"I now walk into the wild..." - Alexander Supertramp

Maybe the Sierra Ancha Wilderness isn't the best choice for a hike after 22 consecutive work days and celebrating a business plan report out last night with dinner and a movie (Into the Wild). I took the day off today to recharge the batteries and take in the autumn sights. I was regretting not being able to take GRASSHOPPER's generous invite to explore this trail earlier this month and decided this was the perfect "make-up" opportunity.

I must say that the trip rivals the destination. The Young Highway "Desert to Tall Pines" scenic byway is always a great drive. Easily saw a dozen deer darting across the road at various points along the way.

When I turned off SR288 (Young Highway) onto FR410 following the Reynolds Creek watershed, I truly was "into the wild" not seeing another human being for the rest of the day! FR235 follows the Cienga Springs Wash up to the Billy Lawrence Trail Head and was literally on fire with fall colours.

FR235 is listed as "4WD only" by the Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/wilderness/sierra_Ancha/Sierra_A.htm. I agree with GRASSHOPPER's assessment that high clearance is a must. My 2WD F-150 had little problem negotiating the rocky path.

After hiking down Lucky Strike Trail a couple of miles, Skippy and I decided to burn our money and tramp our way to Alaska...




(just kidding!)