IMPORTANT UPDATE: We will walk across the Salt River and not kayak/paddleboard. I visited the river yesterday and there is not enough water to kayak/paddleboard. The walk across was very easy with the water only rising, at most, to about six inches below my knee. Suggestions: Bring water shoes and shorts to walk across and on the other side change into your hiking pants and shoes.
We will walk across the Salt River and then hike to the rarely visited Sunrise Arch and Sky Island, which provides interesting geological features and wonderful views of the Salt River, Saguaro Lake, and Stewart Mountain Dam. During this round trip we will also visit three other peaks in the area.
I have completed this kayak and hike.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please read: This is not an easy hike. It is straight up and then down. We will do some light scrambling, and if you slip, you will only slide a foot or two. About half the hike has no trail, and the other half we will be following a narrow animal trail. As we head back down there will be some bush wacking (Not a lot). The ½ mile trail down is not easy as there will be boulders to walk over and some loose rocks.
SUPER IMPORTANT: READ THIS: We will meet at the Water Users Recreation Site on the Salt River (See link at the bottom of this page).
Then, kayak or paddle board about 200 yards to the other side of the Salt River. The arrow in the photo points to our destination, Sky Island. We get there by going to the right of the arrow and, on our way, stop by Sunrise Arch. You can see the Sunrise Arch in one of the attached photos. Once at the top we will climb to a small peak and then over to Sky Island where we will sit and rest and enjoy the view. After that we will climb to two other peaks and then go back down a different way at which time we will paddle back across to the Water Users Recreation Site.
Once we arrive back at the Water Users Recreation Site you have two options. You can drive home or you can continue to kayak/paddle board to the Phon D Sutton Recreation area. Please note that if the hike takes longer than expected this may not provide enough time to counting paddling and if this happens we will not continue on to Phon D Sutton.
Round Trip from Water Users Recreation Site and Back: Five hours.
If you hike and then kayak/paddle board to Phon D Sutton, we should be done between 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Very important: These are approximate times, and the trip could take longer due to unforeseeable circumstances.
Suggestions:
- Wear long pants due to climbing over rocks.
- Bring a hiking pole(s) for balance.
- Bring three liters of water and food.
Hiking Distance: Around five miles (approximately)
Elevation: 500 feet (approximately)
Please note the photo with the gorilla-like monster. This beast inhabits these mountains, but it has only attacked one person—one of America's living legends. I will ask the following before we get into our kayaks: Who is this person, and what is the name of the beast?
You need a Tonto Forest Service Pass. I am not sure if this site has a vending machine that sells the pass. About a mile down Bush Highway toward Phoenix is Pebble Beach Recreation Area. There is a vending machine there. You can also purchase a pass at stores and the following provides a list of vendors: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd893003.pdf
MUY IMPORTANTE: The organizer of this trip is a VOLUNTEER, not a "leader." The organizer IS NOT trained in first aid and is not a bonded expert mountain guide. You will need to bring your own experience and judgment. If you want to enjoy the benefits of traveling in a group, then we suggest that you stay with the group on the trip. The event planners, leaders, and all organizers from "Amazing Arizona Adventures" are volunteers and are not professional guides. They will not be held responsible for you. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. Each person who signs up for and participates in our events is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. You agree not to hold the trip planners, leaders, or organizers responsible if you get injured. By your confirmation of attending, you agree to the above terms and agreements. YOU are responsible for your own personal safety, and WE do not assume any responsibility or liability for you or your guests.
Location:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Water+Users+Recreation+Site/@33.5554683,-111.6261682,12z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x872bbec6e2b7a99b:0x6b4e43f71b8f63f8!8m2!3d33.5554956!4d-111.543767!16s%2Fg%2F11bv2l_d0_!5m1!1e4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
