Posts
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| Sept 28, 2013 |
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Flagstaff fall color Sept. 28, 2013: UPDATE
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Bridge over riffled waters
SHOW LOW BLUFF
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| Bridge over Show Low Creek |
Dedicated in June 2012, this loop route is the newest
addition to the White Mountains Trails System. Because of its convenient
location, short length and moderate tread, this trail is a popular choice for
family jaunts and leisurely strolls. A paved path debarking from the trailhead
leads to a rustic stone bridge spanning Show Low Creek. Here, horses can sometimes be seen
grazing in green pastures. Beyond the bridge, the trail enters a forest of oaks,
pines and high desert yuccas for a short climb among basalt boulders to the top
of the loop where a
LENGTH: 1.5 miles
RATING: easy-moderate
ELEVATION: 6350' - 6400'
GETTING THERE:
The SR260/US60 junction in Show Low, go 1 mile south on
SR260 (White Mountain Road) to near milepost 284 and turn left at the sign for Show Low Bluff trail. There's a second trailhead off Woolford
Road.
INFO:
MORE PHOTOS:
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Creek hike with a mountain summit
BLUE RIDGE TRAIL via BILLY CREEK CONNECTOR
Pinetop-Lakeside
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| Billy Creek |
The cool, spring-fed waters of Billy and Thompson creeks
anchor this deeply wooded mountain circuit. Perfect for a late summer or autumn
trek, the route is located just off Pinetop-Lakeside’s main drag making for a
quick up-and-around day hike with lots of variety.
One of the beautiful things about the Blue Ridge Trail is
that it can be accessed via either of its two trailheads or by way of Ice Cave
Trail, Springs Trail or Billy Creek Connector. But, if creekside trekking is
what you're after, the later provides the best water exposure. Along its 0.75-mile, course, Billy
Creek Connector is augmented with footpaths leading to bramble-embellished
quiet spaces at the water's edge. Go right at the Blue Ridge Trail loop junction and hike
through 2 miles of fragrant wet meadows to the Springs Trail turn off and the
beginning of the 600-foot climb to the summit of Blue Ridge Mountain through
airy, oak-pine woodlands, red earth, volcanic boulders and marauding
cattle. Blue diamond markers and
location beacons help keep hikers on course where dirt fire roads muddle the
map. Occasionally, tree cover parts just enough to reveal White Mountain vista
views, however, do not expect the stereotypical treeless, wind-in-your-face,
summit-conquering experience---- there are just too many trees.. If you have the stamina, take a side
trip on the Ice Cave Trail, which leaves from the return leg of the loop. It's
roughly 2 miles one-way (near mile post 8) to the lava tube cave. Would be spelunkers be warned,
hiking/climbing into the cave is not allowed.
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| Near the top of Blue Ridge Mtn |
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| Billy Creek |
LENGTH: 9.9-mile loop
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION:
6880' - 7656'
GETTING THERE:
Billy Creek trailhead:
In Pinetop-Lakeside, go south on AZ260 (White Mtn Blvd) to milepost
252 (just past Darbi's) turn left onto Pinecrest Rd. and continue 0.1 mile to
the trailhead. Parking is very limited and for passenger vehicles only---do not
block private drives.
INFO:
Billy Creek Connector:
Blue Ridge Trail:
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Fall Color Report: Sept. 21, 2013
MOGOLLON RIM: 9-21-2013
Spotted these aspens across from the Horse Trap trailhead near Willow Springs Lake today--AZ260 between milepost 284-285.
Spotted these aspens across from the Horse Trap trailhead near Willow Springs Lake today--AZ260 between milepost 284-285.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Celebrate National Public Lands Day
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY 2013
Saturday, September 28
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| Honanki Heritage site, Sedona |
Celebrate the 20th
anniversary of National Public Lands Day---the largest single day of
volunteer work in the nation-- by participating in one of the 28
events going on in Arizona. Choose from Verde River Days at Dead
Horse Ranch SP, trail maintenance, clean up at South Mountain Park
and the public release of California condors at Vermillion Cliffs. So
whether your prefer to get your hands dirty or simply take a stroll,
check out the NPLD website for a list of AZ events. Also, it's a
fee-free day at National Parks, State Parks and the Red Rock
Pass normally required for Sedona area venues (like Palatki and Honanki
Heritage sites) will also be waived.
