tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68484842560750617662024-03-20T04:32:56.542-07:00Arizona HikingWe got lost, so you don't have to. 400+ TRAILS. Search for hikes using the TRAIL INDEX on the left side of my blog roll. Happy Trails!Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.comBlogger536125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-12220850750608734482013-04-04T18:37:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.103-07:00A storm of seeds<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>239</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>1366</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>11</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1677</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RIO SALADO HABITAT RESTORATION AREA</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Downtown Phoenix</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yjS2wRvIEWYa6I6jC-G5DumztpQ-V-pQmbPVpIG_sqXw_OdWfS2pvsrCdKIEOB5kSdH0cO1Z-o9Xp9EUpRJbrdhcd_-jlBmUInw4WPJb901nU_FVQHPl_7NNt1UukoK0rBPEv-NDIjo/s1600/CottonSeedsWaterBest4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yjS2wRvIEWYa6I6jC-G5DumztpQ-V-pQmbPVpIG_sqXw_OdWfS2pvsrCdKIEOB5kSdH0cO1Z-o9Xp9EUpRJbrdhcd_-jlBmUInw4WPJb901nU_FVQHPl_7NNt1UukoK0rBPEv-NDIjo/s320/CottonSeedsWaterBest4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottonwood seeds in irrigation channel</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Like ephemeral misty extras in a fantasy film, a matinee of<br />billowy white cottonwood seeds are now playing in downtown Phoenix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you've ever watched movies that<br />feature elves, forest faeries or warring factions of sword-wielding gladiators,<br />then you may have noticed how Hollywood likes to use<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mood-enhancing showers of airborne white stuff (seeds, snow,<br />ash) to build drama while tickling trees and mythical characters alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's what it looks like right now<br />along desert waterways where the seeds of female cottonwood trees are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The easy trails<br />of Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project offer quick, barrier-free access to<br />this annual natural event which runs through mid-April. </div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q9xDWswqt4ZukdLAVUJQHQrTR0H-WkZisKxhovfZwNtV_YhAsfkKYWWKlBtyihnpN-bpnsuzHLWg34QWOvUgu-OUSngrxJRyKDOZ69gGsEpFQ99ycexMCc_kWw_Cq5bL9kN6Jm8rMr4/s1600/MesquiteRoad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q9xDWswqt4ZukdLAVUJQHQrTR0H-WkZisKxhovfZwNtV_YhAsfkKYWWKlBtyihnpN-bpnsuzHLWg34QWOvUgu-OUSngrxJRyKDOZ69gGsEpFQ99ycexMCc_kWw_Cq5bL9kN6Jm8rMr4/s320/MesquiteRoad1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seed drifts beneath mesquite trees</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />bursting<br />free and hitching rides on air currents before settling into lofty drifts among<br />blooming shrubs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />To 19th Ave:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>2.0 miles one way</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />To 7<sup>th</sup> Ave 0.8 miles</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />To 12<sup>th</sup> Ave scenic overlook: 1.2 miles one way</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Basic stroll on paved surfaces: 0.5 mile one way</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b><br /></span>1050' - 1070'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b> easy, paved, partially barrier-free</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>DOGS:</b> allowed but leash & waste pick-up laws are<br />strictly enforced to protect the habitat</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE7dmQlygkv2vRL_4xoGVfnw9XjXzoLsZ0hSsJ3OdMlEP-IS7BLFaK7NO1BwKK3eD_7EBNn3ZsFQ-swK8yMHMHdMNbokv0dxZw9QGY2nysVaxHC-V-cfekvvq5XyrnDzIFP2w0Nl6UXQ/s1600/PondTrail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE7dmQlygkv2vRL_4xoGVfnw9XjXzoLsZ0hSsJ3OdMlEP-IS7BLFaK7NO1BwKK3eD_7EBNn3ZsFQ-swK8yMHMHdMNbokv0dxZw9QGY2nysVaxHC-V-cfekvvq5XyrnDzIFP2w0Nl6UXQ/s320/PondTrail.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HOURS:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sunrise<br />to sunset (or 7 pm, whichever comes first) </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />There are several access points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cottonswoods are best at the Central Ave location at<br />2439 S. Central Ave. Phoenix.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b> City of Phoenix, 602-262-6863</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/riosalado/index.html">http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/riosalado/index.html</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3938513200009.1073741838.1795269672&type=1&l=815e4170ec">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3938513200009.1073741838.1795269672&type=1&l=815e4170ec</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-45758291252274923022013-03-31T08:39:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.110-07:00Marvelous places with lots of trees<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>517</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>2950</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>24</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3622</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>MOUNT ELDEN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Flagstaff</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3OOzQszb9h_SkrX6rEuttsrCmlwSA4IkygNIgUOUytnODQvkmd5pFI1ZvtQIvg1uUBEwF-br0fM2wVvpDw2SbDLPoerE2cTbt-d4HCkEZ2PiVGkzXT1vURpO6yQX4v6pQ9sXrxWw53g/s1600/pines2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3OOzQszb9h_SkrX6rEuttsrCmlwSA4IkygNIgUOUytnODQvkmd5pFI1ZvtQIvg1uUBEwF-br0fM2wVvpDw2SbDLPoerE2cTbt-d4HCkEZ2PiVGkzXT1vURpO6yQX4v6pQ9sXrxWw53g/s320/pines2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />I grew up in the projects outside of Hartford CT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As kids, the nearest semblance of the<br />great outdoors for my friends and I was “Clay Mountain”, a vacant lot across<br />the street, which the town folks used as an impromptu dump and summer car<br />burning venue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next to chasing tar<br />trucks through our asphalt jungle, escaping to Clay Mountain, with its<br />scraggly, over-climbed trees, anemic scrub and festering pools of<br />tetanus-infused toxic waste, was our go-to destination for recreation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thought we were the luckiest kids in the universe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Of course, we really weren’t allowed to go there, but, well, what can I say? Summer camp and trips<br />to fishing lakes had exposed us to the bigger wonders of Nature, but our worlds<br />were still too cloistered to grasp the concept that some kids actually <b><i>lived</i></b><br />within walking distance of marvelous places with lots of trees.