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| Hiking | 15.66 Miles |
1,074 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.66 Miles | 5 Hrs 15 Mns | | 2.98 mph |
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| 1,074 ft AEG | | | |
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| no partners | | Despite being slightly ahead of the curve for my 50 monthly miles, this week I was looking for a longer hike in a cooler clime. Hiking Arizona Trail segment #29, just west of Mormon Lake in the Coconino National Forest, is what I came up with.
The Coconino National Forest is under Stage II fire restrictions — no campfires or smoking in the open — but I was unaffected as I neither camp nor smoke. While I was doing the hike, the Forest Service actually closed several areas in the CNF, including Mormon Mountain, the east slope of which AZT #29 passes through.  
Rather than take AZ-87 through the Payson traffic jam, then get stuck behind slow people on the two lanes north of Pine and Strawberry, I followed Google Maps’ recommendation to take I-17 north, then cut across on Stoneman Lake Rd. / FR 213. Rather than taking nearly three hours, I made it to the Arizona Trail’s Allan Lake trailhead in one hour, 45 minutes!
Overall, there were not many flowers on Arizona Trail #29. The southern third of the hike, was almost all dandelions. The middle third there were a few more species, but still mostly yellow flowers. The northern third had the most variety, with some brilliant claret cup and a huge patch of spreadfruit goldenbanner.
The only grab & stabs I saw, besides a few small cacti, was about a 200 yard wide patch on Mount Nestor’s north slope. Those were tall, brittle, vines with rose bush-type thorns, rather than catclaw. Take care to avoid involuntary blood donation, as the AZT passes right through the middle of the patch.
Arizona Trail #29 is always well-defined. Plus, there are plenty of AZT signs to show you the way. Cairns can be a useful tool, but here they are totally unnecessary. It appears a particularly strong microburst may have blown a few of them over. 
I did not drink much water, so I did not need to refill. But at Double Springs Campground there was a tap running out of the ground. There was no “non-potable” sign, so I figured what the heck and opened the spigot. I was expecting clear, cool, tasty well water. Instead, what I got was so cloudy it was gross. 
I poured the water out. I carry bottles, and had several more waters, a couple of Gatorade G2s, and a trail beer (Peroni), so I was good.
I took my second break at Double Springs Campground site #14, which was where I saw all the spreadfruit goldenbanner flowers. Verizon reception at Double Springs was only 0-1 bars. I was barely able to get a text out to my wife, telling her I would soon be at Mayflower Spring for pickup.
Going to be tough finding a decent hike this week, in moderate temps, with all the closures ... 
Hike Video: [ youtube video ] |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Mostly dandelions in the southern third. Tons of Spreadfruit Goldenbanner in Double Springs CG site #14. Brilliant claret cup in final miles. But overall, light coverage. |
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| _____________________
| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