Arizona State Parks
WHAT TO DO AT AZ STATE PARKS IN OCTOBER
Did
you know that during the Great Recession, volunteers came to the
rescue to save our state parks? All those wonderful trails and
campgrounds are open, clean and ready for your next outdoor
adventure. So how about showing some appreciation by visiting a park
this month. Don't know where to start? Just pick up the OCTOBER issue of PHOENIX magazine and check out my article (Great Escapes, pg 56) for recreational suggestions, special October events in the parks and
also how you can get involved. And, oh yeah, you can eat that 4000-calorie breakfast on the cover if you go hiking later.
ON
SALE NOW
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
Thursday, September 19, 2013
National Forest 2013 Fall Color Hotline is now active
2013 FOREST SERVICE FALL COLOR
HOTLINE IS NOW OPEN
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| Barbershop Trail, (1st week in October) Mogollon Rim |
And, we're off! Fall color hiking season is now underway and the hotline is up and running. The first report for region 3 (southwest ) states that there is no color yet in Arizona. Coconino National Forest reports that peak color is expected to happen during the first 2 weeks of October. Keep in mind, that "peak" is just that---the hump. So, look for foliage in the higher elevations beginning in the last week of September.
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| Wilson Meadow (1st week in October), Flagstaff |
Coconino National Forest
weekly updates:
USDA R3 weekly updates:
1-800-354-4595
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Sinagua equinox event
V-Bar-V Heritage Site Fall Equinox Hike & Presentation
Ancient peoples of the Verde Valley were consumate
astronomers who left a treasure trove of solar calendars and other etchings in
the russet sandstone around Beaver Creek.
This Sunday, researcher and author Ken Zoll will be speaking on the
petroglyphs of V Bar V and hosting the autumnal equinox LIVE as it passes over one of the site's Sinagua sunwatchers. This is a rare opportunity to see both
earth science and archeological research in action. The hike is an easy 1 mile roundtrip.
WHEN: Sunday
Sept 22, 2013
TIME: 1 p.m.
FEE: $5 per vehicle or valid Red Rock of Federal Interagency
Pass
GETTING THERE:
Take I17 north to the Sedona exit 198, turn right and go 2.8
miles on FR618 to the site.
INFO:
Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest,
928-203-2900
http://www.redrockcountry.org/recreation/cultural/v-bar-v.shtml
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Equinox excursion with fall color
PRIEST DRAW & HOWARD DRAW
Flagstaff
As the annual autumn equinox (Sept 22) brings the promise of
cooler temperatures in the Valley, it also heralds in a brief season of hybrid summer-fall
hiking in Arizona's higher elevations.
During the final week of September, high country trees break
with whispers of a warm autumnal palette above meadows awash in a slurry of
hanger-on summer blooms and past-prime grasses. This glorious dichotomy of
balmy sun and biting breezes serves up perfect trekking with a side of
camera-ready photo opportunities.
An interesting area to explore this subdivision of hiking nirvana is Priest and Howard Draws. Although it's pretty
much an off-the-radar kind of place for hiking, the wildly contoured limestone walls of these side-by-side shallow canyons are major "draws" for the sport of
bouldering. Complementing the
surrounding vegetation, a bank of caves, roofs, tunnels and pocked-and-cracked
walls result in unmitigated visual overdose. Add to that the hordes of mat-packing climbers hanging
upside down and scaling the rock superfly style, and you've got a hike of
extraordinary interest. The draws delve through woods and fields for roughly 1.5 miles to a point where the
cliffs disappear. Here, footpaths
continue on sans the manic mix of geology, athleticism and natural elements on
a seasonal cusp.
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| Late September color in Howard Draw |
LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6,900' - 6650'
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Lake Mary Road exit
339, which is south of the I40 interchange just before entering Flagstaff. Turn right, and at the bottom of the
off ramp, turn right again.
Continue 5.4 miles south on Lake Mary Road (FR3) to Crimson Road---this
is on the right hand side of the road just past the Canyon Vista Campground
turnoff. Turn right on Crimson and
then make an immediate left onto CR 132.
