Agua Fria River Loop

This hike starts at the Perry Tank ruins trail which is accessed from Bloody Basin rd. just south of Cordes Junction. For this trip, we are going to drive a high clearance vehicle to near the "new" windmill and drop down into Baby Canyon where we will follow the bed of Bishop Creek, on a relatively easy downstream grade, until we get to the Agua Fria river. I expect some light bushwhacking to be in order. Once in the Agua Fria proper, we take in the sights and sounds of this great little canyon that seems worlds away from the busy I-17 that sits just atop the hill to the West. I would say the first day is going to be about 7-8 miles of walking in streambeds, navigation around and thru small pools and up and over boulders of varying sizes will be necessary. Due to recent rains, water will not be an issue. Plenty for everyone! I plan to make camp on a beach about the half-way point of our hike. This appears to be about a mile from the mouth of Perry Canyon where on day two we will follow said canyon upstream and out to the top to make a return leg back to our cars following a dirt roads. On the way home we can stop in Black Canyon City for a slice of pie and beverages at the "world famous" Rock Creek Cafe. looks like around 15 miles, only 5 of which follow roads (so we'll get our fill of canyons for sure!) This is an exploratory hike with many miles in creekbeds without real trails. Please consider that this is probably not a beginner's hike. It requires experience in non-technical canyoneering. All members must possess confidence in carrying a pack over miles of boulder hopping. There may be pour-overs and hands-on scrambling. I would compare this trip to Fish Creek in the Superstitions, or similar. See photo above for a general idea of what this "trail" offers. Most of this trip has been detailed by others, so although exploratory for me and you, it seems to be a favorite of the HAZ crowd and offers easy access to a nice area, close to the valley. I will however, tell you that the main focus of mine is Perry canyon. I have not been here, so it is hard for me to say what kind of obstacles to expect (if any), so I would rate this a moderate-plus hike due to the lack of reliable trails and constant streambed walking. Little navigation needed, and following the old ranch road is easy enough. temps should be a very mild 75/45 (dang near perfect!) http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=533 carpools can be arranged from tuscon area, ask Sarae for details.