!
There are over 200 miles of trails in this area, with elevations ranging from
5,000 feet with a Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem to mixed conifers at 9,000 feet.
We will be doing two exploratory hikes, and depending on the graciousness of
Mother Nature this year, we hope to see a colorful show from the Aspen, Gambel
Oak and Rocky Mountain Maples. There are also fir, spruce and conifers along the
way for nice contrast. Some of the wildlife recorded in this area include
spotted owls, raptors, coyote, turkey, mule deer, black bear, elk, antelope,
many species of fish, and an occasional mountain lion, fox, bobcat or eagle.
AZ 190 / 181, also known as the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway, runs along the
eastern edge of the Blue Range.
|
| • |
COST:
Depends on total number of people attending, but the total cost for the cabin(s)
is estimated to be $215-$305 (including tax), so assuming max capacity, that
would roughly be $20-$23/night per person, or possibly a little bit higher if we
end up at less than capacity. So once we have a final head count, I can get the
total and subtract your $25 deposit to determine the balance that you would owe,
which you could either mail in or give to me when we meet up for the trip. You
will also share cost of gas for your carpool arrangements, and the standard
volunteer club donation of $1 for members, $3 for non-members. You’ll need
money for Friday’s lunch on the drive out to Alpine, and you may also want
to bring a little extra cash if you want to dine out during the weekend, or just
bring your food with instead. We’ll do a potluck dinner at least on
Saturday, and we could also do potluck on Friday too if we want.
|
| • |
LODGING:
The Alpine Cabins Retreat in Alpine, AZ.
Be sure to bring your sleeping bag, and a mat or air mattress, to give us the
most flexibility.
They have one 7 person cabin, and the other cabins can hold up to 4 people each.
The 4 person cabins have 2 full beds each, and the 7 person cabin has 1 Queen, 1
full and 1 full sofa bed, so whoever does not get a bed can either sleep in your
sleeping bag on a rollaway cot (which they will provide – they have 2 cots
total) or on your own mat or air mattress on the floor. Those who do get a bed
can just use your sleeping bag in lieu of sheets if you want, but you will want
to bring an extra blanket, just in case.
They have a kitchen area in each cabin with full size fridge, dishes,
silverware, utensils, pots, pans, microwave, stove, coffee pot, and they have a
fire ring, picnic tables and a horseshoe pit outside for afternoon and evening
entertainment. This set up should give us the camaraderie of a camping
experience, with the beauty of not having to trek outside in the freezing cold
in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom! Check in is 3 PM, check out is
11 AM, but we can let them know if we’d like to check in earlier or check
out later and they can accommodate our needs if possible.
|
| • |
HOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:
Maximum currently is 11 people, but if we have enough interest, we would then
probably get another cabin and the maximum would then jump up to 15 people.
We currently only have 3 spots left, so once you RSVP that you want to go, I
will then give you the address where you can send your $25 deposit check. The
first 3 people whose checks I receive will be guaranteed a spot on the trip.
After that point I will start a waiting list, so that in the event we get enough
people, we could feasibly rent an extra cabin.
|
| • |
DEPARTURE:
We’ll leave at 9 AM on Friday morning, September 24th. We will work out
carpooling arrangements once we get a more definite list of who is coming.
|
| • |
A SAMPLING OF THE HIKING OPTIONS:
These will be exploratory hikes, as I have not
done any of them before, but these are 2 of the hikes listed in the “Best
AZ Autumn Color” book, so if this year is a typical season, we should be
there at peak fall color time!
Near Alpine, AZ:
Escudilla National Recreation Trail – 6 miles round trip, 1,315 ft. elev.
change, from 9,560-10,875 ft. In Spanish, Escudilla means "Wide Bowl". There is
a fire lookout tower at the top which will hopefully be open for us to get great
panoramic views. Escudilla Mountain, at 10,912 ft., is the third highest
mountain in Arizona.
Near Hannigan Meadow, about 20 miles south of Alpine:
North Fork KP Trail – 5 miles round trip, 1600’ elev. change,
from 9200-7600 ft. This hike leads to one of the most scenic areas in the Blue
Primitive Area, the confluence of the north and south forks of KP Creek, and
features a 10 foot waterfall.
And there are many more trails in this area! … We won’t have time
to do more trails, but it does mean if we want to do a trail longer than the
above listed trails, we do have options.
|
| • |
GENERAL AGENDA:
Friday –
Arrive in Springerville around 1-1:30 PM for lunch, then drive to
the cabins in Alpine to check-in.
Options for Friday afternoon – We could possibly do a fall color drive
down the The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway, which is the main road that the hiking
trails are off of, check out nearby Luna Lake (for their 2.5 mile loop), or hang
out at the cabins and relax. Either potluck dinner or dine in Alpine.
Saturday – Hike Escudilla National Recreation Trail (or longer hike,
depending on desires of the group), horseshoes and/or any other games we bring,
potluck dinner.
Sunday – Option for an early morning hike (to see the waterfall along KP
North Fork Trail) before heading back to Phoenix. I would really like to take
the time to sneak in this hike, so I at least hope whoever is carpooling with
me will want to do this hike! ; )
|
| • |
Weather conditions:
Alpine
|
| • |
Trip Leader:
Please phone or email the leader to confirm. Please note that your
spot is not guaranteed until your deposit check is received.
|
| • |
Drive:
Approximately 250 miles one way to Alpine. I’m told there may be
some road construction along the 260, so I’ll keep an eye out for
any traffic alerts.
|
updated August 27, 2010
|