Horse Crossing Trail

HORSE CROSSING TRAIL

Coconino National Forest

A leisurely amble through the pristine and complex canyon system of upper East Clear Creek reveals wonders that even the most well traveled Arizona hikers will find astounding. There’s the epic views from the coniferous forest rim, a scenic drop into the canyon along a fossil-encrusted limestone trail, and an emerald-green riparian environment along the water.

Sandwiched between two reservoirs, East Clear Creek slices into soft sedimentary pediments leaving behind a meandering sheer-walled canyon.  This 50-mile-long ribbon of life-giving water flows northeast from Blue Ridge Reservoir to Clear Creek Reservoir near Winslow where it merges with the Little Colorado River. 

Although traversing the entire length of this gorge would involve technical climbing skills, swimming and rafting, all that’s needed to hike the Horse Crossing trail #20 is a pair of boots and a day pack.  Exploring the mid-section of the creek, Horse Crossing is hemmed in by hard scramble rock escarpments.  At the bottom of the canyon, running water sculpts sandstone walls that look like dunes tilted on their sides in layer-cake formation.  Tens of millions of years ago, the landscape surrounding East Clear Creek was part of a vast ocean and the fossilized remains of sea-dwelling algae, coral and brachiopods are strewn about like scattered bones.  Like all of the “crossing” trails on the Mogollon Rim, this one continues up the opposite side of the canyon. However, it’s more fun to bush whack and wade for several miles up or downstream where clouds reflected in mirror-like pools in the worn sandstone gives the impression of walking on the sky. 2018 UPDATE: Fire damage in the area, travel with caution.

LENGTH: 3 miles round-trip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 6,900’ – 6,400’

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 170 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From Payson, travel north on State Route87 to Clints Well.  From there, continue on SR 87 for another 9.4 miles to the turn off for Forest Road 95 (between mileposts 299 and  300).  Turn right (east) on FR 95 and drive 4 miles to Forest Road 513B.  Go left (east) on FR 513B and continue 2 miles to the trailhead.  A high-clearance vehicle is required on FR 513B.

It's kind of like Payson up here.

NORTHLAND ARBORETUM

Paul Bunyan Conservation Area, Brainerd, MN

Jack pine savanna

I hate being away from Arizona.  Hate it.  That's because  I miss my limitless hiking options.  In Arizona, we can hike 365 days a year in myriad climes and terrain such as deserts, alpine meadows, pine forests, creek side riparian zones, above tree line, in world-class deep canyons, cedar-studded scrublands, high elevation mountains and striking savannas.  There's so much variety here, I've become a bit of a hiking snob and have yet to find a place with as much trail diversity as the Grand Canyon State.  Still, I occasionally must go out of town, and that means having to hike outside my comfort zone.

While on a business trip this week to beautiful Brainerd Minnesota, a lucky juxtaposition of the printing plant I was visiting and a conservation area provided an opportunity to hit the trail.   Brainerd is a small-ish, but strangely congested town on the Mississippi River.   Downtown is a grid of narrow, oak-lined streets populated with quilt shops and antique emporiums that give way to dusty railroad tracks and frontage roads bolstered by big box retailers and chain restaurants.  While idling in my rental car waiting for a coal-laden train to pass, I saw the sign:  "Paul Bunyan Trail", and my curiosity was stoked.  Happily, my work assignment completed in time for me to spend a couple of hours exploring, that's when I discovered that the Paul Bunyan Trail is a long bike trail that begins just outside the arboretum.  The arboretum includes property leased from The Nature Conservancy, so, given my limited time, I decided to check out the Jack Pine Savanna Habitat Restoration Project--a joint effort of TNC and other organizations.  Excellent trailside maps and well-signed junctions make getting around the arboretum a breeze.  I quickly planned out a 4-mile loopy route heading first through some colorful flower gardens and an experimental study area loaded with what appeared to be mutant squash.  Soon, the wide trail turned to soft white sand and opened up into a sunny scrubland stabbed with rail thin, frail conifers that looked as if they could be the wayward arrows of extraterrestrial archers---the Jack Pines.  I thought Scotty (of Star Trek) had  transported me to Payson. The Big Ben and Little Ben trails twist around the stark habitat that smacks more of Arizona's high desert than a forest less than a mile from the mighty Mississippi.  Next, I strolled through a deeply wooded area of Paper Birch, oaks, Blue Spruce, White Pines and Red maple trees.  Although it was only late August some maple leaves already bore the crimson tinge of autumn.   Finally, I walked the short trail around “Minnesota Monet”--a secluded lily pond wrapped in Weeping Willows—which reminded me of Dow Springs on the Sycamore Rim Loop trail and made me glad I was headed home.