</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBJepHbS-bAz4D8rlw3ncl4sR7oxHig3crRAbsxX7Doz_vL4l7zHhykJQdhhVm0Ni_lDEORisP5ZRCBS_WU9RcZZdiB_pry3vWy34gAoZFE6lq3wCZaMD6zQWu5KeaTYr2Dcm81nC7zk/s1600/grave33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBJepHbS-bAz4D8rlw3ncl4sR7oxHig3crRAbsxX7Doz_vL4l7zHhykJQdhhVm0Ni_lDEORisP5ZRCBS_WU9RcZZdiB_pry3vWy34gAoZFE6lq3wCZaMD6zQWu5KeaTYr2Dcm81nC7zk/s320/grave33.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grave of John Elden<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Since then, my hiking habit has lead me to many easy-access,<br />kid-friendly and educational outdoor classrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorites is a familiar haunt to the lucky kids at<br />Flagstaff’s Christensen School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Mount Elden Environmental Study Area is a maze of short exploratory<br />trails with intriguing names like “Forces of Nature” and “Walk Through<br />Time”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Located a stone’s throw<br />from busy Flagstaff Mall and just a short walk from the school, the easy trails<br />are intended to educate young and old alike about the natural and human history<br />unfolding at the base of Elden Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>The trails are a wiggle through a concoction of volcanic boulders,<br />spring water, Ponderosa pines and blooming shrubs backed by a muffled<br />soundtrack of trains and traffic along Route 66.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This forest-urban interface at the edge of a trailer park<br />where everybody has chickens, kind of reminds me of my childhood stopping<br />grounds---except without the biohazards---unless you count the underground gas<br />lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, in the middle of all this<br />wonderful, walk-able wilds lies one not so lucky kid. Six-year-old John Elden,<br />(the youngest son of the family for whom the mountain is named) who in 1887 was<br />tragically killed by a renegade muleskinner’s errant bullet is buried beneath a<br />sprawling Alligator juniper tree along the main trail just beyond the spring at<br />the base of what was undoubtedly his own version of Clay Mountain.</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit29ibR6HapzIPtmA7Aaj09EX9yK4ROVq2Waao5LNDt3q75fEBrRVKujmn-UN9Lqd-y3iS2ygKjLlKt-OfplmHkiYHm7UKhi7na0w954hTX7wEiduX_7pYWB0k2vuWiGO3XXWPRizOrak/s1600/spring83.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit29ibR6HapzIPtmA7Aaj09EX9yK4ROVq2Waao5LNDt3q75fEBrRVKujmn-UN9Lqd-y3iS2ygKjLlKt-OfplmHkiYHm7UKhi7na0w954hTX7wEiduX_7pYWB0k2vuWiGO3XXWPRizOrak/s320/spring83.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elden Spring</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.5<br />miles (I actually hiked on Pipeline up to Oldham trail and back to add a few<br />more miles, but, that’s not this story)</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>easy</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>6800’ – 7200’</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FACILITIES:</b> none, but there are restrooms and ice cream<br />(lucky kids) at the Mall.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Flagstaff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drive into town and head east on<br />Route66/US 89 to the traffic signal at Flagstaff Mall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left on Cummings and drive 0.2<br />mile to the Christensen School, veer left onto El Paso and go 0.3 mile to a<br />parking lot on the right across from Hamblin Road. The trailhead is the<br />unsigned, white gate. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HIKE DIRECTIONS:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From the trailhead, hike 0.25 mile uphill on the pipeline<br />road to a large wooden Elden Environmental Study Area sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn right and follow the main path<br />that will lead to the spring, Elden homestead site and John Elden’s grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few yards beyond the gravesite turn<br />left and follow Pipeline Trail back to the trailhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOTE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>explore<br />the many side trails at will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just<br />return to the main path to complete the loop.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b> Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/recarea/?recid=55152&actid=104">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/recarea/?recid=55152&actid=104</a> </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3931922355242.1073741835.1795269672&type=1&l=dc81370cde">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3931922355242.1073741835.1795269672&type=1&l=dc81370cde</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-25393341453986661702013-03-27T12:49:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.117-07:00Springtime water play<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>BELL TRAIL</b></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMxitdacFyzc9Kpzt7znmaRS6jyFSO_e1VyT4mffyM8_OB204-qxTBY59OSOt9NJx8buLIK2mQ1thFuayVEHSQLndpMjOBWnDThq9k5BfLXh39z24-2hOXw07b2a6YgDr97ijMAtkyf4/s1600/CreekDog6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMxitdacFyzc9Kpzt7znmaRS6jyFSO_e1VyT4mffyM8_OB204-qxTBY59OSOt9NJx8buLIK2mQ1thFuayVEHSQLndpMjOBWnDThq9k5BfLXh39z24-2hOXw07b2a6YgDr97ijMAtkyf4/s320/CreekDog6.