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Coon Creek Ruins - Sierra Ancha Wilderness, Tonto National Forest

Summary: A short hike to some decent ruins. Remember, ruins are fragile and irreplaceable, please leave the area as you found it. It is also illegal to remove artifacts from these historic sites.
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 soon crosses the Salt River on a single lane bridge. After 6.7 miles, turn right onto the well graded, dirt Cherry Creek Road (which is also Forest Road 203). Drive 7.8 miles to where the road crosses Dry Creek marked with a sign. Continue 0.1 miles to an unsigned dirt road on the left which climbs a hill to pass beneath power lines. Those with passenger cars should find a pull off on the side of Cherry Creek Road. Those with high clearance vehicles can follow the dirt road (which is Forest Road 38) 1.7 miles to where it splits. Park at the split.
Road Conditions: Passenger Car / High Clearance Vehicle
Navigation: Easy
Length: 8 miles if coming by passenger car, 4.5 miles with a high clearance vehicle
Date Hiked: April 2006
Weather Conditions: Hot and Sunny
Required Skills: None
Hike Description: Those with passenger cars will have to walk the 1.7 miles on Forest Road 38 to the split described above. From the split turn right onto FR 1076 (not signed) which drops down to cross a dry wash then climbs steeply up a rocky hillside (it is not advisable to bring a vehicle up this road). At the top of the hill the road bends left to parallel the drainage of Coon Creek (which will be on the right), then climbs up and over a pass which features the remains of an old camper top. Just on the other side of the pass, prior to reaching a prominent wash, turn right onto a faint road. The road soon becomes a path as it descends into the wash described earlier to soon reach Coon Creek. Turn right and walk down Coon Creek on a use path on the left, ducking under tree branches as you go. The path immediately enters a wide box canyon. After 5 minutes look for a path which heads up the hillside to the right to the ruins. If you pass all the way through the box canyon, you've gone too far. The ruins feature several low buildings, some of which have partial remains of roofs. When ready, return the way you came.
Rating (1-5 stars):
The author drove along FR 38 to the junction with FR 1076 and completed the 4.5 mile hike in about 2 hours.
Books: 'Ruins Seldom Seen' by Dave Wilson
Photos: Click picture for larger view, click your browser's 'Back' button to return to this page.

Coon Creek Ruins.