Motherhiker

09/28/2026

08/30/2026

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for more than 20 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.

If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB).

This includes people who may have been:
• Traveling the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
• Staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground
• Traveling through “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch

📞 NPS ISB Tip Line: 888-653-0009
📧 Email: [email protected]

Please provide any information you have, including a person’s name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name.

Full news release: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm

06/03/2026

Ponderosa Campground. Payson, AZ

Ponderosa was one of the first campgrounds we group camped at back in 2017. Fast forward to 2026, the campground is great and the sites did not disappoint.

The weather was great and the company fantastic. There was lots of campground fun; cooking, campfire sitting, and play.

Each site holds up to 8 people and 2 cars. There are large group sites, but 2 sites side by side offer plenty of space too. There are pit toilets and drinking water. The toilets are stocked with toilet paper but bring your own for those busy weekends!

Sites are reserved online at recreation.gov

The campground is 20 minutes from the Payson Walmart, 10 minutes from Horton Creek, and 45 minutes from Bear Canyon Lake.

03/25/2026

Riparian Campout 2026; 2 nights

Tent camping, fishing, pet warehouse, astronomy, campfire charades, scorpion hunt, camp stove cooking.

It was a great weekend with old and new friends. Favorites were resuscitating a fish, a visit to the pet warehouse where we got a chance to meet the owner and hear about the history of the sanctuary, and hilarious charades.

The scorpion hunt was fun, until it expanded to include the campsite! It’s not at all fun to know how many are behind your tent.

Camping at the Gilbert Riparian offers lovely campsites with plenty of space, dedicated fire ring, accessible bathrooms and water.

Vehicles aren’t allowed at the campsites, but park Rangers are available and eager to assist with transporting gear to and from the parking lot.

03/13/2026

Water Wheel, Tonto National Forest. Payson, AZ

The Water Wheel Trail is short easy-moderate-hard hike has something for everyone.

There are water play areas very close to the trail head, another area about half way up, and then the waterfall and pool! The closer to the waterfall, the tougher the hike with a few water crossings and lots of bouldering terrain.

Be prepared to get your feet wet, plan to take a dip in the water and enjoy the landscape!

There is a bathroom at the trailhead. Parking can be limited on weekends and holidays.

03/13/2026

Lookout Mountain Loop 308; it’s an easy-moderate 2 mile loop that gives some fantastic views! Very kid and babywearing friendly with a park and bathrooms nearby.

Today we witnessed a hiker rescue by the local fire department. Appeared to be a minor leg injury.

03/05/2026

Next hike; Saturday 9AM - Lookout Mountain in North Phoenix