Upper Mazatzal Loop
51.6 mi8,164 ft
5,869 ft
2,310 ft
Long backpacking loop through the remote northern reaches of the Mazatzal Wilderness. Includes well-groomed AZT sections as well as overgrown backcountry hacks.
Photos
Predawn light on North Peak
Thick, green growth on Saddle Ridge
Overflow at Whiterock Spring
Stumbling rocks and big views on Polles Mesa
Source of Polk Spring
Easy crossing of East Verde River
A rough, rolling start to Bull Spring Trail
The trail slides along the face of 5366' ahead
A steady, relentless climb
Finally at the trail junction
Looking east towards the Mogollon Rim
A barren, damaged basin beyond the saddle
Looking down into Bull Spring Canyon
Two troughs at Bull Spring
Quaint spot for LF Cabin
Great tread along Wet Bottom Trail
Last view back over Bull Spring Canyon
Climbing up out of the last basin
Big views west from the highpoint
Trees, mountains, and big views
Hard time tracking the trail through the vegetation
Direct view down the cut of Wet Bottom Creek
Hot afternoon sun on the mesa below
Startled elk ahead
Planned campsite below, seeming impossibly distant
Camp setup for the night
Gloomy morning skies
Trail getting easier to follow
Back at the valley of catclaw and hills beyond
Cairns rising from the grass
Long way to Squaw Butte
Good water at Canyon Creek
The real junction for Highwater and Verde River
Dreamy walking along the Verde River Trail
Fall colors on display along the river
High above the river, scary views ahead
Some surprise petroglyphs along the trail
Getting close to the East Verde confluence
Back at Squaw Butte from beyond East Verde River
Huge, pleasant trees down here
Low clouds drifting into the Verde
Long view back at North Peak
Day is dying
Along the way
Spring 3
- Whiterock Spring
- Polk Spring
- Bull Spring
Creek 2
- East Verde River crossing (Saddle Ridge Trail)
- Canyon Creek
Shoreline 1
- Confluence of the East Verde and Verde Rivers
Saddle 1
- Bull Spring Saddle
Ruin 1
- LF Cabin
Ranch 1
- LF Ranch
Junction 3
- Highwater / Wet Bottom Trail Junction
- Deadman Mesa Trail junction
- Bull Spring Trail junction (signed)