MA-HA-TAUK TRAIL

Ma-Ha-Tauk Trail South Mountain Park, Phoenix All I really wanted to do today was have lunch at Poncho’s on Central Ave. However, the thought of stuffing my face with their most excellent enchiladas without first hiking a few miles, triggered my guilt synapses. Thus, I decided to check out one of the nearby “little” trails on the western end of South Mountain Park that had been off my radar. Having done all the exciting “big” routes in the park---you know, The National Trail, Alta, Holbert, etc.---I set my expectation meter on low as I headed out to hike the ugly step-trail known as Ma-Ha-Tauk. This easy route traverses the foothills of one of the three mountain ranges (Gila, Guadalupe and Ma Ha Tauk) that make up South Mountain Preserve. The trail has its good and bad points. On the plus side, it’s close to town, easy to follow, connects to many other routes in the park and has some sweet views of downtown Phoenix and the Sierra Estrella mountains to the west. On the down side, the area was burned several years ago, so vegetation is sparse and a nearby shooting range provides annoying background “music” that echoes off the cliff faces. Still, this trails makes for a quick out-and-back trek while on your way to Poncho’s. LENGTH: 3 miles round trip RATING: easy ELEVATION: 1,300 – 1,700 feet BEST SEASONS: October - April GETTING THERE: From central Phoenix, go south on Central Ave. to Dobbins Road. Turn right (west) and continue to 19th Ave. Go left (south) on 19th Ave and follow it 0.8 miles all the way to the end and park at the signed trailhead. PARK HOURS: 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. INFO: City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation: http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/hiking/index.html

FLAGSTAFF FALL FOLIAGE UPDATE: October 16, 2010

....go NOW!!!! Photos are from today's hike on the Aspen Nature Loop and Veit Springs trails off Snowbowl Road. FOR MORE HIKES WITH GREAT FALL COLOR, CLICK ON THE "FALL COLOR" LINK UNDER THE TRAIL INDEX LIST ON THIS BLOG.

FALL FOLIAGE UPDATE October 8, 2010

Just got back from Flagstaff and a nice hike along the Arizona Trail from Snow Bowl to Bismarck Lake. The season's first snow has dusted the San Francisco Peaks!! Although there are some pockets of glorious golden ASPENS, peak color is still to come. I'll be heading back next week for the big show. FOR MORE HIKES WITH GREAT FALL COLOR, CLICK ON THE "FALL COLOR" LINK UNDER THE TRAIL INDEX LIST ON THIS BLOG.

HART PRAIRIE FALL COLOR REPORT

Just got back from hiking near Hart Prairie north of Flagstaff. Fall foliage color will come about a week later than usual this year due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Higher elevations (Abineau-Bear Jaw, et al) are in bloom this week, however, the meadows below the peaks are still kinda green. This coming weekend (October 9-10) should be spectacular in the lower meadows. Here's a photo from today's hike in Wilson Meadow. MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38236&id=1795269672&fbid=1290895131212&ref=mf

FALL COLOR HIKES

Looking for a great FALL FOLIAGE HIKE? Just click on the "Fall Color" link in the Trail Index column (on the left) of this blog and 92 (count 'em 92) trails with colorful leaves will be displayed. Happy hiking!

HONANKI HERITAGE SITE

HONANKI HERITAGE SITE Coconino National Forest Our species may have been able to land a man on the moon, but we still haven’t figured out the centuries-old formula for mortar used by Arizona's ancient Sinagua culture. The mighty binder has held up for over 900 years resulting in a remarkably well-preserved collection of cliff dwellings in a remote canyon north of Sedona. A short, mostly shaded dirt path leads to the site which archeologists postulate was home to about 200 people during its heyday. It’s a good idea to either visit the Palatki site first (see blog entry below) or do some independent research before heading to Honanki. That’s because, the rich heritage of this ancient abode runs long and deep and knowing something of the history will enhance your visit. In addition to being expert architects, the people who created Honanki also were masters of earth and sky as evidenced in petroglyphs/pictographs depicting celestial events, and calendars that decorate the wall of the ruins. LENGTH: 0.25 one-way RATING: easy ELEVATION: 4,700 – 4,750 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 142 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From the “Y” intersection of Highways 179 and 89A, go left through the traffic circle and head south on 89A (toward Cottonwood). Continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road, turn right and go 2.9 miles to a stop sign, veer left and go 1.6 miles to another stop sign, turn left onto FR152C and go 4 miles to FR525. Turn right on FR525 and go 0.1 miles to a fork in the road, veer left and continue on FR 525 to the parking area. The last 6 miles are rough dirt, a high clearance vehicle is recommended. NOTE: once on Dry Creek Road, it’s easy to follow the signs to “Palatki-Honanki”. HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas FEE: A Red Rock Pass ($5 daily per vehicle) or equivalent is required. Call to find out what other passes are accepted. FACILITIES: vault toilet, information kiosk. The site is usually not staffed. INFO: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/honanki-ruins.shtml, (928) 282-4119 RESERATIONS: not required. PETS: not allowed NOTE: Please respect the cultural and archeological significance of this fragile site. Do not touch the ruins or art and never pick up or remove any artifact. If you feel compelled, you may call the Forest Service to report a “find”, but please, do not touch!! Also, feel free to photograph any low-lifers (and their license plates) you may see defacing the ruins and forward to the Forest Service.