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet Beaver Creek</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The weather is heating up and soon we'll be heading to higher elevations in search of cool summer trekking. But right now, with temperatures hovering between warm and torrid, a visit to the high desert, swimming holes of Wet Beaver Creek is just the ticket for a refreshing day trip. Few things are more invigorating on a<br />sweltering day than a dip in a canyon stream. The Bell<br />Trail #13 leads to one of the most beloved of all Arizona swimming<br />holes—“the crack”. Tucked into a slender slot canyon where the<br />chilly, spring-fed waters of Wet Beaver Creek flow year-round, this<br />natural water park attracts droves of visitors. <br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The hike in is completely exposed to<br />the sun, but never strays far from the creek with its lush riparian<br />vegetation, numerous shallow pools and slick-rock water chutes. At<br />the 3.25-mile point, the trail comes to a junction near Bell<br />Crossing. Although the official route veers right, crosses the creek<br />and climbs 1,200 feet to the top of the Mogollon Rim, those in search<br />of plunge must hang a left instead and head for the red cliffs that<br />form “the </div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi587jvVcFoT7-33d7W1OupcuHerxkA3VyHrfVG90Z8QyjhkfNvyVmh__Frg0gjZP0AeR9r5QBZKeyg5kbYn0zVtQesWz0nHyu5JyzKcTQfxvzhCz5WWYy7Lf4TVy3zmM51Dv0zGMg6T_8/s1600/crossing23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi587jvVcFoT7-33d7W1OupcuHerxkA3VyHrfVG90Z8QyjhkfNvyVmh__Frg0gjZP0AeR9r5QBZKeyg5kbYn0zVtQesWz0nHyu5JyzKcTQfxvzhCz5WWYy7Lf4TVy3zmM51Dv0zGMg6T_8/s320/crossing23.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapids at Bell Crossing</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />crack”. <br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 6.5 miles roundtrip</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>RATING:</b> moderate</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b> 3,880 – 3,980 feet</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>FACILITIES:</b> restroom, nearby camping</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:</b> 115<br />miles</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 to<br />exit 298. Go left (east) onto Beaver Creek Road (Forest Road 618)<br />and continue 2.1 miles to the trailhead on </div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvsAZfjm85AjG1yvcF0ccP39k-TxOseqSYjk1Kb_W07SHU_JDkq88txoPHcyycghN4QaXV0uGhsGrGuDLB-Kz2Q7M6erb6ToxxOnrKKYrvvDbm_tNX5tg8Ee1xhue35Wt9nXYsIC4RMY/s1600/CrackGroup2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvsAZfjm85AjG1yvcF0ccP39k-TxOseqSYjk1Kb_W07SHU_JDkq88txoPHcyycghN4QaXV0uGhsGrGuDLB-Kz2Q7M6erb6ToxxOnrKKYrvvDbm_tNX5tg8Ee1xhue35Wt9nXYsIC4RMY/s320/CrackGroup2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crack</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />the left.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>INFORMATION:</b> Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, <span style="font-family: Times;">928-203-7500, </span></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><a href="http://fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bell-tr.shtml"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span>http://fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bell-tr.shtml</a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /></div><br />Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-20847621064926682322013-03-25T16:22:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.122-07:00Volunteer to replant Schultz Fire burn area<br /><br /><blockquote type="cite"><br /><div><br /><b>From:</b> "Magee, Brienne U -FS" <<a href="mailto:bmagee@FS.FED.US">bmagee@FS.FED.US</a>><br /><b>Date:</b> March 25, 2013 2:18:43 PM PDT<br /><b>To:</b> <<a href="mailto:USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV">USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV</a>><br /><b>Subject:</b> <b>SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest Information</b><br /></div><br /></blockquote><br /><div><br /></div><br /><blockquote type="cite"><br /><div><br /><div class="WordSection1"><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Forest Service hosting public volunteer events to help replant Schultz burn area</span></b></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ouqWbod7fyKmwucEmj6cCmjbraVYNQfphrqnh-EK_iYlcMjsJMgijJJccBHNVatkiSBRGUXR2pS-uKT-n6RgYxl_KsEsyBasZFIt-5J8BH-TPbYSjedkxE0mfThmE1I1MedYcXEp8U8/s1600/aspens4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ouqWbod7fyKmwucEmj6cCmjbraVYNQfphrqnh-EK_iYlcMjsJMgijJJccBHNVatkiSBRGUXR2pS-uKT-n6RgYxl_KsEsyBasZFIt-5J8BH-TPbYSjedkxE0mfThmE1I1MedYcXEp8U8/s320/aspens4.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><blockquote type="cite"><br /><div><br /><div class="WordSection1"><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Flagstaff, AZ</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> –</span><span style="color: #215968; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The<br /> Flagstaff Ranger District is inviting volunteers to help replant <br />approximately 2,500 ponderosa pine trees in the Schultz Fire burn area. <br />Public volunteer events will<br /> be held on three Saturdays in April. <i>Each event is limited to 50 <br />volunteers; those interested should sign-up in advance by contacting <br />Justin Loxley, Flagstaff District Volunteer Coordinator, at<br /><a href="mailto:jdloxley@fs.fed.us"></a><a href="mailto:jdloxley@fs.fed.us">jdloxley@fs.fed.us</a> or 928-527-8213.</i></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">When:</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, April 6<br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, April 13<br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, April 20 (Earth Day Weekend!)</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Events<br /> begin at 8:30 a.m. and will last until approximately 1:00 p.m. <br />Volunteers should arrive by 8:30 to attend the safety briefing and <br />planting demonstration.<br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Where:</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /> The planting areas are located off of Schultz Pass<br /> Road (Forest Road 420), approximately 12 miles north of Flagstaff on <br />Highway 89 and approximately 5 miles on forest roads. The road should <br />be suitable for most cars; however persons with low clearance vehicles <br />are advised to drive carefully. Specific directions<br /> and details will be given at registration.</span></div><br /><div class="Default"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What to Bring:<br /></span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Sturdy<br /> shoes, long pants, gloves, hard hats or bike helmets if you have them, <br />sunscreen, appropriate dress for the weather, snacks or lunch, and <br />plenty of water. Planting<br /> tools will be provided by the Forest Service.