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| Hiking | 11.00 Miles |
2,040 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.00 Miles | 6 Hrs | | 1.83 mph |
| 2,040 ft AEG | | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | It was the eve of Halloween, and I was unable to make the Hazoween event, so Haunted Canyon seemed like it would be a suitable trail for the day. Eric and I had taken 1 vehicle and decided to reach the cabin and turn back.
The cold of the morning hit unexpectedly as we watched our breath escape our lungs. The first (and last) bit of the trail seemed to go on and on as it was all monotonous dirt road with proof of mining spread about. Once we reached the actual trail by the coral, things turned for the best.
The air was cool and crisp as we entered the canyon. The trail brought us along the dry creek where in the midst of desert was an oasis of Oaks, cottonwoods and other trees that were all beginning to show their seasonal colors. I had gone through West Fork 2 weeks prior and there was more color here to my surprise.
As the trail neared the creek and hit the fence, a decision was to be made. Neither of us had been here before, so the direction seemed to us more likely to go up to the right. A clear trail leading up was present, whereas the other direction which felt correct was to go through the creek bed without much sign of a path. We followed the logical path that eventually lead us up higher and higher. The trail kept parallel with the canyon, yet seemed as if it would eventually leave the canyon behind. We decided to turn back after going about 1/2 a mile up and soon reached the creek which we followed upstream. This area became our favorite spot of the trip, as this was about the only area of the canyon that really felt like a canyon.
The black rock cliffs rose above our heads masked by large trees and vines that ran up the walls. It was here where we had a sense of why this place was named haunted. It was eerily quiet. There was no water babbling, no birds singing, no wind blowing, not even any flies buzzing. It was a strange, yet beautiful silence that is rarely heard. This quiet lasted through most of our journey along this trail, though not as deeply as this segment.
As we moved along and the sun rose higher, the canyon wall gave way to more gentle sloped hills. We came across a tarantula resting on a rock. It didn't seem to take to kindly to our presence so we left it alone, aside for a picture or 2. We soon reached what must be a popular camping area. There were flat open areas for tents, and remnants of campfires lying around. As we passed through this area, a heard of deer we must have spooked ran off. There must have been around 10.
It was at this point I knew we were near the cabin, and we found the trail that leads off to it. We wandered in that direction and the trees gave way for the first time to an open field. Through the fields we came across the little old ranch. This ended our adventure as we ate lunch and talked about the name of haunted canyon and the legend of the cave of 1000 eyes.
Overall, this was a great hike. It's a beautiful gem in the desert of the superstitions. The quality of the silence there is incredible. The place makes me think if Reavis Ranch to some extent, If only there were apples here as well! |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
I was surprised by the colors out here. It may not be as awesome as other areas, but for the location it's good stuff! |
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