South Fork Trail #97 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Alpine, AZ

Run/Jog		Jun 11 2023
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	11.51 Miles	1,615 AEG

Run/Jog	11.51 Miles	4 Hrs 14 Mns	2.85 mph
	1,615 ft AEG	12 Mns Break

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Needed something a little closer to town since I was planning on driving back to Phoenix afterwards, so decided to check out South Fork. Had visited once as a kid but didn't remember much. The first part of the trail was nice, then after a mile or so the burn scar hit. Still in decent shape, but a lot more exposed.

The sign at the TH said the fish barrier and creek crossing were 3 miles in, but it was closer to 2. Thought I saw the crossing, but it seemed like there was good trail continuing along the creek, so decided to check that out since it seemed like it might be worthwhile. Went a mile and a half or so upstream, the trail in this section comes and goes. Saw a young-looking cinnamon colored black bear a little downstream from Joe Baca Draw. Other than that we mostly just saw cattle. Turned around when we got to a point that looked like deadfall as far as the eye can see.

When we got back to the crossing, decided to head up the actual South Fork trail. This section was actually fun; the route up the ridge was interesting and almost all of the deadfall has been cleared. Once past the remaining living trees, the views were exceptional and the trail wasn't too hard to follow, but it was very windy. Got to a point where we figured the payoff was maximized and turned around. They probably won't need to do much more future work clearing deadfall, as almost the trees up there are already down.

Didn't make it to Mexican Hay Lake, that will have to wait for a future trip.

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May 29 2023

FOTG

Guides 37
Routes 556
Photos 10,872
Triplogs 1,052

43 male

Joined Jan 21 2013
AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		May 29 2023
		FOTG • Triplogs 1,052

Hiking	1.60 Miles

Hiking	1.60 Miles

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I spent three days in the Blue Range with the pups over Memorial Weekend. I saved a lead on some glyphs off of the Little Colorado River and a first time trip to the South Fork Trail for our last morning out there.

I found the glyphs, although, it took me a few tries and I covered some unnecessary ground. I only found some severely weathered and faded glyphs at first, however, I then stumbled across a panel and a few other crisp glyphs that really caught the imagination and turned the site into quite the little find for me. In fact, I would not mind looking around some more in the future, as I kept my tour a little short this time around, due to having left the pups in the car (and due to burning 20 minutes looking in the wrong area).

The trailhead for the South Fork was only a few minutes down the road, so it was the perfect opportunity to finally see what the trail has to offer. We started from the Campground/northern end and only went a short distance in, but what little we hiked was superb. It was an excellent setting along the creek, which had a nice flow and the forest was in good shape for the portions of the trail we hiked to include some giant ponderosa. Excellent trail and tread. We turned around after just less than one mile in.

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Sep 04 2022

Vashti

Guides 17
Routes 297
Photos 1,808
Triplogs 276

female

Joined Mar 11 2002
Gilbert, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 04 2022
		Vashti • Triplogs 276

Hiking	5.09 Miles	907 AEG

Hiking	5.09 Miles	3 Hrs 31 Mns	1.92 mph
	907 ft AEG	52 Mns Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

This is a pretty trail if a bit exposed to the sun given past fires taking out the giant trees. There is a few small sections through the forest, but mainly in the sun with the remains of burnt large trees nearby. Interestingly, even through the trail is technically right next the the creek, you rarely see it as the trail is higher than the creek bed, and also the creek is mostly hidden by brushy shrubs for most of the hike.

Lots of wildflowers on this hike! Maybe they like all that sun!

all colors of the rainbow!

