Peter’s Canyon to Cave in Tonto National Forest, AZ

Hike Peter’s Canyon to Cave Tonto National Forest, AZ

Class 2 4.8 miles 800 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Mar 17, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Peter’s Canyon to Cave GPX Track

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I started at a large parking area at Tortilla Flat and followed a social trail over a small hill and into the drainage leading to Peters Canyon. After some boulder-hopping, I turned right into Peters Canyon and followed aggresive Class 2+ boulder moves through some gorgeous pinnacles and well into Peters Canyon. The canyon mellows out a bit, and the scenery is really nice. I ran out of water just as I approached the Peters Canyon Cave on the right, otherwise I'd have kept going into the welcoming canyon ahead. The cave is hardly the highlight, but served as a good stopping point until I get a chance to revisit this area.

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Leaving the trailhead.
Leaving the trailhead.
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Entering Peters Canyon.
Entering Peters Canyon.
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Nearing the spot where the canyon branches off. Go right toward the interesting looking pinnacles.
Nearing the spot where the canyon branches off. Go right toward the interesting looking pinnacles.
First section of Peters Canyon narrows.
First section of Peters Canyon narrows.
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Cool slickrock section after leaving the narrows.
Cool slickrock section after leaving the narrows.
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Entering the second narrows. I ran out of water around this point. 96 degrees is not great desert hiking weather.
Entering the second narrows. I ran out of water around this point. 96 degrees is not great desert hiking weather.
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The cave is just ahead. I made that my stopping point for the day so I didn't die of dehydration. :)
The cave is just ahead. I made that my stopping point for the day so I didn't die of dehydration. :)
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Looking back down the narrows.
Looking back down the narrows.
Look how much cool stuff is ahead! Maybe another day.
Look how much cool stuff is ahead! Maybe another day.
A cave, my stopping point.
A cave, my stopping point.
Old camping gear left behind. I have no idea how old it is.
Old camping gear left behind. I have no idea how old it is.
Looking up the canyon. I'll have to come back.
Looking up the canyon. I'll have to come back.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!