Ash Creek hike.
Its nice to see interest in our recommended "Off Trail Hikes". Thank you also for your email comments.
Recently one reader asked for another "off trail hike" near I 17, similar to the Badger Springs / Agua Fria River hike, that we recommend. Link below.
http://bradshawmountainhikes.blogspot.com/2012/12/badger-springs-agua-fria-river.html
I was a bit reluctant to give this one away but have decided to post it, knowing not many will venture into this canyon, only the serious.
http://bradshawmountainhikes.blogspot.com/2012/12/badger-springs-agua-fria-river.html
I was a bit reluctant to give this one away but have decided to post it, knowing not many will venture into this canyon, only the serious.
If your looking for seclusion, a beautiful year round flowing stream, filled with native fish, in a lush riparian setting, well consider this hike.
No one hikes this little gem located right next to Interstate 17, but instead speed past it not realizing it is here. This is just one of many unknown drainage hikes, located all over Arizona.
This hike is not located in the Bradshaw Mountains but sits right along Interstate 17 off the Dugas Road.
This is an "off trail" hike that simply follows a dry wash, Ash Creek,
that turns into a small flowing stream and connects with another,
Little Ash Creek, then another,
Little Dry Creek.
A sort of big circle is made returning you back to your vehicle.
Included below is a Google Map to follow.
What I like about this hike.
- The riparian forest is amazing,
- Wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Seclusion
- No foot traffic
- Flowing streams.
- If you have never seen black hawks in Arizona, this is a good location to find them.
- Mule deer
- Javelina
- Mountain lions
- Bobcats
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Hawks
- Small birds
- Rattle snakes
- Lizards
- Fish
Lizard.
Rock art / chipping sites can be found if you have experience in locating these types of sites. This is open range so expect to see cattle / horse disturbance, although there is not much.
Watch for rattle snakes as they are common.
Wildlife / cow trails can be followed at times along these creeks.
Directions
From Phoenix take the Dugas exit off I-17 just past Cordes Junction and turn east for about 1/4 mile. Turn right and follow a dirt road (on map) to the starting point. Don't attempt this hike during rainy periods (flooding). This dirt road turns to slick deep mud. There are two ways back to the vehicle. If you take the short cut, shown on the map it will shave off about 2 miles.
- Miles... 8 to 10
- Time... take a day or spend the night
- Difficulty... easy
- Elevation... not much
- Notes... don't attempt during rainy periods because of possible flooding. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Watch out for rattle snakes. Cow and wildlife trails can be followed at times. Riparian areas can be thick so be prepared for bush whacking.
This little gem of a hike is around 8 miles. Of course you can turn around at any time and return the way you came.
Hike Directions
Drop into Ash Creek and follow it downstream until it intersects Little Ash Creek, about 3 3/4 miles. Water will appear about 1.5 miles downstream.
Drop into Ash Creek to begin. Water begins to flow about 1.5 miles downstream.
Pools along Little Ash Creek.
stream for about a mile where Little Dry Creek enters on left.
Also refer to topo maps for more details.
Make a left and follow Little Dry Creek northward until it intersects a road crossing, about 1 3/4 miles. Turn left, northwest and follow the dirt road to a white closed road sign. At the closed road sign, follow this closed road back to the vehicle (2 miles). It is open to foot traffic.
Fish.
Don't hike alone and be careful. If you go let us know what you think . Photos from a Panasonic point and shoot camera.
Google Map
https://maps.google.com/maps/
Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.
