|
| | | Bill Williams Mountain Tour, AZ | | | |
|
|
Bill Williams Mountain Tour, AZ
| | |
| |
|
| 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 | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| 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.... |
|
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
|
|
  |
City Reservoir |
51-75% full |
51-75% full |
| | | Plenty of water. It's was muddy from recent rains |
|
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  |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
.
.
or so yet to go. We did notice quite a few slash piles on the flatter section. We did encounter some other hikers along the way too; one was doing some trail drainage maintenance.
. There is a nice change of topography as you make your way up the mountain including some unusual plants; one that we would really notice on the way down though we have no clue what it was or is. You finally start hitting the switchbacks. They aren't super hard but I gotta dig in with my poles. And like most switchbacks, occasionally you get a chance to barely catch your breath in-between.
. Kelly went out on the rock outcropping the hard way but found the easy way for me to join her for a quick snack before we hit the tower. It was a great place to fuel up. One more mountain more or less done.
before heading back down the mountain. It was a wonderful hike down. The greenery on both sides of the trail is so lush too. I took most of my movies on this part of the hike since I don't need to use my poles.
that got my attention.
. The waiter was kind enough to indulge my craving of wings and one slammer by letting me order off the Kids Menu. It was a great day with one more yet to go.
