AZT – Kelvin-Ripsey Wash key exchange (UI)

Date:					Destination:		AZT - Kelvin-Ripsey Wash Key Exchange
Level:		Upper Intermediate (UI)			Area:		Kearny
Approx hike distance in miles:		8			Hike leader:
Low to high elevation gain:		1500			Hike leader phone:
Accum elevation gain in feet:		N/A			Hike leader email:
Departure time - Union Center parking lot:					Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in
Recommended gas donation:		$10
Unpaved miles:		See below.			Park entry fee per vehicle:		No
Road conditions:		Fair			Website for reference info:		N/A
High clearance vehicle req'd:		Yes			Trailhead GPS coordinates:		See below.
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Maintained Trail:		Yes			Uneven Footing:		Yes
Steep Side Drop-offs:		No			Steep Trail:		No
Off Trail (scratchy):		No			Slippery Trail Surfaces:		No
Use of Hands Required:		No			Boulder Hopping:		No
Difficulty:		Moderate			Water Crossings:		No
Restrooms at Trailhead:		No			Gloves Required:		No

 

Special Instructions:

This is a one-way hike on the Arizona Trail with views of the Gila River Valley and the Tortilla Mountains. Bring water, snack and lunch.

Directions:

Take Felix Rd north to Arizona Farms Rd, turn right. Turn left (north) on AZ 79. Turn right on Hwy 60 east toward Globe. In Superior, take Exit 227 south on AZ 177.

North Trailhead: Travel 15.6 miles on 177, turn right on Florence Kelvin Highway (GPS: 33.121509,-110.975383) the sign says Kelvin Riverside. The parking lot will be 2.7 miles on the left. Road is unpaved for about 2 miles. GPS Coordinates: 33.08930, -110.98989.

South Trailhead: Go 4.0 miles (from AZ 177) and turn left into Ripsey Wash (large wash) (GPS: 33.096691,-111.007032). Go 6.0 miles south. You will go through a gate in approx. 2 miles, at 3 miles stay to the left at fork in wash. AZ Trail Sign is on the left at about 6.0 miles (if you come to a large water tank you have gone too far). The road is unpaved and driving down the wash is ok for 4WD or trucks (some soft sand, but very doable). Bushes/trees may result in a scratches in the paint in some narrow areas. It is important to use the GPS coordinates to locate the trailhead. The wash can change from year to year and the coordinates will be the most reliable way to find the trailhead. Trailhead GPS coordinates: 33.028107,-110.982168. If parking allows it, park your vehicle in the return direction (facing north) for hikers/drivers coming from the north trailhead. The drivers returning north should use the coordinates noted above for the turn into the wash.