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| Hiking | 5.40 Miles |
2,422 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.40 Miles | | | |
| 2,422 ft AEG | | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | My hike on the way to the Grand Canyon was trying to do too much on too little time and I did not have as much time as I wanted inspecting the seedlings. So, while leaving I budgeted a bit more time and hiked this again. Still my favorite Trail in the Flagstaff area even if I don't like Flagstaff. I got to a few different areas where they had planted trees and survival is better in the less exposed location. Unfortunately, there is some natural regeneration already existing in these places and the problem is wind damage and herbivory damage. In a few years when the trees grow over the protectors these damaging agents will not go away. It will remain to be seen if a forest can actually be re-established here.
One hopes that perhaps in 20 or 25 years there are some 15 ft tall trees here and maybe even a few taller trees. In 50 years it may be possible that a forest once again dots the slopes of Mount Elden. When coming into town on 89 and looking at the San Francisco Peaks on their East slope it is obvious that this area is not going to be replanted as it is wilderness. One can expect that in 50 years those barren windy slopes will be about as barren as the windy slopes of Mount Elden are today.
Unfortunately, this will likely include everything from the Schultz fire to the now pipeline fire scar. At least it does reestablish the grassy slopes and Meadows on places like Schultz Peak and the South slopes of Fremont Peak. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Red penstemon is abundant attracting hummingbirds. |
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