Escaped the stress of the city for a quick solo backpack trip (and to successfully complete this loop which my wife and I got lost on previously).
Upon arrival at the trailhead at approximately 11AM I ran into a surveyor for Mexican Spotted Owls. He told me his plan to begin hiking that afternoon, set up sensors in various places, then return after nightfall for the results. I thought my trip was interesting enough going solo- I could only imagine what his night was like trekking around off-trail. Good for him!
Very pleasant loop. Cool temperatures! Windy! Views at the top outstanding. I really enjoyed the topo map available on this site, but carried the GPS just in case. I found the Verde Rim trail south of Pine Mountain to be in much better shape than two years prior when we got lost and cut up by manzanitas. More cairns and easy to find.
Camped somewhere nearby the "best kept secret of Pine Mountain Wilderness" . Beautiful solitude.
I love this area- 18 miles of tough road helps to keep it isolated. Next time I'd like to extend the loop by going further around the Nelson trail to Pine flat trail and forego the shortcut. Or try the 76 trail to the road. Or try the bushwhack and Verde Rim further to the north. What is Cloverleaf exactly?
Very little water to be found other than the bountiful Sycamore Creek. The forest is extremely dry and dead wood is everywhere- ominous seeing the remains of past fires in the area.
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