Copper Camp Loop
33.6 mi5,993 ft
5,522 ft
1,906 ft
Tough loop in the western Mazatzal foothills along overgrown creeks, fire-damaged heights, and old sheep-grazing grassy flats.
Photos
Early morning light on Davenport Peak
A very overgrown section of FR 477
First, and last, trail sign for a while
Morning light over the chalk hills and saguaros
Blazing morning sun along the road
Corral remains at Trail Springs
Foreboding, overgrown trailhead of Copper Camp
Route-finding gauntlet through cholla
Descent into Copper Camp Creek
Shade and cairns along the creek
Lovely pool for a breakfast break
Tough going along the banks
Huge sycamore rising above the desert creek
Assorted brush taking over sections of trail
Climbing along the creek banks
Steep, rocky banks along the creek
Rock pools blocking the way forward
Section of well-constructed trail
Part of the old loading corral
Running water and shade near the loading corral
Steep going through flowers and cactus
Start of the long climb
Jagged, toothy formations to the south
Long views back to the west, where it all began
A bug-filled sky
Healthy trees on top of the climb
Line marking the extent of the wildfires
Minor deadfall issues along the trail
Humble, mossy seep near the Sheep Creek Trail junction
Guardians marking Squaw Flat Spring
Glamping at Squaw Flat Spring
Evening view of Saddle Mountain
Morning view of the moon over the trail
Mazatzal sunrise, reminders of the wildfire
Charred section of trail
Morning light on Saddle Mountain
Pleasant trail outside the burn
Big view north to Table Mountain and beyond
Rocky trail along the creek
Large, grassy flats along Sheep Creek
Entering the grassy hills of the Western Mazatzals
Old fence remains along the creek
A terribly overgrown section of trail
Breakfast break spot on Sheep Creek
Overflowing trough at Round Spring
Looking down on Sheep Creek cabin remains
Long look south, up the creek I came down on
Corral near Sears Trail junction
A forgotten sign for Sears Trail
Small, pleasant valley along Sears Trail
Hot ridgeline section of the trail
Looking northeast towards North Peak and the Park
Old fence near Lizard Spring
Slow seep above Lizard Spring
Awesome, ancient tree branches above the spring
A hot climb back to the trail
Back on the trail, hopefully
Headings towards Horseshoe and home
Easy, well-marked section of trail
Shade in the unnamed wash
Good place to stop for lunch
Terrible bushwhacking section through Palo Verde and cactus
Old two-track leading the way out
Wilderness boundary fence along Sears Trail
Towering chalk formations above the wash
Painfully close to the trailhead
Back on the overgrown FR 477
A friendly watcher over Sears TH Spring
One last look at the Western Mazatzals
Along the way
Spring 6
- Seep near Loading Corral
- Squaw Flat Spring
- Round Spring
- Trail Springs
- Lizard Spring
- Sheep Creek Seep
Ruin 1
- Sheep Loading Corral
Camping 1
- Squaw Flat campsite
Trailhead 1
- Copper Camp Trailhead
Junction 2
- Copper Camp / Sheep Creek Trail Junction
- Sears / Sheep Creek Trail Junction