Minnesota Monet

LENGTH:  12 miles of connected trails

ELEVATION: 1230' -1260’

RATING:  easy

INFO:

Located in Brainerd, MN--about 2 hours north of Minneapolis/St. Paul

218-829-8770

http://northlandarb.com/

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Water and wildflowers on the Mogollon Rim

JONES CROSSING

Now here’s a little slice of paradise wrapped in fragrant pines and wildflower glory. The water of East Clear Creek nourishes a sweet ribbon of green across the Mogollon Rim and a hike into the beautiful Jones Crossing area of this perrenial stream rewards with exposure to an impossibly lush canyon flanked by contorted limestone cliffs. The trek begins at Jones Crossing bridge where hikers can follow the stream either north or south.  We found the southbound strip more scenic and better shaded.  Right out of the chute, the route---which roughly follows a closed 4x4 road----drops hikers into a field of thigh-high grasses splattered with OxEye Daisies and wild geraniums.  From here, just follow the water to enter a steep-walled canyon with intermittent pools and trickling rivlets smothered in ferns and bobbing yellow Columbine. Water levels fluctuate so be prepared for wet feet as there are a few spots where crossing does require some ankle-deep wading. 

LENGTH: 

Southbound (as described here): whatever---but it’s 5.2 miles one-way to the Poverty Draw side canyon.

Northbound: whatever, but it’s 1.75 miles to an unsigned forest road

RATING:  easy, with several creek crossings

ELEVATION:  6,850’ – 7,050’

GETTING THERE:

From the intersection of State Routes 260/87 in Payson, go north on SR87 (Beeline Hwy) past Pine-Strawberry to milepost 289 and the sign for Jones Crossing and turn right onto Forest Road 141. Continue 4 miles east on FR141 to the (signed) Jones Crossing bridge and park along the road.  FR 141 is maintained dirt with just a few minor bumpy parts--okay for slowly driven sedans.
Hike begins across of the bridge at the yellow “area closed” and “732” signs.  The area is closed to all motorized vehicles, but hiking is okay.

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A stumbled upon "social trail"

SCHULTZ LOOP & the WEENIE WALK SOCIAL TRAIL

Coconino National Forest

Schultz Loop

Weenie Walk

Seems like every time I'm out hiking in Flagstaff, I discover at least one "no-name" trail. The forest service refers to these unauthorized user-created routes as "social trails".  Apparently, mountain bikers and renegade hikers have blazed their own maze of secret  trails---and they DO have names as I've come to learn---mostly from bikers kind enough to fill me in and an underground map acquired from an anonymous source.  Cool names, even, like Super Fly, Jedi, Ricochet and the one we stumbled upon recently:  Weenie Walk.  The "social trails" link below connects to a forest service document explaining why these user-created paths can be problematic and what plans are in the works to meet the need for additional recreational routes. Anyhoo, as non-motorized cross country travel in non-wilderness areas (which would include hiking on fugitive trails) is currently legal on the Coconino, we made an unplanned detour on Weenie Walk while hiking the Schultz Loop trail.  Here's how:

From the trailhead, locate the start of the Schultz Loop trail, pass through a big "road closed" sign after about 0.1 mile and continue another 0.6 mile to a junction with a sign indicating to turn right to head toward the Schultz Creek Trail.  This is where to turn right is all you want to do is the loop, however, the woodlands flanking the road leading straight ahead looked so inviting, we took a detour.  After hiking up the road about 0.4 mile, we noticed an unsigned trail heading off to the left.  Again, it looked so green and pretty, we just had to explore.  We didn't know it at the time, but we had just entered the Weenie Walk.  This slim path climbs gently uphill, paralleling the Brookbank Trail briefly before swinging east to eventually  connect with Sunset Trail.  It's a beautiful, quiet, pine-shaded stroll that passes through several sunny meadows.  We got about 2 miles in when claps of thunder in the near distance hastened our decision to turn around and head back to the Schultz Creek Junction and complete the loop in totally legal territory.

LENGTH:  1.6 mile (loop), 5.6 round trip with Weenie Walk as described here.

