I had an Arizona Trail meeting in Superior in the morning and went for a quick jaunt in the White Canyon Wilderness and on the old Arizona Trail route. This was one of my favorite parts of the AZT, but I hadn't returned since 2008. Parked at the gate and walked in, visiting the warm and wonderful Artesian Well along the way: http://youtu.be/Isk09oGJVGE

I hiked a little ways into the White Canyon Wilderness, which was starting to get clumps of poppies on the hillsides. What a beautiful place! It was my first time and I will definitely be back when I have more time. After the wilderness, I took a little hike along the old AZT route up a steep old road. The old route gives great views of Battle Axe Butte and the cliffs ahead. I will have to do a loop with the old and new AZT sometime. This area is just so attractive, and the wildflowers are the icing on the cake!

When I returned to where I parked, I met three scratched up, tired guys who had just come from unsuccessfully trying to summit Battle Axe. They said that the rock up there was terrible and crumbly, but they would be back to try it again.