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Why Bother!! by imike  Note: Page stats reflect #132 one-way segment. The description below is 3.5mi / 550 ft / 810 aeg / 2 hrs. This trail is hardly worth the effort, given the many great alternative hikes in the area. It accesses Karr Canyon too far down into the populated area, and it is a main route for ATV's and motorcycle riders. Yet, as a potential connecting traverse for mountain bike riders ascending (crazy!!) or descending the mountain, this route does provide a very reasonable alternative to the hyper steep trails that descend the ridges to the south. While those average 700-1000' per mile, Courtney Mine tends more towards 300-500 feet per mile. You could connect with Karr Canyon road up on the Sunspot highway (adjacent to the Karr Canyon Rest area) or off of the Rim Trail (T105) just shy of the Alamo Peak Road... and ride Karr Canyon down to Courtney Mine Trail, and make the much easier traverse over to West Side Road. From there, head south to descend T119 (The "A" trail) or head north, cross Hiway 82 to connect with Fresnal Canyon Road to loop around through La Luz and into Alamogordo. Fresnal Canyon road has recently been paved, but it still has relatively no automobile traffic; it is a great alternative to the lower 8 miles of hiway 82 with it's narrow lanes and speeding traffic. so... not a great hike, but a very reasonable Mountain biking alternative. Additionally, you could use this to access the upper ridges running south over to Alamo Peak for some offtrail bushwhacking adventures. The elevation guarantees snow, ice and possibly muddy trails in the winter season. Check out the Official Route. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Courtney Mine Trail #132
I need to finish writing the trail descriptions for sections of this hike... then the linking could be completed! Bit muggy out... but a breeze did come up. I thought I would stay out longer but I did not pack enough fluids.
Nice severe hop step down a ledge to land on the side of my foot... immediate and acute sharp pain, but a few limp around steps and I was right back to striding. So odd that a kayaking injury over 25 years ago leaves me with un-sprainable ankles!
Just before the attack on my ankle, Spanish Dagger to my arm... and soon after: prickly pear jammed into my foot! Yet, mood was high... great day out. On a scale of 1 to 7,,, I'd give it a ten.
I intend shorter, easier days.. but I also intend to not miss days and yesterday was distracted... delayed,,, then denied.
Fun stuff,,,
Nice severe hop step down a ledge to land on the side of my foot... immediate and acute sharp pain, but a few limp around steps and I was right back to striding. So odd that a kayaking injury over 25 years ago leaves me with un-sprainable ankles!
Just before the attack on my ankle, Spanish Dagger to my arm... and soon after: prickly pear jammed into my foot! Yet, mood was high... great day out. On a scale of 1 to 7,,, I'd give it a ten.
I intend shorter, easier days.. but I also intend to not miss days and yesterday was distracted... delayed,,, then denied.
Fun stuff,,,
2014-08-05 imike
Courtney Mine Trail #132
Day was scheduled for a timed ascent to Ortega Peak... and a made an early start with every intention of getting back early to work projects.
But...
Once hiking, I felt more like going longer and higher; score some of the upper elevation cool. It also felt like one of those "first days of the rest of your life..." so I carried along a notebook to plot out and re-plan the coming months of training. That is pretty much how the day progressed. Clouds rolled in midday. I scored some up down laps off Karr Canyon road. Eventually, I came back down and turned up the Ortega Spur trail, then realized it really needed to be swept, so I went down to the tools and brought them up... and swept the entire lower slab rock area.
Looked as if I might make it back to the trailhead before 4pm but I ran into Joseph and Devon (local dentist?) running up the "A" trail. They asked me if I knew where the caves were... so, I hiked them up to the "A" Bluffs and then on to Leah's Lair. They seemed stoked!
I snapped pics of them doing both features then showed them the trail connections to the old Gold Mine and the connecting spur to Terri'a Cut...
Long day without food and just 60 oz of OJ... time to hydrate up and figure out what would make a nice cutting dinner.
But...
Once hiking, I felt more like going longer and higher; score some of the upper elevation cool. It also felt like one of those "first days of the rest of your life..." so I carried along a notebook to plot out and re-plan the coming months of training. That is pretty much how the day progressed. Clouds rolled in midday. I scored some up down laps off Karr Canyon road. Eventually, I came back down and turned up the Ortega Spur trail, then realized it really needed to be swept, so I went down to the tools and brought them up... and swept the entire lower slab rock area.
Looked as if I might make it back to the trailhead before 4pm but I ran into Joseph and Devon (local dentist?) running up the "A" trail. They asked me if I knew where the caves were... so, I hiked them up to the "A" Bluffs and then on to Leah's Lair. They seemed stoked!
I snapped pics of them doing both features then showed them the trail connections to the old Gold Mine and the connecting spur to Terri'a Cut...
Long day without food and just 60 oz of OJ... time to hydrate up and figure out what would make a nice cutting dinner.
2014-04-21 imike