MORE PHOTOS:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3149979527160.102024.1795269672&type=1&l=0d98653800
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Fall foliage 2013
GET READY FOR ARIZONA FALL COLOR 2013
Hikers, time to start dusting off the cool weather gear because we are just a couple of weeks away from the start of fall foliage season. With all the recent crazy weather in the high country, it's still too early to predict peak color days or quality of the season. However, based on my past experiences, some of the first trails to take on autumnal glow are Flagstaff's Inner Basin and Abineau Bear Jaw. The aspens usually begin changing there in mid-to-late September. Here in Arizona, the show goes on for a good 3 months, trickling down through the lower elevations painting Sedona and the Mogollon Rim during October and the deserts November-December.
The USDA Fall Color Hotline---which provides weekly updates--should be activated in the next few days . I'll also be posting weekly updates here.
USDA FALL COLOR HOTLINE: 1-800-354-4595, press 3 for AZ.
http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/2013/
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| Abineau-Bear Jaw trail: late Sept. |
Hikers, time to start dusting off the cool weather gear because we are just a couple of weeks away from the start of fall foliage season. With all the recent crazy weather in the high country, it's still too early to predict peak color days or quality of the season. However, based on my past experiences, some of the first trails to take on autumnal glow are Flagstaff's Inner Basin and Abineau Bear Jaw. The aspens usually begin changing there in mid-to-late September. Here in Arizona, the show goes on for a good 3 months, trickling down through the lower elevations painting Sedona and the Mogollon Rim during October and the deserts November-December.
The USDA Fall Color Hotline---which provides weekly updates--should be activated in the next few days . I'll also be posting weekly updates here.
USDA FALL COLOR HOTLINE: 1-800-354-4595, press 3 for AZ.
http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/2013/
Saturday, September 7, 2013
The “Pluto” of Flagstaff’s volcanoes
A1 MOUNTAIN
Flagstaff
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| Bill Williams Mtn as seen from the rim |
Way back in 1930, from a telescope perched on Flagstaff's
Observatory Mesa, Percival Lowell discovered the planet Pluto---er, the
"trans-Neptunian object formerly known as Pluto". Stripped of its solar system membership
in 2006, the plutiod suffers the same ignoble status as the volcano that built
the hill from which it was discovered. From space, the conical, volcanic form of A1 Mountain is
clearly visible. However, because more impressive mountains and a coniferous
cloak obscure the geological wonders of this 300,000-year-old cinder cone, it's
considered a minor character in the Flagstaff volcanic field. Although it's small and often abused by target shooters and
dirt bikes, the hill deserves more respect. A1 Mountain and its molten issue
have made significant impacts on the surrounding landscape, birthing many of west Flagstaff's gnarled lava formations including Observatory
Mesa. A closed forest road (unsigned 9218D) serves as the trail for this
hike. Unmitigated by switchbacks,
the route goes straight up the hill with the last 0.2-mile being quite steep
with tricky footing. At the crest
of this final haul hikers emerge on the lip of the volcano's inner crater, but,
due to its heavily forested condition, this is difficult to discern. The only
clues are swales of vivid green grasses and tiny pools of rainwater in a ring
of gigantic Ponderosa pines confined in a surround of vertical igneous walls.
Within a few yards of the lip, the road splits, looping up to the summit, down
into the crater's east face breach and back again. From the high points, breaks in tree cover reveal views of
Bill Williams Mountain, Wing Mountain and the western plains of Kaibab National
Forest. To the east, the white
dome of Lowell Observatory resting on the ejecta of this beautiful massif opens
nightly to survey the universe.
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| inside the crater |
LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 7700' - 8302'
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, go west on I40 to exit 190, A1 Mountain Road
(FR506). Follow FR506 for 2.6 miles to FR518B, veer left (set your odometer)
and continue 1.4 miles to a culvert marked by 3 light-colored boulders on the
left side of the road and reflector posts. The trail begins a few yards beyond at an unsigned road on
the left. There's
plentiful parking a few steps little farther up FR518B. A high-clearance
vehicle is required.
