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East Verde River - 8 members in 34 triplogs have rated this an average 3.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
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34 triplogs
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Apr 03 2025
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 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2025
mazatzal • Triplogs 1,347
Hiking1.00 Miles 70 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles
70 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
oldguy
Sredfield
A group of us installed a two panel kiosk at East Verde river north of Payson.
_____________________
  1 archive
Sep 19 2020
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 Routes 6
 Photos 397
 Triplogs 35

male
 Joined Sep 13 2019
 
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 19 2020
Nobody01 • Triplogs 35
Hiking
Hiking
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Decided to check out out the East Verde River as it has been over 10 years since I had been down Houston Mesa Road. I began my walk around 11am in and started my walk near the northern boundaries (fourth crossing?) of Whispering Pines and walked up to what I think was the community of Verde Glen. Crossed over the ridge and down into Dude Creek and back to where I had parked. Lots of people pulled off the road camping/picnicking up there. Far too many in my opinion. Water Wheel probably had 100+ cars near/around the parking lot. Most of the day use areas were in use and with large crowds of people. Saw about 50 people between Whispering Pines and Verde Glen and picked up far too much trash for my liking.

Despite the crowds and filth, it was a nice day up there. Low 80s and a little bit of a breeze every now and again. The doggo joined me for the walk and he did well. I wish there wasn't as many people but it is what it is.
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  2 archives
Nov 18 2018
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 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde River - Doll Baby TH, AZ 
East Verde River - Doll Baby TH, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 18 2018
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking6.68 Miles 811 AEG
Hiking6.68 Miles   4 Hrs   18 Mns   1.58 mph
811 ft AEG      5 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
East Verde River
Partners none no partners
1st Crossing/LDR
Nice color along the river, quick loop exploration through the wildlife haven below the LDR.

Crackerjack
Just a backyard favorite after work.
Nice color but a little too patchy to make the magic happen.

D-Baby
Made it to the entrance last year but finally went in a decent distance into the nice little gorge section between the Pine Creek Confluence and the LF Ranch, confirmed cool spot!
Would make for a nice loop instead of hitting the road hike to or from a longer trek.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Mostly past prime as a whole but still some nice color flare patches.
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  2 archives
Jul 28 2018
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 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 28 2018
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking4.72 Miles 621 AEG
Hiking4.72 Miles
621 ft AEG30 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Just a quick trip up the river in the early morning managing to dodge all the tourists.
The rest of the EV looks like a drabby shallow cesspool and this is the only area of the river that actually looks healthy right now.

Although just like any place with ease of access the trash and the human impact is an issue which is sad to see because lately it seems like there are more and more people that go outside that just don't care.
I was talking with a longtime Payson local and he said its only got worse over the years, more people, more trash and more abuse of the forest and overpopulation of once seldom traveled spots.
I hope one day people will learn but until then I'll be deep in the woods staying as far away as I can from the fake trendy social media sheep and cityslickers. [-(
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max East Verde River @ Highline Medium flow Medium flow
A true crown jewel with healthy clear consistent flow.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Mail Creek Light flow Light flow
_____________________
 
May 10 2018
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 10 2018
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking3.34 Miles 646 AEG
Hiking3.34 Miles   1 Hour   23 Mns   2.99 mph
646 ft AEG      16 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Entered the East Verde from a route or dare I say road that I’ve never used before.

I ran/hiked down to the river because I started at 6:30pm after getting out of work late but I was determined to setup a photo.

Made it to the water to a scuzzy trash filled cess pool, ease of access usually goes hand and hand with litering enthusiasts, who would have thunk it?
Didn’t even take my camera out because of how drabby it was...

Not to mention low water levels just didn’t do it for a section that looked very promising on sat view taken during higher flow.

Except the hidden mine I came across made up for it, super cool stuff, it’s unmarked on topo and is far away from the upstream Gowan Mine.