We saw maybe 4 groups of people while hiking, so not super congested. A couple were hiking out just as we were going to cross the creek. They told us to cross further down which ended up not being good information. There is a sign where to cross the creek. We took the trail back, and we crossed this way very easily without getting our feet wet. On the way out, per the advice of the couple, we kept going and didn't find a great place to cross. And now the trail is gone as it is on the other side of the creek. We followed a game trail creekside until eventually we found an easy spot to cross. Then we headed up the hill to get back on the trail. A few steps more and we were through the gate on the mesa top. We were just doing a quick out and back, so we took some time to enjoy a snack on some logs and rocks, and then we headed back, staying on the trail easily the entire time. Much easier, as expected.

On the way back we ran into a lone mountain biker (lots of downed trees for him to drag his Bike over!) and 2 other small groups of hikers. The time passed quickly, and we were back at the car in short order!

A nice trail for wildflowers, if not otherwise super exciting. There is one waterfall early on that looks to be man made.

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Lots of wildflowers, but tapering down already.

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Sep 03 2020

Sun_Ray

Routes 144
Photos 1,145
Triplogs 1,238

77 male

Joined Sep 09 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 03 2020
		Sun_Ray • Triplogs 1,238

Hiking	3.89 Miles	453 AEG

Hiking	3.89 Miles	1 Hour 35 Mns	2.56 mph
	453 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Thank you @azbackpackr for your hike descriptions and captions on the photo's you posted. Along with the hike description we had a very good idea of what to expect from the hike. This is another hike with a stream along the trail for most of the way so I did not have to carry water for Kai.... did spend a lot of time telling him NO as he wanted to spend lots and lots of time in the water. He loves it!! There was only one other car at the trailhead so I had Kai off leash and watched for the other hiker that I never saw. I was tired from the hikes the last 2 days so went 2 miles and turned around....hike came out to 3.89, oh well. There are several new picnic tables under large shade trees at the trailhead where we had lunch.

This hike was at about 7500 feet and I could feel the difference in a positive way from the other hikes we did at 8000-9000. Helps me understand what I'm able to tolerate to better choose hikes in the future.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!

1 archive

Aug 26 2020

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Aug 26 2020
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	8.00 Miles	1,100 AEG

Hiking	8.00 Miles
	1,100 ft AEG

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Debz

This past August I went to Springerville for a week to organize and try to get rid of a lot of stuff out of my old self-storage unit. A friend, Deb, from Flagstaff showed up and shared the old KOA cabin with me at Casa Malpais RV Park.*

Along with another friend, Beth, who lives in Eagar, we went out to hike South Fork. We started at the main (north) trailhead, following the creek up. Crossing the creek, we hiked to the top of that crazy steep part of the trail, then retraced our steps. Before heading up the steep part, we attemped to continue up the creek trail, but gave up due to poison oak and lots of brush. When they rebuilt a burnt fence across the creek, they put the gate on the wrong side of the creek, so you can no longer easily follow the old trail. Most people never went past that gate anyway, they took the official FS trail which ends up at Mexican Hay Lake.

The last time I'd hiked here was in November 2011, about 6 months after a purposeful backburn by firefighters in this area, trying to stop the spread of the enormous Wallow Fire. It caused a lot of damage to the watershed in this little canyon. Yes, the fire in South Fork was a "backburn." I have that info from friends in the firefighting community there.

The area is recovering nicely. A nice variety of plant life has grown up, and the aspens and pines are coming in. There will be a lot more aspens than there used to be. In the long run, I think the fire was probably a good thing. Plus, there is still a lot of pine forest along the trail--it didn't all burn.

It was a gorgeous day, with nice friends. It was fun to introduce two old friends to one another, who found a lot in common.

Mileage and AEG is a guess, because I forgot to put fresh batteries into my GPS.

