LIME KILN TRAIL: DEER PASS TRAILHEAD TO RED ROCK STATE PARK

Lime Kiln Trail: Deer Pass to Red Rock State Park

Lime Kiln Trail crosses Dry Creek

For most of its 15-mile course, the Lime Kiln Trail winds through a dusty corridor of crumbling sediments and sparse vegetation.  Mountain bikers love the long, flowy route for its epic vistas and clear lines-of-sight that enable speedy traverses of the stark terrain. 

A highpoint vista on Lime Kiln Trail

The trail unwinds as a linear adventure anchored by two water-centric parks with miles of white-rock moonscape in between.  

Hikers who are interested in more than big, airy views and chalky flats underfoot should understand that this is a trail that keeps the juicy stuff close to its opposing terminals.

Sedona red rocks seen from the Lime Kiln Trail.

Named for a kiln built by the “Willard Boys” back in the 1880s to create lime for mortar used in building projects near Cottonwood, the trail runs between Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood and Red Rock State Park in Sedona.  From the Cottonwood (west) end, the trail’s first mile hangs on ledges above the Verde River and the park’s lagoon, passing through a lush riparian area and the historic kiln site before it climbs out onto the desert.  On the Sedona (east) side, the trail’s last 4.8 miles make for a truly magnificent, under-appreciated trek.

Bradshaw Mountains in the distance.

From the Deer Pass trailhead located off State Route 89A, the route begins its descent to Oak Creek by way of dirt roads and a mixed bag of topography and vegetation zones.  Right out of the gate, the route flanks a track of land across the highway from the Sedona Wetlands Preserve that’s irrigated with reclaimed wastewater. A healthy thicket of cottonwood trees hints that the supplemental moisture is benefiting the high desert flora.

Pools of water linger in Dry Creek

Contrary to what you might think; there’s no smell. The next half-mile is an easy stroll over a grassy plateau of scant mesquite, yucca and cacti. To the south, the mesa tumbles off into the Oak Creek gorge while views of the Bradshaw Mountains and Verde Valley in the west and Sedona red-rock massifs bolster the horizons.  Soon, watershed features such as scoured drainages and a series of native stone check dams herald the descent to Dry Creek.  This is also where the route intersects the defunct Kachina Trails system—a maze of dirt horse paths that are no longer maintained.

Lizards hang out at Deer Pass Trailhead.

To stay on track, follow the basket cairns (rock piles wired into posts) that are placed at all junctions and intermittently throughout the trail.  

Junipers are common along the trail.

As the path dips off the grasslands and into the Dry Creek chasm, junipers, pinyon pines and flowering shrubs form a fragrant green fringe. 

Mesquite trees provide a little shade.

At the 1.8-mile point, pass a gate and head right on Forest Road 9845. 

Lime Kiln Trail is popular with equestrians and bikers.

This shared-use road (watch out for ATVs) traces the cliffs above Dry Creek.  

Cottonwoods thrive in an irrigated flat along the route.

Although the intermittent stream mostly lives up to its name, residual pools and lacy rivulets remain for days after rain storms.

Rain water puddles in normally parched Dry Creek. 

A masonry bridge at the 2.5-mile point marks the major creek crossing.

Fall foliage along Dry Creek

Here, stands of Goodding’s willows that blush gold in autumn sprout from the sandy wash.  The fall foliage show usually lasts through mid-November in Sedona’s Dry Creek canyons providing the last vestige of color long after the maple leaf canopies of West Fork of Oak Creek (one of the most popular trails in Sedona for fall foliage viewing) have gone down for the season.

Most of the route follows dirt roads.

This vivid spot can be a good turnaround point for a moderate 5-mile trip. Otherwise, follow the trail as it heads back uphill and crosses Red Rock Loop Road twice before descending to its terminus near the entrance to Red Rock State Park. 

Follow basket carins to stay on track.

LENGTH: 2.5 miles one way to the creek or 4.8 miles one-way to the park.

ELEVATION: 3880 - 3320 feet

GETTING THERE: Deer Pass Trailhead:

From the State Route 179/89A traffic circle in Sedona go 9.7 west (left toward Cottonwood) on SR 89A to Forest Road 89B (past mile post 365). Turn left and continue 0.1-mile to the trailhead on the right. There are restrooms but no water at the trailhead. Trail begins at the sign in the parking area behind the restrooms. No fees unless you enter the park.

INFO & MAP:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=74051

WAG & WALK DOG HIKE: Season Five is Here!

WAG & WALK DOG ADOPTION HIKE

A past Wag & Walk participant works the crowds

Hiking canines from the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Mesa shelter are back for Season 5 of Wag & Walk Dog Adoption Hikes with tails wagging, sky-high energy and a special, people-pleasing bonus.

Enjoy hiking in beautiful Usery Mountain Regional Park.

Volunteers will be on site to assist you.

Who could resist a cutie like this?

