Flagstaff to the Muggy Rim AZT Mud and Pavement

[AZTtripper]

Rob B and I wanted to do a 3 day bikepacking trip over the 4th. We decided on trying to ride from Flag to the Mogollon Rim and back. We knew full well that it was likely to rain and that said rain would lead to sticky mud that would likely force us off the trail. As most of the route would parallel the Lake Mary road (FS 3) we figured we could always bail to pavement.

Day one we enjoyed great riding south out of town toward Fisher Point and then up to Marshall Lake and Anderson Mesa. It was hot in the morning until the clouds built but that just meant that rain was on the way and sure enough we got hit about noon. We started picking up mud but found we could keep moving by staying out of the rutted trail and riding in the pine needles. Flat ground and open forests made it possible to continue on until we hit a dirt road and leave the trail for pavement.

After a quick spin on the Mormon Lake road we stopped at the store for food and a quick check of the map. It looked like we would be better off on pavement for the rest of the day so we made plans to shoot for a camp out on the rim. 27 miles on the AZT then pavement followed by FS improved dirt roads and we found a nice camp after 75 miles on the bikes. Not bad for day 1.

[AZTtripper]

Day 2 we broke camp and set out along the Rim to the start of the Blue Ridge Passage. The AZT guide book says “Only the most hardcore and masochistic riders will enjoy this.” We had a blast great riding blasting through the creek crossings and minimal (by AZT 300 standards) hikabike.

At Blue Ridge campground we loaded up on water ate lunch and then the rains hit. Not sure what would happen after leaving the camp rain and mud wise we were happy to find dry trail and fun riding.

We were well into the Happy Jack Passage before more rains hit.

[AZTtripper]

Day 2 continued riding even after the first rain and hail came down, a section of rocky trail less meadow lead to even rockier roads. Thanks to all of the rock we were not picking up any mud then the road turned to dirt but was completely dry.

This dry road suckered us in and we continued north until the second big rain of the day came in with a flash and bang almost simultaneously. It was hailing again even more then the first round and the lightning was very close. We sat it out under Rob’s tarp.

After this the roads were running like little mini rivers but we could keep moving as the water washed the mud off as we rode. We knew we would need to get out eventually and hit the pavement but at first the only way was to stay on route. We left the signed AZT at a point where it diverged from the GPS data and started looking at the map to figure out how to get to the highway. While Rob studied the map I went to look around I could see a large area of mounded earth and then a sign reading Gonzales Tank. Once we knew for sure where we were there was nothing to do but head out to the pavement. It looked like 4 miles to go before we would hit the improved road and as the water dried up the mud stuck like glue. I was not a happy camper those last few miles pushing, dragging, and cleaning the bike up and more pushing. We were very glad to see the hard pack of the improved dirt road even though it meant we would be back on pavement soon.

We stopped in at the Happy Jack Ranger Station and used their hose to clean off most of the mud. Then up the highway to find a place to camp for the night.

Day 3 was just a half day spin back to Mormon Lake for food and water and then pavement back to Flagstaff.

We ended up with 166 miles total and a lot of good riding on the AZT along the way.

[ScottM]

Awesome, thanks for the report Tim.  A good trip for sure.  You made the best of it with all the rain.  That mud sure gets nasty quick.

I wonder if they did a little work on the AZT going north from the rim.  I guess even in '05 it wasn't too bad, like you said, by sub-Rim AZT standards.

I thoroughly enjoyed the pics.

[AZTtripper]

Yes it was a good trip I know Chuck Horner did some work on the Blue Ridge and that there has been ongoing work on Happy Jack. Just before as we left the AZT on FS 93 the signed trail took off on a different two track then the one I have used before. I am assuming that this leads to more new ST I had hoped to add to the data base but that will have to wait until another trip.

[Mike Brown]

I was thinking about riding from Payson-ish area to Flag around late Oct, early Nov.
Opinions on this, inclding # of days and weather?
Resources I can check out?
Thanks guys.

[ScottM]

The Routes section here on bp.net has a good GPX file showing some options to look at.  From Pine, AZ to the top of the Mogollon Rim the AZT is the Highline trail, which has plenty of hike-a-bike, but is otherwise a pretty cool trail.  Once on the rim the AZT is a great bikepack route all the way into Flag.

I've got some updates to the AZT network to do, including some new trail by Mormon Lake.  I hope to do that this week.

Time?  ~3 days at a reasonable pace maybe?

[Mike Brown]

I rode Highline like 14 years ago.  I'd love to do it again.
Thanks.

