PICKET POST XP
January 4-5, 2025
This has been quite a process getting through the Forest Service requirements but I believe we have finally established routes that are approved. Over half of the endurance trails are single track desert/forest trails including a long stretch of the Arizona Trail which is all single track and off limits to motorized vehicles.
The camp is located south of Superior Arizona on East Arnett Road. Superior is a small and quiet town located on US 60 in central Arizona about 40 miles east of Phoenix. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and massive mountains and bluffs. Superior experiences fair temperatures though out the fall, spring, and summer. This makes it perfect for those interested in hiking and equestrian activities. Superior was founded around the discovery of large copper mines that closed down in the 1980’s. The Magma mine reopened in the 90’s and a copper dome was found 7,000 feet underground that is projected to be the largest copper vein in the United States, fourth-largest undeveloped copper deposit in the world. The town is also a gateway city for the famous Arizona Trail.
Picketpost Mountain is an eroded volcanic vent topped with a lava flow that is approximately 18 million years old. There was a military post that became the town of Superior and the military gave the mountain its name as it was an ideal observation point to protect the military camp. The Superstition Mountains are visible to the north, and Weavers Needle is the spire to the west. We may be too early to see the many varieties of wildflowers in the spring as well as cactus blossoms but that all depends on Mother Nature. In a particularly good year yellow brittlebush and orange poppies cover the hillsides.
The AZT is a great single track trail that traverses the entire state from south to north and is generally good footing for horses through this area. However this is not a trail that is easy to make time on. Therefore we have designed the course to alternate the single track with Forest Service road where it is easier to pass and make up time. Richard and Dana have ridden the loops to make sure they can be ridden in time to meet the AERC requirements. We definitely recommend some form of hoof protection. This beautiful area is definitely more suited to riding vs racing.
We will send .gpx files and pre-ride information when more details are worked out closer to the ride.
We are planning both endurance and LD distances plus the XP Club rides/intro rides.
Directions: Take US Hwy 60 to the junction Panther Road in Superior, AZ. Panther Road is called Mary Rd on some maps. Go south on Panther Road to the Fire Station and High School. Turn right on Golf Club Road that is between the Fire Station and High School. This is also known on some maps and navigation programs as Arnett Canyon Road and Telegraph Canyon Road. Continue on the road over the cattle guard to the end of the pavement. The pavement ends at the Three Canyon Trailhead. The parking at the trailhead is day use only, however there is a large open parking area adjacent to the trailhead that can be used for day riders and huge trailers. The ride headquarters is less than a quarter mile down the dirt road. There is enough parking for everyone at that location but you must conserve space. The riders arriving early MUST go to the back of the camp and not block off the back camping spaces. There are dispersed camping areas all along Arnett Canyon Road. Park and camp in disturbed areas only. Take whatever you packed in back out when you leave. Leave your campsite like you would like someone to leave your front yard after camping there.
Health Certificates are required for horses coming from out of state. Use Three Canyon Trailhead, Superior Arizona 85173 as the destination.
