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This is a difficult two-day, one-night, out-and-back backpack trip up Rock Creek in the Mazatzal Wildernes with an optional exploration of Deadman Falls. Each day will be about 6 miles, climbing 3500ft the first day and 1200ft the second, plus whatever you else you choose to cover exploring. There is also an optional car camp at the trailhead the night before we leave.

(Last year I scheduled this event but ended up getting really sick the night before. This year I am hoping for better luck.)

The Drive:
The trailhead is located off the AZ-87 just north of the AZ-87/AZ-188 junction. Take the exit west and then head north on FR-414. Stay right at the next junction (0.6 mi) to remain on FR-414 until you hit a left turn at the FR-442 junction (4.5 mi). You will take FR-442 all the way until the turnoff to the trailhead before the last river crossing (3.0 mi). Plenty of overflow parking can be found further down the road if needed.

FR-442 requires medium to high clearance. Under normal conditions, it is easy even in a medium clearance SUV, but it can become a bit rougher after heavy weather. There are two or three river easy (short, shallow, solid) river crossings.

Rock Creek Trailhead: https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/6949623325

The Hike:
We will depart the trailhead around 8:00. The first two miles of the hike are more of a workout than scenic as you make the approach to mountain through rolling hills of high desert brush. Like pretty much all of the Mazatzals, most of the large trees in this area are long gone from past fires. Entering the canyon the grade will increase, bring us past some steep switchbacks and then a waterfall. The trail continues up the mountain three more miles until it hits the Mazatzal Divide, where we will turn and head south for a mile until we hit our campsite at Horse Camp Seep. With less than six miles under our feet, we should have plenty of time to explore down Deadman Falls.

There is a decent chance for some snow up here, but the current forecast does not have any precipitation nor very low temperatures. I would still come prepared for anything though.

Rock Creek Trail: https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=850
Deadman Falls: https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2018

Horse Camp Seep has historically been reliable water all year round. If we are unlucky, Hopi Spring on the saddle has also been running year round. Recent online and personal recon show high water activity.

Horse Camp Seep: https://hikearizona.com/dexcoder.php?PID=592566
Hopi Spring: https://hikearizona.com/dexcoder.php?PID=592550

Disclaimer:
Backpacking and hiking have inherit risks, but most can be largely mitigated with good judgement and preparation. By joining this trip, you are expected to bring both. I am by no means a professional hiking guide; I will make a best effort to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the trip, but I assume no liability for participants nor any guarantees on events of the trip.

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