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Mar 30 2019
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
South Fork - Gold Ridge LoopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2019
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking13.48 Miles 3,730 AEG
Hiking13.48 Miles   8 Hrs   33 Mns   1.84 mph
3,730 ft AEG   1 Hour   14 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 
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The_Eagle
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Only my second loop with Gold Ridge Trail #47. I'm getting why I gave this 4 out of 5 stars in 2009. The masses will nitpic lack of switchbacks. A moderate badass ridge IMO that needs to be in the mix no less than bi-annual.

Heading up Gold Ridge we were pleasantly surprised to see and walk through dense poppies you only see mid way up. Up is the wise choice for footing. The patch of pines near the top before FR3348 is bomb diggity. Need to plan on that for future break spots.

South Fork Deer Creek #46 is cool and has received noticeable maintenance! Still needs a lot of work. I wouldn't hesitate to hike it again and again. That said I prefer [ Deer Creek Trail #45 ]

March 30th 2019 8:30 a.m. Bruce declared every living plant has a flower.
Note: get Angiosperm Kokopelli a bouquet of spruce, fern, moss and liverwort!
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  South Fork Tank
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Mountain sides plastered in poppies on a few occasions. Bruce shed the poppy blinders repeatedly mentioning the most diverse variety he recalled.

Extreme
[ Narrow-Leaved Popcorn Flower ]
[ Dichelostemma capitatum ]
[ Desert/Mojave ceanothus ]
desert see-uh-no-thus was a wonderful fragrance all day

Substantial
[ Filaree ]
[ Owl Clover ]
[ Fiddleneck ]
[ Mexican Gold Poppy ]
Notably several of the deeper robust yellow. Thought Desert Poppies, no dice.

Moderate
[ Asian Mustard ]
[ Draba ]
[ Common Dandelion ]

Light
[ Indian Paintbrush ]
[ Purple Loco ]
[ Western Wallflower ]

Isolated
[ Desert Marigold ]
[ White Primrose ]
[ Doubting Mariposa Lily ]

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max South Fork Deer Creek Medium flow Medium flow
_____________________
- joe
 
average hiking speed 1.84 mph

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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