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| Hiking | 7.59 Miles |
993 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.59 Miles | 4 Hrs 6 Mns | | 2.15 mph |
| 993 ft AEG | 34 Mns Break | | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | Had planned to do a hike in the Phx Mountain Preserve but Greg made me an offer I couldn't refuse. This was a great hike and I got to hit two new trails and enjoy some more fall color plus get some great views along the way. And the cloud action today was outstanding thus you all know what happened; yep, Tibbermode - blame it on the clouds.
We met up at a rather crowded trailhead at 9:30 and took the road northbound. Spats of fall color was still on display throughout the hike, in some areas, quite a bit of it. Over to the right (east) we spotted a white water tank; what an eyesore. Hopefully they will paint it. We ran into a few people until the crossing of Cave Creek where you turn left by the reddish rock area (west and then north). There was some nice fall color here and the creek was dry; needless to say a lot easier to cross then I was here last when we had to get a little creative to get across all the water.
Eventually we started on the rocky FR 48. I saw the new fence across the creek along with the cow patties once we opened and closed the new wire gate. I was concerned where the cattle would get water which we would eventually see further up the creek; no cattle were seen. As we got up the road we could see more fall color near and seemingly in the creek  . We took a break near the junction of 1533 before heading up the hill here. FR 1533 was new territory so I enjoyed the views as they opened up to me. The west side of Skull Mesa looms large above and New River Mesa is tall to the left.
We noticed interesting tracks on the trail where there were squares in the dirt for you to step between rocky parts. I've never seen anything like it but we figured it was as perfect pacing for horses. We would see evidence of this a couple more times. After all the hiking we've done, this was such a strange thing to see for the first time. As we got a little higher a raven was carrying on some sort of conversation but we didn't see another bird.
As you head south you get an even bigger view of the extremely large mining area. There is a bit of an outcropping you can hike to where you can see the length of the creek to the south and a good overview of the area below and across the way. We continued hiking south to join up with #4. Out at the Skull Mesa sign we started seeing a few more folks and even more as we ventured close to the creek crossing by the red rock outcropping.
We got to the Metate Trail junction and Greg gave me the option of this or to check out the Schooner Rock, pretty vs something new. I opted for the new so we continued on to the Fairy Duster Trail. This is the trail many of the families we saw today should have been hiking.
The Fairy Duster Trail really has fabulous views; I'm always keeping in mind trails that I can do when I can't do the more challenging stuff and this is one of those candidates. It's a great place to take people who don't do much hiking. And of course, today, with all the cloud action and stuff, it was really pretty. From there it is a hop, skip and jump to the very crowded TH and parking lot; but more important Joe   , beer time. Today was especially nice as to great views, good company and the entertainment available at this TH lot.
I couldn't help myself, I had to make a video. There are a couple movies that I took as well - [ youtube video ] |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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