Midnight Mesa Loop
35.7 mi6,665 ft
5,463 ft
2,073 ft
Fantastical loop in the heart of the Mazatzals, with epic views along Midnight Mesa, Wet Bottom Creek, and over the Lost Dutchman Grave area. Best done as a backpack.
Photos
Early morning light on the Mazatzals
Sleepy snake on the path
Small, unmarked seep along the route
Racing the sun up the hill
Green ocotillo, where a few months ago was only brown
The hot, dreaded climb
The big views back down towards Sheep Bridge
Lush colors around Mountain Spring
Approaching Midnight Mesa
Granite Basin, a rocky outcropping next to the mesa
Great views at the end of Lost Spring Trail
Tiny, humble seeps of water
The sad, dead forest above Lost Spring junction
Steep drop along Midnight Mesa
Great views down into Deadman Creek
Pleasant forest along Midnight Trail
Another section of fire damaged trail
Water flowing along Wet Bottom Creek
Easy, cleared trail beyond the creek
Big cairns on Red Hills Trail
Wide, deep valley to cross
Fantastic water source at Wet Bottom Creek
Long haul up the western bank
Storm chased
Sheets of rain over a distant Mazatzal Peak
Big western views
Easy going on Red Hills Trail
Light playing on the Red Hills
Dropping into a quiet valley
Last rays of light playing across the hill side
Goodbye, sun
Huddled next to the campfire
A quick descent along a deep tributary
Dusty early morning light
Wide variety of plants along the trail
In the valley of Dutchman Grave
Flowing water at the lower spring
A familiar Saguaro skeleton
Last look back at the valley and hills beyond
Quick trot on HK Mesa
A few, spiky, obstacles along the way
Water flowing along Sycamore Creek
Along the way
Spring 3
- Mountain Spring
- Lost Spring
- Lower Spring
Creek 2
- Wet Bottom Creek - Upper Crossing
- Wet Bottom Creek Crossing
Mountain 2
- Midnight Mesa
- HK Mesa
Trailhead 1
- Sheep Bridge (Verde River) trailhead
Junction 7
- Lost Spring Spur / Willow Springs Trail Junction
- Midnight / Red Hills Trail Junction
- Midnight / Willow Springs Trail Junction
- Red Hills / Dutchman Grave Trail Junction
- Willow Spring spur junction
- Willow Springs Trail / Verde River Trail Junction
- Deadman / Willow Springs Trail Junction