*Traveler hint: Cabins at Casa Malpais RV Park are the cheapest digs in Springerville under a roof, especially if you book it for a week. It was $25 per night by the week, $40 if less than a week. There are two of those old KOA cabins, with no bathrooms. They do have a fridge and a microwave, however, plus linens and towels. The RV park bathrooms are spotless, with good showers, and practically unused, because everyone is in an RV. Plenty of places to bike and walk right out the door, if you know the area. A city walking trail along the Little Colorado River is right there, plus great road biking, etc. etc. Yes, it is the same Little Colorado River that runs into Grand Canyon.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Abert's Squirrel

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There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

6 archives

Jul 28 2020

Harry

Guides 1
Photos 154
Triplogs 172

84 male

Joined Jan 21 2004
Chandler, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jul 28 2020
		Harry • Triplogs 172

Hiking	5.50 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	5.50 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG		3 LBS Pack

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Nancy and I hiked out and back midday on the South Fork Trail #97, about 5.5 miles total. Not much shade and plenty sun on half of the way in. Was raining with some hail and 20 degrees colder in that area on way back. We were soaked and cool returning to the car. Much of the forest in this area was destroyed by the 2011 fires and there is little reforestation since. A lot of pics struck my fancy. Beauty amid the devastation. Before the 2011 fires this was 100% forested trail. On the way home we stopped at Pole Knoll to dry out (Sun!) and had a stand up picnic! A good day. See photoset 7-28-2020.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
See photoset 7-28-2020.

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1 archive

Jun 04 2020

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jun 04 2020
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	4.80 Miles	200 AEG

Hiking	4.80 Miles
	200 ft AEG

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Hiked to the "crossing" and back out.

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Jun 14 2014

nonot

Guides 107
Routes 249
Photos 2,067
Triplogs 514

male

Joined Nov 18 2005
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jun 14 2014
		nonot • Triplogs 514

Hiking	10.50 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	10.50 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG		18 LBS Pack

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Did the north half of this trail and the loop up Joe Baca draw. Saw my first wild antelope and several elk. The upper part alternates between forest that survived the fire and areas that were completely torched. As before it is really nice where you drop down next to the river. The trail upstream, though unofficial, is superb for the next 1-2 miles. Joe Baca draw is a bit of a bushwhack but there are enough game trails so it isn't that unpleasant.

Wildflowers Observation Light

Mexican Hay Lake

Dry

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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!

May 25 2014

nonot

Guides 107
Routes 249
Photos 2,067
Triplogs 514

male

Joined Nov 18 2005
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		May 25 2014
		nonot • Triplogs 514

Hiking	7.90 Miles	1,416 AEG

Hiking	7.90 Miles	3 Hrs 50 Mns		2.06 mph
	1,416 ft AEG		20 LBS Pack

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Went up South Fork about 3.5 miles and then did an off trail loop over to Brian Spring. The area survived the fire fairly well though about a mile of the trail was very badly burned. The last mile of the trail going upstream looked fully recovered, though the hillsides away from the valley tell a different tale. The off trail area to the south did survive very well.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Mostly small yellow daisies, iris. Main iris blooms look weeks away.

	Brian Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Very nice spring

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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!

Aug 13 2013

azfamilyhike

Routes 1
Photos 140
Triplogs 20

male

Joined May 01 2014
show low

Railroad Grade Trail #601

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Aug 13 2013
		azfamilyhike • Triplogs 20

Hiking	6.20 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	6.20 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG

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The family and I (my wife and son 4yo) started this hike on the South Fork side not the Mexican Hay Lake side of the trial which most of the people do. The trail is very easy and starts out paralleling the creek that is on the east of you.The trail has many trees and is luscious in the springtime. There is a small made made waterfall that looks really cool. We didn't see much wildlife this time with the exception of a few birds, we have seen a bear a few times before that. We stopped and had a picnic at one of the few waterhole that has formed. The wallow fire did do some damage to the area you can see some of the burnt trees not even a mile into the hike, but it is still a beautiful area.Overall a great day hike.