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| A1 Mountain seen from FR506 |
MORE PHOTOS:
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Wildflower wetlands
SINCLAIR WASH & RIO DE FLAG
Flagstaff Urban Trail System
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| Rio de Flag |
Last weekend in Flagstaff, the morning air had a telling,
damp crispness to it. Shorter days
and cooler temperatures mean the summer wildflower season is winding down. But,
in the moist corridor of Rio de Flag, high country flora will be blooming
through late September. Sinclair
Wash Trail, which begins at Fort Tuthill Park and ends at the Arizona Trail off Route 66, is
a major artery of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS). Winding through a diverse mix of
terrain and connecting with 8 other trails, the floral sweet spot of this wide,
mostly flat trail is the wetland area near Sawmill County Park. A short but
steep descent from the playground drops hikers in the middle of Rio de Flag---a
waterway created as part of the town's water reclamation program. The mile-long
segment follows the stream through a limestone canyon festooned with oak
archways and climbing vines. Where the trail approaches the I40 underpass, a
cattail-choked marsh fosters a plethora of plant and animal life. Here, the late summer wildflower
checklist includes: globemallow, wild chrysanthemum, sunflowers, clovers, wild
geranium, Red-osier dogwood, coneflowers, aquatic buttercups, New Mexican vervain
and alfalfa.
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| wetlands |
LENGTH: 5.7 miles one way. 2 miles roundtrip for the Rio de
Flag section only.
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6805'- 6988"
GETTING THERE:
Sawmill County Park (short hike):
In Flagstaff, go east on Butler Ave to Lone Tree, turn
right, continue to Sawmill Road on the left and follow the signs to the park.
Fort Tuthill County Park (long hike):
From I17 south of Flagstaff, take exit 337 for AZ89A and
"county fairgrounds". At the end of the off ramp, continue straight
into Ft. Tuthill Park and follow the signs to trailhead parking.
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| Prairie coneflower |
INFO: City of Flagstaff
MORE PHOTOS:
Monday, August 26, 2013
Epic views from a White Mountains mesa
TIMBER MESA
Pinetop-Lakeside
Recently upgraded to incorporate an extra 1.5 miles of White
Mountain scenic vistas, this undulating hike loops through a mix of shaded
coniferous woodlands and sun drenched pinion-juniper scrub. Route finding was also improved with the addition of
location markers (T1-T29) placed every quarter-mile and blue diamond tree
blazes that eliminate confusion where fire roads intersect the trail #636. After a short climb (mitigated by long
switchbacks) epic views begin to emerge. The western edge of the mesa--
buttressed by volcanic boulders--overlooks Jacques Marsh wetlands and Scott
Reservoir, where, in late summer, acres of wildflowers transform the high
country prairies into a sort of Monet painting replete with muddled hues, reflective
waters and shocking splats of gold all brushed and blended in unbridled strokes
over a living canvas. This hilltop art galley goes on for roughly 2 miles
before the trail veers east, ducking in-and-out of damp ravines, deadwood
lizard habitats and spare high points with a start-to-finish cache of
alluring natural and human-made curiosities.
LENGTH: 7.9-mile loop (including 0.4 mile on access path)
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION: 6,640' - 6,960'
FACILITIES: none
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on SR87 to the SR260 junction in
Payson. Head east (right) and
follow SR260 to milepost 350 and the stoplight at Porter Mountain Road (FR45)
in Pinetop-Lakeside. Turn left at
the light and go 2.2 miles (veer right at the 1.7-mile point to stay on FR45)
to the trailhead sign. Turn left
and continue 0.1 mile on a dirt road (watch that rut!) to the trailhead.
