I cannot vouch for trail conditions beyond that point – a bit of exploration is probably necessary to determine whether the old trail can be reopened to the saddle.

As for the circumstances that led to closure of the route described in the article, I will only say this: The owners have every right to protect their land from abuse and vandalism. That they have done so is sad testimony. There is real history of Territorial Arizona is up there and the actions of a few mindless people have caused the rest of us to loose access.