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| Reynolds - Murphy Ranch - 7662 - 7107, AZ | |
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| | Reynolds - Murphy Ranch - 7662 - 7107, AZ | | | |
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Reynolds - Murphy Ranch - 7662 - 7107, AZ
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| Hiking | 15.19 Miles |
3,215 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.19 Miles | 9 Hrs | | 2.00 mph |
| 3,215 ft AEG | 1 Hour 25 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Based on the forecast, I had trouble finding an area to hike in. A 40% chance of thunderstorms and highs in the low 80s had the Ancha as our best bet.
I had a track drawn up, with options based on trail conditions, weather, and how much of Joe's complaining I could put up with. (Sometimes my Teva Filter still lets things through.)
We parked at the Cienega Spring TH and started down 235, then up 410 to the TH.
A big thanks to the @AnchaGladtrailz gang for clearing Reynolds Creek Trail. It was a much more pleasant experience than in past hikes. You still have to be careful of the Poison Ivy in spots, both in the first and last half-mile of this trail.
I spent some time again searching for Knoles Hole Spring. I found what I thought could be the spring a bit away from where it's located on the topo.
We took a short detour to check out the Murphy Ranch Orchard from afar, as we did not want to trespass or loiter, as the sign on the gate said.
We lunched in the shade on the road on the way up to Aztec before heading cross-country to 7662 with views down to the ranch and then over to Murphy-7732.
Looking at the clear Saturday views of Baker Mountain, I'd hoped to make the trip over there. The now locust-filled track I had planned thwarted that idea, as I was wearing shorts.
We found our way down from Murphy and onto the unnamed topo track that we'd been on three times previously. The flat-ish section heading north-ish is fading away but was manageable. Once we headed to the east and descended steeply, the track became a sea of rocks, downed trees, and brush. Not sure I want to go through that again. It became about taking the path of least resistance to reach the saddle. Joe had nothing but kind things to say about his choice of footwear on this section (and the entire day).
At the saddle, we made the choice to forego Center Mountain and instead head up to 7107 for a snack break and to take in the views. Great choice as this was one of the highlights of the day.
On the return, we took the shortcut trail back to Reynolds Creek Trail. It's easy to follow but has quite a bit of deadfall.
Temps were in the 70's and 80's all day and we just barely go sprinkled on towards the end.
Six hours of driving for nine hours of hiking. Not many places I'd go for that. The Ancha never disappoints. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Cienega Spring |
Dripping |
Dripping |
| | | Not as clear in the trough, as in past trips here. There may be a leak in the pipe feeding it. | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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