</span></div><br /><div class="Default"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Who:<br /></span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Anyone<br /> eager to help with the Schultz Fire recovery efforts. Participants of <br />all ages are welcome; minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">For<br /> other general information on the Schultz burn recovery and restoration <br />efforts, contact the Flagstaff Ranger District at 928-526-0866 or visit <br />our website at<br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Coconino"></a><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Coconino">www.fs.usda.gov/Coconino</a>. </span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">###</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></blockquote><br />Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-40635753161047027222013-03-24T10:18:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.127-07:00A pilgrimage to Mount Francis<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>510</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>2912</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>24</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3576</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>MOUNT FRANCIS</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Prescott</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp_8CF0ZIOhzzpwzzkJjei_f5IPbWOcNEy37JaZMXQs3mRgQjWM2fA-HJ0ULN-J5bagDirxvcchpm3dLa47rl2rxtBIi3zzXpf_dTuY0nDSbWrgHc-SJjxWowyAB6gJAAlaJTsURzTDg/s1600/MtFrancisRoad85.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp_8CF0ZIOhzzpwzzkJjei_f5IPbWOcNEy37JaZMXQs3mRgQjWM2fA-HJ0ULN-J5bagDirxvcchpm3dLa47rl2rxtBIi3zzXpf_dTuY0nDSbWrgHc-SJjxWowyAB6gJAAlaJTsURzTDg/s320/MtFrancisRoad85.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the summit of Mount Francis</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZkXFpSIqahLzmNpg2g0fk3f6BxwI9IwBP1OdK-aDhcfQeg4XrY4fwCXLVcbxlwZjlrGdJXOOgRkDUp56TO4u1-fWhKWglmSCUugxN2kHfxeuxSowGF8eV-C4tx9rmhMRG1ptIL8T1wk/s1600/AspenCreekEdge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZkXFpSIqahLzmNpg2g0fk3f6BxwI9IwBP1OdK-aDhcfQeg4XrY4fwCXLVcbxlwZjlrGdJXOOgRkDUp56TO4u1-fWhKWglmSCUugxN2kHfxeuxSowGF8eV-C4tx9rmhMRG1ptIL8T1wk/s320/AspenCreekEdge.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Creek Trail</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />For me, planning this hike was torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time I put it on my calendar, my<br />efforts were thwarted by rain, snow, hail or schedule conflicts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning to feel as if the<br />powers that be didn’t want me to bag this peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, out of the blue, just as the newly elected pontiff<br />emerged as pope Francis, the weather cleared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it a happy coincidence---or, a miracle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly, His Holiness has bigger<br />concerns than my hiking itinerary, but I had to wonder (even though I’m not<br />Catholic) if the break in the weather, a hike up Mt. Francis and a new pope<br />named Francis aren’t--ya know-- connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, whatever your religious affiliations, it’s hard to<br />deny that trekking in the "cathedral of the great outdoors" is a great way to<br />renew the spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Counts for<br />church! Now, on to the hike details.</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57DtQLallHuzABAqN0USsyFJTNMJVJDkCEq_3Lk5SFzUjtS-zgTOBq8syn-8q1BoEfz6PjjN6CjT0RvidU3mHf0RHw2F8n1CB9-00TV-R5gn645yPnJ98B8plrlkKuV3vjnr5CbZSk70/s1600/EastCopperSpring8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57DtQLallHuzABAqN0USsyFJTNMJVJDkCEq_3Lk5SFzUjtS-zgTOBq8syn-8q1BoEfz6PjjN6CjT0RvidU3mHf0RHw2F8n1CB9-00TV-R5gn645yPnJ98B8plrlkKuV3vjnr5CbZSk70/s320/EastCopperSpring8.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Copper Spring</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />There's no shortage of hike-able peaks in the Prescott area<br />and this sweet little find on the fringes of log-cabin-vacation-home-land holds<br />its own among its loftier, more remote commrades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remarkably easy to access for a mountain trek, the route is<br />a web of forest roads, ATV tracks and hiking trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To seasoned hikers, the tiny 800 feet of elevation change<br />from the trailhead to the peak may seem like an outing for amateurs, however,<br />once on the trail, unrelenting dips and climbs easily add up to three times the<br />advertised ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many<br />ways to hitch together a loop hike using the labyrinth of dirt roads and<br />footpaths circling the antenna-cluttered peak which resembles a lumpy<br />knoll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, a good map and a<br />compass will be your best tools to avoid frustration and aimless wandering in<br />this scrubby terrain of juniper and yucca. And so, in yet another weary homage to<br />the slogan of this blog, we set off to conquer the mountain and record our<br />journey for your hiking sanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Here's a description of our route:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>from the trailhead, cross Copper Basin Road and pick up Aspen<br />Creek Trail #48, follow the “48” signs 2.9 miles to the junction with East Copper<br />Trail #260.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn right (north) and<br />hike 0.5 mile to a 3-way junction with a gate. Head up the road with the gate<br />to the summit of Mt Francis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once<br />done exploring the peak, head back down to the first shed with antennas and<br />turn right onto the road below the power lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, you’ll pass thru another gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, you’re on FR9402D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow this aspen-fringed track to<br />Copper Basin Road, turn right and hike roughly a mile back to the<br />trailhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>NOTE:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along FR9402D, you will notice several<br />side roads on the right blockaded with boulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to my research, these theoretically head northeast<br />to connect with trail #48.