MAP:
INFO:
Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, 928-368-2100
Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, 928-368-2100
MORE PHOTOS:
Sunday, August 18, 2013
POVERTY DRAW & KEHL CANYON
POVERTY DRAW & KEHL CANYON
Mogollon Rim
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| Typical trail condition |
Forest roads have always been open to hikers for easy
treks. Now that the forest service
has been closing less-used roads to motorized traffic to allow soils, plants
and wildlife habitats to recover, these eroding ruts have found second lives as
footpaths. Forest Road 147E is one
of those routes. Located on the
Mogollon Rim near Potato Lake, this former Jeep two-track provides easy access to
East Clear Creek and the upper portion of Kehl Canyon. Although it will be decades before
roads like this one are totally absorbed into the wilds,
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| Moist & mossy |
For this adventure, there’s no officially numbered hiking
trail, however, the route is not too difficult to navigate. Here’s the plan:
From the parking area, begin hiking on FR147E. This dirt
road parallels Poverty Draw, which runs off to the left. Well equipped,
experienced hikers can drop into the draw and pick through a maze of brush
and pools for 1 mile to East Clear Creek, but the easy way is to walk on FR147E
to the 0.9-mile point where a barbed wire fence blocks the road. Do NOT pass
through the fence—instead, head left following the wire line to a primitive
entry in the barbed wire. Cross the fence (leaving it the way you found it) and
hike downhill on a rudimentary path to East Clear Creek. Cross the creek and
hike east (straight ahead) aiming for the washed out embankment. Head right (south) and follow the
decommissioned 4x4 road into Kehl Canyon. After roughly 1mile, the road makes a
sharp right turn up a bank. Here
is where you’ll leave the road and head left to stay in Kehl Canyon. If you thought the hike up to this
point was amazing---just wait, it gets even better. From this point on,
contorted sandstone escarpments and old growth coniferous forests close in on
the moist and lush canyon. Sturdy boots, long pants and hiking sticks are
required to get through the rock barriers, logs, brush, water-carved caves and
a Technicolor show of marsh-loving wildflowers. The canyon snakes four miles southward to Rim Road and Kehl
Springs campground. However, the
going gets challenging at the 2.6-mile point, where a quagmire of deadfall,
boulder-choked washes, and narrow passages will slow your pace and tax your
problem-solving skills.
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| Our state amphibian: Arizona tree frog |
LENGTHS:
FR147E to East Clear Creek: 1 mile.
Kehl Canyon turn off to Rim Road: 4 miles (difficult after
1.2 miles)
RATING:
moderate-difficult (route-finding, rough terrain)
ELEVATION: 6986' - 7420'
GETTING THERE:
From the State Route 87/260
intersection in Payson, continue north on SR87 to Forest Road 147 just north of milepost
287. Turn right and go 2.5 miles on FR147 to FR147E (past Poverty Spring)
on the left. Park here.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Secluded canyon on the Mogollon Rim
DIRTYNECK CANYON
Near Clint's Well
At some point in history, somebody must have emerged from
this canyon with a dirty neck.
Whether it was a shepherd or a reclusive homesteader, a case of
ring-around-the-collar would have been a small price to pay to live and work in
this paradise on the Mogollon Rim. Although it's shown on forest maps, there's
no official hiking trail through the shallow canyon. The route briefly follows a two-track road that merges with
footpaths and game trails before being swallowed up in organic mass leaving
trekkers to rely on creative bushwhacking to get through. The landscape diversity here is a
wonder. As the canyon winds north
from FR 613 to the Beeline Highway just south of Clint's Well, it cuts through
moist fern gullies fed by the trickling waters of Windfall Spring and elegantly
swaying thickets of oaks and locusts.
Limestone boulders strewn across a tree-barren, yawning gorge share
emerald meadows speckled with blooming wild geraniums, yarrows and clovers
where decades of snowfalls and summer rains have soothed the scars of the
wildfire that consumed the trees.
Here, the canyon comes to a fork---head right into an unscathed pine
forest and the beginning of the muddy boots portion of the hike. Spring water
and monsoon runoff settles in ribbony rivulets and tiny reflecting pools at the
base of the canyon forming a nourishing foundation for plant and animal
survival. Each footstep releases
pungent musty-earthy aromas sometimes spiked with head-clearing jolts of wild
mint. Surrounded by shoulder-high
sunflowers a canopy of whispering aspens and life giving waters underfoot,
you'll want to breath deep and become absorbed in the moment.
After roughly 1.2 miles of hiking, the first of several
natural barriers appears. This one
is a quagmire of logs and brambles choking the creek where the canyon hits a
short pinched segment. Here,
you'll need to scramble around on steep banks, which is why long pants and
sleeves are recommended for this hike.
As Dirtyneck Canyon's little-known corridor approaches AZ87, the sounds
of whizzing motors occult natural woodland murmurs. A stock tank, bovine grazing field and a flimsy span of
barbed wire separating paradise from the asphalt speedway mark the turnaround
point.
