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| | Escudilla Government Loop, AZ | | | |
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Escudilla Government Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 11.11 Miles |
2,393 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.11 Miles | 5 Hrs 30 Mns | | 2.23 mph |
| 2,393 ft AEG | 31 Mns Break | | | |
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[ show ]
| no partners | | I set off on a tour de notoneteens at higher elevations with a return trip up the Esk. The main trail is in fine shape. The lower aspens are progressing nicely twelve years on, but it's still slow growth up top. Made my way over to the true high point, entertaining myself in the jigsaw puzzle of downed aspen trees by playing an outdoor version of "the floor is lava". It's amazing how rarely you have to touch the ground, and I found it to be easier to stay on top of the deadfall, rather than trying to climb over and under it. Quite a bit of elk scat up here, and also some very fresh mountain lion poop. No sightings of either one though.
On the way down, I decided to attempt to make a loop with the Government Trail. I had very low expectations for this trail, and my expectations were met! 
The tread can be followed for the most part, with just a couple of short stretches where post-fire flooding has eroded the obvious route. But it's a near-constant mess of dead trees and new growth. I didn't count, but I am certain that the number of trees I climbed over was in the triple digits. There has been no attempt to work on this trail since the fire, and I'm not sure they'll ever put the effort in to clear it again, though I can hope. It really wouldn't take much more than a dedicated effort from a team with saws.
The bottom section follows an old two track and was less obstructed. A herd of over 30 elk were not thrilled with seeing a human on this route today. I'm guessing it doesn't happen too often.
I took a break when I got to the road perhaps hoping to go full cletus on the 2 mile road walk back up to the trailhead. No such luck today however as not a single vehicle passed by and I hoofed it the whole way. If planning this loop (why you would?, I'm not sure!) and no shuttle involved, it probably makes sense to do the road walk at the beginning.
But unless the FS gets out there to clean the Gubbmit Trail, I really wouldn't recommend it to anybody who doesn't find some enjoyment from the kind of work and pain it currently provides.  |
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| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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Route Editor
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