Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Aztec Peak Day Hike

when	Trip Report : August 28, 2021
	Trip Report : August 24, 2013
	Trip Report : August 28, 1999
where	Sierra Ancha Wilderness
the hike	Since we haven’t done this hike in almost 8 years, it’s time for another revisit to this part of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. Aztec Peak is the highest peak in the Sierra Ancha Range east of Roosevelt Lake, providing a commanding view of both the lake and Four Peaks. If FR 487 is still closed, we will start hiking from the barrier and hike the road for 1.2 miles to the Abbey’s Way 151 Trailhead. Gain 760 feet of elevation along the way and pass the 180-foot high Workman Creek Falls, which will probably be reduced to a trickle in June, and also enjoy good views of Workman Creek Canyon.     Although passable, the trail is not well maintained. We may encounter sections of extreme overgrowth and many fallen trees along the way. Be aware of fire-killed trees and the danger of falling trees and branches, especially in windy conditions. If things look bad or it gets too windy, we may have to turn around.     After another half-mile the trail begins a steady ascent up to the peak. Because of the number of fallen trees and overgrowth, we may have to dead-reckon our way to the lookout tower. Three miles from the FR 487 closure and we are on Aztec Peak at the base of the lookout tower where we will stop to enjoy the views of Roosevelt Lake and Four Peaks and have lunch. After lunch we will see about going to the top of the lookout tower and then head back down the trail. The return follows FR 487 down Aztec Peak and back to the trailhead. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	5.25 miles
time	4-5 hours
EC	+-848' if we can drive to the trailhead.  If not, +-1,608' (enough for a "B" hike).
elevations	6,900 feet at trailhead to 7,748 feet at Aztec Peak.
on trail	100% — Aztec Peak Trail, FR 487
rating	"C"   Rate yourself as a hiker.   But see “EC” above.
dogs allowed	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Globe
meet	6:00 AM at Home Depot in Mesa on the southeast corner of Power and US 60. Drive east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Superstition Springs Blvd., exit 187. Take that exit, turn right and go 1/2 mile east, across Power Road. Then turn left, toward Home Depot, at the second driveway. Park in the southwest corner of the lot, behind Burger King. We will make carpooling arrangements from there.
drive	•  Take U.S. 60 east toward Globe. • Just before Globe, make a left turn at the light onto Highway 188 to Roosevelt Lake. • Drive for 14.5 miles and turn right onto Highway 288 to Young. The road is paved for the first 22 miles before becoming gravel and dirt but is usually well-graded. • About 25.3 miles past the 188/288 junction watch for Workman Creek Road (FR 487). You will first see a “Workman Creek Recreation Area” sign on the right side of the road and then a smaller “Elks Youth Camp” sign. • Turn right here and continue on past Creekside, Cascades, and Workman Creek Falls Campground. • About one mile past the Workman Creek Falls Campground and 3.7 miles after turning off Highway 288 watch for the Abbey’s Way 151 Trailhead. The last few miles of FR 487 are very rough and badly eroded, requiring high clearance 4WD vehicles. Road conditions are worse after heavy rain. • NOTE: Depending on current road conditions, the last mile of FR 487 from the campground to the trailhead may be closed, requiring us to walk the distance. I will keep trying to get an update on road and trail conditions before the hike.

Schedule of Events	Arizona Trailblazers Home Page
updated August 29, 2021	© Copyright 2021, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.