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION:  8,000' - 8,100' or 8,000' - 8,700'

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 218.6 to  (FR420) Schultz Pass Road.  Turn right and continue 0.5 mile to a fork, bear right to stay on FR420 and go 4.9 miles to the Sunset Trailhead on the right.  Schultz Pass Road is maintained dirt with a few rough spots.  High clearance is recommended, although we got through in a sedan.

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55172&actid=50

SOCIAL TRAILS:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5374932.pdf

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Walking Wupatki: Part 6

LENOX CRATER

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Summit of Lenox Crater

View from the trail

Woe to Lenox Crater. Crushed, pummeled, bullied and ultimately overshadowed by its younger, more aggressive volcanic neighbors, this humble cinder cone is older than the tumultuous lava flows and red-tinged peaks that have nearly obliterated its rounded and relaxed profile. Unlike the park’s star attraction---Sunset Crater---it's okay to climb Lenox. It's not a difficult hike, however, pea-to-pebble-sized black cinders underfoot create a mildly hazardous carpet of sandpapered marbles.  Ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks shade the trail on its way up to the summit. On top, there's no discernable "crater”, but an impressive cinder-ash flow sliding down the south face is evidence the hill's explosive past.  Take a moment to scoop up a handful of cinders and examine the structure and lightness. Pumice like this can sometimes float on water and has been used to smooth and file rough skin. Each of these pebbles began life as a molten projectile spit from the crater like terrestrial meteorites.  To the north, the mounds of O’Leary Peak and Strawberry Crater stand out above the Bonita Lava Flow.  Both of these volcanoes---located outside of the monument boundaries---are climbable and although, Lenox Crater concludes the Walking Wupatki series of hikes---guess where I'm going next? 

LENGTH:  1 mile roundtrip

RATING: moderate (loose footing)

ELEVATION: 6,940' - 7,240

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  
Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

FACILITIES: restroom, visitor center, vending machines

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue 30 miles to the turn off on the left. Roads are 100% paved. Alternate access: enter the park from US 180 at milepost 430 and go 5 miles to the trailhead.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 5

LAVA FLOW TRAIL

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Moving south ---and about 2000 feet uphill-- from Wupatki National  Monument,  scenic "volcanoes and ruins" loop road enters the tortured terrain of Sunset Crater National Monument.  Complementing a bevy of  scenic view roadside pullouts  for casual sightseers; two hiking trails delve deeper into the otherworldly landscape.  First up: the Lava Flow Trail.  This hike-by-numbers trek uses a guide booklet available in a box at the trailhead or the visitor center down the road to describe various volcanic features along the route. The trail has a .25-mile section that's paved and barrier-free, but the remainder of the trail requires sturdy (closed toe) footwear as it moves over some rough-around-the-edges lava.  Just under a mile in length, the trail manages to get hikers into the guts of a massive lava flow that issued from the base of Sunset Crater some 900 years ago.   In terms of geological time, this is newborn rock. Unfettered by the ravages of time, the molten crust that  squeezed, belched, oozed and sprayed from the belly of the earth retains its wild, "fresh from the smelter" veneer.  All around the trail, a placid sea of black cinders peppered with hardy tree sprouts laping  at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano belies  a history of fire raining from the sky.

LENGTH:  1 mile loop

RATING:  easy (some loose rock and steps)

ELEVATION: 7,000' - 7,050'

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

FACILITIES: restooms,  vending machines and water  at the visitor center

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue 29.5 miles to the  turn off on the left. Roads are 100% paved. Alternate access: enter the park from US 180 at milepost 430 and go 5.5 miles to the trailhead.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 4

WUPATKI PUEBLO

The main structure

Welcome to the  main attraction of Wupatki National Monument.  What may have been Arizona's first "planned community" (think: Medieval Anthem), this  community built on the edge of the Colorado Plateau includes a 100-room pueblo, ballcourt and community gathering arena.  Archeological discoveries on the site suggest that a mixture of cultures inhabited this area during the 12th century. Its location at the crossroads of major travel routes coupled with the excavation of myriad pottery and architectural styles indicate that Wupatki may have been an important  way station for commerce.  A nicely paved path with placards corresponding to a guide book available in the visitor center threads among the ruins.  Of particular note are how the stone structures were engineered to take advantage of natural geological features.