LENGTH: 2.89 miles one-way
RATING: moderate, off trail, some bushwhacking
ELEVATION:
7300' - 6850'
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on AZ87 to the AZ87/260 junction
in Payson. Continue north on AZ87
to FR 613 between mileposts 282 and 283 on the right. Drive on FR 613 veering left at the Fortynine Canyon sign
and past the first Dirtyneck Canyon sign you will see on the left---this is for
Dirtyneck Road. At the 1-mile
point you will see road signs for 9384Q and 6023 with a corral hidden among oak
trees about 50 years off to the left.
This is the trailhead. Park in the pullouts and begin hiking on 9384Q.
MORE PHOTOS:
195 cool Arizona summer hikes
USE MY TRAIL INDEX TO BROWSE 195 COOL SUMMER HIKES
Hi Hikers, I have been receiving lots of emails asking about AZ summer hiking trails. I LOVE hearing from you guys and will always do my best to reply with helpful tips. And, I wanted to remind you about the TRAIL INDEX that runs down the left side of the blog. You may need to scroll down to find it----then click on any or all of these: "summer hike","Flagstaff", "Mogollon Rim", or "White Mountains" to sort for cool, high-country treks. Happy hiking!
 |
| East Fork, Greer |
Hi Hikers, I have been receiving lots of emails asking about AZ summer hiking trails. I LOVE hearing from you guys and will always do my best to reply with helpful tips. And, I wanted to remind you about the TRAIL INDEX that runs down the left side of the blog. You may need to scroll down to find it----then click on any or all of these: "summer hike","Flagstaff", "Mogollon Rim", or "White Mountains" to sort for cool, high-country treks. Happy hiking!
Friday, August 2, 2013
The little trails at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK TRAILS
Payson
 |
| Waterfall Trail |
Hikers who visit this natural wonder on the Rim often make a
beeline for the Gowan Trail.
That's not a bad plan as it is widely considered the "best"
trail in the park for those looking for a challenge. The half-mile dirt route makes a steep dip into Pine Canyon
where a plank bridge leads to an observation deck at the base of the world's largest
tavertine arch. If park rangers
feel conditions are safe, hikers are allowed to walk through the arch, but if
water levels threaten, that's not an option---so call ahead if you're dead set
on the full experience. Although
Gowan Trail is the big deal, it's a mistake to ignore the park's four other
hiking trails because of their short lengths. For instance, the Waterfall Trail is a stunning walk on a
300' staircase that hugs the canyon wall above Pine Creek with a remarkably
lush wall of ferns and brambles fed by spring water trickling from the
rock. The Pine Creek Trail follows
the canyon-bound water that carved the bridge culminating at a tiny swimming
area and junction with the Anna Mae Trail. Finally, the paved, accessible trail
that leads to four viewpoints is worth a look for the viewing scopes and
interpretive signs that give deeper understanding of the park's wildlife and unique
geology.
 |
| The Bridge |
LENGTHS:
Gowan Trail: 0.5 mile one way
Pine Creek Trail: 0.5 mile one way
Waterfall Trail: 300' one way
Anna Mae: 500' one way
Viewpoints Trails:
0.75 mile
NOTE: some trails may be closed when water levels are high
RATING: barrier-free to difficult
ELEVATION: 4530' - 4300'
HOURS: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
FACILITIES: restrooms, water, picnic tables, swim area, gift
shop
FEE: $5 per
adult, $2 ages 7-13, Free for ages up to 6 years
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on AZ87 to Payson. At the AZ260/87 junction in Payson,
continue 10 miles north on 87 to milepost 260 and turn left at the park
sign. Follow the winding road 5
miles downhill to the entrance.
Park in the 15 minute area, go into the gift shop to purchase your pass
and then move your vehicle to any of the signed trailheads.
INFO: Arizona State Parks, 928-476-4202
MORE PHOTOS:
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Kid-friendly wetlands hike
PINTAIL WETLANDS
Allen Severson Wildlife Area
 |
| View from the blind |
A haven for Arizona White Mountain bird populations, this
370-acre marsh area was created by the City of Show Low to increase waterfowl production while providing an eco-friendly solution for wastewater effluent. Two accessible trails with interpretive
signs wind among pinyon-juniper grasslands before emerging into a
willow-wrapped wetland bird haven.
The main path splits at a fork 0.2 mile from the trailhead. Here, go left to get to an enclosed
viewing blind with seating and bird identification placards. The right fork leads to a wood plank
open-air observation platform.