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Jan 02 2013

Randal_Schulhauser

Guides 71
Routes 98
Photos 9,967
Triplogs 1,009

65 male

Joined May 14 2003
Ahwatukee, AZ

White Mountains Winter 2013, AZ

Backpack		Jan 02 2013
		Randal_Schulhauser • Triplogs 1,009

Backpack	12.00 Miles	500 AEG

Backpack	12.00 Miles	2 Days
	500 ft AEG

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Sunrise Ski Park

West Fork Trail #94 - Greer

Butler Canyon Trail #98

White Mountain Grasslands Area

Pole Knoll Recreation Area

Horseshoe Cienega

Los Burros Trail #631

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White Mountains Winter 2013
I needed to feel some snow beneath my feet - so having heard from my neighbors Terry and Giselle about their New Year's trek to Sunrise Ski Park (check out => [ Sunrise Ski Park ] ), I thought a couple of days in the White Mountains would be "just the ticket". I couldn't take advantage of my Marriott Rewards or Priority Club Rewards booking a hotel since none of their hotels in the vicinity of the White Mountains are "pet friendly". Luckily the Best Western in Eagar AZ will accept dogs in the room, so we had our base camp.

Wednesday 1/2 - Arrived in the White Mountains late morning via Hwy 260 with our first stop near Sunrise Ski Park and FR112 and the Railroad Grade Trail #601 (see => [ Railroad Grade Trail #601 ] ). Lots of snow fun on the slopes of the Railroad Grade. FR117 was unplowed so our afternoon plans to explore Green's Peak and the Four Knolls (see => [ Four Knolls ] ) were thwarted. Our back-up plan was to explore trails near the village of Greer. Mini-hikes on West Fork Trail #94 and Butler Canyon Trail #98 (see => [ West Fork Trail #94 - Greer ] and [ Butler Canyon Trail #98 ] ) and exploring some real estate poking around the village. You can see the scarred forest and how close it came to torching all of Greer from last summer's Wallow Fire (see => https://wildfiretoday.com/2011/06/09/wa ... r-arizona/ and [ Wallow Fire Map 2011-06-27 :: map ] ). We ended the day with a sunset hike of the G&F Grasslands (see => [ White Mountain Grasslands Area ] ). Grasslands lived up to the hype for surefire wildlife encounters as we met up with a herd of mule deer.

Thursday 1/3 - After a frigid night, arrived at the South Fork Trail #97 (see => [ South Fork Trail #97 ] ) trail head with my truck thermometer indicating 19degF (neglected to get photo evidence, but did capture the noon time temperature of 23degF). We hiked the 3 miles to the bridge with the dogs enjoying the snow. Once again scars from the Wallow Fire could be seen along the hiking route. Next up was Pole Knoll (see => [ Pole Knoll Recreation Area ] ). Hiking was challenging post-holing your route beside the set track for cross country skiing. I was very impressed with the skiing conditions at Pole Knoll - makes me want to break out my skis! We Wrapped up our White Mountain tour with some photo ops at Horseshoe Cienega (see => [ Horseshoe Cienega ] ) and Los Burros (see => [ Los Burros Trail #631 ] ). We had a late day dinner in Show Low and returned home via Hwy 60.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mule Deer

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Nov 30 2011

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Nov 30 2011
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	6.20 Miles	500 AEG

Hiking	6.20 Miles
	500 ft AEG

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I braced myself before doing this hike. This is one of my favorite places to ramble. But the Wallow Fire came through here, plus backburning was apparently done as well.

Well, some of it looks about the same, but some areas look totally different, with all the trees just dead sticks. I took the spur trail (not marked, not very visible) to Hamblin Draw (aka Melissa Springs) and up along that little side creek all the trees are very dead indeed.

The odd part is the hay. The government spread hay on thousands of acres after the fire, and it sprouted and prevented a lot of flooding and erosion and soil loss. But it sure looks strange to be walking in a HAYFIELD where once you'd have been walking in a shady forest.

The creek (South Fork of the Little Colorado River) looks healthy and clear. I was glad I went on the hike, but it will take some getting used to. I plan to spend the summer up here in the White Mountains, and so I will likely hike this trail many times.

