| |
| Martin Canyon / Woodchute Loop, AZ | |
|
| | Martin Canyon / Woodchute Loop, AZ | | | |
|
|
Martin Canyon / Woodchute Loop, AZ
| | |
|
| Hiking | 12.70 Miles |
2,550 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.70 Miles | 6 Hrs 41 Mns | | 2.28 mph |
| 2,550 ft AEG | 1 Hour 7 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | John 99 and I started this one at 7am. It was a comfortable 48 degrees when we started and never even got into the 70's on the day.
We'd already see about a dozed pronghorn antelope on the way in, and in the first 1/2 hour of the hike we saw turkeys and 4 Elk. Also during the hike, we found enough parts and pieces of elk  , to make one more. So I'm making the Elk count 5.
We saw no one on the Martin Canyon or Rick Tank Cutoff trails. Martin Canyon is an old 4x4 road, that looks like it's be used for Quads, but is pretty secluded.
The Rick Tank Cutoff Trail is a single track and the first elevation for the day. It gains more than 1000' in 1.5 Miles, where it meets up with the Woodchute Trail. From here it's another 400' to the top.
I had read about all the logging long ago on top of Woodchute Mountain, so I expected this hike to be fully exposed. To the contrary, this would make a good summer hike with all the pines up there. There was evidence of some massive trees that were lumbered long ago.
The views off the Scenic Spur looking towards Sedona are top notch. This seems to be the part of the hike that draws most people.
Instead of going back, John and I decided we needed to do some splorin'. We continued down the little traveled north portion of the Woodchute trail to see what it offered. The views were nice, but we'd seen enough a mile or so in. John talked me into "A little Bushwhacking up a drainage".
It was not all that bad by my past standards (my bloody legs may disagree). We whacked a bit more to the south side of the mountain for some views and some lunch.
From there a relatively easy jaunt on the Woodchute Trail back to complete the loop.
I enjoyed this hike. Perfect weather, nice scenery, trees, birds. Thumbs up!
Thanks for joining me John. 100 tomorrow  |
  |
Mingus Lake |
26-50% full |
26-50% full |
| | | People fishing in the Muddy water | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
