| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 12.50 Miles |
1,665 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.50 Miles | | | |
| 1,665 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | It was time for my annual April mission into the wilderness. At this point I'm no longer motivated by catching the largest or the most trout, usually that means fighting crowds. Instead, I prefer to go further out and look for wild trout or areas that offer trout most people don't fish for. This is why I chose Pine Mountain for my April trip. This was going to be an overnight trip, but I always leave the door open to make it two. It was Monday so I figured there would not be large crowds especially since the reports I have read describe a long and rutty road to get there. Not to disappoint, the reports were correct. The road after Dugas really sucks and you can't go very fast but you don't need 4 wheel drive.
I found the trailhead parking lot empty and quickly finished loading up. As usual I took my fly rod and a small selection of flies and such. Sycamore creek has trout and I saw a few within the first mile of the hike so I was excited about that. The Nelson trail was very nice for the first couple of miles. Here you go left on the Willow Springs trail that leads you uphill at which point you leave your last source of water (willow / Pine springs) for awhile so fill up. I did and it was hot that day and I wish I had carried more water later. I made my way up to the top of Pine Mountain along a burned out section with lots of small new pine trees growing (no shade here). The last 1/2 mile was pretty steep all the way to the top. The views however were spectacular just as reported. I could see 4 peaks to the south and Mt. Humphreys to the north.
After a short break I continued in a southerly direction on the Verde Rim Trail. Here the trail begins to drop down off the rim and it looks like it is going towards the Verde river which is not the way I wanted to go. I got anxious and bushwhacked my way in a southwesterly direction instead of staying on the trail. I would not recommend doing this! I would stick to the trail and it should lead you back to the junction with the Nelson Trail by Bishop creek. I did find the trail again after following a dry creek bed for a mile or so. I camped by the junction of the Verde Rim trail and Nelson Trail. Earlier reports indicated trout lingering in pools of water here. I did not find any fish but there was enough water to filter (I boiled it too). This was a nice place to camp and I was serenaded by frogs that night.
Make sure you are full with water before you leave. The next morning I continued on along the Nelson Trail. I passed up on the "Shortcut" trail and went on to the junction with Pine Flat trail where I turned right and headed north. The trail was nice but no water until I reached Beehouse Spring. From there it's just a mile and a half back to the parking lot. I stopped and fished a little in Sycamore creek and caught one small trout. I'll do this hike again but plan on bringing less gear and I'll leave the fly rod in the truck. |
| _____________________
| You aren't late if you don't show up! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
