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| Hiking | 10.26 Miles |
628 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.26 Miles | 4 Hrs 11 Mns | | 2.86 mph |
| 628 ft AEG | 36 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Nice day out in this beautiful and wild area. I was hoping for more water, but the only water I saw all day was at the first crossing of Apache Creek at the bottom of Graver Wash. The creek was flowing pretty nicely at that point and it instilled a sense of optimism that ended up in disappointment.
I started out on the Graver Wash TH off Forest Rd 95A at a little before 11. The temp was already up to 80 degrees. The only people I saw all day were on 95A. On the drive in a dog ran out from the forest barking at my truck. The Australian Shepherd had a hiking pack and its people ran out of the bush pretty quickly yelling at the pooch. It was a pretty random spot and I didn't see any cars around at all.
This is a trail that fit my lazy and lethargic mood perfectly. It is flat, partially shaded, easy to follow and forested most of the way. The pine, oak and walnut forest is healthy, mature and intermingled with interesting granite formations.
At the point where Apache Creek Trail turns away from the dry creek bed, I continued up the wash for about a half mile off trail. The search for water was fruitless. It is dry as a bone out here except for at the very start of the trail.
After making my way back to the path, I followed Upper Graver Wash trail back to 95A after about 1.25 miles. Upper Graver Wash has some interesting geology at the start. The road walk back to my truck wasn't bad at all. The temperature at my truck on the way out was up to 90.
The trail register at the start of Graver Wash has 17 entries since the beginning of May so this area is getting some use and the very easy follow tread is indicative of this.
The final mile or so of the ride to the TH was definitely high clearance, but I didn't feel that engaging the 4WD was necessary any point. Going any further past the trailhead on 95A could get squirrely without a well equipped offroad vehicle. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Some early yellows in the AZ Walnuts |
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Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again |
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