| |
| Meandering the Goldfields, AZ | |
|
| | Meandering the Goldfields, AZ | | | |
|
|
Meandering the Goldfields, AZ
| | |
|
| Hiking | 13.14 Miles |
1,711 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.14 Miles | 6 Hrs 25 Mns | | 2.11 mph |
| 1,711 ft AEG | 12 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | With the dip in temperatures, I figured I had to take advantage and visit the low desert before the heat returns. Initially, I had planned to head down to Tucson and visit Bear Canyon, but I could not summon the enthusiasm for the drive. After pondering closer options, I settled on re-visiting the Goldfields. Had hiked this clockwise the last time I did it - decided to give it a go counter clockwise this time, hoping to get most of the sandy/gravelly wash walking done earlier rather than later...that worked out marginally well, though there were still sections of sand and gravel in the latter part of my loop. Since I couldn't remember what the drive in to where we parked previously was like, I took a cue from the recent visit by @LindaAnn and @trekkin_gecko and parked at the horse lot near milepost 203. I arrived to an empty lot, with some fairly regular traffic headed out on 88.
With the light sprinkles from the night before, it didn't look like there had been any early morning visitors that were out on the trail ahead of me. Temps were comfortable to start with a light breeze kicking up now and again. Not sure if I simply wasn't very observant or if many of the rocks that had been spray painted with arrows got tumbled / sandblasted by flooding last fall, but I didn't catch sight of any of them.
Popped up and into Anniversary Arch to check the views before carrying on. There were a couple areas where I was kicking myself for forgetting to download my other map set that had more of the trails in the region marked - I had loaded a reference track in RouteScout, but hadn't included nearby tracks...oops. The views along the way were as beautiful as I remembered. The tread is clear and minimally overgrown, and seems to see regular traffic, either by folks on horses or even fat-tire bikes. While I was in the vicinity of Overlook Arch, I didn't opt to revisit it.
The day warmed up, and even though temps were only in the mid 70's, it felt plenty warm, with no shade to be had along the way. I was glad for the breeze that kicked up occasionally. When I got back to my car, it had been joined by a truck with a trailer, but I didn't see anyone while out rambling.
Wildlife: one small snek that objected to my presence, numerous birds, butterflies, grasshoppers, and many lizards, none of which were content to sit still long enough for a photo. The palo verde and catclaw are blooming and the flower-covered trees/shrubs were humming with bee activity. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Tis cactus bloom season. Saguaro, cholla, and prickly pear - was disappointed none of the hedgehogs seemed to have any blooms though. Also, managed to find a blooming poppy so Kelly can be absolved of trodding upon the last one. |
|
| _____________________
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
Route 
