|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 8.10 Miles |
400 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.10 Miles | | | |
| 400 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This is a nicely maintained trail system in the town of Pinetop/Lakeside. The Woodland Lake loop is by far the most popular trail with about 200 people of all varieties (lots of families) enjoying the pleasant morning weather. Unfortunately, the town's loss of water rights is showing as despite all the recent rain, the reservoir was barely 30% full, with the dock and boat ramps out of commission due to the low lake level. Pleasant enough to hike around, but not enough for any water activities to take place.
In comparison to the crowded lake loop, I had most of the rest of the park to myself, only encountering a handful of other people. The trail system is well marked. The Walnut Creek trail is overflowing with wildflowers of all colors and varieties, and the beaver activity in the Big Springs Study area had me curious...I could also make out the beaver lodge, but wasn't sure if they are allowing any beavers to stay as residents, since I didn't spot the culprit. There was a fierce army of ducks guarding the western edge of the lake, but they let me pass with only a scolding  . Most of the rest of the park is fairly plain trail through...pine woodland, who would have thunk it?
About the only bad thing of note is about half the people who use this trail system blatently disregard the dogs-on-leash policy throughout all park trails (ignoring the many, many signs), and I got introduced to one muddy dog who saw fit to bolt from their owner and jump on me...apparently the doggo just "really likes to meet new people" according to it's illiterate owner... ](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall") |
|
Wildflowers Observation Extreme
|
|
 |
Big Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| | | The spring cannot be observed as it is underneath the lake, but the lake it fills is completely full. |
|
Walnut Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| | | While the spring itself is too far off trail to find, walnut creek itself, along the trail was gently flowing perhaps a gallon or two per minute. |
 |
Woodland Reservoir |
26-50% full |
26-50% full |
| | | I estimate 30% full, water level too low for boats or dock. | | _____________________
http://hikearizona.com/garmin_maps.php
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife! |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
! Afterwards it was back to the cabin for a bbq and game night. The grandkids are wiser then I want to admit. No surprise I had a hard time not talking while giving clues 
.I had a blast on this trip. Reminded me of yesteryear... So many fond memories! Kind of like a changing of the guards. Many more memories to make. Hopefully they keep inviting me to join! 
A big thanks to the family, 
!
