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| Fort Reno - Reno Pass - Cypress - Park Tr Loop, AZ | |
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| | Fort Reno - Reno Pass - Cypress - Park Tr Loop, AZ | | | |
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Fort Reno - Reno Pass - Cypress - Park Tr Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 15.44 Miles |
4,142 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.44 Miles | 9 Hrs 16 Mns | | 2.01 mph |
| 4,142 ft AEG | 1 Hour 34 Mns Break | 18 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Area has been on my curious horizon for many moons. Suggested this loop Sept 2016 having traveled the top with jj on Slate Creek to Browns Peak hike in 2014. Bruce suggested it back for today. Knew it wouldn't be easy. Figured it would be an itch to scratch. Rarin' to check it out regardless!
Apparently the first day of bow hunting for deer. FR 22 Sycamore/Bushnell Tanks was packed. 2 guys decked out full GQ hunt were heading up Park Trail when we arrived. Likely cursing our presence but we were headed the other way.
Camp Reno
Best thing about this historical location is @PrestonSands guide. Answered questions I had and then some!
FR 524
This was our ticket up to the southern Mazzie backbone. Soon we encountered a cool family out hunting, glassing Daniel Spring vicinity. Bruce speaks their language so it's usually a semi entertaining encounter. He'd fit in at a tupperware party better than me too.
Humidity was brutal heading up. Reno Pass was almost as exciting as I remember from five years ago.
Cypress Peak
From the end of FR 1694 we headed off trail to the peak. Threw my pants on by chance. Boy howdy was that the right decision. It'd be a screamer in shorts. Years ago I gave this peak a 3 out of 5. Cursed the chaparral/cactus battle on hike. The views are pretty good, I love Arizona. Little interest in returning, just don't have the heart to slap a 2 on it. Great cell signal if you want to send Tibber a text!
We lunched at the top. Heading down the southside was friendlier, aka less, vegetation.
Park Trail 66
A brittle-faded carsonite stake is your trail clue off the side of FR 422. Faded ribbons and a faint trail lure you in a quarter mile. The best way to tackle the next 3/4 mi is with a bulldozer. Bruce graciously allowed me to lead. It's not horrible. Just dense brush that takes a stern push. Pants recommended. Two areas had us questioning the route of the trail. Nothing to fret.
With a semi tough day under belt we skipped the main instalike Park Creek Falls side trip. Found a winner trail snack heading down. Bite of trail mix followed by a bite of apple. Woo doggie, good stuff! The trail had better than anticipated views. Doubt many Tonto Basin locals utilize their nearby trail options.
Crossed park creek just before getting back to the trailhead. Lol, a two minute hike would have delivered a stunning view!
Synopsis
Grateful to have had the opportunity to hike this loop. Swore it off repeatedly throughout the hike after seemingly never ending obstacles. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Not much left, nor likely what most would seek in prime. Nice yellow tree in distance on rugged southern mountain side noted heading down lower half of Park Trail. Imagine spring fed being a loner. Sycamores near lower TH probably put on a decent show in the last month, just huge crispy leaves on trail now. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Quarter mile of light daisies on upper FR524, with a hint of purple twice. |
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