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May 08 2018
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 08 2018
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking3.22 Miles 236 AEG
Hiking3.22 Miles   1 Hour   35 Mns   2.80 mph
236 ft AEG      26 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Feels like summer!

Little post work day hike to the river, yelled at a Manfrotto, and fell in the water.

I missed you East Verde! :y:
_____________________
 
Nov 12 2017
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 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 12 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking3.49 Miles 412 AEG
Hiking3.49 Miles
412 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Started 1/4 mile from the Doll Baby TH because the show was just that good I could not resist but to pull over, park and start!

My dog and I just stayed inside the river bed and enjoyed the dense canopy of golden foliage on a fine overcast Autumn afternoon.
Easy pleasant walking with a smorgasbord of scenery in every direction for a few miles.
The Pine Creek confluence is in a incredibly interesting area where the East Verde Narrows up and turns into a rugged little gorge.
But the best part is perhaps the random peaceful open flatlands in the wide valley paralleling PC.

After enjoying the foliage down low I found a shallow river crossing and climbed steeply up to a mesa overlooking the East V and the valley I just mentioned.
The sights from up top were some of the best I've seen in quite some time, North Peak, Polles Mesa, The Mogollon Rim, and of course an epic eagle eye view of the fall colors meandering along the mighty East V
made for a landscape dream.

I wanted to stay on the mesa and loop it back to my truck but to avoid cliffing out in new terrain after sunset I just hiked down and returned the way I came.

A short but incredibly fulfilling hike into the Mazzies under perfect conditions that has me wanting more!
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Extreme
About as good as it gets for sycamores and cottonwoods in this area!
Everything is healthy and peaking around the same with a hearty assortment of yellow and gold as far as the eye can see.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Pine Creek Light flow Light flow
Light clear flow at the confluence with the East V.
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  1 archive
Nov 11 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 11 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking3.64 Miles 418 AEG
Hiking3.64 Miles
418 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
clairebear
A fun day exploring new and familiar terrain along the East V complimented with a spalsh of fall color.
There was no point in keeping the feet dry for this one as there is a few necessary crossings along the way to avoid some of the deeper pools.
But with the temperatures in the low 70's and nothing but sunny skies the cool river water felt great as we maneuvered through the more rugged sections of the mini gorge at slow 1 mph pace from all the portaging and scrambling required.
Lots of deer tracks and some bear scat here and there but no wildlife encounters for the day.

Higher water levels than normal made for a few creative knee deep crossings in some powerful current that required picking up the dog a few times but nothing too crazy.
After a nice break at the most scenic section of the trip we looped back up to the road and followed that back to the truck further upstream about an hour or so before the sunset.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Very nice sections of gold, yellow and rust but quite a few bare trees as well.

dry Ash Creek Dry Dry

dry Brushy Canyon Dry Dry

dry Cypress Canyon Dry Dry

dry Horton Canyon Dry Dry
_____________________
  1 archive
Oct 29 2017
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 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 29 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking1.71 Miles 286 AEG
Hiking1.71 Miles
286 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Headed to the East V a few times in different areas over the past week to check on some of the foliage.

Sycamores and Cottonwoods along Crackerjack rd. are about 12-16 days early but when the time comes the show should be very nice.
As for the Flowing Springs area there is currently some nice patches of color, primarily oaks and sycamores but the trees in that section seem to lack proper health probably due to the fact that area is a "hobo haven" with year long overuse and abuse resulting in bland color.

Always a pleasure to grace the shores of the East Verde River.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
12-16 days early for the 3500'-4500' range along the river.
_____________________
 
Oct 21 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
Upper East Verde River, AZ 
Upper East Verde River, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 21 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking5.66 Miles 1,201 AEG
Hiking5.66 Miles   4 Hrs   22 Mns   1.74 mph
1,201 ft AEG   1 Hour   7 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   linked  
Colonel Devin Trail #290
East Verde River
Railroad Tunnel Trail #390
Partners none no partners
Wanted to find fall color with water involved without the crowds and I knew this area would offer some potential.

