FALL FOLIAGE HIKES 2011: WILSON MEADOW

Good day hikers!  With cooler temperatures just around the corner, it's time to start planning where to go to for fall foliage hiking.  Leaves typically start to change in the higher elevations around the first week in October. These photos were taken on October 2, 2010--as you can see, there's a just hint of gold.  Check back here frequently---I'll be uploading MANY fall color reports for trails in Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson, Sedona and (later in the season) where to find fall foliage in the deserts. 

WILSON MEADOW, FLAGSTAFF

On the western face of Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks, vast grasslands of wild roses, ferns and berries lap up against pine-studded slopes beneath an airborne tide of golden aspen leaves. This patchwork of wet meadows--collectively known as Hart Prairie--is home to some of the most beautiful aspen glens in the state. However, over the past 50 years Arizona’s aspen communities have been in decline. Non-native flora and fauna, altered hydrology and fire suppression have compromised their health and without help, these elegant clonal propagators will likely disappear completely. That’s where the Hart Prairie Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project comes in. To save the aspens, the project seeks to restore the area to a more natural state through the use of forest thinning, sprout protection and prescribed burns. Wilson Meadow gives a glimpse of what the goal results might look like---lots of open space with clumpy grasses and thickets of rare Bebb willows sharing the landscape with loosely woven stands of pines, firs and aspens.

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 8,500’ – 9,000’

DOGS: This is a very sensitive area. Dogs must be on leash and owners must pack out all waste.

KID FRIENDLY?: yes

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 163 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go 10 miles north on US180 to milepost 225, turn right onto Hart Prairie Road (south access of FR151) and continue 4.2 miles to FR9007T on the right. Hint: if you reach the Nature Conservancy entrance, you’ve gone too far. Follow FR9007T 0.2 mile to the trailhead. FR 151 is maintained dirt passable by sedan. FR 9007T requires a high clearance vehicle.

INFO: 2011 FALL COLOR REPORTS: Forest Service Hotline: 1-800-354-4595,

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml

or http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/

SUDDEN ASPEN DECLINE INFO:

Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest: 928-526-0866

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/forest-resources/forest-health/aspens/index.shtml

Friends of Northern Arizona Forests: http://www.friendsofnazforests.org/

Aspen Delineation Project: http://www.aspensite.org/index.html

THIS HIKE IS THE "COVER GIRL" FOR THE OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE OF PHOENIX MAGAZINE. Pick up a copy for tons of ideas for FALL DRIVES, THINGS TO DO, AND FUN FALL EVENTS.

GROOM CREEK-ISABELLA LOOP

Prescott National Forest

View of Granite Mountain

Located just a few miles south of downtown Prescott’s main drag, this loop trail is a premier hiking destination in the Bradshaw Mountains.

The trailhead is easy to find and--with minimal application of common sense—it’s nearly impossible to get lost along the route. Unlike other nearby trails, this one is closed to noisy motorized vehicles like dirt bikes and ATVs---a high-value treat for those in search of a calming outdoor experience.  It’s easiest to hike the loop in clockwise fashion—beginning on the Groom Creek trail #307, which heads north (left) from the trailhead sign.

A substantial but steady ascent follows natural drainages through a wonderland of mica-flecked granite boulders flanking the path in sentry-like formation. 

Shady hiking on Groom Creek Trail

Woodlands flush with broadleaf and coniferous trees shade the way framing continually changing vistas including glimpses of Prescott’s Granite Mountain.  Near the half-way point, a small clearing with picnic tables, restroom and a short spur trail to Spruce Mountain fire tower makes for a handy place to take a lunch break and do some exploring.  From here pick up the Isabella trail #377—to find it, stand with your back toward the restroom so that the fire tower is to your left. You’ll see a road directly ahead (this is NOT the trail), and two other roads off to the right.  Take the narrow middle road (go right) which is signed 377---if you do not see the sign, you’re on the wrong path.  Follow 377 back to the trailhead.

Oak trees cluster along Isabella Trail

LENGTH:  8.7-mile loop

ELEVATION: 6,400’ – 7,750’

RATING:  moderate

BEST SEASON: year round

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 120 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to Cordes Junction.  Exit onto SR 69 west and proceed through the towns of Mayer, Dewey and Prescott Valley to the town of Prescott.  Continue on SR 69/Gurley Street through Prescott to Mt. Vernon Ave.  Turn south (left) onto Mt. Vernon Ave. (which will turn into Senator Highway) and continue 6.4 miles to the Groom Creek Trailhead on the left.  Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, 928-771-4700

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/bradsahw.shtml

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY 2011

Superstition Wilderness

SATURDAY SEPT. 25

Looking for a way to give back to the great outdoors?  Check out the links below to learn about many opportunities to pitch in.  Or, just get out and HIKE to show your support of Arizona's diverse public lands. BONUS:  many places like state and national parks will WAIVE FEES this day!

