Y Bar and Barnhardt Trail Loop

Route Description for Y Bar and Barnhardt Trail Loop

The Y Bar and Barnhardt Trail Loop is a gorgeous loop that takes you all the way around Mazatzal Peak for awesome views of a remote-feeling part of the Tonto National Forest. This loop can be done in a day thanks to its spread-out elevation profile, or you can make use of the dispersed camping sites on the route to make this a backpacking adventure.

The Y Bar side of the route is extremely rocky, and the rocks seem to be perfectly ankle-rolling sized. Wear sturdy boots, but also consider starting your loop on the Barnhardt side in case you decide it’s too rocky for you- some users report preferring the Barnhardt side as an out and back because of the rocky terrain.

From the trailhead, keep left onto the Barnhardt Trail. You’ll take a set of even switchbacks up between the creek valleys before starting a traverse across the washes on the side of the peak. Make a longer gradual climb through the canyon to hike underneath Mazatzal Peak, continuing through the manzanitas along the backside of the loop. Stay right three times as you loop around to the Y Bar Trail, which involves some steep descents down switchbacks and consideration of the aforementioned rocks.

This route will deliver you back to the trailhead.