thirstylizard's Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Nov 06 2022
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	3.22 Miles	117 AEG

Hiking	3.22 Miles	1 Hour 4 Mns	3.02 mph
	117 ft AEG

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Where the rough gets rougher…

Future of golf in Arizona? Reading about this endeavor for the last couple years, I decided to make a trip south to walk the trails of what was the Golf Club at Vistoso in Oro Valley, near Tucson. Played the front nine only…

Closed in 2018, this Tom Weiskopf designed course is going back to nature.

From their website:

“Preserve Vistoso is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2019 to let our Oro Valley community have a voice in the future of the closed Vistoso Golf Club. Our more than 1,800 members provided a vital, united force in representing the community with the Town of Oro Valley. We believe the best option is to establish the property as a nature preserve and community trail for everyone's benefit.“

Purchased by the non-profit for $1.8 million, the course wanders through 17 neighborhoods.

Nice pavement ride for cyclists and strollers, this walkabout was an interesting mix of scenic views and suburban(?) decay.

It’s worth checking out and supporting financially as the non-profit continues revitalizing the area.

Like me, you may find it a bit surreal and apocalyptic right now… the minds eye trying to rehabilitate the land back into a golf course.

Just play through, nature will eventually find its way.

https://www.preservevistoso.org/

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Sep 26 2022

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Camino Campana Trail

Camino Campana Trail

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 26 2022
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	1.01 Miles	46 AEG

Hiking	1.01 Miles	28 Mns	2.42 mph
	46 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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

Just in time for the visitor season...

Camino Campana is a barrier free trail accessed from the Fraesfield Trailhead, in the north Scottsdale region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Dedicated in 2021, this "nature" trail provides an easy path into the beauty of Sonoran Desert upland with signage dispersed along the route describing related habitat--including geology, flora and fauna.

The signage and descriptions are thoughtful and elegant, describing not only the features of the desert but also the history of the area to include the Rio fire impacts, ranching and military history.

The artwork on the trail is worth the visit alone. Artists from Scottsdale's "Cattle Track Arts Complex" created the art for the descriptive signage. The signage is thoughtful and elegant with QR codes providing multilingual capability. You will not find individual plants labeled, which also keeps the visual clutter to a minimum.

Views to other hiking areas the preserve including Granite Mountain, Cholla Mountain and Tom's Thumb are visible from the trail as are other Arizona icons including Four Peaks and the Superstition ranges.
There is a "Postcard from Arizona" photo station included in the loop.

If the group wants more steps added to the day, a simple loop of Black Hill Trail, Dixileta Trail, Whiskey Bottle Trail loop should fulfill that requirement.

The trail is named for Sam Campana, former Scottsdale mayor and advocate for the outdoors, art and accessibility. No potable water at the trailhead, yet restrooms are available. The trail offers little shade, so mindfulness as to temperature is advised. There are no fees and the trail is accessible year round from sunrise to sunset. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is NOT open for night hiking. Officially, the trail is .7 miles. This track distance is from the trailhead building.

Fraesfield Trailhead is located at 13400 East Rio Verde Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona.

https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/fraesfield

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2 archives

Feb 11 2022

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Little Four Peaks

[ checklist ] Dichelostemma capitatum California Poppy Fairy Duster Jojoba Lipfern Purple Bladderpod Spiny Cliff Brake

Little Four Peaks

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 11 2022
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	1.97 Miles	1,000 AEG

Hiking	1.97 Miles	4 Hrs 26 Mns	0.44 mph
	1,000 ft AEG

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Little Four Peaks in a Little (over) Four Hours

Apparently this hike hovers around two hours for completion which realistically makes sense, yet my lingering along the route doubled the time. Even better, some how I managed to hike even slightly under the mileage and still take more time than needed. Not complaining—the overtime pay was worth it.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Talus Snail Western Banded Gecko

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Chalcedony

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
First poppy of the 2022. A few more along the way. Fairy duster looking nice along the road and on the hike.

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Feb 03 2022

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Waterman Peak

[ checklist ] Delphinium Desert Rosemallow Desert zinnia Leatherstem Nichol's echinocactus

Waterman Peak

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Feb 03 2022
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	2.10 Miles	1,124 AEG

Hiking	2.10 Miles	2 Hrs 22 Mns	1.06 mph
	1,124 ft AEG	23 Mns Break

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

The Ironwood Forest National Monument is a Sonoran Desert Wonderland. The Waterman Mountain Range has plenty to offer. While I have visited the area a number of times, I had not hiked the trail to the peak until today.

