I scouted this area back in June but I've been so busy I wasn't able to get a hike in until now.

This is a great hike for this time of year. It's closer than Payson and with quite a few less people. The trail is a little bit overgrown and we did get off trail a couple of times, but i've seen worse.

The apple orchard is fairly healthy and according to my brother the green apples were ripe.

The views from the top were great. Red mentioned that there are more apple orchards down by Murphy ranch and quite a few pueblos in the area. So I already know what I will be doing on my return trip to this area.

It might be a good idea to check on the hunting schedules before heading up there. It was bear season last weekend and there were a few people in camos carrying rifles. Most were on their way out when we arrived, but it's probably not be a good idea to be hiking in the area when there are active hunters.