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Hiking | 9.77 Miles |
1,774 AEG |
| Hiking | 9.77 Miles | 4 Hrs 53 Mns | | 2.40 mph |
1,774 ft AEG | 49 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Getting too hot in Phoenix so headed up to cooler climate in Prescott for hiking. I had done this trail before and knew that it is really nice. This time decided to take the loop counter-clockwise. It seems that just about everyone else was going clockwise (like I did my first time), but the other way avoids the steeper climb at the end. Saw a family of deer just minutes after starting but wasn't fast enough with the camera. The streams that crossed the trail in several places were running which wasn't the case last time.
One of my goals this time out was to find Cole's cabin. I read the trail description and triplogs and had a general idea of where to find it. Turned out to be easy to find when you look for it. Goal accomplished.
Along the way up to Spruce Ridge there is a path that has been bulldozed that parallels the trail that wasn't there a couple years ago. I am guessing that this was likely done to provide better access for the crews clearing/piling dead wood. This time there were few dead trees standing unlike last time, and the forest looked much healthier although sparse in places. But there was enough shade along the way to keep it pleasant and cool.
Saw more deer along Spruce Ridge and managed to get a couple of pictures. The best part of taking the loop CCW was getting to the fire lookout rested and not out of breath. Stopped at the picnic tables and ate lunch, then walked up to the lookout tower to take pictures before heading down. |
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