I hiked from the second parking area off Johnson Mine Road. The trail is easy to follow to the first saddle where you see some nice views. Turn right from here and follow the faint use trail the rest of the way. Occasional cairns appear along the route.

For those not wishing the scramble to the top, the Leonberger Memorial is a good place to turnaround.

No need to rush as the hike isn’t long. Plenty of opportunity to take in the basin and range views and admire the impressive geology, botany and wildlife. I enjoyed perfect weather of high 40 degrees and full sun, no wind. As noted, there is full sun exposure on this hike and very little shade from the Palo Verde trees along the route. If you take a look around, you may find an endangered Nichols Turk’s Head cactus. Both the cactus and its variety namesake are worth the extra effort of the Google rabbit hole.

https://ironwoodforest.org/about/the-mo ... ead-cactus
http://cactusandsucculentsociety.org/cs ... ichol2.pdf

No bighorn sheep sighting today but if you keep your eyes open you will see the AZGFD water catchment at a lower elevation placement as you head to the summit.

If you want to spend a little more time in the area, stop at the Titan Missile Interpretive Site off Johnson Mine Road and take a look at the “Shiva” cactus along Avra Valley Road (South side of road).

https://ironwoodforest.org/monument-news/titan
https://www.abc15.com/news/region-centr ... amed-shiva

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Harris Antelope Squirrel Red-tailed Hawk

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cadastral Survey Marker Memorial

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4 archives

Feb 22 2021

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Go John Trail - CCRP

[ checklist ] Brassica tournefortii Desert Trumpet Desert Wishbone Bush Filaree Flat Top Buckwheat Graythorn Jojoba Water Jacket

Go John Trail - CCRP

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 22 2021
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	5.40 Miles	1,260 AEG

Hiking	5.40 Miles
	1,260 ft AEG

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Monday morning quarterback hiking... the Go John is my “Go to” trail when I want to get out and yet don’t want to have to call all the plays. I have traversed this trail for almost 30 years and never find it routine.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
A few starting to show and indication of more to come soon.

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Dec 09 2020

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Madera Peak

Globe, AZ

Madera Peak

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Dec 09 2020
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	4.00 Miles

Hiking	4.00 Miles

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Madera Peak was the goal and while I planned to hike up and around to it - my approach used the more road hike option—taking FR 580A to the locked gate

Tree fall made for an earlier trailhead than I anticipated which then made for an elegant hike to the towers and peak. I was actually glad as the longer route made for a nicer workout and engagement. Obstacles sometimes make for better opportunities.

White-tailed deer, Abert’s squirrel and woodpeckers for company, this hike up the road was sublime. Other boot prints leading out from the downed tree advised that others had encountered the same obstacle on the drive.

Views were lovely, with rain falling today, I expect a clear view all to the way to the Sierra Estrellas could be had.

Nice alternative for people looking for a slightly easier hike to the top. Or in my case, sprained ankle therapy pace.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cory's Mistletoe Douglas-Fir Manzanita

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1 archive

Nov 01 2020

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Indian Mesa Ruins

Indian Mesa Ruins

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 01 2020
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	7.00 Miles	800 AEG

Hiking	7.00 Miles	4 Hrs	1.75 mph
	800 ft AEG

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On the warm side for this hike and yet due to the Eagle closure, about a month remains prior to a six month closure to get this one in.

Saw three heron and one egret of the feather, and cattle, burros and Javelina of the hide.

The Javelina were amazingly agile trotting down the white bluff slope on the way to the mesa. I didn’t see them until they were almost down into the mesquite grove. A photo would be money, yet this remains a check made to “self” as my camera lagged behind the opportunity.

Views from the top are expansive—as ruins go, standard fair as mesa top dwellings are found.

Cattle present and with that, goes standard cowboy moves along the route in and out. Feral burros were at a minimum today. No water crossings as landscape remains very dry. The mesquite bosque road walk on the way in and out is pretty much the only shade on the route.

My statistics are approximate.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cow Great Blue Heron Wild Burro

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] PaleoRob Pose

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2 archives

May 30 2020

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Overton Trail - CCRP

Overton Trail - CCRP

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 30 2020
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	4.20 Miles	553 AEG

Hiking	4.20 Miles
	553 ft AEG

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Hiked the Overton to view the damage from the East Desert Fire not knowing then what we know now... the Ocotillo Fire would start in a couple hours.