I did not see much elk sign, but there were a few tracks. There is almost no snow left from the last storm, ground is damp, and a new storm is on its way.

That being said, I would really like the original hike write-up to be changed because it is all about hiking down from Mexican Hay Lake, which almost no one does, and which is not the prettiest part of the hike.

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

May 11 2011

beiley

Routes 27
Photos 337
Triplogs 19

58 male

Joined May 08 2009
Chandler, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Backpack		May 11 2011
		beiley • Triplogs 19

Backpack	6.20 Miles	1,700 AEG

Backpack	6.20 Miles	3 Days
	1,700 ft AEG

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My first hike in this area. We parked at the campground, hiked down to Joe Baca Draw where we camped for 2 nights. Never saw another person the whole time we were there. Creek is smaller than I was imagining, and easy to cross without getting your boots wet. One of my friends was hoping to fish, but creek seems too small to support any sizable fish. Saw elk on the way into camp on the first day. The first night we had a pack of coyotes right near our tents howling. I was scared

, but nothing came of it. Hiked over to Brian and Melissa springs and then over to Mexican Hay Lake and back through Joe Baca Draw on day 2. The springs had some water, but I wouldn't plan on getting drinking water out of them unless you were really desperate. On day 3 we just hiked back out. Very nice area, enjoyed it very much. It was pretty dry.

	Brian Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	It does have water, but not much right at the spring. Hike down a ways, and it is a little better. Wouldn't plan on getting water from here though, personally. Hike over to the South Fork, much better water.

	Melissa Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Pretty much the same as Brian Spring..., as they are right next to each other. It does have water, but not much right at the spring. Hike down a ways, and it is a little better. Wouldn't plan on getting water from here though, personally. Hike over to the South Fork, much better water.

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Mar 17 2011

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Mar 17 2011
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	13.00 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	13.00 Miles	4 Hrs 40 Mns	2.79 mph
	1,700 ft AEG

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Time posted is moving time.

Nice hike, which I have done many times, but usually I see elk or deer, or sometimes even a bear. This time I saw a mourning cloak butterfly, and that was about it.

Mexican Hay Lake is pretty well iced-over, and the highway to it (261) is still closed for the winter, but there is very little snow along the trail. Such a dry winter. Views of Mt. Baldy and Sunrise Ski Area were very snowy, though. However, I hiked in shorts and a t-shirt.

Have not been hiking much lately, so this made me a little tired, but I still moved along pretty well.

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

Oct 03 2010

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Oct 03 2010
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	8.10 Miles	1,500 AEG

Hiking	8.10 Miles	3 Hrs	2.70 mph
	1,500 ft AEG

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Distance given is round trip which is the ONLY way I will ever post it. One-way distance confused people.

Hiked from lower trailhead up Mex hay fork, to 9,000 foot level, turned around and went back. Just a fast solo hike for exercise on a nice day. The only fall colors I saw were 2 aspen trees, partially yellow and a LOT of yellow and red poison oak. (but I am posting this 1 week after the hike!)

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

Oct 02 2010

michaelg

Photos 285
Triplogs 37

57 male

Joined Oct 05 2010
Ahwatukee, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Oct 02 2010
		michaelg • Triplogs 37

Hiking	6.20 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	6.20 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG

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enter trail head from Mexican hay Lake from the north, which is not a good road for a car, The south road after mexican hay lake was a better way to get to the trail. you must drive through a gate. This is not a bike trail at all though they say it is. to rocky and thistles flatten two tires of mine even with slim in the wheels. But the hike is a great hike overlooking the forest and the Springerville grasslands with cindercones. I love the upper part of this trail, and is a must do picnic lunch trail. Elk where every where up here, running around like crazy, as if they had no where to hide. There are to rock outcrops on the upper trail. The first one was nice views of Springerville grasslands, but the second one was a great view of the forest and grasslands coming together. There is a warning sign at the second rock outcrop, 'VERY STEEP' and I had to carry my bike down off this trail, but walking was very slippery as the gravel is like beach sand, so be careful if you are old. After that, the trail didnt have any views at all, just the forest, until it reaches the South ffork Colorado =. SIGNS AND MAPS ARE ALL WRONG. IT SAYS 5.5 MILES TRAIL, BUT BELOW IT SAYS IT IS A 7 MILE TRAIL. THE CREEK SAID SOUTH FORK CAMPSITE IS 2 MILES, BUT THE SOUTH FORK SIGN SAYS 3 MILES TO CREEK CROSSING. WE BIKED IT WITH AN BIKE MILAGE ODOMETER, AND IT IS A 5.5MILE TRAIL, ANDF THE CROSSING CREEK IS 2 MILES. South Fork part is like any other mountain creek trail, and was rather boring in views, but the rosehips covered the landscape. I would if i where you just walk from mexican hay lake to the Second rock outcrop and then turn around and walk back to Mexican hay lake. South Fork campground is okay, and had pit vault toliets, and the road that lead to the south fork campground is a must drive. very beautiful road off of 260. many side trails in this area, that where not even listed. Once again if you are not a great bike rider do not do this trail on bikes. you will end up hurting yourself for sure or just throw your bike down in frustration due to the many softball and bowling ball rocks on the trail.

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Jun 30 2010

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

[ checklist ] Polypore Mushrooms and Conks Red Banded Polypore Mushroom

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jun 30 2010
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	6.20 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	6.20 Miles	5 Hrs	1.24 mph
	1,700 ft AEG

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Hiked up the South Fork trail from the campground to Mexican Hay Lake. Then the adventure began, as I looped down Joe Baca Draw below the lake's dam. It is pretty much bushwhacking, although there is an intermittent old trail, probably left over from when they used to run cattle down that way.

Jose Baca was this area's first settler, as I recall. He came over from New Mexico. He has a lot of descendents in this area.

The bushwhacking was accompanied by a short rainstorm. I was glad I had brought my zip-off pant legs. I zipped them on. Then I was further glad when there were a lot of thorny rose and berry bushes I had to wade through!

There is a little creek running through Joe Baca Draw. A nice backpacking trip would be to start at the South Fork campground and hike upstream to the draw, then hike up the draw less than a mile. Nice flat area in there.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cadastral Survey Marker

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

Jun 14 2010

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jun 14 2010
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	5.10 Miles	500 AEG

Hiking	5.10 Miles	2 Hrs	2.55 mph
	500 ft AEG

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A quick hike with the group I sometimes refer to as the "country club ladies." I hike with them occasionally. The red-osier dogwood has started to bloom, and the area has really greened up since last week. My small Sony Cybershot is never reliable on close-ups, unfortunately.

According to a book, Shrubs and Trees of the Southwest Uplands, by Francis H. Elmore, red-osier dogwood was one of several plants referred to as "kinnikinnick" by pioneers and Indians (of the Eastern part of the continent) and its leaves and inner bark, when smoked, may have a narcotic effect, but could also be harmful. "Kinnikinnick" is the general term used when referring to plants that were smoked by the Indians. (And NOT hemp, since it is not native to North America!)

The creek has gone down enough to easily cross, but as Arizona creeks go, it is still running really well. It never does dry up as far as I know.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Red Osier Dogwood

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There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

1 archive

Jun 08 2010

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jun 08 2010
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	8.10 Miles	800 AEG

Hiking	8.10 Miles
	800 ft AEG

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Just an out and back, not all the way to Mexican Hay lake, but I did gain a little elevation going up onto the rim. Despite it being a late afternoon/evening hike, I saw no elk, bears or any other significant wildlife. The creek (Little Colorado River) has been safe to cross for some time now, but is still running pretty well, especially down on the main fork. Everything is greening up!

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

Apr 25 2010

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