PALATKI HERITAGE SITE

PALATKI HERITAGE SITE Coconino National Forest For centuries, Native American cultures including the Clovis, Southern Sinagua (ancestors of the Hopi people) and Tonto Apache have inhabited the cliffs of Arizona’s Verde Valley. For most of the 11,000 years that the area around Palatki teemed with life, the climate was much cooler and wetter than it is today and the vast fields in Red Canyon yielded crops of beans, corn and grains. Then came the drought of 1276-1299 and the clans scrambled. Some stayed longer, but eventually, around 1400, the Sinagua abandoned the site. From the mid 15th century until 1875, the Tonto Apache inhabited the cliffs. Then, European settlers showed up with fruit trees. What remains is a rich historical site with some of the best Native American pictographs in the Southwest. Faint images from the Archaic period (11,500 – 8,000 B.C.E. ) mingle with painted flute players and charcoal drawings made by more recent Apache people. The site also features “Willard Cave” where the European settler Charles Willard lived for about a year while building his nearby homestead in the early 1920s. Visitors may enter the cave, provided the resident bats are feeling hospitable. The site has two 0.25-mile trails. One leads to a series of alcoves and the pictographs. The other goes to some cliff dwellings. Forest service guides are very knowledgeable and put on a thoroughly enjoyable tour that lasts roughly 2 hours. On the day we visited, the trail to the dwellings was closed due to rock slide danger and signs posted elsewhere warned that either trail could be closed at any time for safety reasons and/or maintenance, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re hell-bent on seeing everything. LENGTH: 1 mile total (two trails) RATING: easy (some rocky steps) ELEVATION: 4,800 – 4,850 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 137 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From the “Y” intersection of Highways 179 and 89A, go left through the traffic circle and head south on 89A (toward Cottonwood). Continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road, turn right and go 2.9 miles to a stop sign, veer left and go 1.6 miles to another stop sign, turn left onto FR152C and go 4 miles to FR525. Turn right on FR525 and go 0.1 miles to a fork in the road, veer right onto FR795 and continue 1.7 miles to the parking area. The last 6 miles are rough dirt, a high clearance vehicle is recommended. NOTE: once on Dry Creek Road, it’s easy to follow the signs to “Palatki”. HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 pm daily. The site is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and when the access roads are impassable due to snow or storm damage. Call (928) 282-4119 for current conditions. FEE: A Red Rock Pass ($5 daily per vehicle) or equivalent is required. Call to find out what other passes are accepted. FACILITIES: Vault toilet, hand pump for water, visitor center. Forest Service staff stays on site. INFO: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/palatki-ruins.shtml RESERVATIONS: Call Palatki at (928) 282-3854 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to make a reservation. Reservations are highly recommended---without them, you may be turned away at the gate. PETS: not allowed NOTE: Please respect the cultural and archeological significance of this fragile site. Do not touch the ruins or art and never pick up or remove any artifact. If you feel compelled, you may call the Forest Service to report a “find”, but please, do not touch!! Also, feel free to photograph any low-lifers (and their license plates) you may see defacing the ruins and forward to the Forest Service. MORE PHOTOS:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1285662400397.37888.1795269672&type=1&l=2a2cfde131

NATIONAL-NEWS-RELEASE: Forest Service Begins the Fall Colors Season with 2010 Hotline