I have hiked this area for 30 years and I am saddened to see it burn like this.

Mostly, I put forth the photoset so that there is a evidence of what it looks like after the fire. One of the many benefits of a site like this is the historical view of what was and is over time.

I recommend this trail as a view to a burn. Surreal with flurry and burn and those areas which were spared.

Thanks to those that fight the fires and protect the land.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Stinknet

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Most plants have gone to seed. A few blooms, senna, wire lettuce.

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May 19 2020

LOST - Queen Creek Canyon Segment

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Globe, AZ

LOST - Queen Creek Canyon Segment

Globe, AZ

Hiking		May 19 2020
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	4.48 Miles	568 AEG

Hiking	4.48 Miles	1 Hour 29 Mns	3.05 mph
	568 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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

Found some LOST space to avoid some of the smoke layer from the East Desert Fire.

Followed directions and did this hike as described combination with a visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA).

Nice and easy walk/hike. Good for birding as the road/trail rises to tree line so at eye level with the riparian trees which were active with all kinds of birds. Lizards scampering level was also high. Botanicals on the fade although a few varieties still showing. Sun exposure will vary based on your timing. The air conditioner awaits in the tunnel.

The walk along with the walking paths of the BTA is a nice solid Arizona experience. Highly recommend the combination. I will add some photos of both visits here. Consider bringing binoculars for better viewing in either area.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Anna's Hummingbird Cardinal Desert Spiny Lizard Greater earless lizard Verdin Yellow-Breasted Chat

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Nightshade abundant, tree blooms turning to pods, a few scattered others.

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3 archives

Feb 23 2020

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Gooseneck Trail - MSPC

[ checklist ] Dichelostemma capitatum California barrel cactus Desert Lavender Desert Wishbone Bush Fiddleneck Filaree Mexican Gold Poppy Mormon Tea - E. fasciculata Narrow-Leaved Popcorn Flower Silverstem Lupine Wild Cucumber Wrights Deervetch

Gooseneck Trail - MSPC

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 23 2020
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	7.20 Miles	392 AEG

Hiking	7.20 Miles
	392 ft AEG

no routes

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Took a gander at the Gooseneck Trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead north to Fraesfield Trailhead. I had previously hiked parts of it from Fraesfield but wanted to complete the entire connector.

This stretch of trail will soon take in views and sounds of home construction and I thought it best to enjoy it prior to further development.

Flowers starting to show, but not in a forceful way. There are some changes in landscape as you make your way through - which will be at a faster pace as there are no real inclines nor declines, but they put enough bends in the trail to keep views changing and conversation not breathy. Cattle tanks along the route had a good cache of water which may continue if rains keep up for the next few weeks. The trail skirts two of them, “Gooseneck” and one unnamed tank close to 128th Street.

I hiked as a car drop which is a nice option if you can arrange it. Easy to add mileage to this one if desired. They are flattening out the dips on 128th street in advance of the housing development. I will miss the “whee” factor when that is gone too. It isn’t paved yet, but that will come at some point.

A nice connection with this connector on a cloudy day.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Varnish / Patina

Wildflowers Observation Light

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Feb 09 2020

Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Feb 09 2020
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	4.71 Miles	1,066 AEG

Hiking	4.71 Miles	2 Hrs 20 Mns	2.32 mph
	1,066 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

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A hike with a past. This gem of hike hits many marks with minimal effort. Noted along the route to the cooler hiking during Arizona summers, I made a note to assign myself a future outing in the winter/fall.

The hike trailhead area name alone sets you to discovery. The Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39 sets off from the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Area--just past mile marker 7 on the Catalina Highway.

Named for a Japanese American who was sentenced here during World War II, this beautiful setting has a conflicted past. In 1939, the federal government established The Catalina Federal Honor Camp for tax evaders, war objectors and Japanese-American men who resisted internment.

The Sycamore Reservoir was built to furnish the prison with water. The prisoners were used as the laborers for the building of the very Highway we drive now for our hiking and camping “getaways,”

The ruins of the prison remain along with informational signage at the camping area. Even if your plans take you further up along the road, a stop here for the history is worth the time served.

As for the hiking, we parked at the spaces available at the entrance signed as non-fee. There are nice campsites and FS bathroom facilities here.

A walk south through the campsites, past the corrals finds the Sycamore Reservoir #39 hike start. There were many cars parked down at this end as well. If nothing else, parking at the entrance minimizes the noise for the lucky campers and allows you direct access to the prison ruins on your walking way in or out to the trailhead.

This hike also allows one to traverse part of the Arizona Trail, yet another bonus. There is not much I can add to the hike details. The trail is easy to navigate and well signed. This along with the HAZ description is enough said.

A little early for spring flowers and the greenery at the riparian area at the reservoir, made this a lovely winter hike. A popular area, there were a number of hikers encountered but as with many Southern Arizona hikes, not overwhelmingly so.

We did not hike past the Reservoir. The area was still dressed for winter and so really not up for lingering or looking for flora and fauna. The hike back up to Trailhead was easily done at a moderate pace as the enjoyment and the look around is spectacular.

A little extra time on our hands we headed over to Tanque Verde Falls which is a nice addition in the area if you have the time. Adding Bug Springs Trail or traversing back is to the Molina Campground would be adds to the existing location.

One larger group of backpackers was headed out to Hutch’s pool which sounded like a lovely way to spend some time here. Perfect weekend hiking weather added to our enjoyment.

Hike distance and time were recorded from the access point of the trail and not the parking lot.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Hirabayashi

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Pointleaf Manzanita

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Shreve Saddle

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Clear Ice

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2 archives

Jan 04 2020

Idaho Trailhead to Cyclops

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Idaho Trailhead to Cyclops

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 04 2020
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	4.00 Miles	500 AEG

Hiking	4.00 Miles
	500 ft AEG

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Sadly, the mask is now a wink—when did this happen?

Lovely day afield - early out and back. This weather is a fleece start and a flip flop finish. Saw a trail runner, horseback riders, an eight-truck 4x4 caravan and rock climbers. All of us doing our thing without interfering with each other’s engagement. Very happy for the last few days of sunshine. Hike was an out and back to the mask, hmmmm..... “wink”

Mileage is round trip estimate.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Engelmann Prickly Pear Flat Top Buckwheat

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6 archives

Dec 16 2019

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Miners Needle Loop

[ checklist ] African lovegrass Cory's Mistletoe Hoary Tansyaster Slender Janusia

Miners Needle Loop

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 16 2019
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	9.00 Miles	1,750 AEG

Hiking	9.00 Miles
	1,750 ft AEG

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On the list for a while, this trip was a nice selection for this week’s A+ hiking weather. Saw three musk-ateers (aka javelina) where they should be, warming themselves on a southern-faced slope, a variety of birds during the hike. I will let the photos do the rest of the talking as they are worth 10 x 1,000 words.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Autumn Foliage Observation Light

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Tansy asters and buckwheat

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1 archive

Sep 28 2019

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Pumphouse Wash - Lower

Sedona, AZ

Pumphouse Wash - Lower

Sedona, AZ

Hike & Climb		Sep 28 2019
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hike & Climb	5.20 Miles	966 AEG

Hike & Climb	5.20 Miles	5 Hrs 13 Mns	1.00 mph
	966 ft AEG

• Boulder

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One to Many...

The one decision, where to hike was easy. The many decisions--navigating the boulders took a bit more thinking.

The weather was beautiful, drifting clouds and light breezes. Prior rainfall filled the many canyon tubs and rock catchments-- adding to the interest without limiting us in any way. There are triplogs detailing swimming and other water maneuvers during various times of the year. We did not confront any difficult water workarounds during our hike.

We helped each other through the keyhole opening in the eight foot wall. I guess some hikers, with better "free solo" skills, may be able to grab and hold and hoist their way through on their own. I recommend the friend help method as these "cliffhanger" moments strengthen the bond between friends and make great video moments as well.

After the keyhole climb through, the upcoming sandstone ledges offered plenty of get-by over the collected water to continue through this remarkable wash.

A couple of hawks overhead and tadpoles in the water was the extent of the wildlife. A few flowers and yes, the turn of leaves along the route added to the beauty.

One other hiker (well, you could tell by his outfit he was a climber) in five hours of hiking. On our return, we heard voices echoing down from nearby rappelling. We were not reacquainted to further sounds of civilization until the turn to the exit and the noise from cars crossing the bridge signaled the end of the hike.

In reading this triplog, I feel I have not said enough about the boulder and rock hopping. It is start to finish. Unrelenting really. Also, not sure if there is a way to automatically insert the flood warning with steep canyon walls, so I am compelled to add it here.

We completed the HAZ official route plus a tad further but not much— recording our hike at around 5 miles. Plan on an hour per mile and perhaps longer for other navigation and photo stops.

If you have one day and if not many, but a few good friends to join you, this hike is a worthy venture to add to the list.

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Just starting. Some maples turning. Willows are going yellow. No oak turn. Creepers/Poison Ivy turning.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Daisy, sunflower, four o’clock

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6 archives

Apr 06 2019

[ checklist ] Apache Hedgehog Desert larkspur Indian Paintbrush Wrights Deervetch

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

2466 Exploring, AZ

4x4 Trip		Apr 06 2019
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

4x4 Trip	12.00 Miles

4x4 Trip	12.00 Miles	8 Hrs	1.50 mph

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It was a stop and go journey on our way to Mineral Creek... Too much out the window to ignore as we scrambled along this "chunky" road. Fortunately for us, not only was our driver very skilled at navigating the scramble of this road, but also scramble off this road and found some wildlife worthy spots for numerous lizards, snakes and even a shrew.

We were enough "ok" until we hit a climb just past Rawhide Canyon. Then we hit what I am naming Hell to the No Hill. This upward stretch shows the wear and tear of climbing vehicles and frankly I am not sure why anyone in a standard 4x4 (we were in an FJ) would want to attempt it.

After starting up the "Hell to the No Hill" we knew this was not worth the attempt and our driver negotiated into the only space for a possible bailout. We parked there and walked the road to the top and then walked the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang easy flat road looking for whatever presented itself and only viewed what would have been the final six miles to the destination.

After negotiating the FJ back down, we explored Rawhide Canyon with great enjoyment--hiking and finding a handful of canyon tree frogs and other wildlife, including track of various kind.

This is a gorgeous area and really any of the canyons would be exceptional exploring. Thanks to @CannondaleKid for his help in planning our outing.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Canyon Tree Frog Smith's Black-headed snake

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
enough to be happy about and not the craziness of a super bloom. plenty of variety from deer vetch, larkspur, paintbrush, wallflower, hedgehog, mountain penstemon, mallow, manzanita

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3 archives

Mar 09 2019

Woods Canyon Trail #93 - Sedona

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Sedona, AZ

Woods Canyon Trail #93 - Sedona

Sedona, AZ

Hiking		Mar 09 2019
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	11.85 Miles	1,119 AEG

Hiking	11.85 Miles	5 Hrs 40 Mns	2.17 mph
	1,119 ft AEG	12 Mns Break

Linked

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

i guess sometimes you head into a hike with you don’t know until you know.

At a friend’s suggestion, we opened this hike up as a group hike... it possessed most attributes which attract hikers whom may normally not attend longer distance hikes.

These attractors include, no special vehicle requirements, shorter driving distance, water, the word “Sedona,” Sunny, 55 degrees, low EG and of course, plan to eat after the hike.

I guess one is suspect when a trail starts out of the parking lot, of the visitor center— the Woods Canyon Trail #93 leads into the Munds Mountain Wilderness Area and at about hours drive from our North Phoenix meet point, the trailhead made for an easy 8a hike start..

As described in the hike details, the old Jeep road start allowed for side by side hiking which is a little break from the eventual nose to butt hiking that would be the mode through most of the wilderness.

Small water crossings were rock hopped easily and most of the hike is along side and above Dry Beaver Creek. The trail was pretty clear— a little overgrowth but not terribly so.

After checking the gauge reports earlier in the week, we knew we were in for water, and it was quite the gully washer. The roar of the water was a constant companion and the sight of it coming down the opposite canyon walls was also a view to behold.

Pace was about average for our group hikes. Several long stops along the red rock banks for photos added much time to this easy hike. I was the only one to wade in at couple of the stops. Never sure why people pass up the chance to dip up to their ankles icy cold stream waters.

No showy flowers yet although plenty of starts around. Plenty of track and scat—all fresh would make this a great place to visit earlier and quieter.

A better than expected trail experience, perhaps due to all the water and weather. Ok, the human experience was pretty good too.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Tuber anemone

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Anenomes, storksbill, Clover.. Sycamore trees were not leafed yet.

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4 archives

Feb 16 2019

Dripping Springs from Woodbury

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Globe, AZ

Dripping Springs from Woodbury

Globe, AZ

Hiking		Feb 16 2019
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	9.52 Miles	1,363 AEG

Hiking	9.52 Miles	4 Hrs 58 Mns	1.92 mph
	1,363 ft AEG

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This was another fine hike we got ourselves into...

We decided to take the JF / Woodbury route to Coffee Flat Trail instead of 172B road from the trailhead. A nice choice but we distracted ourselves too long and missed our turn and so we did a “Heidi” bushwhack across to get where we needed to be. I am not sure “Heidi” bushwhack is an actual hiking term, but I use it to describe something that involves almost no obstruction in getting across the land in between oneself and one’s target location. Cattle grazing has probably helped make the hillside less cumbersome to cross and no doubt added to the distribution of wildflowers.

Back on track, we made it to the ranch and headed out on the Coffee Flat Trail. Water running the entire way but not to a negotiation issue level. The views were nothing less than “Wow!” and while we didn’t see wildlife, plenty of varied track was left in the mud along our route.

Toward the intersection with Red Tank Trail, evidence of fall beauty could be found under foot, making this a possible return trip in a different season. Lovely water running all over the red rocks at the tanks. Due to the water level, we did a little bushwhack to Dripping Springs which was a full waterfall.

As we turned back, we ran into more hikers who told us they were going back via Randolph Canyon. That may have to be my variation for the next trip. We also saw some cowboys from South Dakota out for a ride.

The trip back was a bit faster paced but no less enjoyable. We hiked the road out and that was a bit of a cardio climb. That, along with the little gate climb over, provided a little bitty boot camp experience for the finish.

I am sure the basic and sad rule of HAZenomics applies to days like this... “If your boot is on one trail, it cannot be on another.” But if one must put a boot down somewhere, this is a very good “where” to be.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro - Crested

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ Decal

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dripping Spring J F Ranch

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2 archives

Feb 09 2019

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Hugh Norris Trail

[ checklist ] Albert's Buckwheat Barestem Larkspur Bladderpod Mustard Dichelostemma capitatum Chia Desert Marigold Lyreleaf jewelflower

Hugh Norris Trail

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Feb 09 2019
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	9.35 Miles	2,507 AEG

Hiking	9.35 Miles	5 Hrs 2 Mns	1.86 mph
	2,507 ft AEG

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Sometimes, you just have to spell it out for people, B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Extreme variety. Chia, lily, Poppy, Fiesta flower, marigold, Bladderpod, Brownfoot, Deer vetch, delphiniums, salsify, anenome, storksbill, mallow, etc.

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2 archives

Jan 26 2019

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

First Water Trailhead to Boulder Canyon Trail, AZ

Hiking		Jan 26 2019
		thirstylizard • Triplogs 38

Hiking	8.10 Miles	1,061 AEG

Hiking	8.10 Miles	4 Hrs 33 Mns	1.93 mph
	1,061 ft AEG	21 Mns Break

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

Shuttle & Gaggle hike format for this lovely outing... Since I had hiked both ends of this route, I felt a need for connection, so I decided to put this out to some friends as a shuttle hike. Ended up with nine hikers which would have made a nice key swap hike, but after advertising the Canyon Lake Marina Grill as the end of trail, it made sense to shuttle hike from the First Water Trailhead to Boulder Canyon Trailhead. Four cars involved, meeting at the Marina, we shuttled nine hikers down to FW Trailhead and were hiking by 8am.

The “Gaggle” spread out as gaggles do with various speeds, wardrobe adjustments, photography needs and conversations dictate. No wildlife and very limited wildflowers on this end of the trail—just the smell of morning campfire smoke from the many Boy Scout camps along this stretch.

Rock lifts (and replace) garnered two scorpion finds but not much else. A stop at the Indian Paint Mine for snacks and talk of Wilderness hiking protocol for some newbies in the group... let’s call it the “Cairns and Concerns” speech.

Encountered many more hikers on this side given the lateness of the morning and the out and backs from the Boulder Canyon Trailhead. Wildflowers while not abundant, were much more present here. Side-blotched lizards sunning as well.

I try not to rush the end of a hike and today was no exception. I even got to see an amazing Saguaro that somehow others walked past.

As for my mileage, as you will see there’s a lot of time at miles 8 & 9 which accurately describes my time and place ending at the Canyon Lake Marina Grill up until I realized Route Scout was still doing what I asked it to do. Even my start point includes some driving to the TH. Sometimes being a hike leader has its distractions.

After lunch, the remaining two cars took us to fetch the starter vehicles left at FW Trailhead. I don’t always gaggle hike, but when I do, these friends always make it a good time!

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Poppies, lily, fiesta flowers, gillia

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3 archives

Jan 05 2019

Guides 1
Routes 2
Photos 472
Triplogs 38

female

Joined Apr 27 2015
cave creek, az

Margies Cove Trail