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| Hiking | 17.48 Miles |
4,501 AEG |
| | Hiking | 17.48 Miles | 10 Hrs 29 Mns | | 1.75 mph |
| 4,501 ft AEG | 30 Mns Break | 14 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | We came in peace, got razzled and left satisfied.
The interesting road to the trailhead and remote location keeps this gem in check. Humidity tipped the scales. I explained to jj to enjoy our first leg through Grapevine Canyon as the rest of the hike would pale in comparison.
Heading off-trail up Big Bug Mesa we stumbled upon a dripping waterfall. It has a rock lined trail ending at the falls. We likely missed the continuation and it may indeed be the Grapevine Trail #4?
Moving on the terrain is beautifully shaded by dense oaks or pines. Topping out on the mesa we picked up a cow patty mud mixed road. This is part of #9434 according to NF GIS dataset. It starts back down near the Grapevine Trailhead and is only marked by a carsonite post. I'm calling it Big Bug Mesa Trail, it deserves a name. Our game plan was to take it down the southern edge of the mesa to a trail that heads west to Taft Spring.
It petered out in bushes at the edge. Ten minutes later heading down we came across a great trail. I'm guessing we didn't find where it drops off Big Bug Mesa.
The trail heading over to Taft Spring is an old road bed. Really old as in probably hasn't seen much traffic since the Model T. jj did a good job of keep us on the grade until it tucked back into the lush Taft Spring oasis.
From Taft Spring we bombed out finding the trail as depicted on topo. Hints of trail were routinely swallowed by thickets. In hindsight, looking at satellite imagery, the creek was the ticket. Since we didn't know that we studied a tiny map I printed and opted to jump the ridge over to Crystal Springs.
Chaparral was thick and the steep terrain added to the difficulty. It took us 1.5 hours to move 0.4 miles. The sun broiled our backs and dwindled our water supplies. Luckily no catclaw.
Despite the mini tragedy the balance of the hike was a winner. We arrived at upper Pipeline Canyon and found our trail. We looked over the map and changed the hike to meet our time and water supply. Crystal Springs down to Wolf Creek might be one of the nicest creeks near Phoenix.
Little Wolf Creek Trail #304 is a nice trail with wide distant views. Returning on #9434 (that is according to NF GIS dataset, #9432 on topo ) was pleasantly brush free. It is steep.
Crossed paths with an Arizona Mountain Kingsnake and the skin of a rattler along the way. Big Bug Mesa might be named after the monster sized beetles scurrying around in the waning hours.
The Bradshaws continue to intrigue... |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
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