Upon reaching Washington Park my eyes caught a flame of red along the creekbed and I instantly knew I made the right decision.

I wanted to stretch my legs and check out the display further up so I decided to head on up to the RR tunnel since it was so close.
It was cool to finally see the tourist tunnel but unfortunately has so much graffiti coated on the walls of the entrance.

Temperatures on the rim have been absolutely perfect lately, comfortably warm during the day and nice and cool once the sun starts to set.
The remainder of the evening was spent underneath the canopy of foliage taking photos of one of the best displays of water and fall colors I have personally experienced.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Maples, Oaks, Sycamores and even some Aspens in the upper elevations are all rocking with color.
Some past prime but yet side by side next to green, rather strange foliage patterns.

dry East Verde River - Source Dry Dry
Running water and pools stop exactly at .6 miles above Pieper Hatchery Spring.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max East Verde River @ Highline Medium flow Medium flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Pieper Hatchery Spring Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
Plenty of water flow!
_____________________
 
Oct 13 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 13 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking1.43 Miles 221 AEG
Hiking1.43 Miles
221 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A rare Friday off work a little early after a very long week and I could not wait until Saturday to get my nature fix so I headed up to Second Crossing to check out an old favorite.
They must be releasing more water than usual at CC Cragin because this was the highest water levels I've ever seen in that area.
I am starting to feel spoiled having places like this in my backyard. 8)
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  East Verde River
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Autumn - Color Foliage
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Nice gold and yellow tones going on.
_____________________
 
Sep 23 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 23 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking1.40 Miles 92 AEG
Hiking1.40 Miles
92 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Drove down the street to Washington Park for the first time to let the dog stretch her legs and was certainly surprised just how nice the headwaters are and will have to return to see more of that "Rim Red Rock" and the pleasing amounts of elevation drops in the river bed.
Feels like Autumn in the air, a few trees with changing leaves and a light long-sleeve was perfect for the low 50 temps.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
_____________________
 
Jul 10 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 10 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking1.20 Miles 88 AEG
Hiking1.20 Miles
88 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Doing my usual satellite scoping and found a nice little sweet spot in between second and third crossing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the those affected by the tragedy that happened downstream from here just days later.
_____________________
  1 archive
Jul 08 2017
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 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 08 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking3.87 Miles 355 AEG
Hiking3.87 Miles   1 Hour   55 Mns   2.47 mph
355 ft AEG      21 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Started out the hike putting on sunscreen and hot and finished it cool and completely drenched.

Found a nice new access access point that worked perfectly and I was planning for a solid five mile descent followed by a 3-4 mile loop back to the starting point.

I knew I was going to be rained on but little did I know just how intense the rainfall would be.
The rain was refreshing and invigorating but it soon turned into a straight up wicked thunder and lightning storm that was way too close for comfort.
It was a downpour of rain that rivaled some of the most intense precipitation spectacles I've ever experienced and I've spent more than 20 monsoon seasons in Northern AZ!

At that point I began to think the high probability of flash flood and second guessed continuing further downstream as I knew that I was headed for some narrow sections with no good bench relief and was also the area where I planned to stop and take photos.

I bailed and took a short steep exit ridge with a very fast pace out motivated by a few humbling nearby lightning strikes along the way and was more than happy to arrive back to my SUV.

Did some 4WD exploring in the mud afterwards and drove to the City Creek TH to plan for future hikes and to see if any rainfall accumulated in the creek bed.
_____________________
 
Jul 06 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 06 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking3.87 Miles 355 AEG
Hiking3.87 Miles   1 Hour   55 Mns   2.47 mph
355 ft AEG      21 Mns Break25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Exploring around Doll Baby Ranch road after a full day of work.
Took Flume Hollow down to the East V and right at that confluence is where I surprisingly came across a herd of elk relaxing by the river.
They scattered fast as can be with a few that splashed across the river but I did a rough count of at least 14-16.
It's the best herd I've seen in many years and it was interesting to find them at an elevation this low.

