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Reynolds Creek Trail - Sierra Ancha Wilderness, Tonto National Forest

Summary: A steep out and back hike along the Reynolds Creek Trail to the Murphy Ranch Trailhead. Along the way you will pass Reynolds Falls.
Directions: From Phoenix drive east on Highway 60 almost to Globe. Turn left (north) on Highway 188 (also listed as 88 on maps) and drive 14.4 miles to Highway 288. Turn right on 288 which is paved at first and after a short distance crosses the Salt River on a single lane bridge. After 12.2 miles you will come to an intersection with left branching A Cross Road. Continue straight on Highway 288 for another 15 miles to the sign and turn off on the left for Reynolds Trailhead and camp. Continue a short distance past the camp on Highway 288 to a sign for Reynolds Creek Trail #150 and Forest Road 410 pointing right. There are 2 roads on the right, the leftmost road is FR 410. Follow FR 410 for 2.2 miles to a fork, stay to the right on FR 410. Continue up the steep road to the 4 mile point to a parking area for the Reynolds Creek Trail.
Road Conditions: High Clearance Vehicle
Navigation: Easy
Length: 8 miles
Date Hiked: April 2006
Weather Conditions: Warm and Sunny
Required Skills:
Hike Description: From the parking area, pick up the Reynolds Creek Trail #150 which soon crosses the creek to reach a sign indicating that the Coon Creek fire has created hazardous conditions due to flash floods and tree fall. Beyond the sign the trail climbs moderately to steeply for 0.75 miles to Reynolds Falls which can be accessed via a short spur trail on the right. The upper falls features a pleasant grotto and pool followed by a precipitous plunge of 100+ feet through a basalt cliff band into a pool below. Continuing along the path 0.5 miles later you will arrive at a signed junction with the Center Mountain Trail which branches left. Stay straight on the Reynolds Trail as the path continues ascending steeply to travel beside a wash choked with fallen trees, eventually topping out at a ridge. The trail drops down the other side of the ridge through an area littered with many dead trees. The path is thankfully free from trees, though, thanks to trail crews who have done a great job in clearing the trail. The path drops down, then ascends a short distance to eventually reach the Murphy Ranch Trailhead and junction with the left branching Murphy Ranch Trail #141 (4 miles). When ready, return the way you came (8 miles).
Rating (1-5 stars):
The author completed the hike to the Murphy Ranch and back at a fast pace in 3.5 hours.
Books: None used.
Photos: Click picture for larger view, click your browser's 'Back' button to return to this page.

Cliff band near Reynolds Falls.

Reynolds Falls.
 
Dead trees along the pathway.