(Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest)
The Sink Hole located at the Canyon Point Campground on Arizona Route 260 between Payson and Heber, Arizona, is a major geologic formation on the Mogollon Rim, but the trail leading to it was in serious need of rebuilding. The old trail was decidedly unscenic, following several old logging roads, with a dangerous, washed out trail leading to the bottom of the 75 foot deep sink hole. Our job was to construct a safer trail to the bottom as well as build a winding, scenic approach trail from the campground's main road.
Mike takes a break from digging tread with his Pulaski tool as Debbie rakes with her McCloud tool and Ranger Cindy Peck places a rock for the side retaining wall. In the background, Ralph sets more rock into the side wall as Jim and Ted prepare the trail farther down the slope.
The new trail seen here has a more gradual slope, making it safer and more able to withstand erosion. Large rocks are used to stabilize the downhill side of the trail tread. The charred trees are reminders of the massive 2002 Rodeo-Chedeski fire which devastated over 450,000 acres of the forest.
Another section of the reroute is shown above. The original trail went to the right of the closest tree and was several feet higher than the new trail on the left. It had several rises in it and then a very steep downhill at the far end, and over the years it had washed out and was extremely dangerous to traverse. We built the new trail on what had been air by constructing a rock retaining wall and filling in with dirt to establish the new trail tread which has a more gradual downhill grade.
The new approach trail up on level ground was about 2/3 of a mile in length and meanders through the scenic forest, providing an enjoyable walk for those in the campgound who wish to visit the sink hole. Here Ralph and Debbie (on the left) and Ted and Ranger Cindy (on the right) are in the early stages of digging the new tread. We had to remove all organic material and get down to mineral surface (dirt) as well as remove the numerous rocks which were in the trail's path.
A special treat for us volunteers was a visit to the Gentry Fire Tower, one of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest's three working towers still manned during the fire season. The radio controls and phone are on the side of the cabinet facing you, the device for locating the bearings of the fire is on top, two beds line two walls, and a stove and refrigerator are along another wall. The tower is about 60 feet high and the views it offers are spectacular.
Our crew (from left to right):
Ralph, Mary, Jim, Laureth (in front), Debbie (behind her), Mike, Ranger Cindy Peck, Ted, and Chuck