| | -
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
1 |
-
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 5.50 Miles |
540 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.50 Miles | | | |
| 540 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Drove out to Forest Road 80 to Crucifix Canyon near Black Cross Butte. I really love the area so disappointed that this would be a short trip but had plans later that day. The weekday temperatures were predicted to be from low to high 80s so safe range. It felt hot and there were no clouds in sight. Actually saw quite a few SRP vehicles there so tried not to interfere with business as usual. The plan was to do a short loop hike up to Chalcedony Cave and then drop down and follow the canyon back to the road. This is a beautiful canyon with steep walls and interesting rock formations. Every time I go I see something new.
Saw actually no other hikers then entire time in spite of the 4 cars parked near the locked SRP gate (a lot for weekday this time of year). First observations were that the area was significantly drier than expected after our recent superbloom. The majority of wildflowers and grasses were dry creating a nightmare of brambles and stickers. This was another day I’d be tossing my socks at the end of the road. The insect activity was high with some mosquitoes but primarily swarms of really small biting gnats. There was no visible water in the canyon. Probably would have worked my way down the canyon if I had more time. There are lots of interesting things to see towards the river.
A few plants were blooming including Palo Verde, Ocotillo, Mesquite, and Hopbush. There were Bighorn Sheep on the cliffs, which was cool considering the location and no obvious water. Also a sheep carcass that probably had been mountain lion prey. The trip down from the plateau to the creek bed was a little rough as expected but passable. Once in the creek bed, it turns out that there appears to be a spring in the channel. The water looked pretty clear and good to be filtered and was seeping. There were tadpoles as well but it wasn’t stagnant. Forgot to take pictures of that or mark the spot, but may check back and see if it's there in the summer. Overall a fun day but probably my last until the weather cools down again. I much prefer this place with greenery and water running through it. Chatted with SRP a bit and heard about recent sighting of Bighorn being stalked by Mountain lion not far from the TH. Was warned about rattlesnakes too, and surprised that I saw none. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