http://www.publiclandsday.org/

http://www.publiclandsday.org/npld-sites/search?state=Arizona

Mazatzal Wilderness

LENOX CRATER & LAVA FLOW TRAIL

LENOX CRATER & LAVA FLOW TRAIL

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

San Francisco Peaks from Lava Flow Trail

Stranded at the trailhead.  That was me last Saturday when ALL of my hiking pals opted out on a planned hike in a remote area north of Flagstaff.  As we all know, it's not a real good idea to hike alone in seldom-traveled territory (see the movie 127 Hours) so, given that I still wanted to hike up north, I decided to alter my plans and solo hike a couple of the little touristy trails festering on my “some day” list.  That way, if I broke a leg or something, there would be several dozen people milling around ready to assist (or gawk).

O'Leary Peak from Lava Flow Trail

The new destination became Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and two easy lava-themed trails within the park. First up, Lenox Crater.  This short, up-and-back scenic trail climbs on crumbly volcanic ejecta to the top of an eroded cinder cone. The summit vent of this extinct fire spitter has long since worn way, but nice views of the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks make up for the loss.  From this 7,000-foot vantage point, damage from the 2010 Schultz Fire appears as a massive swath of ash-brown stubble across the foothills.  At the trailhead, there's a fenced viewing area overlooking the rough-hewn geology of the Bonito Lava Flow—a fractured sea of basalt issuing from the base of Sunset Crater. It's a popular stop for people taking car tours of the park---so beware of rubbernecking drivers!  In terms of geological time, this volcanic event is very young, so the inky-black lava retains the sharp-edged rawness of new-borne rock.   Just up the road is the Lava Flow Trail.  This turned out to be much more enjoyable hike than I had anticipated.  The stark volcanic terrain is a mesmerizing maze of jagged Aa flows, acres of eerily fused pyroclasts and taffy-like rivers of Pahoehoe.  In addition, there's an ice cave, a splatter cone “mini volcano” and sweet glimpses of nearby 8,916-foot O'Leary Peak (a lava dome volcano).   Booklets available at the trailhead coordinate with numbered points-of-interest along the trail, providing a substantial dose of learnin' about the local geology, flora fauna and human history. Sadly, the day's (whopping) two miles of hiking went by in a flash--I was done by noon.    That provided the perfect excuse to squander the afternoon buying candles and coffee in historic downtown Flagstaff.

Lenox Crater Trail

LENGTH: Lenox Crater: 1 mile roundtrip

Lava Flow Trail: 1 mile loop and a 0.25 barrier-free interpretive trail

RATING: easy-moderate (uneven footing and loose rock)

ELEVATION: Lenox Crater: 6,940'-7,240'. Lava Flow: 7,000'-7,050'

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  166 miles one way

BEST SEASON: year round (may be snow in winter)

GETTING THERE:

Summit of Lenox Crater

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the I-40 junction in Flagstaff.  Follow I-40 east to the US89 north exit.  Continue north on US89 to the turn off for Sunset Crater (FR545), located  just past milepost 430.  Turn right onto FR 545 and follow the signs 2 miles to the park entrance.  From the fee station, continue 1.3 miles to the signed Lenox trailhead.  The Lava Flow trail is another 0.5 miles farther up the road--can't miss it. 

FEES: $5 fee per vehicle.  Pass is good for 7 days.

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, visitor center

INFO: http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm, Visitor Center phone: (928) 526-0502

MORE PHOTOS: Lava Flow Trail:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1777862465091.69596.1795269672&l=34e0cf7eab&type=1

MORE PHOTOS: Lenox Trail:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1777798583494.69590.1795269672&l=e47a26fb27&type=1

SUMMIT MOUNTAIN

Looking east toward Bill Williams Mountain

Kaibab National Forest

overlooking Garland Prairie and the San Francisco Peaks

Aptly named, Summit Mountain delivers a quintessential peak-conquering experience—but without the pesky sore muscles and taxed lungs.  Ascending through thick broadleaf-coniferous woodlands, the trail is a cinch to follow, gaining elevation gradually via long, easy switchbacks.  Trees lining the path seem to know when it's time to move aside to reveal sigh-worthy views of the surrounding landscape, treating hikers to a continually-changing menu of eye candy. Near the top, the trail flattens out as it emerges on a windy mesa with two excellent viewpoints.  The first is a precipitous shelf of volcanic boulders teetering above the colorful and tumultuous gorge of Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.  Here, a mixed bag of raw geological features spills out in a 180-degree arc resembling the frenzied canvas of a tortured artist.  After exhausting your camera batteries (photo ops abound), proceed toward the communication towers and a second (even more precipitous) cliff overlooking a pine-fleeced basin laced with dirt roads and railroad tracks in the shadow of Bill Williams Mountain.