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>However, we didn’t verify this. </span></i></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNl-Fw0YlKo01JIe1qf6ocwf8TgttRlAOnwM0kiSdblfKDJN2NVR9AlhxYfxyWeBpimdDbBqi6kfm3Sr62w9qbLHAU22-lw1rtlX1PITVm691J6nPo-FCnYkM5QonKFGv9wPfNZ9haEM/s1600/FR9402DAspens2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNl-Fw0YlKo01JIe1qf6ocwf8TgttRlAOnwM0kiSdblfKDJN2NVR9AlhxYfxyWeBpimdDbBqi6kfm3Sr62w9qbLHAU22-lw1rtlX1PITVm691J6nPo-FCnYkM5QonKFGv9wPfNZ9haEM/s320/FR9402DAspens2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspens along FR9402D</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 7.8-mile loop</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b> moderate</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b> 6266' - 7110'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FACILITIES:</b> none</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:</b> 117 miles one way</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Cordes Junction and the<br />turn off for AZ69.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Head into<br />Prescott on AZ69 (which will become Gurley St) and turn left (south) on<br />Montezuma St. Continue 1 mile to Copper Basin Road, turn right and go 4.6 miles<br />on Copper Basin to the Aspen Creek Trailhead on the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roads are paved up to the last 1.6<br />miles, which is on sedan-friendly dirt. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />City of Prescott Mile-High Trail System</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://cityofprescott.net/services/parks/trails/">http://cityofprescott.net/services/parks/trails/</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Prescott National Forest</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=67483&actid=50">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=67483&actid=50</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3904306064852.1073741832.1795269672&type=1&l=70a1dfc34f">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3904306064852.1073741832.1795269672&type=1&l=70a1dfc34f</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-46535723141896806612013-03-20T16:37:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.134-07:00Take a hike with wildflower experts<b>McDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE WILDFLOWER WALK</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjW6rqD0wtrfUeHsnaPhZYCa_rPvu3Ed77A9S55XB_NeGXJx7FXIhhSdRtoZcSAdOgoT62PUJ2uyoAp5L75LaZeGS06Mt00rfaDUmtZzma3-XM-LPnvaKO5dbA7Q7Qi-dvGO1Zci2nVU/s1600/MexPoppy40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjW6rqD0wtrfUeHsnaPhZYCa_rPvu3Ed77A9S55XB_NeGXJx7FXIhhSdRtoZcSAdOgoT62PUJ2uyoAp5L75LaZeGS06Mt00rfaDUmtZzma3-XM-LPnvaKO5dbA7Q7Qi-dvGO1Zci2nVU/s320/MexPoppy40.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br />Ever wish you knew a little more about the colorful springtime blooms that pop up all over the Valley? Then, join wildflower experts Marianne Jensen and Steve Jones this Sunday for an educational walkabout in the foothills of Scottsdale's McDowell Mountains. In addition to learning a thing or two, the weather should be perfect and you'll get in a good hike.<br /><br /><b>WHEN:</b> Sunday, March 24, 2013<br /><br /><b>TIME:</b> 7:45 a.m.<br /><br /><b>WHERE:</b> Tom's Thumb trailhead--directions below.<br /><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 3 miles<br /><br /><b>RATING:</b> moderate, appropriate for ages 10 and older<br /><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b> 2800' - 2950'<br /><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><br />Tom's Thumb Trailhead:</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><br />From the 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 paved all the way.</div><br /><br /><br /><b>INFO:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://mcdowellsonoran.org/event/displayEvent/297#sthash.DJygPv3H.xHnEvfDF.dpbs">http://mcdowellsonoran.org/event/displayEvent/297#sthash.DJygPv3H.xHnEvfDF.dpbs</a><br /><br /><br />Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-51838636665978095222013-03-18T19:22:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.140-07:00Wilderness waterfalls<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>340</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>1942</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>16</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2384</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>BARNHARDT FALLS</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Tonto National Forest</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbi0lw-o2T2eJrm9NeBLLcQO3OQNaRQgKdYaZFyD6sZjTmGQKQyIYNexFJ9GsByIDGGjzDEtHzcQMsXAgCitPxLvQD0VKtuFmF3MKSKnvuz8RPmTuT3qsceOYyIBypHwCBoiaiNlsvcQ/s1600/FallsEntry6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbi0lw-o2T2eJrm9NeBLLcQO3OQNaRQgKdYaZFyD6sZjTmGQKQyIYNexFJ9GsByIDGGjzDEtHzcQMsXAgCitPxLvQD0VKtuFmF3MKSKnvuz8RPmTuT3qsceOYyIBypHwCBoiaiNlsvcQ/s320/FallsEntry6.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">entrance to the grotto</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOU8YQ-NnFeQGjalDwCHcWhNzrdG0qSL2aQdhBk7adTWirx1wJZjmrW2u2Qc91bFmtgT6saj-7KNiCjgKJFgPP_GCyim3hZC2UgKhPPLIOsT9UbD55vytAp1jOfS0iFqCrrqKCT23B_0/s1600/FallsGrottoVicki5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOU8YQ-NnFeQGjalDwCHcWhNzrdG0qSL2aQdhBk7adTWirx1wJZjmrW2u2Qc91bFmtgT6saj-7KNiCjgKJFgPP_GCyim3hZC2UgKhPPLIOsT9UbD55vytAp1jOfS0iFqCrrqKCT23B_0/s320/FallsGrottoVicki5.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside the grotto: March 16, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UKKp0z9GkueKL8-qDYTMzBnA_IwTZI5TCEydMNAk3akoo_vXWeEpiihchl1C8aF3ksHmrm3xAbEl6MJO4J4GFKE0WJLpcCJh3eOaSXF5De4cCS6cPyN7bJ5S_P94g2m9T78VNxy4JNA/s1600/ChevronsTrail4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UKKp0z9GkueKL8-qDYTMzBnA_IwTZI5TCEydMNAk3akoo_vXWeEpiihchl1C8aF3ksHmrm3xAbEl6MJO4J4GFKE0WJLpcCJh3eOaSXF5De4cCS6cPyN7bJ5S_P94g2m9T78VNxy4JNA/s320/ChevronsTrail4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the trail with "chevron folds" on left canyon wall</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Late winter snowfall followed by suddenly warm days of<br />spring combine for a perfect storm for waterworks in the Mazatzal Wilderness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this, Barnhardt Trail #43<br />is a busy place from March through early April--peak season for snowmelt waterfalls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In addition to its spectacular display of cascades, the </span>totally canyon bound route zigzags through a complicated stew of geological delights including some spectacular<br />"chevron folds"---accordion-style bends in the canyon wall created by<br />millions of years of tectonic forces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Also, look for "fossil" waves in the quartzite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These stone ripple marks are either<br />preserved ocean-bottom wave action or fingerprints of currents of shallow rivlets.