Route Editor
Route Scout
Short and sweet views by Strand  This is a new trail recently opened in the White Mountain Trail System. Named for an active osprey nest near the trail. There are no maps as of yet, but the trail itself is clearly marked by the standard blue diamond trail markers. Essentially this is a connector trail from the South side of the Timber Mesa trail travelling around the East side of Scott Reservoir and then connecting to the Ice Cave trail - which, of course, then goes on to meet up with the Blue Ridge trail. Basically this trail closes the loop for the Eastern section of the WMTS, allowing one to travel from Panorama to Los Burros without a gap in maintained trails. With only 1.75 miles from the trail head to connection to the Ice Cave trail, this route allows previously unavailable views of Scott Reservoir and the nesting pair of osprey that have made the small body of water their home. There is one short creek crossing early in the trail, but I was able to cross without getting my feet wet thanks to a rock crossing added by the trail builders. What I really like is that one can now bike or hike this area without having to fight for a parking spot at the Ice Cave trail head, or having to navigate a path through the wet section early in that trail. The trail itself is easy hiking with a few rocky sections and should remain in good useable condition in anything but the worst of the monsoon weather. Some work remains to improve a few of the gates, but all in all this is a great addition to an already phenomenal trail system. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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
Osprey Trail
Nice day out, enjoyed the nice wooded views. Not really any panoramic views on these hikes, although both trails go around Scott Reservoir which is nice.
Took a look into the Ice Cave, nice cold air blasting out of there. Not much to see, though IMO inside.
Took the Osprey out to the Ice Cave Trail, then hiked from end to end of the Ice Cave and back to the Ice Cave-Osprey Junction to take the Osprey back out. So in other words we did an out and back on both trails, end to end.
Much of the route on the Ice Cave is used by the stables at the west TH, bringing groups along the trial on horseback. After all the recent snowmelt and the trail being muddy, it dried and the trail is rutted to pieces. It's chocked full of horse hoof holes, some of them 3-4 inches deep.
The Osprey was named for this bird, having a nesting area near Scott Reservoir when the trail was cut recently as a connector trail. I didn't see an osprey, but I played an osprey call distress sound and a redtail hawk started flying toward me and above me before taking off.
Took a look into the Ice Cave, nice cold air blasting out of there. Not much to see, though IMO inside.
Took the Osprey out to the Ice Cave Trail, then hiked from end to end of the Ice Cave and back to the Ice Cave-Osprey Junction to take the Osprey back out. So in other words we did an out and back on both trails, end to end.
Much of the route on the Ice Cave is used by the stables at the west TH, bringing groups along the trial on horseback. After all the recent snowmelt and the trail being muddy, it dried and the trail is rutted to pieces. It's chocked full of horse hoof holes, some of them 3-4 inches deep.
The Osprey was named for this bird, having a nesting area near Scott Reservoir when the trail was cut recently as a connector trail. I didn't see an osprey, but I played an osprey call distress sound and a redtail hawk started flying toward me and above me before taking off.
2013-03-21 azdesertfather
Osprey Trail
Decided to take a brief walk in the woods, that got a bit more drawn out than originally intended. I took the Osprey trail to the Ice Cave trail and continued up to the tie in with the Blue Ridge trail, and then hiked back the way I came. Perfect day for it, party cloudy, 75 degrees, very light breeze, and no one on the trail.
I did finally manage to find the ice cave, turns out to be larger than I expected, and more of a pit or sinkhole shape than a traditional cave entrance. I sort of see the wisdom in fencing it off, as you could certainly slip on all that loose gravel and fall in (I have no idea how deep the cave actually goes, as I didn't feel the need to get any closer than the fence line). I just hate seeing a fence in the middle of the woods surrounding a natural formation like that - oh well.
Next weekend I'll just head to the Blue Ridge trail head and continue on my quest to hike the entire eastern section of the WMTS with day hikes.
I did finally manage to find the ice cave, turns out to be larger than I expected, and more of a pit or sinkhole shape than a traditional cave entrance. I sort of see the wisdom in fencing it off, as you could certainly slip on all that loose gravel and fall in (I have no idea how deep the cave actually goes, as I didn't feel the need to get any closer than the fence line). I just hate seeing a fence in the middle of the woods surrounding a natural formation like that - oh well.
Next weekend I'll just head to the Blue Ridge trail head and continue on my quest to hike the entire eastern section of the WMTS with day hikes.
2008-10-31 Strand
Osprey Trail
After seeing a new gate and blue trail markers where there were none before, I checked the Tracks website and saw that they had recently completed a connector from Timber Mesa to Ice Cave trail. Since this is virtually in my back yard, I had to check it out.
The terrain is typical Porter Mtn, lots of Alligator Junipers and Ponderosa Pines. What's new is the view of Scott Reservoir from the ridge above, spectacular. The condition of the trail was prime, no ruts or mud holes. I'm guessing that unlike some of the other area trails, there is very limited livestock travel in this area(if there's any at all). I hiked the trail in the late afternoon, which is probably not the best time, I'd plan to hike this trail in the morning hours if you want to see much wildlife. Great alternative to the Ice Cave trailhead, while still allowing access to the same area.
The terrain is typical Porter Mtn, lots of Alligator Junipers and Ponderosa Pines. What's new is the view of Scott Reservoir from the ridge above, spectacular. The condition of the trail was prime, no ruts or mud holes. I'm guessing that unlike some of the other area trails, there is very limited livestock travel in this area(if there's any at all). I hiked the trail in the late afternoon, which is probably not the best time, I'd plan to hike this trail in the morning hours if you want to see much wildlife. Great alternative to the Ice Cave trailhead, while still allowing access to the same area.
2008-10-13 Strand
