01-Oct-2014 -- This is a confluence point that I first attempted to visit seven years ago, but that attempt was thwarted due to bad time management. Fortunately, however, that failed attempt gave me valuable information that was useful for this attempt. In particular, I learned the hard way that the road (forest road 41) to the west of the confluence point was extremely rough, so I knew not to attempt to approach the confluence point via the most direct route - from I-17. (I later saw signs warning that - due to recent flash flooding - this section of the road had been closed.) Instead, I approached the confluence point from the south and east - through the (delightfully-named) town of Carefree, and the Cave Creek Campground. Shortly after passing the campground, I turned onto forest road 41, which became progressively rougher as I continued along it. (Needless to say, you need a 4WD vehicle on this road.)

About 1 mile (as the crow flies) from the confluence point, I encountered a scary-looking puddle of mud, so at this point [33.99367,-111.98573], I parked, and began my hike. Fortunately, the temperature (by Arizona standards) was not particularly high - only 80 degrees as I began the hike, and significantly less at the end (shortly before sunset). I made sure to wear long trousers - which was a good choice, given the prevalence of cactus and other spiny plants. (As I'll explain later, I regret not having worn a long-sleeved shirt as well.)

The hike - although relatively short - ended up being quite difficult, as it involved a more than 600' climb up a rock-strewn hillside dotted with numerous cactus (and other nasty thorn-laden plants). The confluence point itself lies on an east-facing hillside, next to a dead tree. (Previous visitors described it as a juniper tree; I'll take their word for it.)

On the hike back down, I had a scare. While hiking down the hill, I slipped and fell - onto a barrel cactus! Although the straps of my backpack absorbed many of the cactus spines, my left arm got badly lacerated. It turns out that one of the spines only just missed an artery in my arm! Being in such a remote location, this fall could have been disastrous. Fortunately, though, I was able to return to my car OK, right on sunset.