Adoptable shelter dogs will be hitting the Merkle Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa on Saturday November 3^rd in hopes of finding their forever homes. Plus, new for this season, the MCACC mobile adoption bus will be on site so you can purchase or renew your dog's license---without having to pay late fees. Tagging your wag is the best step you can take to be reunited with your pet if he or she gets lost. Regular license fees ($21 for altered dogs and $55 for unaltered dogs) plus proof of rabies vaccination are required.

A Wag & Walk participant takes a post-hike break.

Shelter dogs get some love on Wag & Walk hikes.

Wag & Walk hikes give you a chance to get a hands-on feel for how your potential new best friend walks on a leash and interacts with other dogs. Take a “test drive” on the easy, 1-mile loop hike followed by a meet-and-greet session back at the trailhead. 

Owned dogs are welcome to participate.

Shelter volunteers will be on hand to share information on each dog’s character, exercise needs, quirks and talents.  If you happen to fall in love with one (or more) of the dogs, you can adopt and take your new buddy home on-the-spot. All dogs are already spayed or neutered, up-to-date on their shots and licensed. 

Energy and fun go through the woof at Wag & Walk events.

Play with adoptable dogs after the hike.

Even if you’re not ready to add a pet to your family, please help support Valley homeless dogs by joining us for a morning of desert hiking and canine silliness.  On-leash, owned dogs with current vaccinations are welcome to participate.

Wagging tails and happy hikers.

The Merkle Trail is an easy, 1-mile stroll.

You don't have to be looking to adopt to participate.

"Test drive" adoptable dogs to see their leash skills.

WHAT: Wag & Walk Dog Adoption Hike

WHEN: Saturday November 3, 2018

TIME:  8:45 a.m.

Hike starts at 9 a.m.

WHERE:

Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207
Phone: (480) 984-0032 
Area 6, Merkel trailhead.

INFO & MAP:

https://maricopacountyparks.org/usery

KIWANIS TRAIL

KIWANIS TRAIL

Remnants of Hurricane Sergio over Kiwanis Trail 10-14-18.

Long before the craggy hills that comprise South Mountain where outfitted with hiking trails and picnic ramadas, the Akimel O’odham (Pima) people referred to them as Muhadag Du’ag or Greasy Mountain.

A hiker enters the mist on the National Trail near Mt. Suppoa.

The name comes from a Native American legend about how hot grease dripping from the mouth of Trickster Coyote as he consumed food stolen from a cremation fire gave the mountains their dark stains. 

October rains have greened-up the desert.

People have been carving their marks in the  "greasy" dark rock veneers of the mountain ranges south of Phoenix since prehistoric times. Archeologists have attributed artifacts and petroglyphs (rock art) found in the area to a wide scope of peoples who lived in and around what is now known as South Mountain Park.

Hohokam petroglyphs are plentiful along Kiwanis Trail.

Heritage sites in the park include a few rare incised symbols from hunter-gathers of the Archaic period (8000-2000 years ago), thousands of Hohokam (A.D. 400-1450) etchings and the scribblings of early European settlers.  Many of these artful and mysterious panels are visible from the more than 50 miles of hiking trails within the park.  In addition to several petroglyph sites with human forms, spiral patterns and animal designs tapped into stone by the park’s ancient inhabitants, Kiwanis Trail also exposes features of the park’s more recent history. 

Telegraph Pass Lookout Tower on the National Trail.

Established in 1924, the park was a major work center for the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1940. 

View of Downtown Phoenix from Telegraph Pass. 

During that time, roughly 4000 workers constructed many of the park’s trails and masonry/stone buildings.

Kiwanis Trail was constructed by CCC workers in the 1930s.

View of the Salt & Gila River Basins from National Trail.

The Kiwanis Trail is a classic example of CCC construction projects. Its hand-hewn cuts, native-stone steps and check dams built into drainages to slow the flow of water and minimize erosion are relics of the Depression-era program.

AZ Desert-thorn bloom year-round with ample moisture.

Over its 1-mile course, the trail climbs 480 feet through a furrowed canyon to Telegraph Pass Road. As the trail gains elevation, views of Downtown Phoenix expand from sliver-glimpses to full blown panoramas. Moisture dropped by the remnants of hurricanes Rosa and Sergio over the past weeks coaxed the green back into the landscape. The wettest October in recorded state history has enabled ocotillos to puff out, drought-starved brittle bush to sprout leaves and delicate Arizona Desert-thorn to bloom in fragrant clusters.

Post-drought brittle bush will soon produce yellow blooms.

Heavy rain can also cause Valley trails can become very muddy. Although it’s advisable to avoid hiking on saturated trails to prevent damaging them, you won’t encounter mucky quagmires on the Kiwanis Trail. The path is mostly hard-pack gravel and bare rock, and was built to drain quickly and withstand wet-weather use.

CCC-built check dams help prevent erosion.

At the top of the trail, the hike may be extended by crossing the road to the National Trail for a short but steep climb to the Telegraph Pass Lookout. Situated on a knoll overlooking the Salt and Gila River Basin, the rustic stone hut serves as a convenient turnaround point or stop off before continuing on the 15-mile National Trail that traces ridgeline crests for the entire length of the park.

