Updates- last update 2-18-2010

Trail and GPS Updates

Be sure you set your GPS map datum to the type of map you are using, NAD 27 or NAD 83. In our books and on this website, we always use the NAD 27 map datum.

If you want to convert your GPS coordinate format from (dd mm ss), (dd mm), or UTM to another format, enter the coordinates into your GPS unit as a waypoint and then change your GPS unit to the desired format.

If you want to convert from the NAD 27 or NAD 83 map datum, you can use the National Geodetic Survey site ngs.noaa.gov. On their home page, select “geodetic tool kit.” On the tool kit page, select “NADCON.” Select “NADCON” again, then select “Interactively Compute.” Enter your coordinates and select “compute.”

Massacre Grounds Trail. FR28 to Massacre Grounds Trailhead has been closed to vehicles. The closest parking is at Crosscut Trailhead. No parking is allowed along First Water Road. This adds about 1.1 miles of walking or horse riding to your trip.

An old trail marked with rock cairns goes from the Crosscut Trailhead to the former Massacre Grounds Trailhead. This trail will save you some distance and it is much more scenic than walking on the roads. From the Crosscut Trailhead open gate, go left (northeast) in the sandy wash for about 150 yards and look for rock cairns on the south bench. Follow the rock carins to the end of the ridge (N33° 28' 09.1", W111° 27' 47.1") where you will find a large rock carin. Another useful waypoint is at the top of the east side of the large ravine (N33° 28' 02.7", W111° 27' 31.6"). Continue on the track of the rock cairns to the former Massacre Grounds Trailhead at the open gate in the fence (N33° 28' 02.2", W111° 27' 23.5"). The trail is okay for horses except in a few steep spots, so horsemen will have to scout for an alternate route in those areas.

Bull Basin Trail (270). On February 11, 2010, we found the Bull Basin Trail overgrown and almost impassable from Javelina Spring down canyon to the junction with the Haunted Canyon Trail. We bushwhacked our way down the canyon and we were off the trail many times.

Paradise Trail (271). On our Bull Basin Loop trip, returning on the Paradise Trail we found some fallen timber on the trail and encountered a few brushy spots, but it is still useable.

Weavers Needle Crosscut Trail. The waypoint for the junction of the unsigned Terrapin Trail and Weavers Needle Crosscut Trail is (N33° 25' 42.0", W111° 21' 32.8"). The track of the Weavers Needle Crosscut Trail is well defined at this junction. The rectangular butte on the horizon just to the north is a good landmark to let you know you are in the right area. The trail is marked with cairns and is easy to follow.

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