Because it's a long drive to the trailhead for us Phoenicians—consider combining this hike with nearby Benham, Dogtown Lake, Davenport Hill or Overland Road trails for a greater return on investment. (see separate blog entries)

The only downside of this hike is the obnoxious ATV cinder track located adjacent to the trailhead.  When we visited on Labor Day weekend, the place was a manic mash pit cocktail of gas-fume-spewing machines and screaming kids with a chaser of beer-and-cigarette-wielding adults---behind the wheel, mind you, in a TINDER. DRY. FOREST. Grrrrrrr! However, I'm gonna suck up my angst and attribute this booze-addled mayhem to the end-of-summer holiday weekend festivities and not let it sway me from highly recommending this trail. Also, although the Summit Mountain Trail #68 is off limits to motorized traffic, a dirt vehicle road comes up from the opposite side of the hill, so you may encounter ATVs, quads and motorcycles on the summit.  Hug a tree and take a deep, cleansing breath.....

a "Kodak moment" at the first viewpoint

LENGTH: 2.2 miles round trip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 7,147' -7,797'

BEST SEASON: May - October

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 180 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

View of Sycamore Canyon Wilderness

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the I-40 junction in Flagstaff.  Travel 27 miles west on I-40 to exit 165. At the bottom of the offramp, veer left and follow Railroad Road 2.6 miles through Williams to 4^th (Fourth) Street on the left.  Drive 8.3 miles south on 4^th Street (a.k.a. Perkinsville Road, CR73) to milepost 177 and turn left onto FR110. Continue 2 miles on FR110 to the signed turn off for “Summit Mountain Trailhead” at FR2113A  on the right. (NOTE: the forest service Web site and other sources call this FR 706, but it is not signed as such.) Turn right onto FR2113A and go 0.5 mile (veer right at the 2111 fork) to the trailhead on the right.  Roads are paved, dirt & gravel—all suitable for cautiously-driven passenger cars.

INFO: Kaibab National Forest, Williams Ranger District,

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110307&ttype=recarea&recid=11673&actid=50&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110160000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=FSE_003714&pname=Kaibab+National+Forest+-+Summit+Mountain+Trail

MORE PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1747115456435.68512.1795269672&l=adb447e052&type=1

2011 FALL HIKING SEASON PRIMER

GET READY FOR COOL, COLORFUL MOUNTAIN TREKS!

Hikers, we're just a few weeks away from glorious high country fall foliage hiking, and I've been a busy girl getting ready to share tidbits on when and where to go for the best shows.

HERE ARE TWO WAYS TO GET PREPPED:

#1 ATTEND:

Please join me at the Paradise Valley REI on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. for a presentation about how to use this blog to research trails with great autumn color and also get an in-depth look  at my fall hiking article in the October issue of PHOENIX magazine. SIGN UP HERE:

http://www.rei.com/event/29038/session/35901

ON SALE SEPT. 22, 2011

#2 READ:

Pick up the OCTOBER, 2011 issue of PHOENIX magazine for some great FALL COLOR hike ideas!

All trails have been personally hiked, photographed and reported by yours truly.

ON SALE SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

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

ARIZONA'S OTHER FAY CANYON

FAY CANYON

Flagstaff

When creeping barberry leaves take on a red blush, the last days of summer in Arizona’s high country are upon us. And so it was with this harbinger of frost underfoot that we set out to enjoy the last few bittersweet weeks of northern Arizona hiking. To do so, we selected yet another “who knew” trail in Flagstaff.  With numerous limestone caves, ancient sand dune rock formations and acres of alpine meadows, Arizona's other Fay Canyon is a joy to explore.  Unlike the famous (and crowded) red rock, Fay Canyon located in Sedona’s high desert, this trail sees much less activity.  That's likely because there are few resources describing this hidden gem of a hike.  Conveniently located in the Mormon Lake area, this route through a shallow valley connects with the Walnut Canyon Passage of the Arizona Trail, Flagstaff Urban Trails System and Sandy's Canyon.  The trail is almost completely shaded as it travels the margins of a lush gorge flanked with bizarre geological structures and deep canyon drop offs.  To add length, we included a side trip to Fisher Point. Here’s how:

HIKE DIRECTIONS: from the trailhead, hike 0.3 mile along the double-track dirt road paralleling Lake Mary Road.  At the gate/fence located where the road makes a sharp right hand turn, pass the gate and continue straight (north) along a footpath.  From here, the trail is well maintained and easy-to-follow.  At two points along the route, the trail splits—in both cases, stay to the left and take the higher paths. (I’m pretty sure the splits merge eventually, but it’s just smart to stay on the main trail).  At the 2.6-mile point, Fay Canyon Trail ends at a “Y” intersection with the Arizona Trail. Here, head right (east) along a well-signed path to continue on to Fisher Point and the dunes.

