| when | Trip Report : February 20, 2016 | ||
| where | Lake Pleasant Regional Park | ||
| the hike |
We will be hiking to the top of a small distinctive mesa overlooking the
northern part of Lake Pleasant. Up there are several well-preserved ruins,
dating from about 1000 years ago, along with great views of the lake and
the Agua Fria River basin.
Starting from the parking area at the end of Table Mesa Road we will cross the dry Agua Fria riverbed and then take an unnamed but easy-to-follow trail running mostly flat and parallel to the river. There are nice views of the river and surrounding hills along the way. After about 3 miles we will reach the base of a white butte known as Indian Mesa. We will climb about 400 feet to the top. After enjoying the views, seeing the archaeological artifacts, and having a snack, we will return the way we came. NOTE: This hike is dependent on there being little to no water in the Agua Fria River, the flow of which is artificially controlled. If the river has too much water to be safely crossed, we will do an alternate hike nearby on the Little Pan loop section of the Black Canyon Trail. The club has never done this hike before, but the leader has been there in February, 2013. Here is a description from another source: http://www.desertusa.com/desert-arizona/indian-mesa-ruin.html Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
||
| distance | 6 miles | ||
| time | 3-4 hours | ||
| EC | +-500' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 1800' at trailhead to 2260' at top of Indian Mesa | ||
| type | In and out | ||
| starting at |
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| on trail | 0% — unnamed but established trails/jeep roads | ||
| rating | "C" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs allowed | no | ||
| cost | Maricopa County Parks and Recreation annual pass or
$6 per vehicle entrance fee to Lake Pleasant Regional Park, paid in exact
change at a self-service station at the trailhead.
Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
||
| weather | Phoenix | ||
| meet | 8:30 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. | ||
| drive | Take I-17 North to exit 236 for Table Mesa Road. At the end of the ramp turn left on Table Mesa Road, pass over the freeway, then make an immediate right to stay on Table Mesa Road. The road soon becomes dirt. Follow for about 4.7 miles, generally staying to the left at each fork, to where the road ends at a cleared parking area near the Agua Fria River. The road to the trailhead is a rough dirt track. High clearance vehicles are recommended. |
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