West Fork Trail #260, AZ

Overview:
A steep climb up a manzanita hillside from Cornucopia to Thicket Springs Trail. A segment of AZT #22 (recently re-routed) and an integral part of the classic Cornucopia - Thicket Spring Loop. The 'trailhead' is not easily accessible unless you have a vehicle that can handle 25A.


Hike:
If you're on this trail, chances are that you are doing some sort of thru-hike or loop (like the one linked above) and have reached West Fork Trail by hiking other trails. The alternative is that you drove (or walked) up 25A along Sycamore Creek until it ended, and then walked the short connector to the Cornucopia / West Fork junction. However you get there, this description starts at the trail's east end.A busy signpost marks the junction of Cornucopia / West Fork trails, with West Fork heading up and to the left. Seasonal pools may be found in the creek bed here along Cornucopia Trail - this is the only water source for a while. Start climbing up, heading back and forth along the one switchback, passing burnt trunks rising over the younger growth in an eery combination. Below there are views of Cornucopia dancing along the creek bank.

At 0.4 miles the trail turns west in earnest and continues uphill, with a few good angles of Mount Peeley to the north and Saddle Mountain to the southwest along the way. The route goes up through a saddle and then drops softly to end at Thistle Spring Trail. From here you can turn left towards Saddle Mountain and MacFarland Canyon or turn right towards Peeley. Lots of loop options and all-day meanders are available.

Water Sources:
Seasonal pools may be found along Cornucopia Trail.

Camping:
No good flat spots are along this short connecting trail.

2017-06-27 jacobemerick