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| Hiking | 7.49 Miles |
1,141 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.49 Miles | 5 Hrs 10 Mns | | 1.57 mph |
| 1,141 ft AEG | 24 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | I was invited by Richard Webb to visit this amazing place and jumped at the chance. We were hoping to time the visit with the peak of the colors along the trail. I think we may have just missed the "peak", but it was still an amazing display of color for sure.
We arrived at the first staging area when you cross into Coronado National Forest, there was a large grouping of trailers, campers, hunters and ATV. Driving past this area, we came across a number of hikers and campers. It looked like it might a crowded hike, but it was not as bad as I expected.
We came across Chumley right at the start. He was setting up "Camp Chumley" at the end of the road. It was good to see you, Todd, and thanks for the encouragement to continue up to the springs area. It was worth the time going up there.
My wife, Lynne, made it about 1.7 miles up, but ran out of gas and was having some knee pains. We found a shady, scenic stump/chair for her have a rest to get her blood sugar up and give her knees a rest. And, after her insistence, I continued on and make it to the end of this trail (where the summit trail starts).
The colors were spread out a little at the beginning and along the creek. The further up I went the trail, the more the volume and beauty of the maples increased. The still mostly crimson "leaf carpet" covered the trail for most of the area around the spring, meaning we timed this visit about a week late. But, even then, it was beautiful.
I made it to the Aspen trees, took a few pictures and hightailed it back to Lynne. There was a large group up here. I am thinking the were either resting before(or after) hitting the ridge/summit? When I made it back to Lynne, she was feeling a little better and down we went to the trailhead.
We came across another large group of familiar faces just as we made it to the trailhead. I am sure they enjoyed their visit too.
A long day trip from Mesa for sure. We left at 4am and got home at 8pm. Next time, an overnight stay will be a smarter option. |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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