The rainstorm earlier that day cleared up a bit and I was treated with a spectacular sunset and was greeted with an idyllic scene that you can't really plan for, just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elk  Red Spotted Toad
_____________________
 
Jun 29 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 29 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking2.78 Miles 362 AEG
Hiking2.78 Miles
362 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I'm falling in love with the ability to enjoy places like this after a full day of work.
Lately life after work has been nothing but 4x4 dirt roads, countless off trail exploratory hikes and quiet nights under the stars.
Each day has held new sights, challenges and a continuous change of scenery to where ever I park my SUV that night.
Currently typing this triplog while camping out near where the American Gulch meets the East V, goodnight from camp Mountain Matt.
_____________________
 
Jun 13 2017
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 13 2017
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking2.73 Miles 442 AEG
Hiking2.73 Miles
442 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Well I'm officially a Mogollon Rim Country resident and I have a lot of triplogs to catch up on since I've been hiking nearly everyday that I've been up here!

This was originally going to be a relaxing morning walk after camping but ended up turning into a rather rugged trek that involved rough terrain, cliff jumping and even a little swimming.

Came across some fresh and definitive bear tracks and scat recent enough that I was halfway expecting to see one along the river banks.

Since I was not planning on swimming I finished the rest of my hike walking back in nothing but sandals and my chonies, which felt downright exhilarating!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
 
Jul 06 2016
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Backpack avatar Jul 06 2016
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Backpack
Backpack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This inferno of a Phoenix summer has been making me nearly lose my marbles and with every opportunity that presents itself I've been heading to water and higher elevations.

I had such a great time catching up with an old friend, swimming and star gazing. I just recently have looked into the moon phases since I picked up my camera and I had an idea there may be a lot of stars out since we just had a new moon but I truly did not know just how spectacular the sight was going to be! I was born and raised out in the boondocks of Doney Park so Im no stranger to a good star show but Wednesday's night Milky Way was phenomenal! Let's just say I was once again humbled by the power of this mighty earth! Im still learning the basics with my camera and have nearly no experience with night photography and I was relatively happy with the shots I got that night considering I had no idea what I was doing!

As always its nearly impossible to convince me to leave a place with water and cascades but I knew eventually I had to drag my butt back to the concerte oven that I call home.
_____________________
  2 archives
Jun 21 2016
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 202
 Photos 3,513
 Triplogs 530

male
 Joined Jan 24 2016
 Arizona
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 21 2016
MountainMatt • Triplogs 530
Hiking1.67 Miles 304 AEG
Hiking1.67 Miles   3 Hrs   54 Mns   0.43 mph
304 ft AEG20 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
chumley
Made the most out of my day off and escaped the heat by heading up to higher elevations.

Great to finally meet the legendary Chumley considering ive stalked his triplogs for so long :lol:

A long grueling trek to get to our destination and it was honestly kind of ugly so I won't be back anytime soon!
_____________________
 
Jun 21 2016
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
East Verde RiverPayson, AZ
East Verde River
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 21 2016
chumley • Triplogs 1,993
Hiking1.67 Miles 304 AEG
Hiking1.67 Miles   3 Hrs   54 Mns   0.43 mph
304 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
MountainMatt
After Bruce sandbagged me over the weekend with some killer mileage, I had to catch up, so I promptly took a vacation day and managed to recover. :y:

I don't know why the water wasn't clear, but it was running strong as was expected, and a nice change from Saturday. Maybe it's because CC Cragin is always turbid, and it just stays that way from the pump house all the way to the lucky charms? I'll have to look into this in more detail in the future.

Regardless, the day was excellent. I don't know why I keep forgetting about this one. Must be because it's so difficult to get to, and so miserable once you're there.

Just 4 to go. Sorry @BobP :)
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Cag Shot
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
  1 archive
average hiking speed 2.34 mph
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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