Like most folks, the inhabitants of Wupatki loved a good ball game, and just downhill from the big house, a reconstructed ballcourt tells a silent story of an imaginative community that blended  hard work with serious playtime.

ballcourt

LENGTH:  0.5 mile loop

RATING:  easy, paved, some stairs

ELEVATION: 4,900'

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

THE RULES: as with all archeological sites, it is illegal to tkae or damage anything.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Also, do not climb or sit on teh fragile ruins.

FACILITIES: restoom, visitor center, vending machines

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue 13 miles to the  turn off on the right. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 3

DONEY TRAIL

Wupatki National Monument

the saddle

on the trail

Geek that I am, I have a facination with lava bombs.  Heck--even the name is cool.  Lava. Bombs.  These products of volcanic eruptions form when highly viscous molton rock shoots into the sky from an explosive event,  partially solidifies on the way back to earth, then slams into the ground with a heat-warped taffy splat.  This process results in in mangled crater-side blobs and contorted ribbons that are best (indelicately) described  as "stone turds".  I think they are beautiful and I wish I could have been around to witness their formation.  Okay, not really, but it's almost a certainty that people living in the area 1000 years ago would have been treated to the fireworks.  Still, 21-century hikers can observe some very nice old, but fresh-looking lava bombs on the Doney Trail.  The trail leads to two of  four cinder cone summits that sit on a north-south line  of the Doney Fault which is visible from the top of peak number two.

lava bomb

A short walk over black cinders leads to a saddle with a bench and a lone one-seed juniper tree standing sentry over big views of the Painted Desert.  From here, the trail divides.  Go left to peak number one which features the ruins of an ancient  field house.  Peak number two is a little steeper climb, but the trail has been stabalized with wooden beams. On top, there's a viewing bench and a sign describing the surrounding peaks.  Look closely to the southeast and you should be able to spot the white roofs of the Wupatki Pueblo visitor center---next stop on the tour. 

LENGTH:  0.7 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate (loose rock)

ELEVATION:  5,300' - 5,500'

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

THE RULES: as with all archeological sites, it is illegal to take or damage anything.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Also, do not climb or sit on the fragile ruins.

FACILITIES: restoom, picnic table

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on U.S. 89 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue 9 miles to the Doney Picnic Area turn off on the right. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 2

CITADEL and NALAKIHU RUINS

Wupatki National Monument

Citadel ruins and Citadel Sink

Nalakihu Pueblo

Whether this stone-hewn, hilltop structure was a swanky living space, fortress, ceremonial gathering spot or a Middle Ages-era marketplace we will never know for sure.  What is certain though is that this second stop on the Wupatki-Sunset Crater circuit will stoke your imagination.  A paved trail--suitable for strollers and walkers--leaves the parking area heading uphill on an easy grade. The site consists of two ruins.  The first is a tiny field building called Nalakihu (Hopi for “House Outside the Village”) that archeologists think was used by farmers in the 1100s.  Slabs of sandstone and lumps of black volcanic basalt mortared together in intricate layers form several rooms overlooking a stark landscape of improbable farmlands.  But farm the ancients did---using ingenious techniques like check dams to coax crops from brutal terrain.

View from the Citadel

Above Nalakihu sits the impressive citadel.  As the trail swings around the backside of the butte, a large sinkhole depression comes in to view.  This is "citadel sink" which formed when an underground limestone cavern collapsed. On the summit, a swath of geological wonders fills the horizon.  The flat-topped cone to the northwest is SP Crater---an intriguing destination for anybody looking to scale a cinder cone.  Framing the sinkhole are the San Francisco Peaks--the remains of a strato volcano that at one point towered to 16,000 feet before blowing its top Mount St. Helens-style shaving it down it its present 12,633' height.  The paved trail ends at the top of the butte, but those with sturdy footwear can enter the site (be careful on the loose rock) to check out how the citadel structure was built into the natural stone of the butte and ponder the millions of unanswered questions buried in the rubble.

LENGTH: 0.2 mile

RATING: easy, barrier free

ELEVATION: 5,380'- 5,440'

FACILITIES:  none

HOURS: open year-round sunrise to sunset

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.  

Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal.

THE RULES: as with all archeological sites, it is illegal to take or damage anything.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Also, do not climb or sit on the fragile ruins.