Dark rock veneers on "Greasy Mountain".

Kiwanis Trails ends at Telegraph Pass Road

LENGTH: 2 miles round trip or 2.6 miles roundtrip to Telegraph Pass Lookout

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:  1580- 2060 feet

GETTING THERE:

South Mountain Park, Phoenix, 10919 S. Central Ave.

From the main park entrance at the end of Central Avenue, continue on Stephen Mather Dr. and go left at the first four-way intersection. Take another left onto Piedras Grandes Dr. and continue to the trailhead.

INFO & MAPS:

https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain/trail-descriptions-and-map

REFERENCE:

Landscape of the Spirits Hohokam Rock Art at South Mountain Park

Todd W. Bostwick and Peter Krocek

University of Arizona Press, Tucson

Uapress.arizona.edu

https://uapress.arizona.edu/?s=landscape+of+the+spirits

TOM'S THUMB

"Hikernators" Find Inspiration on Scottsdale's Tom's Thumb Trail

Iconic Tom's Thumb in McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

For Valley hikers, autumn’s balmy temperatures are at the center of a triple conjunction of will, weather and wherewithal that rekindles desert hiking envy.

Tom's Thumb seen from the Prairie Falcon Overlook.

The inertia is palpable as swarms of “hikernators” emerge from air-conditioned gyms, the darkness of night or mountain climes to once again walk in desert sunlight.

It’s a heady time of year for hikers who are anxious to shake off the smell of pine and ditch the 4 a.m. start times.

The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

What better way to inaugurate a new season than to climb to one of the Valley’s iconic geological features for tantalizing views and a chance to build your checklist of places to hike over the coming cooler months.

Granite boulders line the upper parts of Tom's Thumb Trail.

With its challenging grade and Valleywide panoramas, Tom’s Thumb Trail is one of the most popular routes in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The 5-mile-long trail makes a constant but manageable ascent on the north flanks of the McDowell Mountains with scenic viewpoints that frame dozens of hiking hubs.

From the Tom’s Thumb trailhead, the path begins with a moderate “warm up” section before taking on the switchbacks that ascend among massive granite outcroppings and classic desert vegetation.

After roughly 300 feet of climbing, mountain vistas to the north and east begin to shine.

Directly below, a maze of dirt trails can be seen winding through McDowell Mountain Regional Park. As the trail ascends, the familiar profiles of the Superstition Mountains jut from the eastern horizon.

Tom's Thumb

Hikes in the “Supes” are perennial bucket-listers for locals and winter visitors alike. Located at the cusp of suburbia and the mineral-rich Copper Corridor, the wilderness has trails that range from groomed, easy access favorites to feral and remote backcountry treks.

View of Tom's Thumb from near the trailhead.

At the 2-mile point, the major climbing ends where a short spur path leads to the base Tom’s Thumb. Visible from many spots around town, the soaring lump of craggy granite is even more impressive up close. The 0.3-mile spur entails some minor scrambling to reach the goal.  Wander around Tom's Thumb perimeter to see shallow caves and a cathedral-like corridor with a breezeway that opens to views of Elephant Mountain in Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and peaks of the Cave Creek Mountains and Tonto National Forest. The mountains may seem beyond reach, but you can get to them from the McDowells by hiking the Valley-circumnavigating Maricopa Trail that connects 10 county parks, suburbs, cities and open space over its 300+-mile, non-motorized course.

The trail ascends over 1300' on a gravely surface.

Many hikers are satisfied to call the Tom’s Thumb formation their turnaround point for a 4.6-mile trip.

Hikers take a break at Vulture View Scenic Point.

However, the trail bends to the southwest and continues on a deceptively easy-looking descent to its terminus at Windgate Pass Trail. Once you commit to following the trail to this point, you’ll need to decide if you want to complete the hike with a tough long loop, car-shuttle one-way or an out-and-back hike.

Metro Phoenix sprawls out below Tom's Thumb Trail.

Use the preserve’s free downloadable maps to navigate its over 200 miles of pristine desert trails.

Looking northwest from the trail.

Although trails within the preserve alone could fill an entire hiking season, vistas from its airy high points provide inspiration for years of desert roaming.

Many mountain hike destinations can be seen from the trail.

View from the base of Tom's Thumb.

LENGTH: 2.3 miles one-way to Tom’s Thumb, or 5 miles one way for entire trail

RATING: difficult                                                                             

ELEVATION: 

To Tom’s Thumb: 2813- 3925 feet

Entire trail: 2438 - 3925 feet

GETTING THERE: 

Tom's Thumb Trailhead: 23015 N. 128th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit 36 and continue 5 miles north on Pima to Happy Valley Road.  Turn right (east) and go 4.1 miles on Happy Valley to Ranch Gate. Turn right on Ranch Gate, follow it 1.2 miles then turn right onto 128th St. and continue 1 mile on 128th to the signed trailhead. Roads are 100% paved.  The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

INFO & MAPS:

https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve