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| Hiking | 9.77 Miles |
1,674 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.77 Miles | 3 Hrs 58 Mns | | 2.58 mph |
| 1,674 ft AEG | 11 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | I just did this trail two weeks ago, but Phoenix is in triple digits and I like this trail a lot. Plus one of our crew wasn't able to go with us two weeks ago and had never done this trail. So what the heck we're doing it again. It was a sunny day but when we got to the trailhead there were a few little clouds overhead. Temperature at the trailhead was a pleasant 70 degrees, and the scattered clouds provided some shade from the sun making for perfect hiking weather.
We took the loop counterclockwise (again). Didn't see any deer this time. There were a few pretty yellow birds, but they didn't stay still long enough for me to get any pictures. We visited Cole's cabin and continued on up towards Spruce Ridge. On the way up there was a fairly loud thunder crack. We discussed whether we should turn around, but there was still blue sky between clouds and it we only heard thunder one time. So onward and upward we go. As we get close to the ridge we feel occasional drops every minute or so. None of us have rain gear, but we're feeling warm as we're hiking up the hill.
We pick up the pace as the raindrops start coming more frequently. The ground was getting spotted with raindrops, but luckily it wasn't any more than that and we didn't get too wet. Some of the drops hitting the ground were little frozen hail or sleet, but they melted as soon as they hit the dirt. At this point we're about half way through the 9 mile loop and it's just as far back to the car either way, so we continue on. Then a very cold wind started blowing hard and with the rain dripping on us it was freezing cold. The last mile or so along the ridge to the lookout was very cold and windy, and we picked up the pace. But surprisingly when we reached the picnic tables near the lookout there was no wind and it was much more pleasant. We went to the base of the lookout tower and checked out the view. Found a Yavapai County geodetic marker behind the tower and took a picture.
The rest of the hike back down from Spruce Mountain to the trailhead was very pleasant with no wind or rain. It was warm and sunny back at the trailhead. Although we didn't see any deer along the trail this time which was a little disappointing. Of course as soon as we started driving back from the trailhead we saw a bunch of them just off the side of the road. |
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