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Sears-Kay Ruin - 26 members in 58 triplogs have rated this an average 2.4 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3  Next
58 triplogs
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Mar 31 2025
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 Guides 16
 Routes 81
 Photos 1,269
 Triplogs 1,145

51 male
 Joined Apr 30 2008
 Tucson, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 31 2025
azdesertfatherTriplogs 1,145
Hiking0.92 Miles 203 AEG
Hiking0.92 Miles      44 Mns   1.49 mph
203 ft AEG      7 Mns Break2 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners

dry Blue Wash Dry Dry
_____________________
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." — Henry David Thoreau
 
Feb 19 2024
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 Guides 16
 Routes 81
 Photos 1,269
 Triplogs 1,145

51 male
 Joined Apr 30 2008
 Tucson, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 19 2024
azdesertfatherTriplogs 1,145
Hiking1.00 Miles 210 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles      44 Mns   2.31 mph
210 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Neat little spot, didn’t know was here! Was taking Belle out to Cave Creek / Skunk Tank loop and (thanks to HAZ triplogs!) on the way I realized I had already done it, 21 years earlier. We saw this little gem and did it instead!
_____________________
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." — Henry David Thoreau
 
Jan 23 2022
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 Guides 25
 Routes 376
 Photos 5,897
 Triplogs 346

40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 23 2022
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking0.98 Miles 197 AEG
Hiking0.98 Miles      42 Mns   1.47 mph
197 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
TboneKathy
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We hiked to Quien Sabe Peak earlier in the day and stopped at Sears-Kay on the drive back. It was late afternoon when we arrived, and the parking lot was still busy and nearly full, with cars coming and going. It's a short hike up the hill, and there are multiple informational signs along the way with some interesting history about the site, the architecture, and the culture of the Hohokam who inhabited the area.

The ruins on the top of the hill have been restacked are much more impressive than the others, with the clearly-defined walls. They're much easier to see with less overgrowth, either because of visitor foot traffic in the rooms or because someone actively maintains the hilltop ruins. There were a few stray pot sherds set out on one of the walls, and we read through the signs and enjoyed the views from the top.

We took the alternate trail down past the granite rock formations. With the crowds, the powerlines, and traffic down below, this site doesn't have the same atmosphere as some of the more remote Hohokam sites, but it's still an interesting and worthwhile stop if you're in the area.
 
Oct 23 2021
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 Photos 5
 Triplogs 1,041

36 female
 Joined Oct 04 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 23 2021
WaitingForRainTriplogs 1,041
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I had the opportunity to visit the ruins with a National Forest archeologist- we spent 2 hours walking the ruins and discussing the history of the site and talking about how the Forest studies and collaborates with other to protect historic sites across the Southwest. We also had the opportunity to see some artifacts that people had stolen and then returned to the Forest- pots that were 1000 years old. I can only dream that some of my art might last that long, let alone be appreciated for its beauty 1000 years from now. It was a cool opportunity to humanize the past, and appreciate indigenous management of our beautiful landscape.
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  2 archives
Dec 07 2019
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Ol' Blue - Kentuck - Sycamore Boogaloop, AZ 
Ol' Blue - Kentuck - Sycamore Boogaloop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 07 2019
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking16.09 Miles 3,651 AEG
Hiking16.09 Miles   10 Hrs   41 Mns   1.75 mph
3,651 ft AEG   1 Hour   30 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Camp Creek Falls
It'd been 9 years since I'd been out there. I remembered it as being nice. We hit it at the right time and it was much better, than nice. Running water and Fall colors made it special. We ran into our only hikers for the day on the way out of there.

Maricopa Trail - Bronco to Bartlett
We made great time on this well groomed trail, steadily climbing towards our first goal. I enjoyed this section more than expected. The views got better the higher we got.

Kentuck Mountain 5013
After a short break we starting our off trail. We took the approach off the Maricopa Trail from the SW. This proved to be a relatively easy, shorts friendly route. We passed through a couple of @Hansenaz rock piles on the way to the top. Awesome 360 views up top

Kentuck Mountain Views
[ youtube video ]

Now the fun begins.. Retreating to the NW off of Kentuck, is steep,THICK and slow going. Long pants please.
We had lunch on top of 4668.

