Noon Creek Trail #302A, AZ

The following is in reference to the picnic area. Should suffice to get you in the mood for a nooner hike.


The name "Noon Creek" comes from the fact that when pioneer settlers traveled this way on excursions into the Pinaleno Mountains, this was usually as far as they were able to get via horse and wagon by lunchtime of the first day. Noon Creek thus became a traditional lunch stop along the historic travel route into the Pinalenos and it remains a popular picnic spot today. The surroundings here are typical of mountain oak woodlands with junipers and scrub oaks standing as the tallest trees, while satin barked manzanita, saw-leafed sotol and soaptree yucca form a picturesque understory.Keep an eye out for some of the local residents. You may catch a glimpse of a spiny lizard or a raspy-voiced cactus wren, a bird well adapted to life in this dry, bristling environment. Even if you don't see the latter, you can usually hear their raspy call. Watch for roadrunners, too, as they dart among the underbrush always on the lookout for a slithery meal.

Bear Warning: To avoid putting a bear's life in danger and risking the loss of some of your property as well, please dispose of all garbage in the bear-proof containers provided. Also remember to keep all food out of reach and out of sight of these curious, powerful animals. Watch for poison ivy and snakes along the streambed of nearby Noon Creek. Ladybug and Round the Mountain Trails are nearby.

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot