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Nov 17 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Peak 3004 Loop - Goldfield MtnsPhoenix, AZ
Peak 3004 Loop - Goldfield Mtns
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 17 2019
Yoder
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,230 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles   2 Hrs   32 Mns   2.24 mph
1,230 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This and the ridgeline hike are my favorites in this area. I like the fact that you get two good view points since it has two saddles in the hike. The main downside of this hike is that the trail is almost entirely rocky with various size boulders.

This hike appears to be gaining in popularity also, ran across about 10 folks even though we started at 6:45am and finished about 9:15am.
Fauna
Fauna
Cactus Wren House Finch Phainopepla
_____________________
J. Yoder
Nov 10 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
San Tan Trail - San Tan MRPPhoenix, AZ
San Tan Trail - San Tan MRP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 10 2019
Yoder
Hiking8.20 Miles 150 AEG
Hiking8.20 Miles   2 Hrs   43 Mns   3.11 mph
150 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
full moon night hike Started rock Creek Wash Trailhead at about 6:15 and finished about 9pm. Made 8 mile loop with San Tan, Stargazer and Moonlight Trails. Saw one other person on trail.
_____________________
J. Yoder
2 archives
Oct 30 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Dacite Super LoopPhoenix, AZ
Dacite Super Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 30 2019
Yoder
Hiking8.10 Miles 3,333 AEG
Hiking8.10 Miles   5 Hrs   43 Mns   1.77 mph
3,333 ft AEG   1 Hour   9 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Trail get difficult to follow shortly after the intersection with the Ridgline trail to the saddle. Did get a chance to see a Bighorn Sheep in prime conditions. A very windy day for hiking.
Fauna
Fauna
Bighorn Sheep
_____________________
J. Yoder
Oct 13 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Go John Trail - CCRPPhoenix, AZ
Go John Trail - CCRP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 13 2019
Yoder
Hiking5.60 Miles 906 AEG
Hiking5.60 Miles   2 Hrs   7 Mns   2.73 mph
906 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Full moon hike. Good hike, trail easy to follow. One area(N33.84603° W112.00412°) we heard three owls talking to each other. Might be worth going back to see if I can get a picture of an owl.
_____________________
J. Yoder
Aug 16 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Bursera Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 16 2019
Yoder
Hiking10.60 Miles 2,480 AEG
Hiking10.60 Miles   4 Hrs   47 Mns   2.55 mph
2,480 ft AEG      38 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Partners none no partners
We decided to do another night hike since the moon was just past full. Started out on the Bursera trail, jumped onto the National, and took the Pyramid trail back to the trailhead to complete a nice 10 mile loop. Started out at about 8:30pm, and got back to the car about 1:30am. Didn't see anyone the entire hike. It was great! (but still hot~!)
_____________________
J. Yoder
Aug 14 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Fred Haught Trail #141Payson, AZ
Fred Haught Trail #141
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2019
Yoder
Hiking15.40 Miles 1,700 AEG
Hiking15.40 Miles   6 Hrs   4 Mns   2.65 mph
1,700 ft AEG      15 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Only options for hikes out of the heat is to head for higher elevations, so we decided to give this one a try. It was nice and cool in the morning. We saw a couple of Elk herds on the Rim Road. The road is quite scenic and a very reasonable dirt road, regular cars should hove no issue on this road to the trailhead.

We saw quite a few different flowers and Fungi on the hike (see photos).

The hike crosses a number of dirt roads, and sometimes follows the road. There is one area where the road is completely washed out; as in GONE (See picture), and we had to hike down the ravine and back up, but not to much of an issue. This is quite close to the Pinchot Cabin, Please note there is NO way you will be taking any kind vehicle around this gap in the road if you were planning on going to the Pinchot Cabin along this road. GPS coordinates of the washout road are: 34.509672, -111.200987

We also got to get a glimpse and a picture of a Black Bear on the way back; That was cool, first time we have ever seen a bear in the wild.

All in all a good day!
Flora
Flora
Fly Agaric Mushroom Unidentified Flora
Fauna
Fauna
Arizona Gray Squirrel Black Bear
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Pinchot Spring Dripping Dripping
Very light Trickle
_____________________
J. Yoder
Jul 13 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Wheeler PeakElko, NV
Wheeler Peak
Elko, NV
Hiking avatar Jul 13 2019
Yoder
Hiking8.60 Miles 2,900 AEG
Hiking8.60 Miles   5 Hrs   39 Mns   1.87 mph
2,900 ft AEG   1 Hour   3 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Saturday morning me and my 3 brothers started hiking about 7am. Hardly saw anyone most of the way up. Hike starts nice and gradual through pine and aspen forest. Take a 0.2 mile detour to Stella lake for a real nice view of the lake, and continue back on the main trail. Views just keep getting better and better the further you go.

Had to take a number of stops to catch the breath, but actually not as bad as I expected things to be since I live at about 1,200'. There were a number of spots on the hike that still had snow.

Some nice wildflowers on the last leg of the hike just before the final push to the top of the peak.

Probably saw about 6 folks on the way up. On the way down a couple of dozen folks making there way up. A great hike with some of the best views I can I have ever seen.
Fauna
Fauna
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Named place
Named place
Great Basin National Park Stella Lake Teresa Lake Wheeler Peak
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
J. Yoder
2 archives
Jul 12 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Bristlecone - Glacier TrailElko, NV
Bristlecone - Glacier Trail
Elko, NV
Hiking avatar Jul 12 2019
Yoder
Hiking5.60 Miles 1,440 AEG
Hiking5.60 Miles   3 Hrs   7 Mns   1.93 mph
1,440 ft AEG      13 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Brothers weekend get away. Met three of my brothers at the park and decided to warm up on this trail before going for Wheeler peak.

Started Friday about 5pm. Only saw about 6 people on the entire hike. This is a great short hike where you can see the Bristlecone Pines that are thousands of years old. Continuing onyou will reach the Glacier. Views were great on the whole trail, some snow still on the trail, but not to much. The trees are amazing and the glacier is very cool. if you hike to the end of the glacier hike, you will be at the base of Mount Wheeler. The end of the Wheeler Peak summit trail looks over a cliff down into this valley.

Flora
Flora
Bristlecone Pine
Named place
Named place
Great Basin National Park Rock Glacier - Wheeler Peak Quad Wheeler Peak
_____________________
J. Yoder
1 archive
Jun 26 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Mount Lemmon / Lemmon Rock LoopTucson, AZ
Mount Lemmon / Lemmon Rock Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 26 2019
Yoder
Hiking9.70 Miles 2,667 AEG
Hiking9.70 Miles   4 Hrs   59 Mns   2.09 mph
2,667 ft AEG      20 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Quite a nice hike. We got a nice early start as usual, no cars at the trailhead (yeahhh). This is a loop hike and since we were starting at the top of the mountain we knew this would be a down then up hike. down, down we went. we expected the trail to start going back up about at mile 4. The trail did turn back in the right direction, but we bumped along and didn't really start going up until about mile 6, so it was a steep climb out.

It was a nice hike, but this one wore us both out. Not sure if it was because we hadn't hiked for a month or so, or it may have been the altitude, but we were glad to see the car! Although we didn't see anyone on the hike until near the end, there were a ton of cars at the trailhead when we got back at about 11am. This seems to be a popular destination at this time of year, other trailheads were not nearly as full.
Flora
Flora
New Mexico groundsel Woolly Indian Paintbrush
Fauna
Fauna
Greater Pewee Hepatic Tanager Plateau Spiny Lizard Yellow-eyed Junco
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Woolly Indian Paint Brush, Yellow Columbine, Claret Cup Cactus, New Mexico Groundsel
_____________________
J. Yoder
May 27 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Pinto Creek CanyonGlobe, AZ
Pinto Creek Canyon
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar May 27 2019
Yoder
Hiking2.90 Miles 108 AEG
Hiking2.90 Miles   2 Hrs   13 Mns   1.60 mph
108 ft AEG      24 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
On the drive in, I wouldn't drive past the gate if you don't have a 4x4. Our 4Runner struggled a little coming out in one short steep section. We ended up putting it in 4x4 low gear. Now we don't have special tires, but still I can't imaging getting out of there with anything but a 4x4. This is the last place you want to find yourself stuck. Be save and park near the gate if you don't have 4x4.

The walk in the streambead was great. Although we went in the wrong direction for just a little over 1 mile, it was great. Saw about 4 turtles in the shallow stream going up, but they were all gone by the time we came back in. The stream was running nicely, 3" - 12" deep, mostly in the 3-6" deep range. Now we did have a storm blow through last week, so water may have been better than normal. This spring has been weird, but wonderful. Nice tall trees so you are in the shade most of the time, good breeze, but since we were in the stream bead, you just would hear it blowing through the trees. Lots of birds, mostly in the trees out of sight. Not a long hike, but a great slow easy walk in the water.
Fauna
Fauna
Sonoran Mud Turtle Zone-Tailed Hawk
Named place
Named place
Pinto Creek Canyon @ FR242
_____________________
J. Yoder
May 19 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Praying Hands LoopPhoenix, AZ
Praying Hands Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 19 2019
Yoder
Hiking4.90 Miles 988 AEG
Hiking4.90 Miles   3 Hrs   15 Mns   2.16 mph
988 ft AEG      59 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Night Hike!
Full moon, so we decided to do a night hike. We did this hike the week before and decided it is a perfect candidate for a night hike. It was a bit cloudy, so we did need to use the head lamps at times, especially when in the shadows of the Superstitions.

A bit of information on the photos, because I have noticed when posting night photos that some folks don't believe they are night photos. This is how I do it.. I take along a tripod, and setup the camera for HDR. This takes three photos that are eventually combined to form one photo. The first photo is regular exposure, followed by under exposed photo and finally an over exposed photos. Combining the three together provides for a fuller dynamic range, so you can see the shadows better. The lens I used for these photos is the Rokinon 14mm f2.8, known by astronomers a a great night scenery lens. I have it set at f4 for these photos. The camera is a Canon 5D MIV. Settings on the camera is ISO 1000, 3 stops +/-2.5 with noise reduction. When I take a photo, the exposure times are generally 13", 2.5" and 30".

So why is the sky blue in the photos, but not when you look at night? I discovered as an amateur astronomer that the eye requires a threshold of light before it is able to distinguish colors. Rods are very sensitive to light, but cannot distinguish color while the Cones are not so sensitive to light and can distinguish the color. So even though the moon may be full, the sky does not look blue, and the landscape appears gray.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Palo Verde Tress are blooming.
_____________________
J. Yoder
May 12 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Praying Hands LoopPhoenix, AZ
Praying Hands Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 12 2019
Yoder
Hiking5.10 Miles 1,017 AEG
Hiking5.10 Miles   2 Hrs   46 Mns   2.19 mph
1,017 ft AEG      26 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We did a variation on this hike shortly after the big snow this spring, and really enjoyed it. The weather was looking good for the weekend and we decided to do a quick local hike while the weather was still reasonably cool.

Really enjoy this hike, I think it may be one of our favorites. Superstitions are wonderful, weather was perfect and the palo verde trees were in full bloom. This trail is easy to follow, elevation gain is reasonable; the views are stunning.

We decided this is a perfect candidate for a night hike next full moon.
Flora
Flora
Arizona Valerian New Mexico Thistle Parish's goldeneye Yellow Paloverde
Fauna
Fauna
Black-Throated Sparrow Cactus Wren Say's Phoebe
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Palo verde trees in full bloom now.
_____________________
J. Yoder
May 08 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Vault Mine - Josephine Saddle LoopTucson, AZ
Vault Mine - Josephine Saddle Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 08 2019
Yoder
Hiking7.00 Miles 2,073 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles   4 Hrs   58 Mns   1.85 mph
2,073 ft AEG   1 Hour   11 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Wanted to spot the Elegant Trogon on this trip. We mapped out a loop Starting with the Old Baldy trail, then jumping onto the Agua Caliente Trail and finishing up on the Vault Mine Trail.
Madera Canyon is well known for it's birding, and hiking up the Old Baldy Trail you could hear a ton of birds everywhere including the Trogon all up and down the canyon... But we did not see the Trogon at this point.

I prefer desert hiking, but as far as higher elevation hiking with the trees and all, this is one of the better hikes I have been on. In addition to the variety of birds, views were great when available, the trail is well maintained and easy to follow, intersections are well marked.

Finally within the last 1/2 mile of our hike we were able to spot the Trogon and get some pretty good photos.

This is a great area, and I plan on coming back for more as the temperatures rise in the valley.
Fauna
Fauna
Acorn Woodpecker Black-headed Grosbeak Elegant Trogon Townsend's Solitaire Townsend's Warbler Yellow-eyed Junco
_____________________
J. Yoder
May 05 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Boynton Canyon Trail #47Sedona, AZ
Boynton Canyon Trail #47
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar May 05 2019
Yoder
Hiking5.92 Miles 898 AEG
Hiking5.92 Miles   2 Hrs   19 Mns   2.75 mph
898 ft AEG      10 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This is a well maintained trail that has some nice views of the red and white rocks in Sedona. It is about 1.25 miles into the hike before you get away from being able to see houses and buildings, and this trail appears quite popular. Looks like we didn't quite make it to the end of the hike, it was hard to tell, and when I got back home and checked the GPS it appears we missed the last 1/4 mile.
_____________________
J. Yoder
May 05 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Deadmans PassSedona, AZ
Deadmans Pass
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar May 05 2019
Yoder
Hiking6.10 Miles 638 AEG
Hiking6.10 Miles   2 Hrs   18 Mns   2.86 mph
638 ft AEG      10 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Earlier we did the Boynton Canyon hike, and decided to add Deadman's Pass along with Long Canyon Trail. We didn't quite make the end of Long Trail due to time constraints. Another nice hike in Sedona.
Flora
Flora
Claret Cup Cactus
Fauna
Fauna
Clark's Spiny Lizard
_____________________
J. Yoder
Mar 30 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Mount Peeley SummitPayson, AZ
Mount Peeley Summit
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2019
Yoder
Hiking5.30 Miles 1,482 AEG
Hiking5.30 Miles   2 Hrs   43 Mns   2.27 mph
1,482 ft AEG      23 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We decided to to a short one today, Want to take the telescope out for an imaging session :)

Arrived at trailhead at 6:45 and started up the path. smooth going, passed a tent on the way up. Views of the south and west are great. After leaving the Arizona trail there are cairns about up the 1st third of the mountain, then they fade out for the next 1/3 then they appear again for the final 1/3 of the mountain.

Views on top were great, a little snow on the side of the trail in one area, I expect that should be gone in the next couple of days. On our way down we met the guy who was camping out. He was doing the Arizona Trail and had just passed the 1/2 way mark. that's about 400 miles of the 800 mile trail. What a trooper!

A nice hike, but the road up and back makes me nervous. The 4Runner can easily handle the road, but there are steep fall-offs, and this is pretty much a one lane road for about the 2nd half of it with very few pull-offs. Lucky us, we didn't meet any on-coming traffic either way.
Flora
Flora
Unidentified Flora
Named place
Named place
Peak 6910 - Mazatzal Wilderness Saddle Mountain 6,535 Sheep Mountain Peak 6996
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
very few flowers on this hike
_____________________
J. Yoder
Mar 24 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Rock Peak Wash Trail - San Tan MRPPhoenix, AZ
Rock Peak Wash Trail - San Tan MRP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 24 2019
Yoder
Hiking7.60 Miles 705 AEG
Hiking7.60 Miles   2 Hrs   45 Mns   3.10 mph
705 ft AEG      18 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
We wanted a short hike and heard that the wild flowers in San Tans were going so decided to check it out. As usual the desire is to avoid crowds if possible. That's a tall order for this park so close to the big city. We put together the following path:
1. Rock Peak Wash
2. San Tan - Lower East section to Stargazer
3. Stargazer
4. Moonlight Stargazer intersection to San Tan junction
5. San Tan - Lower West section to Rock Peak intersection
6. Rock Peak Wash
Total hike is 7.6 miles.

There wasn't too many people, but this park appears to have become a very popular area for mountain bikers, and the second half of the hike there was a biker about ever 10 minutes.

I think going forward we will reserve this area for weekdays, or night hikes only.
Wild flowers were OK, but it appears we may have missed the peak for this area; Although it appears the Brittle bush are getting ready to put on a show probably in the next couple of weeks.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
J. Yoder
Mar 22 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Rogers Canyon from Woodbury THGlobe, AZ
Rogers Canyon from Woodbury TH
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 22 2019
Yoder
Hiking11.90 Miles 2,900 AEG
Hiking11.90 Miles   7 Hrs   38 Mns   1.90 mph
2,900 ft AEG   1 Hour   22 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We had done the Rogers Canyon - JF Trail Loop back in 2016, and decided we enjoyed West side (from Woodbury Trailhead) a lot more then the East 1/2 of the hike. We also decided we really didn't need to see the Indian ruins again, so we just hiked to the Angel Springs.

The hike up to the high point of the hike @ 3.64 miles was quite nice. The poppies are great this year and a there were a few hillsides pretty full of them (I'll upload the photos at a later date). There was some minor bushwacking up to this point but not too bad. There is a bit more bushwacking as you descend the valley. Once you hit the first stream bed, the trail become really overgrown and you find yourself swimming in the bushes.

Waterflow is exceptional this year, every typically dry stream bed has some water flowing at this point.

This is a great hike, but next time we do this we will probably just go to the high point and return rather than going down to the angel springs.
Flora
Flora
Common pepperweed Desert Chicory Desert Globemallow Fiddleneck Western Dayflower Wild Buckwheat
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Extreme
Poppies on the mountainsides were fantastic!
_____________________
J. Yoder
Mar 20 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Hell's Hole Trail #284 - Salome WildernessGlobe, AZ
Hell's Hole Trail #284 - Salome Wilderness
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 20 2019
Yoder
Hiking11.50 Miles 2,618 AEG
Hiking11.50 Miles   6 Hrs   7 Mns   2.16 mph
2,618 ft AEG      47 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Forecast was for a bit warmer temperatures, so we thought we would give this one a try. Beginning of trail was great, but as we approached Workman creek, we started to run into shrubbery an other plants overgrowing the trail. we pushed through to the first Workman Creek crossing at 2.03 miles, and it was flowing quite well. Since there was only one crossing I was able to convinced the wife to continue on.

Although the trail was easy enough to follow it is apparent this trail is does not get much maintenance, or traffic. There was a lot of overgrowth for the rest of the hike, sometimes we found ourselves swimming through the bushes and occasional cat-claw like plants. Make sure to have long sleeve shirt and long pants for this hike. We finally got to the end of the hike where we again encountered Workman Creek, and it was raging quite well. We didn't try to go upstream to look for the JUG or any other features and headed back.

I'm not sure I would recommend this hike, It is mostly forest hiking, I prefer the desert where you can see things. The bushwhacking was not real fun either.

On a more positive note, we did notice some AMAZING poppies on highway 180 a bit past mile marker 220 there are a number of hillsides covered with them. If you like the wildflowers you should check this one out. I'm behind on my pictures, but I'll post one of these so you can get an idea.
Flora
Flora
Manzanita
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Very few flowers on this hike.
_____________________
J. Yoder
Mar 16 2019
Yoder
avatar

 Routes 6
 Photos 917
 Triplogs 71

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Mesquite Canyon - Waddell - Ford Canyon LoopPhoenix, AZ
Mesquite Canyon - Waddell - Ford Canyon Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2019
Yoder
Hiking10.60 Miles 1,921 AEG
Hiking10.60 Miles
1,921 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We had heard the wildflowers going good in White Tanks right now so we decided to go check it out. We got a nice early start as usual to avoid crowds, and because we like early hikes anyway.

We did this hike back in 2017 one week earlier, and the Brittle bush were in full bloom. This made for a great sight of the mountains when coming out of the Ford Canyon hike, whole mountainsides turned yellow. It appears this year we were a bit early, probably got another month before they bloom. there were other wild flowers, but not as many as I had hoped. It appears the West side of the valley has not received nearly as much as the east side; Superstitions are completely green, not so much with White tanks. There was a small trickle in the Ford Canyon drainage in some areas, but for the most part the drainage is dry.

Still a nice hike, and we did this in a clockwise motion going from the Mesquite trail to the Ford trail; I think that was a good move since I expected more crowds later in the day in the Mesquite trail. Given that it was a weekend, we actually didn't run into too many folks till the end of the hike.

It's peak hiking season, and I'm getting behind on the photos, I'll have to post this set later.
Flora
Flora
Blue Dicks Desert Chicory Emorys Rock Daisy Fiddleneck Mexican Gold Poppy Popcornflower Scorpionweed
Fauna
Fauna
Ash-Throated Flycatcher Black-Throated Sparrow Cactus Wren House Finch Rock Wren Spotted Towhee White-Crowned Sparrow
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Poppies are popping. To early for the brittle bush.
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J. Yoder
average hiking speed 2.21 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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