[AZTtripper]

I rode Highline like 14 years ago.  I'd love to do it again.
Thanks.

I think the Highline is pretty cool also but it can be a lot of work. In 04 I found lots of down trees and heavy over growth by 06 the FS had worked two fires in the area and the trail was a lot better. There should be water at Washington Park at the headwaters of the East Verde and more along the way up the Devin trail. The Devin trail is the big grunt gaining the rim there was lots of water in the first half of Blue Ridge not sure in the fall. We got water at the Blue Ridge campground not sure how late they stay open (keep the water on). There is a ranger station north of the trail on Hwy 87 then it is a fair ways to Mormon lake but you could always detour over to the Happy Jack ranger station I have gotten water at both in the early spring.

The GPS data found here on BP is helpful but we found the trail in pretty good shape and well signed I doubt you would have too much trouble even with out a GPS.

I would think that a trip from General Springs that's right above the rim on to Flag and even on to the South Rim would be primo AZT bikepacking. Starting in Payson/Pine adds a bit of hike a bike but also some good challenging stuff.

I would want 5-6 days from Payson 3 from the rim, it would be easy to go from Flag on the highway to Clint's Well head south about .5 miles to FS 141 (I think) then out to the rim in one day then 2-3 days back to Flag on the trail.

[Mike Brown]

If I absolutely have to, I'm equipped to carry an ungodly amount of water (quick math in head adds up to 212 oz), so as long there's some somewhere each day, I can be OK. 
When I did the Highline last time, it was my biggest two days at that point.  Something like a 20-ish miles section of rugged as heck trail and then a bunch of gravel road.  Giant ATX 760, I had just bought my first CB and upgraded to a Quadra 21-R fork.  Friend's girl met us somewhere with car, beer, food, camping stuff.   Ahh, memories. 
 Anyways, I like the sounds of 5 days to do this in, that's what I'm looking for. 

[AZTtripper]

I should think the hardest part would be all below the rim and as I recall there is a spring a short way into the Highline and then there should be a creek at Geronimo camp (there is in the spring any way). Then once you get up top things should speed up we were making good time until the mud slogged us up. So depending on timing and speed you might could make Blue Ridge (where the trail crosses 87) all the way to near Mormon Lake in one day with a reasonable amount of water.

[AZTtripper]

I've got some updates to the AZT network to do, including some new trail by Mormon Lake.  I hope to do that this week.

There are some changes out near Gonzales Tank if you head out on FS 93 near Happy Jack then to past Gonzales you will find the new AZT signs on the left.

[ScottM]

There are some changes out near Gonzales Tank if you head out on FS 93 near Happy Jack then to past Gonzales you will find the new AZT signs on the left.

Hmm, you didn't get a GPX track of it, did you?

That area was always confusing -- not well signed any of the times I went through there.

[AZTtripper]

Signage was pretty good out there actually I some how left tracking off so no tracks but I think Rob should have. Not sure that we did any thing new though I think we left the trail just as the new changes begin. I do have a waypoint that I made just after we left the signed route I can get that sent to you.

[YuriB]

Nice post. It makes me want to do that section again and explore some of the newish ST we missed.

[AZTtripper]

Nice post. It makes me want to do that section again and explore some of the newish ST we missed.

Yes there is lots of good riding above the Rim well worth checking out. In the past I have felt that sticking to the official AZT was the only way to go, obviously we all have to make our own choices along the way. I have always felt that the extra work of staying on the trail was rewarded in the end with some (even if short) great pieces of trail. With a shuttle this section could easily be put together in a long weekend.

On the other hand Scott and I have discussed that it might be better to leave the AZT entirely in favor of the Black Canyon Trail thus skipping several big Wilderness passages all in one shot on good new ST.

[Chad B]

Great read and pics guys!

[brink]

Nice write up Tim!

>>Hmm, you didn't get a GPX track of it, did you?

Yes, I have it. Will send it to you.

[YuriB]

On the other hand Scott and I have discussed that it might be better to leave the AZT entirely in favor of the Black Canyon Trail thus skipping several big Wilderness passages all in one shot on good new ST.

That's a route I've been thinking about too - Flag to Phx via that Coco-ming-Bob Loop thing to the BCT to the maricopa trail via cave creek trails to Pima and Dynamite to...and on and on..........

[AZTtripper]

That's a route I've been thinking about too - Flag to Phx via that Coco-ming-Bob Loop thing to the BCT to the maricopa trail via cave creek trails to Pima and Dynamite to...and on and on..........

It definitely looks good on paper.