From: Press Office Date: September 23, 2010 9:02:52 AM PDT To: USDA-FS-NEWS@newsbox.usda.gov Subject: NATIONAL-NEWS-RELEASE: Forest Service Begins the Fall Colors Season with 2010 Hotline USDA Forest Service Press Release Release No. 1017 Press Office 201 14th St.,SW,Washington, D.C.20024 Voice (202)205.1134 Web: http://www.fs.fed.us Forest Service Begins the Fall Colors Season with 2010 Hotline WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2010 - USDA Forest Service officials have turned on the Fall Colors 2010 Hotline - 1-800-354-4595 - and will use Twitter, Facebook and blogging to provide users with the latest information about fall foliage color changes on Forest Service lands. "Thousands of people take trips each autumn on national forests to see the spectacular show of colors," said Tom Tidwell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. "Our national forests offer some of the country's best vistas to view fall colors and magnificent landscapes, and they offer an ideal setting for families to get outdoors and learn about trees and changing colors." Changing fall colors also bring positive economic impacts to local economies and the tourism industry. For example, in New England alone, the fall foliage attracts an estimated $8 billion annually to area inns, restaurants, and local shops. Forest Service employees are keeping tabs on the changing hues. The Fall Colors 2010 Web site has links to individual forest fall colors sites and suggestions on how to get kids excited about the season. The site also includes Frequently Asked Questions about why leaves change colors and what happens after the leaves fall. "In the temperate zones, the biggest stresses that trees face are changes of seasons," said Kevin Smith, a Forest Service plant physiologist and an expert on trees. "The fall foliage color change is a milestone during the process of this natural cycle. And trees handle it pretty well." Forest Service officials indicate that general summer weather conditions experienced this year are not expected to influence the timing and intensity of leaf color. What is of particular importance is the timing and frequency of fall frosts. The peak season for fall viewing in most national forests normally begins in late September and continues through early November. However, the specific timing and length of the fall color season is affected by autumn weather patterns that are often difficult to forecast. Consult local forests for best foliage times in your area. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. # NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule an interview with Kevin Smith, contact the Forest Service Press Office, 202-205-1294. --------------------------------------------------- USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202-720-6382 (TDD).00000000000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To receive official Forest Service information by e-mail, please subscribe by visiting http://www.fs.fed.us/news/subscription/ To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/news/subscription If you wish to make changes to an existing account, please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/news/changes.shtml

SECRET CANYON TRAIL

SECRET CANYON TRAIL #121 Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona A community of pinion pines, juniper and assorted cactuses at the trailhead belie what lies ahead on Secret Canyon Trail. Epic views of Sedona’s red rock landscape dominate the first 1.75 miles of this hike before the trail makes a sharp westward swerve at the mouth of the canyon. From here, the route leaves the shade-less chaparral plunging into a streambed where torrential spring water runoff and blowing dust have carved bizarre sculptures in the sandstone escarpments flanking the path. Residual pools of water stand at the bases of moisture-hungry cottonwoods with heart-shaped, lemony leaves. Near the 5-mile point, the trail enters “the narrows”, a series of slick-rock corridors hemmed in by a vertical fortification of sandstone with clusters of blood-red maples and rusty-orange oaks bursting from the rubble-strewn canyon floor. Beyond this point, the trail degrades into a quagmire of scree and undergrowth which is why most hikers make the narrows their turnaround point. However, those with good route-finding skills can opt to scramble, squeeze and scoot along a sketchy footpath for another half-mile. LENGTH: 5.5 miles one-way RATING: difficult ELEVATION: 4,500 – 5,100 feet DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 134 miles BEST SEASONS: September - May BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-October, For weekly reports, call the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline, 1-800-354-4595 or visit.fs.fed.us/r3/recreation/fall-colors/fall.shtml GETTING THERE; From the “Y” intersection of AZ 179 and AZ 89A in Sedona, go left (toward Cottonwood) on 89A for 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152). Turn right and follow FR 152 3.4 miles to the trailhead on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152. FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock District 928-203-2900 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/secret-canyon-tr.shtml MAP: http://www.redrockcountry.org/maps/map-graphics/red-rock-map-9-05.pdf

DRY CREEK TRAIL

sycamores near their peak color on October 24

DRY CREEK TRAIL #52 Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona Like a messy artists palette dripping with happy mistakes, Dry Creek trail is like a study in raw pigments applied with a random, liberal hand. Part desert canyon, part New England woodland, this hybrid hike features the best of both worlds. Broadleaf trees ablaze in tawny hues stand side-by-side with cactuses and agaves as if placed by a designer with a knack for using exotic accessories to enliven a familiar space. Following the rugged bed of Dry Creek, the trail is rocky and slippery where it jumps from one bank to the other. It’s easy to loose the trail at these points, so to stay on track, follow the series of rock cairns (piles of stones denoting the route) surrounded by an under story of crimson maples and scarlet sumac. BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-October. For weekly reports, call the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline, 1-800-354-4595 or visit.fs.fed.us/r3/recreation/fall-colors/fall.shtml LENGTH: 7 miles one-way RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 4,800 – 5,600 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-to-late October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles GETTING THERE: From the "Y" intersection of AZ 179 and AZ89A in Sedona go left (toward Cottonwood) and continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right, go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152), hang a right and continue 4.5 miles to the Dry Creek #52 trailhead located past the Vultee Arch parking loop on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152. FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock District 928-203-2900 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/rec_redrock.shtml#trails MAP: http://www.redrockcountry.org/maps/map-graphics/red-rock-map-9-05.pdf

