| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 12.81 Miles |
2,034 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.81 Miles | 7 Hrs 43 Mns | | 1.74 mph |
| 2,034 ft AEG | 21 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | We had an early morning start to make our way out to visit the western side of the Mazatzals. Haven't ever been out this way, due to the long drive and the potentially rough road. The drive on the dirt was long, but I don't recall it being particularly horrific. Even so, it was slow going and we didn't arrive at the trailhead til around 9. When we got to the end, we didn't find any other vehicles parked, though as we were pulling our gear together, a guy wandered by with his dog - guessing he had been visiting the hot spring.
The start was chilly with a brisk breeze - unfortunately, that breeze didn't last and the day seemed to warm up fairly quickly. We headed over the bridge, wound around to cross sycamore creek near where it joins the verde before hitting the junction with the Dutchman Grave Trail. Sycamore was running high enough that we got our feet wet right off the start (and on the return as well).
The trail was easy enough to follow (and surprisingly spongy underfoot in areas), though there were certainly sections (especially on top of HK Mesa) where we were glad for cairns that someone took the time to build. The biting insects were out in force, and without the breeze to keep them at bay, I got chewed pretty ferociously (much to J's delight, I'm sure, since I think they left him alone in favor of feasting upon me instead).
Eventually, we dropped off the mesa, climbed up to a ridge, and dropped again, to cross Sycamore Creek once again to make our way towards the Dutchman Grave Springs. I was able to keep my feet dry for this crossing by heading up the drainage a bit - it was wonderful seeing all the water flowing in the area.
We went as far as the upper Dutchman Grave Springs before deciding to turn back, taking a break near the lower springs before retracing our steps. We made it back before sunset, discovering several folk camped out at the parking area (and others camped along the road on our way back out).
It was great to visit a different part of the Mazatzal Wilderness, and especially nice to catch it with so much water flowing! |
|
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
|
|
|
Wildflowers Observation Light
In addition to what I’ve tagged, also saw some morning glories, some scarlet creeper, and a few other flowers that my camera decided it didn’t want to focus properly on. |
|
  |
Sycamore Creek |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Crossing will require getting your feet wet | | _____________________
Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually  |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
