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| Hiking | 4.55 Miles |
636 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.55 Miles | 3 Hrs 40 Mns | | 2.18 mph |
| 636 ft AEG | 1 Hour 35 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | After ooohhhing and aaahhhing on the drive up the Byway and through the Mine, we made it to the Granville area for a Hike...
The TH is interesting as there as several old Forest Service Cabins in the area. Some look totally abandoned and some look like they may still be in use.
The Trail was in good shape. It was somewhat rocky and the Agave seemed to like the Trail more than the surrounding area. Started ascending up a long hill almost immediately, but we were rewarded with great views all along the way and along the ridges. This Trail had a roller coaster feel to it after the first big hill. Up, down, and around various small canyons. It was a little warm, but there were plenty of places to find shade so it was all good...
Got to the intersection with the Frye Trail and hung a left, taking it down to the area where you go off Trail through a drainage to reach an old homestead area and the Frye Spring. Very interesting area, the corral is basically intact, but the cabin is flattened, most likely from age and weather. Very interesting picking through the area though, with pieces of old amythest glass, pottery and pieces of equipment still strewn about. After exploring a bit and having a bite to eat, we left to return the way we came. After hiking the roller coaster again, we finally descended down the last big hill and back to the car.
Stopped a few times on the Coronado Trail on the way back down to Clifton for some nice Overlooks and Photo Ops. Arrived in Clifton, parked the vehicle and walked around the historic part of town. The old Jail is very interesting. What you see on the street is just the entrance. They blasted a hole in the mountain and the Cells of the Jail are actually down inside the Mountain. It was closed when we got there so we didn't get to go inside, but it had the feel of a Dungeon....
Walked around Chase Creek (the main street in old Clifton) enjoying the old buildings. We then walked over to the old Railroad Depot which now serves as the Clifton Chamber of Commerce. It was closed as well, so we just enjoyed the architecture and I really liked the old Oak doors all around....
From the Depot, we walked over and checked out the San Francisco River (in AZ,  ). We walked over the Bridge and took advantage of the late afternoon Light for some more Photo Ops. Walked back to Chase Creek where the car was parked after the Photo session, and after getting a snack at the only shop left open due to the late hour, we spotted some Bighorn Sheep on the hill across the road behind the Circle K. The Shopkeeper stated that they were in that area frequently. I walked across the Highway and got as close as I could without spooking them too much, but even then, between the distance and the now fairly low light, my Photos of them leave alot to be desired....It was still very cool to see them and they did not appear to be nearly as skittish as other Sheep I have encountered. I imagine, with the comings and goings at Circle K, they've gotten fairly used to people just below them....
Decided to head out after that, as it was almost dark and we still had some driving to do. What a remarkable day! History abounded on this day and I learned alot about an area of AZ where I have never been before, plus got some scenic exercise to boot!!! Thanks Chad, for a great day and for being such a great Tour Guide!!!  |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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| Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "Wow What a Ride!" |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Took a few pics of the sheep and then returned back to Safford to end a wonderful day!!!
I love the Granville area: plenty of trails, varied forest, and solitude.