We continued on down into Sycamore Canyon. Joe had be building up the area with "Trees". I don't think he'll do that again. We could have used a chain saw in that section. We hopped out of the creek for awhile before we had to get back in. The remainder of the canyon was scenic, with numerous required bypasses because of the waterfalls.

Glad to be back on the Maricopa Trail again, we tried to make up time so we could get through the remaining off trail before dark.

A steep drop into Camp Creek, followed by a steeper climb up the south face.

One more drop and the climb up to Sears-Kay. Headlamp on now, just a short jaunt to the start.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Camp Creek Falls Medium flow Medium flow

dry Lopez Spring Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Spring, what spring

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Sycamore Canyon Light flow Light flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Sycamore Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout No sign of the actual spring but the creek has been flowing since Lopez spring should be pools for quite some time
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  1 archive
Dec 07 2019
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,798
 Photos 14,514
 Triplogs 5,895

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Ol' Blue - Kentuck - Sycamore Boogaloop, AZ 
Ol' Blue - Kentuck - Sycamore Boogaloop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 07 2019
joebartelsTriplogs 5,895
Hiking15.08 Miles 3,726 AEG
Hiking15.08 Miles   10 Hrs   40 Mns   1.65 mph
3,726 ft AEG   1 Hour   30 Mns Break18 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
After rock bottom expectations, Camp Creek was very nice with yellow Autumn accents of ash? and cottonwoods. May never return but it was a solid 4 of 5 on this day.

Maricopa Trail has a decent tread. Did not expect to like this trail either. Outstanding views through easy roller coaster desert, 4 of 5 for me in beautiful weather. Keep in mind I like the desert. Minor nuisance gripe on mis-aligned pin latch gates instead of easy auto latches. Unexpected cool pinon tree on this trail that wraps around through South Mountain.

We took a break before heading off trail up to Kentuck. Killer views absorbed. Heading up was easier than anticipated. Shorts were fine. Bruce possibly found the burial site of chief whooping cough. Soon after I stumbled across some ruins. Buckwheat was rocking the blooms heading up. Spanky was nowhere to be found and I stole the chief comment from the man himself.

Took a short break up at Buford Teeee Justice Peak to read previous triplogs. Fliver set us clear. Yet we failed to find the rod-stub with makeshift protractors, pendulums and dowsing rods. We're not worthy and I could almost hear Tibber yelling at me to get off the phone.

By lucky chance I put pants on for the descent from Kentuck to Sycamore Creek/Canyon. Specifically choose Sycamore to mix up what others tackled. Anticipations included a nice satellite view of shade trees and two springs. Hate to give away the secret details but I don't think Bruce enjoyed the trees. Lopez Spring area was dry.

A medium to large hawk that looked like a wide bowling pin perched above screamed repeatedly. The drawn-out echo-scream was like somebody yelling yellow yellow. Pretty sure it was a red-tailed hawk after youtube research.

Water surfaced and flowed lightly for a good stretch. The canyon took on a Mazzie feel in rock hues. Sycamore spring vicinity had cool and challenging areas. With Sycamore Creek/Canyon tackled we were happy to get back on the Maricopa Trail for an easy 1.5 miles.

Daylight was slipping away as we stumbled upon a gripping issue. My planned route might not be legal yet alone feasible. Steep it was. Extra-eight-mile, ten-o-clock option B wasn't happening until plan A got a chance. We got lucky. Nice views of the thundergod rock before the hwy walk back to square one. Good to get beat up again for a change. Not enough light/time to revisit Sears Kay propper. Take away a couple miles of challenge it was a damn good hike IMHO.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
loved the yellows, most would be disappointed
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
the isolated party never stopped

dry Lopez Spring Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout No sign of spring or water. A quarter mile back there was a light flow, small pools.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Sycamore Spring Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout No clue on the spring but the creek was flowing good since just passed dry Lopez spring.
_____________________
- joe
 
Nov 25 2017
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 Photos 35
 Triplogs 20