Whether hiked alone or as a leg on longer treks, this quiet canyon trail offers a perfect way to enjoy one last summer mountain trek.

Creeping Barberry turns red when temperatures drop

LENGTH: 8.2 miles roundtrip as described here. Fay Canyon alone: 2.6 miles one way

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 6,220' – 7,033' (this description), Fay Canyon only: 6,620'-6,950'

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  148 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 339, Lake Mary Road (Forest Road 3) located just south of the I-40/I-17 interchange in Flagstaff.  From the bottom of the off ramp (across from a Circle K), turn right and go 4 miles south on Lake Mary Road to S. Wildlife Road (at the “Hitching Post Stables” sign).  Turn left here and drive a few yards to a “T” intersection, veer left and continue less than 0.1 mile to the sign that reads: “ Walnut-Skunk-Fay Closure Area, No Motor Vehicles”. Parking is very limited.  Please respect private property in the area by not blocking roads or driveways.

INFO:

PRINT MAP : Emmitt Barks Cartography “Flagstaff Trails Map”

Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-526-0866

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mormon_lake/sandys-canyon-tr.shtml

MORE PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1761063725133.69036.1795269672&l=03813d6c07&type=1

OVERLAND ROAD HISTORIC TRAIL

OVERLAND ROAD HISTORIC TRAIL

Kaibab National Forest

The Swale at Dead Horse Tank

Playing Carin Leap Frog

A Road Segment

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19^th century signaled the demise of this storied wagon road built in the 1850-60s to haul gold and other goods between the Prescott area and Williams.  Nearly devoured by the hip-deep grasses of Garland Prairie, the Forest Service wisely saw this trail's historical significance and recreational value, and decided to  preserve the path using a web of roads, footpaths and cross-country jaunts.  Not for inexperienced hikers, the non-traditional route is tricky to follow, but for those who “get” the plan, it’s actually quite hike-able.  Think line-of-sight-leap-frog and you’ve got the idea. Just locate and follow strategically-placed rock cairns, tree blazes, brass caps and wooden posts emblazed with “mule” icons that, frankly, appear to be two heads shy of an image of Cerberus, the mythical 3-headed hound from hell.  As you’ll see, this will turn out to be an appropriate trail mascot---the devil is in the details. (click on the MORE PHOTOS link below to see images of some trail markers).

HERES THE PLAN: From the Dead Horse Tank trailhead, hike across FR 139 to the “2205” post---here, you’ll find the first brass cap trail marker poking out of the ground.  Follow this road 0.5 mile to where there’s a sunny swale with two wood posts stuck in the middle.  This marks the side trip for Dead Horse Tank---hike cross-country toward a prominent berm to find the pond.  We noticed a hunter blind built on the north side of the tank.  Once done visiting the tank, go back to the road and continue east to the 1-mile point where a large carin and a wood "mule" post marks the turnoff for the start of the cross-country leap frog.  Now, pay attention---spot the first carin, then locate the next before moving on----basically you’re walking from carin-to-carin.  Be diligent---they are there, but some are buried by fallen trees and require more effort to find.  Occasionally, the cairns are accompanied by the posts and caps.  Where the route follows road, look for cairns and tree blazes on the shoulders.  Also, some critical junction wood posts are missing---look for green metal rods instead. We had a reasonably easy time of it for about 3 miles before the carin hunt got very challenging, so be sure to budget your hiking time accordingly---this hunt-and-peck trek will take longer than you think.

Brass Cap & Carin

Pomeroy Tanks near FR 109

LENGTH:  25 miles one-way (11 miles roundtrip as described here)

RATING: easy---but route finding skills are  required

ELEVATION: 5,800’ – 7,100’ (6,650 – 7100, FR 139 to FR109 as described here)

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 180 miles one-way

GETTING THERE:  there are many access points, but here’s the one we used

Dead Horse Tank Trailhead:

Trail Sign Near Dow Spring 

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the I-40 junction in Flagstaff.  Go 27 miles west on I-40 to exit 165.  At the bottom of the offramp, go left and continue 2.6 straight through Williams on Railroad Avenue and turn left onto 4^th Street. Follow 4^th St. (it will change into Perkinsville Road/CR73) 7.5 miles due south  to FR 139 on the left.  Go 0.9 mile on FR139 to a the signed gravel parking loop/trailhead on the left side of the road .  Roads are paved up to FR 139 which is good dirt & gravel. Passenger cars okay.

INFO & MAP: Kaibab National Forest, Williams Ranger District

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110307&ttype=recarea&recid=11672&actid=50&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110160000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=FSE_003714&pname=Kaibab+National+Forest+-+Overland+Road+Trail

MORE PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1747079455535.68506.1795269672&l=f50a745421&type=1