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Secret Meadow - 9 members in 19 triplogs have rated this an average 3.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
19 triplogs
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Jun 04 2022
avatar

 Photos 4
 Triplogs 1

male
 Joined May 30 2022
 Phoenix, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 04 2022
jordangoeshiking • Triplogs 1
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   4 Hrs      0.96 mph
980 ft AEG   1 Hour   30 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was my first off trail hike ever using a compass and honestly, just a Google Maps top down satellite view of where to go. My car couldn't make it the entire way to the marked starting point, So I decided to start from where I had to park my car and continue on foot. Crossing the terrain heading south towards to the meadow was rough and steep. Watch your step for rocks and where long pants, the tall grasses in and around the meadow will tear up your legs. The meadow was mostly empty aside from a small group of elk and the field was quite litered with multiple elk bones, no full carcasses or skulls, but quite a few vertebrae. Overall, I'd say it's a neat spot to check out, there isn't really anything "there" to see, but from the hillside it's a nice view and a very quiet and remote area.
 
Jul 12 2020
avatar

 Routes 2
 Photos 13
 Triplogs 12

55 female
 Joined Dec 24 2014
 Phoenix
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 12 2020
HikerHound • Triplogs 12
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
980 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Started at 7:15 am; quickly rose to 95 degrees. The hike is straight up the contour, but the reward is a lovely meadow view.
_____________________
 
Sep 15 2018
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 15 2018
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking4.37 Miles 1,142 AEG
Hiking4.37 Miles   4 Hrs   48 Mns   1.53 mph
1,142 ft AEG   1 Hour   57 Mns Break30 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Jonnybackpack
I’ve always wanted to check this place out after reading @ssk44 write up long ago and wanted to see if I could get as lucky as @fotogirl53 with her epic wildflower trip there.

The platypus and rhino fire put off some serious smoke as I never even saw the peaks or the rest of the area until the smoke cleared later in the day.
Sunny and warm but luckily high winds acted as a natural air conditioner for the short but steep climb.

Awesome views from up top and like Eric said the “secret meadow” is something that needs to be experienced in person for best effect.
Photos don’t look like much but once you’re inside you realize how pristine and untouched it feels.

Buford joined me later on in the day who I met on the rim of the crater and then we drove to a nearby field of wildflowers for sunset photos afterwards.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Pretty substantial fall colors going on the slopes of the nearby Kendrick Peak.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
 
Sep 18 2016
avatar

 Routes 1
 Photos 72
 Triplogs 13

64 female
 Joined Jul 02 2002
 Prescott VAlley,
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 18 2016
whycoyote • Triplogs 13
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   1 Hour      2.40 mph
980 ft AEG   1 Hour    Break5 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This is a sweet little hike that is completely off trail up the steep side of a cinder cone. Other routes showed hikers going straight up, then straight down. I tried to put a little switchback in our hike.

This was the first time I was using Route Scout to track a hike, so after messing around with it a little we set off around 9am. The cinders were an interesting challenge, as was the elevation. I was hiking at 3,000 ft. above where I live, and my hiking partner was at double that. We both got winded and had to rest periodically, using that time to admire the sweeping views from Red Butte to the northwest and the San Francisco Peaks to the southeast.

Coming up the last steep section onto the rim of the cinder cone was exhilarating. At the rim the abundant wildflowers were beautiful. Strolling along the edge and looking into the meadow was thoroughly enjoyable. We decided not to go down into the meadow at this point as time was limited. As we traversed the rim we decided to make our way down where there were trees, to see how that slope was. It was just as steep!

This area is pristine and hopefully it will remain that way. Be respectful and leave no trace if you decide to do this hike.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
This hike yielded no autumn colors. The rest of the area had very isolated change on aspens.
_____________________
 
Sep 11 2016
avatar

 Guides 5
 Photos 1,229
 Triplogs 181

female
 Joined Mar 18 2008
 Flagstaff, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 11 2016
fotogirl53 • Triplogs 181
Hiking1.50 Miles 750 AEG
Hiking1.50 Miles
750 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I've known about this hike since ssk44 posted it in 2010, and I finally did it today. There is no formal trail, so I started up the draw then to the slope, then to traversing the slope as it got steeper. The wind was howling at the top. I tried to take photos for a photo stack, but with the wind and the clouds, it just didn't work out. I saw lots of mule deer on my drive out on 549. It's archery elk season, so wear bright clothing when you are out in the woods.

Directions: FR 523 to FR 416 to FR 549 to junction with 9221H.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Purple Loco
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mule Deer
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Extreme
_____________________
Allergic to cities.
 
