West Valley Wildflowers

[hippiepunkpirate]

I'll be in the west valley tomorrow, and I'm hoping to grab a hike (most likely at Thunderbird Park, but also possibly the Pipeline Canyon Trail or Boy Scout Loop via Emery Henderson TH). Anyone know how the wildflowers are doin out that way?

[JoelHazelton]

Poppies were sprouting up in the lower elevations of Garfias Wash last weekend. That leads me to believe that you should have luck with the Spring Valley Trail (which drops you right into Garfias Wash at the end of the trail). Go there- it's near Pipeline Canyon and much more scenic than Pipeline Canyon, Boy Scout Loop, or Thunderbird Park.

http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=528

[hippiepunkpirate]

How's the road to Spring Valley? We'll be in a brand new Corolla

[JoelHazelton]

Well, your new car will definitely get dirty, and the road gets a little bumpy at a couple spots (nothing bad though). There won't be any clearance issues, though, and it's not rocky.

If you don't desire a dirty car, than maybe give Cottonwood Creek a try. http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1250
It's off the paved road and the slopes of that canyon would surely have poppies. If you followed Joe's cairned route rather then the creekbed then you would probably see even more poppies. I would just hate for you to drive out to that area with a pristine wilderness at your disposal and have to instead deal with all the people and boats at Pipeline Canyon. :yuck:

[hippiepunkpirate]

The car is already dirty....planning to wash it saturday at a cheap car wash near my grandma's house! Cottonwood Creek sounds sweet but my company won't likely be down for anything off-trail. It's going on my wish list though! Anyway, thanks for the info Joel. If there's have the time I'll try to make it to Spring Valley

[RedRoxx44]

Lots of poppies near Winkleman, with some lupine, and chicory blooming. Got a few pics, but not as good as last year it looks like.

[nonot]

Gonzolas Pass on the way to Superior is glowing yellow.

[azbackpackr]

Kofa Wildlife Refuge, Castle Dome Mtns., Lower Colorado River, etc. showing pretty good blooms right now!