Hike | Fred Haught Trail #141 – Arizona Hikers Guide

Hike:

You can take this hike from either the northern end or the southern end. The description below begins from the southern trailhead (General Springs Cabin).

This was part of a loop trip that my father and I completed.  We began at the south trailhead located at the General Springs Cabin TH.  The first half of the trail is shared by the #28 Passage of the Arizona Trail and is clearly marked with signs posted on pine trees.  After that, the trail begins to wander.  Although not as defined as the AZT portion, the trail is not too hard to follow as long as you are on the lookout for cairns and tree blazes (see picture above; two square notches in a pine tree).

Once you pass the register box you will begin heading north into General Springs Canyon.  You will continue to head north into General Springs Canyon where you will cross it’s creek a few times.  Don’t worry, there are places to cross and getting your feet wet is unlikely.  The canyon will widen and is lined in greenery.  There are many places to stop, rest, and even camp for the night along the creek.  At around mile 3 the Arizona Trail begins to head west and climb up and out of the canyon floor.  The Fred Haught trail will continue following the creek.

Around 1/4 mile after the junction you will see a sign that sends you east into Fred Haught Canyon.  There is also a side hike to Fred Haught Cabin from this location (the sign shows the direction of the hike).  Follow the Fred Haught trail northeast where it will climb to a saddle and then crosses Forest Road 719.  Follow the blazes and cairns to stay on path as it will follow the road and then head east.  The trail will then drop into Bear Canyon where you will cross Forest Road 95.  Other reports claim a trail alongside the 95 road but I just took the road south to the hairpin turn and then back north until a clearly marked Fred Haught sign is visable on the right side of the road.

This trail leads to Pinchot Cabin and is fairly easy to navigate. You will cross yet another road (Forest Service 139A) and signs will be present.  This is the northern access point for Pinchot Cabin.   You will now follow this trail down an old narrow road into Houston Draw where you will see Pinchot Cabin and a beautiful meadow awaiting you.  This is a great spot to camp, turn around, or connect to either U-Bar Trail or Houston Brothers Trail.  My father and I continued on Houston Brothers Trail and camped at Aspen Spring (highly recommended).