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| Hiking | 3.20 Miles |
485 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.20 Miles | 3 Hrs | | 1.60 mph |
| 485 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | | | |
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| no partners | | I started out late today, as I wanted to let the sun get into position for some late morning photo work. The only problem is that the First Water Trailhead was so busy, I almost had to take a number to get a parking place.
Several times over the last couple of years, I have walked portions of the Second Water Trail as I travel to or from Garden Valley. As I pass the old Barkley Ranch site, I often wonder about the tales this place would have to tell. So today I explored the hills, boulders, washes and small canyons that was once home to the Barkley's and the cow hands that maintained the ranch. It's unfortunate that something couldn't have been left standing, as this too is historic.
There isn't much of value anymore, just lots of old flattened tin cans and broken bottles that would indicate the presence of a working cattle ranch. The views however, are outstanding so it's easy to imagine why this locale had been selected for the home from which to run the operation.
There are numerous unique rock formations within a short distance of the old ranch (see photos) that express the character of the Superstitions, all that's missing is the cowboys. I wandered around the area for a couple of hours without running into another person, although they weren't too far away. It's easy to let your mind wander back to another time and wonder how many people, some ancient, who had passed through this area gathering food or looking for water. It's easy to forget that this is only a small part of what makes up the Superstition Wilderness.
Once again, it proves that you gotta stop and smell the roses. How many hikers walk right past this place on their way to, wherever, and pass up some great historic and visual opportunities  |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
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| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
