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| Snowshoeing | 7.04 Miles |
300 AEG |
| | Snowshoeing | 7.04 Miles | 5 Hrs 2 Mns | | 1.51 mph |
| 300 ft AEG | | | | |
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[ show ]
| no partners | | I'd never done West Fork in the snow before and it has been years since I've even enjoyed red rock country frosted in snow. My plan for the day was to decide among a few options when I figured out specific snow depths in specific locations. The road was clear on the drive in, but the adjacent non-paved surfaces were covered in a scenic blanket of winter white.
Though early morning sunlight was peeking through dramatic clouds, I opted against the obvious slam dunk of taking a trail to reach a higher elevation with great views across the red rock region and instead headed uphill for canyon country.
I was surprised to find Call of the Canyon was not open. It hadn't been plowed and there wasn't a sign of life nearby. I don't know if this is common in winter ... or just after snow? Of course, there's no parking along the highway, and especially so when it has been recently plowed with large snowbanks. This is a common refrain when trying to access national forests in Arizona during the winter. Nevertheless, I got creative and found a solution. I had planned on a winter hike in just a few inches of snow, but was happy to have thrown snowshoes in my truck as there was over 18" on the ground and opted for flotation.
There's a sign at the bridge that says the West Fork Trail is closed when snow or ice is present. Who knew!? It also says proceed at your own risk. This implies that somebody else is responsible for my safety here when there isn't snow? Huh. I'll keep that in mind next time the autumn leaves hurt my feelings. Lawsuit!
Of course the scenery was unparalleled. The photos don't come close to telling the story. I did pay some attention to the ice and rock that fell from above as the sun warmed the canyon's upper walls. It's definitely a risk. Similarly, the water is cold. Wet feet aren't usually a problem for me, but when snowshoeing it's a different story. I managed most crossings with creativity but one required my ghetto waders where I sauntered across with each leg in a plastic trash bag to complete success! 
Early on I noticed an animal track I had never seen before. It took a mile or so of looking at all the clues for me to be reasonably sure it was an otter. The second time the tracks ended at a water crossing and did not reemerge was the key. The flat, wide tail dragging was a mystery at first, and the four FEET of distance between footsteps was still puzzling to me.
Only when I got home and googled otter prints in snow did I confirm my conclusion and discover the most delightful part of my day. Like a child, otters run and slide in the snow, and I followed the tracks of this one who had run, hopped, and slid for miles only a short time before I was there! I only wish I had actually seen this in person as the videos of it online are unbridled joy. Otters are the pumpkining best!
I had hoped to get a little farther up canyon, but turned back after 3.5 miles. As I reached the trailhead the virgin snow confirmed that not another soul had set foot here today. The COC concessionaire had just begun to try and clear the parking lot. Apparently they open in winter after all, in hopes of collecting $12 from people who want to walk 100 feet before reaching the sign that suggests they don't continue? 
Timing this one is critical. I would leave a fiancé at the alter if the snowfall and conditions were right to do this one again. But the otter ... man, I wanna see that guy playing in the snow.
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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
Route Scout