<br />Throughout the hike, outcroppings of blush-colored quartzite and dragon-scaly shales<br />are drenched by trickling springs, puddles of melted ice and roaring cascades<br />of water plunging 2000 feet over rough cut cliffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several stony ledges along the way offer excellent views of<br />water flowing at the bottom of the canyon and the contorted rock<br />formations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A particularly grand vista<br />can be seen at a the 2.80-mile point where a natural rock shelter embellished<br />with clumps of pincushion cactus teeters above a vertical drop with big views of the<br />Mogollon Rim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although trail #43<br />runs for six miles one-way, we like to hike up to the large slot canyon falls at<br />the 3.14-mile point, climb to the semi-hidden grotto and then return the way we<br />came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazingly, some hikers<br />walk right past the slot without even noticing the 100-foot, three-tiered<br />cataract visible around a bend in the rock. The entry is marked by a gushing,<br />double water chute as shown in the photo on the left. It takes a bit of scrambling to<br />get into the grotto at the base of the falls, but the effort pays off in a<br />memorable shower of icy spray and crystal clear plunge pools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkoQbscIoSSTOD6263G5Nl0rU9Mdzy4VzdyNTwh-D1NfUFF6BfDa0M6gPYvJ9FbOJyYs5OMJqI7p7NXUdTz-8ai2f7IbvQqDBDpyoQT0ySsh6vOEO9zelhO_ALEhWOr1-PhUu_0V3IFk/s1600/RockShelter301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkoQbscIoSSTOD6263G5Nl0rU9Mdzy4VzdyNTwh-D1NfUFF6BfDa0M6gPYvJ9FbOJyYs5OMJqI7p7NXUdTz-8ai2f7IbvQqDBDpyoQT0ySsh6vOEO9zelhO_ALEhWOr1-PhUu_0V3IFk/s320/RockShelter301.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the rock shelter</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 6.5 miles roundtrip</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b><br /></span>moderate</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span></b>4210' - 5580'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Shea Blvd and AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) in Fountain Hills,<br />travel 51 miles north on 87 to FR 419.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>This road is located just beyond the sign for Barnhardt Trailhead and<br />roughly 0.25 mile south of the town of Gisela.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left and go 4.8 miles on FR 419 to the trailhead. FR 419 is a rutted one-lane track. Although sedans are frequently sighted at the trailhead, a high clearance vehicle is recommended.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b> Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35281&actid=50">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35281&actid=50</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3877582756786.1073741830.1795269672&type=1&l=8c2cd93919">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3877582756786.1073741830.1795269672&type=1&l=8c2cd93919</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-47134079990644950112013-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.145-07:00Video: Barnhardt Canyon waterfalls<b>BARNHARDT CANYON</b><br /><br /><b>Mazatzal Wilderness</b><br /><br />The waterfalls along Barnhardt Trail #43 were running wild today. I'll be posting a trip report and photos from today's hike later, but, here's a video of the waterworks in the big grotto.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrGEebhyphenhyphenJK_l_bOi07wiQHe7pMYcD1zluwTCCnrabgcTeYSk7_b-nFS4O1ubm81gz1M_Q0msB457TqExNX16E0Tr8UrXZUB0I1hbOb1XyKsdvVL2_uGb4QH6PMX3Icqm8BWcYBuAnq4Y/s1600/DSCN2250+-+Computer.m4v"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Df007d803d0626de0%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1366086060%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D7DB3F0EF6FD691FC1AEFB81C1CEF5BCC5B959148.BDDFD5EB598369ABAA9FD362F8FFC9EB4AE9031C%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Df007d803d0626de0%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1366086060%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D7DB3F0EF6FD691FC1AEFB81C1CEF5BCC5B959148.BDDFD5EB598369ABAA9FD362F8FFC9EB4AE9031C%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br /><br />Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-44122282129423177942013-03-15T09:45:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.150-07:00New & improved Arizona Trail maps now available.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>JOIN THE ARIZONA TRAIL ASSOCIATION to gain access to these high-value trekking tools.</b></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuawlOBv0OsmPO8vXGXzav_ShJATosMQUg662opoLmiJCU_g7oFPaFXTSRt_5VapCcU7_tURnlsvo7LZHeJ6LDLRZvZmbBolrP8Uz_vqvj1dZ84_UIhV6oKF8g1Fn9Nb2G-EQ6WcMHfU/s1600/vistasign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuawlOBv0OsmPO8vXGXzav_ShJATosMQUg662opoLmiJCU_g7oFPaFXTSRt_5VapCcU7_tURnlsvo7LZHeJ6LDLRZvZmbBolrP8Uz_vqvj1dZ84_UIhV6oKF8g1Fn9Nb2G-EQ6WcMHfU/s320/vistasign.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The<br />Arizona Trail Association has announced a new series of online maps<br />and elevation charts for each of the 43 passages along the Arizona<br />Trail. The former maps have been replaced by these custom topographic<br />Passage Maps with the Arizona Trail clearly defined, nearby<br />trailheads, access roads, and more. They are available for viewing,<br />downloading and printing under the <a href="http://www.aztrail.org/passages/passages.php" target="_blank">Passages<br />page</a>.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Additionally,<br /> elevation charts for each passage have been reworked and are<br />available to members only on the same Passages page. After you login<br />as a member, just click the “YES” icon under Passage Profile.<br />They are an excellent resource when planning your next Arizona Trail<br />adventure.</span></span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The<br />new maps and elevation charts are just a few of the useful tools<br />available in the new Trail Resources page of the <a href="http://www.aztrail.org/" target="_blank">Arizona<br />Trail website</a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water<br />sources, loop hikes, a contact list of trail stewards, and much more<br />are available for your use. And if you haven’t used the <a href="http://www.aztrail.org/interactive_map.php" target="_blank">Interactive<br />Trail Map</a> and explored all its features, that should be at<br />the top of your list of next (virtual) places to visit.