Jul 30 2016
avatar

 Guides 5
 Routes 29
 Photos 605
 Triplogs 880

55 male
 Joined Mar 05 2011
 Pocatello, ID
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Backpack avatar Jul 30 2016
Woodsnative • Triplogs 880
Backpack3.00 Miles 1,157 AEG
Backpack3.00 Miles
1,157 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
If you don't run, you rust.
-T. Petty
  1 archive
Jul 29 2016
avatar

 Guides 5
 Routes 29
 Photos 605
 Triplogs 880

55 male
 Joined Mar 05 2011
 Pocatello, ID
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Backpack avatar Jul 29 2016
Woodsnative • Triplogs 880
Backpack1.25 Miles 657 AEG
Backpack1.25 Miles
657 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
If you don't run, you rust.
-T. Petty
  3 archives
Aug 30 2014
avatar

 Photos 45
 Triplogs 8

56 female
 Joined May 29 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 30 2014
paulawolf • Triplogs 8
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
980 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Not sure that we were ready for the very steep climb in and out but everyone agreed this hidden gem was worth every slip, bump, and scratch we may have acquired. I recommend checking out SSK's topo map to find the most gradual route. We did take FR9007 up to the base but I think there is less brush on the north/western side where we came out.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Purple Loco
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
 
Jun 17 2014
avatar

 Routes 297
 Photos 6,928
 Triplogs 552

49 male
 Joined Dec 30 2007
 Avondale,Az
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 17 2014
Stoic • Triplogs 552
Hiking1.60 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking1.60 Miles   1 Hour   20 Mns   1.48 mph
800 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Final Hike of the day. The pups and I hiked in to the meadow. The wind is still blowing hard (50 mph) We hiked around the meadow, and took a 15 minute break to enjoy the scenery. Very nice area.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Dog
_____________________
 
Jun 07 2014
avatar

 Guides 6
 Photos 346
 Triplogs 225

69 male
 Joined May 13 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 07 2014
hikeaz • Triplogs 225
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   2 Hrs   25 Mns   0.99 mph
980 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
As a precursor to 'hiking' the "Ale Trail' we thought we'd knock out this nice little hike. Very nice jaunt - we even found, and signed the summit log on 8282. One entry each year since it was placed in 2011.
Ale Trail was a hoot.
Camped in CNF Saturday evening and then down to do some more work @ THAT Brewery's new 15 barrel production facility in Cottonwood, before cooling off afterwards at R.I.O.T.- also in Cottonwood.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
"The censorship method ... is that of handing the job over to some frail and erring mortal man, and making him omnipotent on the assumption that his official status will make him infallible and omniscient."
George Bernard Shaw
 
Nov 09 2013
avatar

 Triplogs 5

47 female
 Joined Aug 04 2012
 Flagstaff, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 09 2013
sarah1221 • Triplogs 5
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
980 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I regret venturing out to Secret Meadow for the first time during elk-hunting season. I didn't find the solitude I was hoping for, at all. There weren't any other people at the meadow itself, but I must have encountered at least two dozen vehicles on the roads out to it. Secret Meadow does not seem to be a secret to elk hunters. The only wildlife I saw was strapped to the back of a quad. I would strongly discourage anyone from hanging out in this area at dusk or dawn, during season, and I would think twice about bringing a dog. I'd like to try this spot again in the spring, I think.
_____________________
 
Oct 11 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 1,148
 Triplogs 219

54 male
 Joined Jul 14 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 11 2013
burntlizard • Triplogs 219
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   3 Hrs      0.80 mph
980 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This hike was on my wish list and now it's not! My son and I headed up Friday morning, so we could get acclimated to the elevation :stretch: , before attempting Humphrey's on Saturday.

This area did not disappoint, in fact, except for a few Elk hunters, we were virtually the only humans around for miles :D Hence the name Secret Meadow! Of course the initial hike is difficult, but we chose the S curve method, as opposed to straight up. Once on top the views are incredible....oh and did I mention, there are no other human around for miles? :y:

Also, this was the first hike, for which, I did not have to lug that heavy camera around. My new I-Phone worked great. Especially the panoramic shots!

Conversely, I took FR 9007 off of FR 549 and it took us almost up to the base.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ Decal  Throwing a Wendy
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Humphreys Peak
_____________________
 
Aug 10 2013
avatar

 Guides 8
 Routes 12
 Photos 1,918
 Triplogs 662

39 female
 Joined Dec 02 2009
 Grand Canyon
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2013
Hippy • Triplogs 662
Hiking1.60 Miles 716 AEG
Hiking1.60 Miles   1 Hour   4 Mns   2.34 mph
716 ft AEG      23 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
ASUAviator
chumley
JoelHazelton
John9L
LittleKnee
Definitely a neat little hidden/secret meadow. That whole area is fascinating with its multitude of craters and the lush green meadows specked with beautiful wild flowers.

Found a dead thing or two...named 'em Fred.