SECRET CANYON-DAVID MILLER-BEAR SIGN LOOP

SECRET CANYON-DAVID MILLER-BEAR SIGN LOOP Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona THESE TRAILS WERE HEAVILY DAMAGED BY THE 2026 POCKET FIREThis combination option hooks up two of the above trails with the David Miller connector and a segment of FR 152 for a long loop hike. Begin on the Secret Canyon Trail and hike 1.75 miles to the David Miller junction. Veer right (north) on David Miller and go 1.5 miles to the Bear Sign junction. Turn right here and continue on Bear Sign 2.25 miles to the Dry Creek junction. Go right here and continue 0.75 miles to the Dry Creek trailhead. From here, go right and follow FR 152 one mile back to the Secret Canyon trailhead. BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-October. For weekly reports, call the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline, 1-800-354-4595 or visit.fs.fed.us/r3/recreation/fall-colors/fall.shtml LENGTH: 7.25-mile loop RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 4,700 – 5,400 feet DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 134 miles BEST SEASONS: September - May BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-to-late October GETTING THERE: From the “Y” intersection of AZ 179 and AZ 89A in Sedona, go left (toward Cottonwood) on 89A for 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152). Turn right and follow FR 152 3.4 miles to the trailhead on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152. FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock District 928-203-2900 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/secret-canyon-tr.shtml MAP: http://www.redrockcountry.org/maps/map-graphics/red-rock-map-9-05.pdf

BOYNTON CANYON TRAIL

BOYNTON CANYON #47 Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona One of Sedona’s most popular hiking destinations, the Boynton Canyon Trail weaves through a yawning gorge flanked by rusty-red and buff-colored ramparts. The route begins in a sandy gateway of mangled manzanita, agaves and yucca climbing gently uphill. Midway through the hike, the chaparral is swallowed up in forests of pine, oak, golden Arizona ash, box elder, Arizona walnut, Velvet ash, Common hop trees and syrupy-red Bigtooth maples. Here, the cliffs close in on the trail and robust canyon winds whip fallen leaves into a frenzy of color---mimicking the rustle and roar of a confetti addled street festival. Near the high point of the route, look for a steep spur path marked by rock cairns hidden in a tangle of brush. Experienced hikers can climb this earthen staircase to a scenic box canyon with sky-high red walls on all sides. BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-October. For weekly reports, call the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline, 1-800-354-4595 or visit.fs.fed.us/r3/recreation/fall-colors/fall.shtml LENGTH: 3.7 miles one way RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 4,500- 5,050 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-to-late October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles one way GETTING THERE: From the "Y" intersection of AZ 179 and AZ89A in Sedona go left (toward Cottonwood) and continue 3 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road (Forest Road 152C) go 3 miles to Boynton Canyon Road, turn left and proceed another 0.3 miles to the parking lot on the right. Roads are paved. FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock District 928-203-2900 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/boynton-tr.shtml Red Rock Pass: http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml MAP: http://www.redrockcountry.org/maps/map-graphics/red-rock-map-9-05.pdf

BEAR SIGN TRAIL

BEAR SIGN TRAIL #59 Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona THIS TRAIL WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED BY THE 2026 POCKET FIREAlthough not apparent from the trailhead, the remote upper reaches of Bear Sign Trail host surprisingly rich woodlands of deciduous trees that transform into a canopy of color in early autumn. To find these hidden thickets, hike on the juniper-and-scrub-lined Dry Creek Trail to the Bear Sign junction, veer left and pick up the trail heading uphill. Much of the path parallels boulder-filled ravines lined with sycamore, willows and cottonwoods eking out a living where water collects among gigantic bounders. Throughout the hike, haphazard webs of Canyon grape vines sprawl in viral abundance forming delicate veils of diffused sunlight. An especially photo-worthy section of the route passes through a concentrated stand of Arizona cypress trees. The spindly trunks and shaggy bark of this tenacious species are marred by claw marks, scat and gnawed stumps-- the “bear signs” for which the trail is named. No worries though, the black bears that roam this area are shy creatures and will usually skulk off unnoticed when roused by approaching hikers. To learn more about hiking in bear country, visit: Southwest Be Bear Aware: http://www.bebearawaresw.org/ BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-October. For weekly reports, call the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline, 1-800-354-4595 or visit.fs.fed.us/r3/recreation/fall-colors/fall.shtml LENGTH: 3.5 miles one way RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 4,800 -5,450 feet BEST SEASONS: September - May BEST TIME FOR FALL COLOR: mid-to-late October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles GETTING THERE: From the "Y" intersection of AZ 179 and AZ89A in Sedona go left (toward Cottonwood) and continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right, go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152), hang a right and continue 4.5 miles to the Dry Creek #52 trailhead located past the Vultee Arch parking loop on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152. FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock District 928-203-2900 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bear-sign-tr.shtml MAP: http://www.redrockcountry.org/maps/map-graphics/red-rock-map-9-05.pdf