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Arizona<br />Trail Association:</b></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.aztrail.org/">http://www.aztrail.org/</a></span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /><br /></div><br />Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-70637383307707336112013-03-14T19:43:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.155-07:00Now blooming: Phoenix Sonoran Preserve <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>UNION PEAK-DESERT TORTOISE LOOP</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Phoenix Sonoran Preserve</b></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqj1CbnQViA0FMG37GdM48P_X9u2zabo7aY69fTIuisZW-A9XABpnwCMilmCV2Vr6mjARRhDRD6AgPp1rOSnNmITvhvWwLIH_OOhaxDN7om0YmVqp3OkRpPb_-VLUe0Fl8dNgOmJhoGw/s1600/UnionSummit139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqj1CbnQViA0FMG37GdM48P_X9u2zabo7aY69fTIuisZW-A9XABpnwCMilmCV2Vr6mjARRhDRD6AgPp1rOSnNmITvhvWwLIH_OOhaxDN7om0YmVqp3OkRpPb_-VLUe0Fl8dNgOmJhoGw/s320/UnionSummit139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of Union Peak</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Some friends just sent me photos of their hike yesterday in this northwest Valley preserve, , and WOW. Now is the time to go see the wild poppies covering the slopes around Union Peak and Dixie Mountain!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlRJw3h_liChFirjr06dk3NYnNWhXAMOi6C-ExWMys51FZUWfFoaL631pTGTvTRf_kRjYnxD8lxIKjDPQ-dMt5z43x5pHsSWdW09fQFfdmQnmbo1RGK1tEh05SBxyRso_XEIpuOy9Fiw/s1600/MexPoppy30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlRJw3h_liChFirjr06dk3NYnNWhXAMOi6C-ExWMys51FZUWfFoaL631pTGTvTRf_kRjYnxD8lxIKjDPQ-dMt5z43x5pHsSWdW09fQFfdmQnmbo1RGK1tEh05SBxyRso_XEIpuOy9Fiw/s320/MexPoppy30.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Gold Poppy</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRod6409GvJJ3KUWnwUeCtQDgJy_-ZfpNc1Tq2A3XUz7iEnmo3FpUx03QDYwY9aR56zs9A-T56gKJr8DQfWjGgfQLlwrFrOiDAT4I0Sw-Tl3lxLhb-X2hJvbQ5AF8O5IlJRnGtNuu2Ofg/s1600/blackfootdaisy11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRod6409GvJJ3KUWnwUeCtQDgJy_-ZfpNc1Tq2A3XUz7iEnmo3FpUx03QDYwY9aR56zs9A-T56gKJr8DQfWjGgfQLlwrFrOiDAT4I0Sw-Tl3lxLhb-X2hJvbQ5AF8O5IlJRnGtNuu2Ofg/s320/blackfootdaisy11.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackfoot daisy</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrmFytMf47aYha5hD74smRdp58fCROY-qQs4dkJfzNa6DP07DGnRKFjiYri-Ml3mR8cGnaLavZReoWF8Qvep9STV-vW882lFfUBz7t_GfwrqCVmiDVC_SPs8duQZtoQSqhTpQ4VJhles/s1600/ChuparosaBee2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrmFytMf47aYha5hD74smRdp58fCROY-qQs4dkJfzNa6DP07DGnRKFjiYri-Ml3mR8cGnaLavZReoWF8Qvep9STV-vW882lFfUBz7t_GfwrqCVmiDVC_SPs8duQZtoQSqhTpQ4VJhles/s320/ChuparosaBee2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chuparosa a.k.a. hummingbird plant</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>LENGTH:</b> many trails, refer to trailhead sign for options</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>RATING:</b> easy-moderate</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>1,600' – 2,200'</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>DOGS:</b> dogs must be on leash and handlers must pack<br />out poo</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>KID FRIENDLY:</b> yes</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>FACILITIES:</b> no restroom or water. plenty of<br />parking, trail map sign, and there’s a special lot for horse trailers</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>HOURS:</b> 6 a.m to 7 p.m.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">GETTING THERE:</span> </b><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><br /><b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Desert Vista Trailhead:</span><br /><br /></b><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to Jomax exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go 0.2 mile on Jomax to Norterra<br />Parkway, turn left (north) and continue 1.2 miles to North Valley Parkway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn right (south) and go 0.2 miles to<br />Copperhead Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left and go<br />just a few yards<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to Melvern<br />Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left on Melvern and go<br />0.1 mile<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to Desert Vista Trail on<br />the right .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow Desert Vista<br />through a gate that leads to the trailhead.. </span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>INFO: </b>City of Phoenix, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/sonoran/index.html</u></span><!--EndFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br />Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-20867430859233237502013-03-12T18:59:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:30:29.161-07:00Superstition Mountains wildflower hike<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>327</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>1868</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>15</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2294</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>CROSSCUT-TREASURE LOOP</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Tonto National Forest</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_6aHPW5aI4HqOPu_lmSLf1AorD6JkAErP-jKVjl4eDuDhI64u8ENHr3KVQ0krjkg4wWZdFiYP7SIgMMIcvzFdx3siCMFqPi3NnJO5ord93H8BVIzbMz53sS9g-mW-OjLgHJWREUYNsk/s1600/brittlebush49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_6aHPW5aI4HqOPu_lmSLf1AorD6JkAErP-jKVjl4eDuDhI64u8ENHr3KVQ0krjkg4wWZdFiYP7SIgMMIcvzFdx3siCMFqPi3NnJO5ord93H8BVIzbMz53sS9g-mW-OjLgHJWREUYNsk/s320/brittlebush49.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittlebush: March 9, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Blessed with a beveled topography leaning into sun-drenched<br />exposure, the open rangeland of the western Superstition Wilderness is choice<br />property for spring wildflowers. In addition to its fortuitous floral fortitude,<br />the Crosscut Trail is very easy to get to, making it one of the most popular<br />hikes for viewing annual blooms. A backdrop of abrupt volcanic escarpments that<br />have been photographed and filmed to death (think, Jerry Maguire) add to the<br />allure of this Apache Junction tourist magnet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hAl4Zs_joG28wobOApO6_ofSTBkrwQHeXQCsesSv1Jnrcj22erAFYM_srLlgaA-Sh0femb7mBjXGTy53uS215A5qvL5weucWJ24vQ67-koRnh7dCJhJQ5dB3GrlLd5mCg-AGWn3BFSc/s1600/BlueDicksCactus58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hAl4Zs_joG28wobOApO6_ofSTBkrwQHeXQCsesSv1Jnrcj22erAFYM_srLlgaA-Sh0femb7mBjXGTy53uS215A5qvL5weucWJ24vQ67-koRnh7dCJhJQ5dB3GrlLd5mCg-AGWn3BFSc/s320/BlueDicksCactus58.