Thanks azpride for the walking stick on the way down!! :sweat:
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
Canyon Freak Adventures!
 
Aug 10 2013
avatar

 Guides 6
 Routes 183
 Photos 5,612
 Triplogs 1,647

male
 Joined Mar 12 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2013
John9L • Triplogs 1,647
Hiking1.20 Miles 550 AEG
Hiking1.20 Miles   1 Hour   4 Mns   1.76 mph
550 ft AEG      23 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
ASUAviator
chumley
Hippy
JoelHazelton
LittleKnee
Normally this hike would have been a breeze. Well normally I'm not recovering from an ankle strain. It has been feeling better so I decided to give this one a go. I went nice and slow on the hike up. I felt some discomfort a few times. I had to switchback on my way up. This minimized the bending of my foot. All of us topped out on the rim. Vicky and I watched the others hike down into the meadow. After a few minutes I started the very slow hike back to the truck. I took my time and had no issues. I'll be back on the trails in another week, two at most.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
 
Aug 10 2013
avatar

 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2013
chumley • Triplogs 1,993
Hiking1.60 Miles 716 AEG
Hiking1.60 Miles   1 Hour   4 Mns   2.34 mph
716 ft AEG      23 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
ASUAviator
Hippy
JoelHazelton
John9L
LittleKnee
Ever since SSK44 posted this a couple of years ago, I'd wanted to check it out. We were caught off guard a bit with the climb. It's pretty steep and climbs over 600 feet in just 0.4 miles. (HAZfest breakfast beers may have played a factor in the breath-robbing climb?)

There were a bunch of flowers on the outside of the crater, but fewer in the crater and none in the "meadow". I hiked down to the bottom and did a loop. It's definitely a neat area. We didn't see any wildlife, but found evidence that some big elk had met their demise here. Presumably by way of mountain lion.

We were running a little late and needed to get back to camp, so I skipped the circumnavigation around the top, having seen enough from the meadow itself. But I think there would have been some nice views if we had more time to spend and explore.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mesa Butte  Missouri Bill Hill  O'Leary Peak
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Jul 03 2011
avatar

 Photos 229
 Triplogs 13

47 male
 Joined Jun 11 2011
 Flagstaff, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 03 2011
OZZZ • Triplogs 13
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
980 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Secret meadow ........ We couldnt find the trailhead, or any trail for that matter but its pretty obvious once you arrive where you are heading. The climb is steep and steady. It was rainy weather at the time we went. It isnt the most scenic of views but we did run into some deer and a young buck (elk) while we were leaving. Its really not all that scenic in my opinion, but the chances of running into wildlife make it worthwhile. An additional unfortunate consisted of people shooting semi automatic weapons in the vacinity, killing any sense of serenity.

I give it a 2.5.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elk
_____________________
Its never to late to be what you might have been
  1 archive
May 21 2011
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 151
 Triplogs 181

46 male
 Joined Feb 04 2004
 Patagonia, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar May 21 2011
airic • Triplogs 181
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
980 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Been some time since I made it to the site...plenty of backlog. Since I logged on no brainer to hit an SSK hike. Secret Meadow is a winner, and hopefully remains secret. Went with the girls to this little gem and shot myself in the foot for not bringing a little gear to spend the night in the meadow. The elk love this place; current sign and dead ones abound. Saw 3 grazing. Grabbed Dara on the way home.
_____________________
 
Nov 27 2010
avatar

 Triplogs 3

72 male
 Joined Sep 26 2003
 Mesa, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 27 2010
paladin • Triplogs 3
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   3 Hrs      0.80 mph
980 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Did this trip about Nov 2010. I was not able to locate trail so bushwacked up. not a difficult walk and nice veiws from top. Got snowed on on the way out via the road east to highway 89.
_____________________
 
Sep 04 2010
avatar

 Guides 20
 Routes 12
 Photos 2,343
 Triplogs 298

51 male
 Joined Mar 31 2008
 Gilbert, AZ
Secret MeadowFlagstaff, AZ
Secret Meadow
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 04 2010
ssk44 • Triplogs 298
Hiking2.40 Miles 980 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   3 Hrs      0.80 mph
980 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
See hike description...

I found this little gem courtesy of Google Earth. I was like a kid in a candy store when I found it. I just knew it was going to be good and I couldn't wait to see it in person. It did not disappoint. I had a hunch that elk might hide out up there. During my visit I saw one group of elk at the trailhead and two groups within the trees surrounding the upper meadow. Four of those elk surrounding the upper meadow were respectable bulls. My encounters were amazingly up close and personal. What a great way to spend the afternoon. Great views, solitude, and wildlife. It doesn't get much better!


Eric (ssk44) :D
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Common Sunflower
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Volcano
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
MATTHEW 11:28-30 / PSALM 84:1-2
 
average hiking speed 1.47 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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