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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 | 14.50 Miles |
3,126 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.50 Miles | 8 Hrs 59 Mns | | 1.97 mph |
| 3,126 ft AEG | 1 Hour 37 Mns Break | 18 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Reynolds Creek Trail #150
Reynolds started off well-maintained. The nightmare raspberry ankle slayers were not an issue. With the peace of mind to enjoy the trail and observe for a change, blackberry canes seemed more prominent than raspberry bushes. We hiked the trail in full to Murphy Ranch. Trail maintenance held up remarkably well. Bruce went exploring for a mythical spring along the way and I enjoyed a freebie break.
The last or upper 0.75 mile is not as well-maintained but much better than historically. Poison ivy has a nice spread and oughta add a nice splash to the autumn color this trail is known to flaunt.
Murphy's Ranch
Quick peek across to the ranch house and apple orchards.
487A & 487
We road-walked up to an old favorite off-trail option for a loop, skipping Aztec Peak this round. Mexican Elderberries are rocking strong along 487. Saw one good tree on upper #150 too.
Murphy 7662
Many loops ago, Bruce created the loop with Murphy 7662. It's easy off-trail and has nice views off the ENE edge. Until today, it's never been anything more than a bump in the road for myself.
Had a little more trouble ascending the south today. Perhaps the lighting but the Sedona hues of the rock are remarkable. What's more, the absolute far SE edge is where it's at in my book. As pretty as the rock is, it's not pine-shaded so it's not a good break option on a hot sunny day. Very near 7662 on topo is what the color blind seek for elusive semi-pine-ness.
Baker
We headed over and decided on Baker Mtn. Locust without long pants and long sleeves said hell no. Save that blood bath for another day.
F-Bomb Connection (Sans lovers, dreamers & me ever again)
The descent down to #150 has proven rough and brushy but we lucked out with the junior whiner leading down. BBF was at an all-time high today. Senior whiner bitched about his uncharged watch twice and something else all-day about the company that I tuned out.
We hiked a few minutes on #150 to the unknown topo-trail. You might think it's Center Mtn South or such but it's just a hint of a trail up from #150. Nothing to fear across the short ridge. Then all bets are off on smiles descending down to Center Mtn Trail #142. Aside from zero tread, the steep slope is loaded with scratchies to avoid. Probably ten times better ascending.
7107's Sister Perch
We mutually opted to skip the rendevous with Billy Lawerence and opted for the highlight of the day almost to 7107. The bushwhack through the scratchy bush and manzanita is nightmare-ish but the views are worth the blood loss. You are perched over Pueblo Canyon. Hank's ol' fav, Edward's Spring is on a bench down right/south. Which is yards past the end of Murphy Ranch Trail #141.
#150 & On the Road Again
We enjoyed the nice trail back down. On the road walk back to square one temps dropped but it never rained until later at home.
Synopsis
Really enjoyed #150 in full for a change, nice to get in a backtrack on this gem too. Lots of poison ivy leg brushes without post-hike itching. I enjoyed the SE end of 7662, doubt others would as much. Views from 7107's sister perch are spectacular. Hiked with water bottles after an early morning prep equipment failure. If it was less cumbersome, I'd opt for water bottles always. I certainly drank more and there is no boiling tube water to scarf down. A solid winner of a hike for the most part with few day trip options in the never-ending summer heat. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
isolated: Yellow Columbine
light: Wild Geraniums & small daisies |
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Reynolds Creek Falls - Sierra Ancha |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | very light flow, better than a trickle
Reynolds Creek in general was dotted with stagnant pools in the lower canyon to a trickle higher up. | | _____________________
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