| Approx hike distance (miles): | 8 | Area: | Kearney |
| Accum. elevation gain (feet): | N/A | Park Entry Fee: | No |
| Low to high elevation gain: | 1500 | SCAMR All Trails Map: | Yes |
| Recommended gas donation: | $10 | Website for reference info: | N/A |
| Unpaved miles: | See Below | Trailhead GPS Coordinates | See Below |
| Road Conditions: | Fair | High clearance vehicle req’d: | Yes |
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure to check -in |
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| Trail Conditions | |||
| Maintained Trail: | Yes | Uneven footing | Yes |
| Steep side drop-offs | No | Steep Trail: | No |
| Off Trial (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 scratch 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.