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5.  Turn right and continue  4.3 miles (or 0.3 mile past the Lomaki site) to the Citadel Ruins parking apron on the right. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Walking Wupatki: Part 1

LOMAKI PUEBLO & BOX CANYON RUINS

One of the Box Canyon ruins

Over the next few days, I'll be chronicling my one-day hike-drive in Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater National Park. This two-park tour is famous for its multi-cultural Native American ruins, volcanic geology and outstanding Painted Desert views. Also, the park's 2,000-foot elevation variance blends desert scrublands, rich pine forests, sandstone mesas and rivers of lava for perhaps the most complex cluster of hiking trails in Arizona. 

Lomaki Pueblo

Using the 35-mile "volcanoes and ruins loop road” north of Flagstaff as the main travel artery, I made six stops for short hikes totaling 4.25 miles.  First up: Lomaki Pueblo & Box Canyon.  Located at the north end of the park on the high plains of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, this collection of red-sandstone ruins built on a gaping earth crack have not been restored, so visitors can marvel at the precision architecture and mortar work that has held up for more than 800 years.  Three main structures teeter on the edge of a narrow box canyon where the original inhabitants may have farmed and used imaginative technology to harvest rain water.  Interpretive signs along trail augment the hike with insights into pertinent archeological research.

Box Canyon ruins

LENGTH: 0.5-mile loop

RATING: easy (non-paved, some steps)

ELEVATION: 5,325'-5,350'

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost 444.5 (north entrance to the parks).  Turn right and continue 4 miles to the Lomaki turn off on the left. Roads are 100% paved.

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic table

HOURS: open year-round sunrise to sunset

FEE: $5 per person, good for 7 days at both Wupatki and Sunset Crater

PETS: are not allowed on any park trails or in buildings.  Please do not leave pets in cars---heat can be fatal, even on cool days.

INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

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Hike and swim at Red Rock Crossing

RED ROCK CROSSING

Crescent Moon Ranch, Sedona

A gigantic sycamore shades Oak Creek

Ancient spirits are rumored to inhabit the rusty-red landforms that soar above this enchanting, cottonwood and sycamore-shaded bend in Oak Creek Canyon. That’s because, in addition to being one of the most photographed locations in the world, Red Rock Crossing also is one of Sedona’s vortex sites—places on earth noted for their high spiritual energy. The area’s beauty and cooling waters attract religious pilgrims, tourists, and those who just want to enjoy majestic views and cool breezes along the creek. Many of the trails in the park are stroller and wheelchair-accessible while shaded ramadas, restrooms, access to swimming holes, water chutes and fly fishing combine for a memorable, family-friendly daytrip.

Himalaya-Berry

PLANT PROFILE:

Himalaya-Berry (Arizona blackberry)

Rubus procerus

Habitat: introduced species found mainly in Oak Creek Canyon and Grand Canyon NP

Elevation: 4,000 – 6,000 feet

Blooms: June

Berries: summer

Lush riparian greenery flanks the creekside trail

HIGHLIGHTS: kid-friendly, water play, some barrier-free trails, picnic armadas, world-famous views

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip (for the unpaved creek walk)

ELEVATION: 4,000 feet

RATING: easy

DOGS: dogs must stay on leash and out of the water

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

Drive west from Sedona on AZ 89A to Upper Red Rock Loop Road (Forest Road 216) and follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing.

FEES: $10 daily fee per vehicle

INFORMATION: Red Rock Ranger District (928) 282-4119, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/crescentmoon-picnic.shtml

June 26th plane crash closes 2 Sedona trails

Airport Loop and Table Top Trails in Sedona are temporarily closed due to an airplane crash that occurred this morning.  Please contact the Red Rock Ranger District or the Coconino National Forest web site before planning a hike here.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/26/us/arizona-plane-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Red Rock Ranger District: 928-203-7500
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=71905&actid=50

Your guide to summer WATER recreation

PHOENIX MAGAZINE AUGUST 2012 ISSUE

Hi Hikers (anglers, boaters, tubers...), pick up a copy of the August PHOENIX magazine for my story about AZ summer water recreation.  You'll find 71 ideas for hiking, boating, fishing, camping, kayaking and just about anything (gold panning, anyone?) else pertaining to outdoor water recreation. 

ON SALE AUGUST 26, 2012

Here’s where you can find PHOENIX magazine: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreens, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, Area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960

Descend a rocky road to East Clear Creek

MACK’S CROSSING

Coconino National Forest

Since it was abandoned in the 1940s, the old road leading to Mack’s Crossing has disintegrated into a precipitous ledge overlooking the gaping gorge carved by

East Clear Creek.

