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| Hiking | 7.60 Miles |
2,001 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.60 Miles | | | |
| 2,001 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | The former DPS site on old Highway 87 is being developed into an access point for trails and ATV routes, so we checked out the Black Ridge route nearby. “Mazatzal” posted the HAZ route so he was the guide for the day. We also wanted to clear the deadfall hikerdw reported.
We headed up the horse trail out of the west side of the site, up the powerline road a short way, onto the AZT, then left and UP. Lots of steep “up” right out of the chute, then some more, steeper “up,” and finally up some more over really rocky trail. This appears to be an active cattle trail, and horses have used it, but it’s pretty sketchy in a few spots. We broke out on top for a short way, then into and out of some deep little valleys, one being a very cute box canyon. Then up again and Brunson Tank, a little spot of blue water in the wilderness, came into view. There’s an old road of sorts to the tank; maybe it is just the dozer line from when the tank was built. This turns northeasterly and drops precipitously over rocky incline and makes its way to rejoin the AZT.
The two deadfall were about a half-mile north so we slipped and slid along the muddy trail. Two saws made quick work of the downed trees. They were burned in the 2012 fire, so they took nearly 8 years to fall over.
We headed back along the AZT and lo and behold, a bonus tree. This large, freshly-fallen AZ Cypress (?) was across the trail and we were there with saws, so the mission was clear. This one took much longer than the other two, but it’s done now. If it was near a road it would make an incredible signpost, much better than a *%$&!! treated 4x4.
Then on our way, taking a brief moment to admire some outstanding rock work that reinforces the short switchbacks where the trail drops to the stream bed.
Another fine day on, and near, the AZT. |
| _____________________
Shawn
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. |
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