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| Hiking | 16.09 Miles |
3,548 AEG |
| | Hiking | 16.09 Miles | 9 Hrs 36 Mns | | 1.75 mph |
| 3,548 ft AEG | 24 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Knowing that this would probably be the last hike of 2025, was hoping to find something scenic. J suggested the Reavis Gap Loop with a visit to the Ranch - while I have been to the Ranch, I took what I suspect is the more typical route out of Roger's Trough TH. Wasn't entirely sure that we'd be able to make the full loop, knowing how slow Campaign would be based on our trip out earlier in the year, but was happy enough to give it a go.
We made it to the parking area at daybreak to discover a side by side parked there. The forecast called for winds, but suggested that they would be decreasing as the day continued on. The temps at the trailhead were chilly, but the plants were free of frost as we made our way up the road to pick up the trail past the Reavis School. The rooster and turkeys at the school were enjoying some morning conversation as we made our way along the trail to eventually arrive at the creek.
The section of Campaign to the junction with the Reavis Gap trail is reasonably well travelled and marked with cairns. As we made our turn onto Reavis Gap, J warned me of the impending climb. Things started out gradually enough, but sure enough, the grade got more serious and was combined with loose rocky tread underfoot. As we made our steady progress upward, the winds started picking up - enough to necessitate putting our long sleeved shirts back on. The strong winds made lingering at the gap unpleasant - so we dropped down along the trail, hoping to catch a break as we descended towards Pine Creek. Unfortunately, that whole stretch was plagued with strong winds until we gained some shelter from the pines.
We stopped for a brief break at one of the campsites near Pine Creek to review our options - opting to turn the hike into an out-and-back after visiting the Ranch. The climb out of Pine Creek was somehow sheltered from the worst of the wind, and the scenery was fantastic. It was really wonderful to see the terrain change from the beginning of the hike and low desert scrub as we climbed and contoured around into Reavis Valley. The character of the surrounding terrain seemed to be constantly evolving as we continued onward along the trail.
As we popped over the shoulder and started our drop towards Reavis Valley, the winds returned...at least it was at our backs (until we had to turn back anyway  ). We made it to the Ranch, and I had a wander around and said hello to a doe that was grazing in the meadow before joining J for a lunch break. After relaxing for a bit, we retraced our steps, sometimes fighting with the wind on our return. The descent back to Campaign Creek from Reavis Gap was slow going with the steep grade and loose footing. The wind did eventually die down, but it was rather late in the day when it did so. We made it back to the truck ahead of sunset, without seeing any other people all day. It was a fantastic hike to close out the year. Thanks J, for suggesting it!
Wildlife: Several deer while we were hiking, a couple cottontails on our drive both in and out, and a stray horse near the ranch on the drive to the trailhead.
** Photoset will make an appearance in a day or two...wanted to post the triplog before the year rolls over  |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Reevis School Springs |
Quart per minute |
Quart per minute |
| | | The trail in the area is as muddy as it was last time I was here, with plenty of brambles flanking the path. | | _____________________
| 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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Route Editor
Route Scout
). We made it to the Ranch, and I had a wander around and said hello to a doe that was grazing in the meadow before joining J for a lunch break. After relaxing for a bit, we retraced our steps, sometimes fighting with the wind on our return. The descent back to Campaign Creek from Reavis Gap was slow going with the steep grade and loose footing. The wind did eventually die down, but it was rather late in the day when it did so. We made it back to the truck ahead of sunset, without seeing any other people all day. It was a fantastic hike to close out the year. Thanks J, for suggesting it! 