Even though the rough conditions don’t deter brave souls in fishing-gear-laden ATVs from careening down the serpentine route-- hiking at a leisurely pace is the best way to savor the  epic beauty of this dramatic canyon.

The downhill trek to the creek begins on the sunny edge of the Mogollon Rim, passing fossiliferous limestone outcroppings and a stand of elegant Arizona walnut trees before rounding a bend where grand views of the waterway 600 feet below grab the spotlight.

East Clear Creek

Near the creek, thickets of wild roses, alders, and exotic wildflowers color the landscape and provide handy excuses to stop and take in the sights.  Although the official trail ends where the road meets the sandy shore of the shallow stream, opportunities for wading, swimming and fishing abound both up and downstream.

Antelope Horns

PLANT PROFILE:

Antelope Horns

Asclepias asperula

Habitat:  woodland clearings and open areas

Elevation: 3,000 – 9,000 feet

Blooms: April-August

LENGTH:  4 miles (on trail)

ELEVATION: 6,250 – 6,860 feet

RATING: moderate

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  165 mils one-way

GETTING THERE:

From the junction of AZ 89 and AZ 260 in Payson, go north on 89 past Clint’s Well to milepost 304.5 and turn right onto Enchanted Lane (Forest Road 319).  Continue .2 miles to Green Ridge Dr., hang a right and go .5 miles to Juniper Dr. From here, turn right and go a short distance to Cedar Dr. and follow it to the “primitive road 137” sign.  Park along the road—do not block private driveways.

INFORMATION: refer to the Coconino National Forest map

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Hike to a volcanic lake

WALKER LAKE

Coconino National Forest

Walker Lake

This expansive swale is a photographer’s paradise--especially since the couple of monsoony weeks we've had have coaxed out the wildflowers.  The combination of great views, reflecting pools, abundant wildlife and a carpet of colorful summer blooms provides unlimited photo opportunities.  Acres of wild field mint, daisies, silverweed and New Mexican vervain, lace the air with a refreshing herbal aroma.  In summer this ephemeral lake--which is an eroded volcanic crater--- shrinks to a patchwork of shallow pools with clumps of water smartweed lilies bobbing on the surface. The rim of the cinder cone forms a high fortress around the lake, giving a real sense of being inside an extinct cinder cone. On the eastern horizon, the lofty pinnacles of the San Francisco Peaks touch the sky. To add length and more interest to the hike, scramble up to the crater’s rim with a pair of binoculars to scope out the elk, deer, bear, porcupines and prairie dogs frequent this reliable water source.

San Francisco Peaks

LENGTH: 1-mile roundtrip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  8,060' - 8,189' 

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 175 miles

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go 19 miles north on  US180  to the northern exit for Forest Road 151 (Hart Prairie Road) just past milepost 235.  Turn right and continue 1.6 miles on the good dirt road to Forest Road 418.  Turn left and go .2 mile to the second road on the left (across from a log cabin).  Go left onto this unmarked dirt road, continue a short distance to a 3-way roundabout and then go right to the circular parking area.  The trail begins at the “road closed” sign in the northwest end of the parking area.

New Mexican vervain

INFORMATION: (928) 526-0866, or refer to the Coconino National Forest map

Fossil Creek closure to be lifted Wednesday

From: "Harper, Stephen -FS" <sharper@FS.FED.US>
Date: July 16, 2012 2:44:18 PM PDT
To: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>
Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest Smoke Information

Flagstaff, AZ – Campfire and smoking restrictions, as well as the Fossil Creek area closure, will be lifted on the Coconino National Forest beginning Wednesday July 18, 2012 at 8 a.m.

Recent rains, along with higher humidity and increased fuel moistures, have lowered fire danger on the forest and decreased the risk of major wildfires.

 “Although campfires will be allowed throughout the forest, people should never leave a campfire unattended,” said Coconino Fire Staff Officer Russ Copp. “Campers should make sure they bring about five to six gallons of water to extinguish their campfire completely before leaving, making sure to stir it with a shovel as you are pouring the water. The fire pit should be cold to the touch before leaving the campsite.”

Forest visitors are also reminded that campfire restrictions may vary on different national forests. Please call the nearest land management office or 877-864-6985 for current information or see http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php online.

