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Barnhardt
Trail
The Barnhardt trail winds its way
trough the Mazatzal Mountians (which themselves are part of Tonto
National Forest), and is well worth the trip. The trailhead is not far
off of the Bee-Line Highway, Northeast of Phoenix. The first parts of
the trail are through low scrub brush, but the trail quickly climbs
into the pines. Enormous stands of manzinita brush can be seen, and the
views are terriffic. The climb is a good one, so bring energy snacks
and lots of water. The Barnhardt trail eventually intersects the
Mazatzal Divide trail.
Getting There: Take the Bee-Line highway North from Phoenix. The turn off to the Barnhardt trailhead is well marked, and is about 18 miles or so south of Payson. Click on any picture to enlarge.
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This is the
sign that is found at the trailhead. |
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The parking
lot at the trailhead, and my beautiful van. |
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The Barnhardt
trail is trail number 43. The Mazatzal divide trail is six miles
that-a-way. |
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You can also
follow the shake tree trail to get to the divide trail. |
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A little bit
down the trail, you enter the Mazatzal Wilderness Area. This sign
demarks the wilderness boundary. |
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Near the
bottom of the trail, looking up. The trail eventually winds its way up
the canyon shown. |
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Looky! Some
prickly pear fruit is ripe! Yummy! Had one myself, thank you. |
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Near rocks and
an agave plant. |
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This picture
also appeared in one of my trail guides, so I just had to take the same
picture myself. |
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A view from
along the trail. |
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This is what
you see when you get to the top of the first canyon (it is quite a
climb to get up here). |
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Another view
from the top. |
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Looking back
over what we have just achieved. |
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Another view
of the valley beneath. |
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This has got
to be one of the best camping spots I've found. It is right along the
trail! |