Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Sandy’s Canyon Day Hike
| when? |
Trip Report :
June 25, 2011
|
| |
Trip Report :
September 16, 2010
|
| where? |
Flagstaff |
| the hike |
The trail leads us along the rim of Sandy’s Canyon with great views of
a large lava field with Mount Elden in the distance. The first 1.5 miles is
mostly shaded and takes us down into Sandy’s Canyon where we join the
Arizona Trail and head north. We travel another 1.5 miles to the Fisher Point
junction. This portion of the trail does not have much shade in mid day.
At the junction we bear to the right and take a secondary trail into a more
narrow canyon that leads to Walnut Canyon, but we will not go that far.
The canyon becomes more narrow with lots of shade and interesting features
including 3 caves. One cave is deep and large enough that having a flashlight
to explore is desirable. We continue on the trail for a couple of miles to a
good shady spot with fallen trees to have lunch.
We will turn around here and retrace the trail.
|
| distance |
8 miles |
| EC |
+-700' elevation change |
| elevations |
6837' (canyon rim) to 6580' (Walnut Creek) |
| time |
4-6 hours |
|
rating |
"C"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| on trail |
100% — Sandy’s Canyon Trail, Arizona Trail passage #31 |
| dogs? |
no |
| type |
round trip |
| starting at |
| Sandy’s Canyon Trailhead |
35° 1.674' N, 111° 26.650' W [NAD27]
|
|
| cost |
When car-pooling, pay your share the cost of gas. The
club also allows voluntary contributions of $1/member or $3/non-member. |
| weather |
Flagstaff |
meet in
Phoenix |
7:00 AM in the
Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road.
Park behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride.
|
meet in
Flagstaff |
If you are meeting us in Flagstaff, be at the Circle K, 3350 Lake Mary Rd. at I-17,
by 9:00. See map.
|
| drive |
Go north on I-17 approximately 124 miles and take exit 337 for Lake Mary Road.
The Circle K is on the north side of the road. Stop here for others to join
the caravan. Travel 5.3 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road to the Canyon Vista
Campground, turn left and go slowly through the campground to the day use
trailhead parking just north of the campground. There is a large Arizona Trail
Sign at the trail entrance. There are toilets available in the campground.
|