Met Nick and Joe in Globe, then we drove through Show Low to the Escudilla and Government trailheads to set up a shuttle. The weather was perfect, and aspens were blazing gold. On top of Escudilla, we climbed the fire tower for a better view, had a snack, then headed down the Escudilla Trail. The Escudilla Trail with its continuous aspens was at maximum color, and photo stops were frequent. Afterwards we checked out a couple of side roads, settling on a mesa top site above Eager to camp out for the night. With a hot fire and quesadillas for dinner, we stayed warm in the steadily dropping temps. Elk bugled throughout the night. Woke up to a 24 degree morning, packed up, then we headed off to Mount Baldy.