For additional information please see www.coconinoforest.us or call the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600. 

Hiking in Arizona's Bigfoot territory

BEAR CANYON LAKE

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Attention all Bigfoot seekers---this is your trail. Whether you take the existence of the reclusive beast with relish or a grain of salt, know that many alleged  sightings in Arizona have occurred in the forests surrounding Bear Canyon Lake.

Even with boisterous crowds of campers, anglers and hikers flocking to this popular summer destination--the beast abides. So, you’ll want to come prepared with binoculars, video camera and---for serious seekers---supplies for making plaster casts of footprints. However, finding the shy beast can be a challenge, even for cryptozoologists--those who study legendary or “hidden” creatures. That’s because the thick pine-oak woodlands surrounding the lake provide ample hiding places and dense undergrowth makes exploring a major endeavor. In the event Bigfoot fails to make an appearance, there are still plenty of other attractions on this high country trek. A scenic aspen-ringed peninsula, bald eagles, elk and secluded, moss-embellished coves make this a worthy hiking trail---even without scoring a peek at the mysterious creature lurking among the pines.

Red Cinquefoil

PLANT PROFILE:

Red Cinquefoil

Potenilla thurberi

Habitat: loamy soil, pine forests

Elevation: 6,000 – 9,000 feet

Blooms: July-October

LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (on main trail)

ELEVATION: 7,560 – 7,500 feet

RATING: easy

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 147 miles one-way

GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go east (right) on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Turn left and continue west on FR300 for 12 miles to Forest Road 89, turn right and go 3 miles to the lake.

The last 14 miles are on good dirt roads. The trail goes downhill from the parking lots 0.25 miles to the lake where it continues along the shore in both directions.

INFORMATION: Black Mesa Ranger District (928) 535-7300, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_bearcanyon.shtml

Cool & easy Flagstaff summer hike

ARIZONA TRAIL from SCHULTZ TANK Day Hike

Coconino National Forest

Passage 34 of the Arizona Trail runs through 36 miles of stunning high country territory beginning in the cool pine forests around Schultz Tank and ending on the arid scrublands near Cedar Tank Ranch. With numerous easy-access trailheads, it's a cinch to hike this passage in a series of short day hikes like the one we did last Saturday. Beginning at the Schultz Tank/Weatherord trailhead, our objective was to do a 7-to-10-mile, out-and-back trek.  About 50 yards up the Weatherford trail a nice wood sign marks where the AZT heads left and also states that it crosses the Moto Trail at 3.5 miles. Given that the sky was churning with ominous storm clouds, this sounded like a do-able turnaround point. As it turns out, there's no sign at the Moto junction (although some graffiti points the way to Snowbowl and So. Flagstaff).  Because the trail is so flat and easy (and the rain clouds were dissipating), we decided to continue hiking. It's at about this point where the mountain bike traffic really picks up.  That's because the Moto trail connects with the Fort Valley Trails System---another favorite of bikers.  And its easy to see why--the relatively new trail is smooth, free of rocks and full of long hairpin turns gliding through fern gullies, fields of lava boulders and coniferous forests.  The route crosses several dirt service roads and various off-the-maps mountain bike trails (a biker who stopped to chat identified one as the "Dog Food" trail) as it gradually climbs up to the aspens along Snowbowl Road--a good turnaround or car shuttle point.

LENGTH: (all one-way from Schultz Tank)

to Moto Trail junction: 3.5 miles

to Kachina trailhead: 7.6 miles

to Snowbowl Road: 7.8 miles

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 

to Moto: 8020'-8800'

to Kachina: 8020'-9321'

to Snowbowl Road: 8020' - 9310'

KID FRIENDLY: yes

BEST SEASON: May thru October

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles

GETTING THERE:

Schultz Tank Trailhead:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US180 (Fort Valley Road) to milepost 218.6 and turn right on Schultz Pass Road (FR420).  Follow FR420 0.7 mile to a fork, veer left to stay on FR420 and continue 4.8 miles to the Schultz Tank/Weatherford trailhead on the right. Schultz Pass Rd is bumpy dirt-- passable by sedans but high clearance is recommended.

Snowbowl Road /Humphreys Trailhead:

From Flagstaff, travel north on US180 (Fort Valley Road) to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and continue 4.2 miles to the trailhead on the left. Roads are paved all the way to the parking lot.

INFO:

http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_34.html

MORE PHOTOS:

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