Patience is required to catch glimpses of the wildlife that frequents
the area. In addition to the
expected pintails and mallards, look for raptors, songbirds, antelope and elk.
To get the most out of your visit, download a bird identification app and pack
a pair of binoculars.
LENGTH: 1.2 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy, barrier-free, 100% paved
ELEVATION: 6400’
HOURS: dawn to dusk daily
FACILITIES: porto potty
GETTING THERE:
From Show Low, go east on US60 to AZ77 on the left. Go 3.3 miles on AZ77 to the signed turn
off, turn right and continue 0.3 mile to the parking area. Roads are paved with
the last 0.3-mile on sedan-friendly cinder.
INFO: Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forest
928-368-2100
EPA Info document:
MORE PHOTOS:
Friday, July 26, 2013
Wetland wildlife viewing
JACQUES MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
Pinetop-Lakeside
 |
| Monsoon storm over Jacques Marsh, July 2013 |
What began as a creative approach to wastewater management
has bloomed into thriving wetlands
on a wind-swept, White Mountains
grassland. This 93-acre site is a complex of ponds, nesting islands and
wet meadows that attract swarms of birds as well as elk, deer, coyotes, turkeys
and bears. Although there are no
actual trails here, visitors can hike along the cattail-choked berms and gravel
roads that criss-cross the area. The going is easy, however gopher and badger holes are potential hazards, so keep an eye on your footing. The created
wetlands of Jacques Marsh are fed by treated, reclaimed water pumped in from
the Pinetop-Lakeside wastewater treatment plant. But, don't worry---although
it's not advisable to drink the marsh water, it's perfectly safe to wander
around it. And, the only aroma is that of earthy water plants and surrounding juniper-studded prairies.
LENGTH: variable, the circumference is just under 3 miles, if you hike all the berms--up to 4 miles
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6720'
GETTING THERE:
In Pinetop-Lakeside, travel south on AZ260 (White Mtn Blvd.)
to milepost 350 and the traffic signal at Porter Mountain Road. Turn left and go 1.5 miles north on on
Porter Mtn Rd (also called Penrod Road in some publications) to Juniper Dr. on the left.
Follow this paved/gravel/dirt road 0.6 miles (ignore the
side road, keep straight and pass over 2 cattle guards) to the trailhead on the right. The last
half-mile is on bumpy dirt. Low clearance
vehicles can park along the road if necessary and walk the remaining distance.
INFO: White Mountains Online:
EPA document:
MORE PHOTOS:
Wetland wildlife viewing
JACQUES MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
Pinetop-Lakeside
|
| Monsoon storm over Jacques Marsh, July 2013 |
What began as a creative approach to wastewater management
has bloomed into thriving wetlands
on a wind-swept, White Mountains
grassland. This 93-acre site is a complex of ponds, nesting islands and
wet meadows that attract swarms of birds as well as elk, deer, coyotes, turkeys
and bears. Although there are no
actual trails here, visitors can hike along the cattail-choked berms and gravel
roads that criss-cross the area. The going is easy, however gopher and badger holes are potential hazards, so keep an eye on your footing. The created
wetlands of Jacques Marsh are fed by treated, reclaimed water pumped in from
the Pinetop-Lakeside wastewater treatment plant. But, don't worry---although
it's not advisable to drink the marsh water, it's perfectly safe to wander
around it. And, the only aroma is that of earthy water plants and surrounding juniper-studded prairies.
LENGTH: variable, the circumference is just under 3 miles, if you hike all the berms--up to 4 miles
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6720'
GETTING THERE:
In Pinetop-Lakeside, travel south on AZ260 (White Mtn Blvd.)
to milepost 350 and the traffic signal at Porter Mountain Road. Turn left and go 1.5 miles north on on
Porter Mtn Rd (also called Penrod Road in some publications) to Juniper Dr. on the left.
Follow this paved/gravel/dirt road 0.6 miles (ignore the
side road, keep straight and pass over 2 cattle guards) to the trailhead on the right. The last
half-mile is on bumpy dirt. Low clearance
vehicles can park along the road if necessary and walk the remaining distance.
INFO: White Mountains Online:
EPA document:
MORE PHOTOS:
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