54 female
 Joined Nov 19 2010
 chicago/chandler
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 25 2017
kbunnyTriplogs 20
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice to explore a new-to-me part of the Valley on a beautiful, hot Saturday. Wish we'd taken the "alternate" trail that leads down from the ruin site through the rock formations. We opted not to because the end of the trail isn't visible from the top, but it appears to lead back out to the road below the parking lot. Figured I'd mention it as other descriptions make it sound as though one must go off-trail to get among the rocks, but actually there is a well developed trail.
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Nov 18 2017
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 Guides 11
 Routes 2
 Photos 3,776
 Triplogs 334

48 male
 Joined Jun 09 2009
 Mesa, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 18 2017
cw50mustTriplogs 334
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
On the way out from my scenic drive I decided to stop here and check it out, I've never been here. The hike is nice and easy, but gives great views. The ruins are nice, some have been restacked, but some areas are more natural.
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Mar 26 2017
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 Routes 7
 Photos 273
 Triplogs 234

54 male
 Joined Jul 16 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 26 2017
EartheistTriplogs 234
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Girlyshellebelle7
The_Dude
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
 
Mar 26 2017
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 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 1,367
 Triplogs 364

47 male
 Joined Jun 10 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 26 2017
The_DudeTriplogs 364
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Got this one in for the first time on the way back from a family camp up by Seven Springs. Good trip for kids (family of 4 did this all in flip flops) nice side trip to check out some ruins. There are a few well preserved rooms to see and nice interpretive plaques along the way. Wildflowers in full display, saw dozens of butterflies. Well worth the stop if you have not been here before.
_____________________
 
Feb 05 2017
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 Routes 173
 Photos 1,613
 Triplogs 285

50 male
 Joined Nov 11 2014
 Manchester, NH
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 05 2017
JasonCleghornTriplogs 285
Hiking1.30 Miles 239 AEG
Hiking1.30 Miles
239 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
Follow me on Instagram: hikingjason
"It's not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves"
 
Dec 23 2016
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 Guides 2
 Routes 25
 Photos 1,890
 Triplogs 604

41 male
 Joined Sep 13 2009
 Mesa, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 23 2016
jochalTriplogs 604
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
 
Mar 01 2016
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 Photos 94
 Triplogs 14

44 male
 Joined Feb 05 2016
 Anthem, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 01 2016
phlakTriplogs 14
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles   1 Hour   5 Mns   1.02 mph
220 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I've done this little hike many times over with out of state family. Great views and great information all the way to the top. It's an easy hike on a nice trail.
_____________________
 
Dec 28 2014
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 Guides 8
 Routes 16
 Photos 183
 Triplogs 144

53 male
 Joined Jan 29 2008
 Paradise Valley/
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 28 2014
neilendsTriplogs 144
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Brought my non-hiking wife here to start off our 1 year anniversary day. She loved it. Or said she did anyway.

We got here early in the morning so we had the site to ourselves. On the drive over, 3 mule deer crossed the road in front of us. They stopped to look at us, or we stopped to look at them, one of the two.

This is a beautiful place to bring any non-hikers who want to taste the outdoors and see some authentic ruins, without getting blisters.
_____________________
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." --John Adams
 
Nov 07 2014
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 Guides 4
 Photos 542
 Triplogs 573

46 male
 Joined Oct 19 2010
 Mesa, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 07 2014
Charger55Triplogs 573
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles   1 Hour      1.10 mph
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My third stop for the day was a visit to Sears-Kay Ruin. After visiting Black Mesa Ruin and the cliff dwellings in Camp Verde last month these ruins paled in comparison. They are still interesting to see and make for a very convenient stop if you're in the area.

After hiking around the ruins I went to use the outhouse in the parking lot. Waiting for me on the door handle was a giant walking stick (stick bug). I've never seen one before and know very little about them. Not that it mattered. I wasn't going to touch it so I went to the car and got my walking stick. Mine was bigger and I used it to move him out of the way.
_____________________
"I've driven across deserts, driven by the irony, that only being shackled to the road could ever I be free"
- Frank Turner "The Road"
 
Apr 05 2014
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 Triplogs 3

64 male
 Joined Oct 26 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 05 2014
CulfinTriplogs 3
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles   1 Hour      1.65 mph
220 ft AEG      20 Mns Break2 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked this with Daughter Megan, was fun visiting the ruins.
_____________________
 
Nov 29 2013
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 Guides 9
 Routes 33
 Photos 780
 Triplogs 4,634

44 male
 Joined Nov 25 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 29 2013
BoonemanTriplogs 4,634
Hiking1.10 Miles 240 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles      27 Mns   2.44 mph
240 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
While in the neighborhood, I stopped by to check out the Sears Kay Ruins.
_____________________
 
Jun 16 2013
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 Guides 1
 Photos 1,148
 Triplogs 219

54 male
 Joined Jul 14 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 16 2013
burntlizardTriplogs 219
Hiking2.30 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking2.30 Miles   2 Hrs      1.15 mph
220 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
 
May 02 2013
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 Routes 3
 Photos 328
 Triplogs 25

55 male
 Joined Jul 23 2012
 phoenix, az
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2013
beterarcherTriplogs 25
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
220 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I finally got out a bit today. It was nice and cool and a little bit windy so Mom and I headed up to Sears Kay Ruins at about 9:00 am and was totally surprised to see that no one else was there. I have been to Seven Springs a million times but never stopped at the ruins. The outhouse was in pretty bad shape and there was trash everywhere at the trailhead. At first I thought that animals had gotten in to the cans but there were water bottles strewn about so, unless the critters have learned there's water in them there plastic thingys, I'm going to blame it on the stupid humans. I headed up the trail and was surprised that there were quite a few flowers still. Brittle Bush, Fairy Duster, Thistle and several others. As we came up to the first evidence of walls, I looked down and saw an Iron Cross Blister Beetle. I looked around and they were everywhere. They are pretty challenging to snap shots of with my cheap phone camera but I managed to get a couple good ones. A little farther up the trail there was a Harvester Ant nest and Mom managed to pick one up on her foot that bit her! I tried out the Goji berries (Wolf berries) and they were pretty tart, so I left them for the Mockingbird that accompanied us on our hike. We saw a few small piles of pottery shards that somebody put next to the trail so I spread them out again. I'm sure I missed a few piles too. All in all, the ruins are pretty clean. I did see a couple of pieces of glass near the largest of the ruins. We decided to take the Eastern trail back to the truck. There is quite a bit of decomposed Granite on the steep parts that Mom slipped a little on but not a really big deal (she should have worn more aggressive shoes). On the way down we stopped for pics of the nice Granite formations. When we were just about back to the trailhead and a Desert Cottontail ran across the trail just about under our feet. I guess he thought he had the place all to himself too. We sat at the picknick tables for a bit and saw a Yellow Warbler and heard the beautiful song. It was about 11:00 by then and we were getting hungry so we decided to hit Dairy Queen on the way home for a cheeseburger and a Orange Julius. While we were eating outside we saw a GIANT piece of Quartz crystal at a new shop across the street and decided to investigate. When we got there we discovered the coolest Minerals and art. We spent about 30 minutes looking and then headed home. Excellent day! No Pics to follow,my SD card in my phone went on the fritz :( .
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Brittle bush, Fairy duster, Thistle, lots of small blue flowers, small white flowers etc.
_____________________
Understand, when you eat meat, that something did die. You have an obligation to value it - not just the sirloin but also all those wonderful tough little bits.
Anthony Bourdain
 
Apr 28 2013
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 Routes 189
 Photos 7,244
 Triplogs 1,742

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Sears-Kay RuinPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 28 2013
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,742
Hiking1.10 Miles 220 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles   1 Hour   45 Mns   0.63 mph
220 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Went up with the wife for the first time. Been past this place, I don't know how many times, it's about time that I checked it out. Well marked trails and displays. Wildflowers in bloom. We didn't find any petroglyphs, if there even are any at this location. Nice Sunday diversion.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Honey Bee
_____________________
 
average hiking speed 1.51 mph
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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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