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| | | Bill Williams Mountain Tour, AZ | | | |
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Bill Williams Mountain Tour, AZ
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| Hiking | 19.54 Miles |
4,250 AEG |
| | Hiking | 19.54 Miles | 8 Hrs 58 Mns | | 2.53 mph |
| 4,250 ft AEG | 1 Hour 15 Mns Break | 16 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Ray wanted to get in some hiking at Elevation. I came up with this one that starts at 6,900', climbed to 8,700', dropped to 7,800, and then up to the top of Bill Williams at 9,256. Once again, Dave was a 9:45p the night before addition.
The Bill Williams Trail #21 was as I remembered. It climbs like a mutha, right from the gitgo. There's a few spots where it levels off to let you catch you breath, then back up again. There is some large, thick, old growth that is defiantly not JimH approved.
There are not many views at all on this trail through the trees.
First time on the Bixler Saddle Trail #72. This trail does not get much use, but is in great shape. Finally you get some sweet views to the west. There are some cragily rocky peaks that look like some of you rock hounds would enjoy climbing. We went down to the western TH and then turned around and climbed back up the 900' we'd just descended. I like this trail.
Next we made our way to the Bill Williams Peak at 9,256'. We descended a bit to find a place where it might be a bit warmer to eat some lunch and catch some views. Of course this was the first time on the day it decided to rain lightly. We abbreviated our lunch as we all needed to get moving to get warm.
Next it was the Benham Trail #38. Some how we missed the TH up top and ended up joining it partway down the Tower Road. Another trail with good views and in great shape. Also another that does not get much traffic.
The plans next were to follow some back roads to catch up with some more trails to the north. We ended up traversing around some PP and ultimately walk through a nice neighborhood where some of Williams Upper Crust call home.
After passing the City Reservoir, we found some use trails that met up with the City of Williams Link Trail #124. (Looks like it caters to the MTB community)
We took the Buckskinner #130 to check out Clover Spring and then back to the Clover Spring Trail #46 and back to the TH.
Buckskinner/Clover Spring/Williams City trails, would make a nice short loop if you were in the area.
Perfect temps on the day ranging from 61 a couple of times, to 75. We had a bit of light rain and the Gods were Bowling overhead a few times.
Good times, always good conversations, bickering, poking, jabbing with these gents.
Thanks for driving Ray.... |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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City Reservoir |
51-75% full |
51-75% full |
| | | Plenty of water. It's was muddy from recent rains |
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Clover Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| | | 3' x 3' Concrete tank was full. Not sure I'd filter myself as the water was a funny color. | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}
The trail on the right seemed to be heading in the more expected direction so we followed that, and sure enough, about .07 miles later we hit the Clover Spring Trail junction. On the way back I briefly left Velva she followed the “gasline” trail to the top. It was only an additional .1 miles to the top. On the other side of the hill, the trail became a road. Walking down it a short ways I could see the Clover Spring Trail running along side it. I saw what may have been some use trails connecting the road to Clover, but nothing official. 
Had the trails to ourselves. No wildlife, though we think we spotted an eagles nest off in the distance. My wife has been watching the “eagle cam” from Friends of Big Bear Lake since early March, so this made the hike for her. 
