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| Hiking | 10.31 Miles |
1,664 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.31 Miles | 5 Hrs 56 Mns | | 2.09 mph |
| 1,664 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | | | |
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| partners | | With the heat coming on fast this year, I've been looking to get as much time out as possible and was glad for the invite to join Jason on this relatively easy jaunt. It's been about twenty years since I've been anywhere in the area - and a quick review of some ancient notes indicates that I had not hiked this trail previously.
The road to Mormon Grove TH was a little bumpy, but nothing too awful - as it was mid week, we had the lot to ourselves. The trail starts off with a gradual climb and eventually joins up with the AZT (a junction with the Little Saddle Trail) - for the most part, trail conditions are nice and not too rocky as the area has a lot of shale. There are some nice views of the geology in the area, but for the most part, the views are of rolling green hillsides and valleys with pockets of pines (though between fire, drought, and likely bark beetles, the stands of pines are definitely mixed for health). The green is a welcome change from what I've been seeing while out hiking - it's mostly manzanita and scrub oak, mixed with other desert scrub.
After some gentle rolling ups and downs, the trail eventually drops somewhat steeply into McFarland Canyon. The footing here is loose, though there was clearly some moisture in the ground as the dirt looked a bit damp and held together while we made our way to the canyon floor. After a brief stop at the mine, we continued down the Sheep Creek Trail as it wandered along side the drainage. The trail was mostly clear and distinct, though the plants sometimes encroach the path - at least they weren't of the grabby variety.
After a brief stop to check the spring trough (a little bit of dampness inside, but essentially dry), we made our way to a clearing under some big trees for a break before heading back the way we came...catching a group of equestrians at the junction with the AZT / Thicket Spring Trail. Once we climbed out, we were treated to a cooling breeze (which was sadly absent during the hot ascent!). The hike back was uneventful, and while we caught sight of the horses behind us, we still beat them back to the trailhead even with a brief stop to visit the potato patch.
Wildlife: heard a number of birds and spotted the largest grey squirrel I recall seeing in the desert southwest.
It was a great day to be outside on a scenic hike - thanks for the invite and the convo, Jason - delightful as always  |
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Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually  |
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