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild hyacinth & cholla cactus</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Crosscut trail, which wanders 4.5 miles from First Water Road to<br />Broadway in Mesa, also connects with a bevy of routes just outside the boundary<br />of Lost Dutchman State Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The<br />Treasure Loop is a favorite because it gets nice and high, brushing the base of<br />geologic landmarks like the "Green Rock" and the "Praying<br />Hands".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For flower lovers,<br />the 500 feet of elevation gain and entry into damp drainage gullies, produces a<br />variety of moisture-loving plants (Dainty Desert Hideseed) as well as those<br />that thrive in more open and arid micro climates (Mexican Gold Poppies).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>March and April are the best<br />months for to see the blossoms before impending heat takes them out for another year. </div><br /><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXySkHlE-z3TH9h27Y9JZhBcJe-ckbUOQFYQ0XIsHwySaFYafUltk1yUenS21bnQtfj1uC3iObfhJdEN4xJAq8SU71UXXqSQiv1sclQXqGErxKyNxlOImDoC320MTToV1FgK6VGLno8sw/s1600/BouldersView62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXySkHlE-z3TH9h27Y9JZhBcJe-ckbUOQFYQ0XIsHwySaFYafUltk1yUenS21bnQtfj1uC3iObfhJdEN4xJAq8SU71UXXqSQiv1sclQXqGErxKyNxlOImDoC320MTToV1FgK6VGLno8sw/s320/BouldersView62.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the trail</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HIKE DIRECTIONS:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Follow Crosscut Trail (aka Jacob's Trail #58 and Jacob's<br />Crosscut) 1 mile to the junction with Treasure Loop #56 and follow the signs. </div><br /><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.5<br />miles </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b> moderate</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION: </b>2580'- 2060'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FACILITIES:</b> none<br /><b><br />GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, travel east on US60 to exit 196 (Idaho<br />Rd/AZ88).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go left at the off ramp<br />and follow AZ88 7 miles to First Water Road (FR78) near milepost 201 on the<br />right. Go 1 mile on FR78 to the signed Crosscut trailhead on the right. There<br />is NO fee to park here. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Alternate access:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>For access with restrooms, maps and picnic tables enter via Lost<br />Dutchman State Park and use the maps posted at the trailheads. The park charges<br />a $7 daily fee per vehicle.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b> Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District,<br />480-610-3300</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35455&actid=50">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35455&actid=50</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>MAPS:</b> Lost Dutchman State Park</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/map.html">http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/map.html</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3848239783230.1073741829.1795269672&type=1&l=dd73f72280">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3848239783230.1073741829.1795269672&type=1&l=dd73f72280</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-30015319579571879962013-03-08T12:17:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.258-07:00Barrier-free wildflower trails<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>220</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>1256</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>10</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1542</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>JUDITH TUNELL TRAILS</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>South Mountain Park</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Pnq3AXdi9ap6Pr5UA9YqGQ90B_Vj196wwSYvmvjwOKMonxzz2qrzzaMzBjMiqFqjOjAoSh5gYsSl-YgWagoLSPuQUcT6PtORrrnj3zfKig4Qls1bBqK2Cz7x1Fi7G1botXlticbKe90/s1600/PoppyView2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Pnq3AXdi9ap6Pr5UA9YqGQ90B_Vj196wwSYvmvjwOKMonxzz2qrzzaMzBjMiqFqjOjAoSh5gYsSl-YgWagoLSPuQUcT6PtORrrnj3zfKig4Qls1bBqK2Cz7x1Fi7G1botXlticbKe90/s320/PoppyView2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judith Tunell Challenge Trail, March 7, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3pD35xQN5BHu-YurehnTy2MIYs_AAckiGV40IrJZm0CDphZiz2PU2iTzv0c3rE2QxsCdD8dgvtPsxDLX6vOEc3_qCvnlupsObdo5hD2TQSs8XIbiKAPP8p1ohp15pXwoqRc9NnMQU20/s1600/PoppyColor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3pD35xQN5BHu-YurehnTy2MIYs_AAckiGV40IrJZm0CDphZiz2PU2iTzv0c3rE2QxsCdD8dgvtPsxDLX6vOEc3_qCvnlupsObdo5hD2TQSs8XIbiKAPP8p1ohp15pXwoqRc9NnMQU20/s320/PoppyColor.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Recently re-paved and groomed these two trails make getting<br />out into the desert easy for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Two connected loop routes offer choices for those with mobility concerns<br />or families with little kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The<br />Accessible Loop is 100% paved, flat and outfitted with benches, shade ramadas<br />and interpretive signage giving insight to the local flora, fauna and human<br />history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Challenge Loop,<br />although also paved, features a slightly steeper grade leading to a scenic rest<br />point overlooking downtown Phoenix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Both loops are perfect choices for viewing spring wildflowers. Right<br />now, brilliant Mexican Gold Poppies are spilling over the bajadas while vivid<br />purple lupine and scorpionweed vie for attention among saguaros and hedgehog<br />cactuses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s rain will surely<br />amplify the colorful show, which usually runs wild through April. </div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndDzoeasSIQWQr-ew6IUMbNkcTlMrF-43IFVFJiOMt6E2uZIcS2_R1zSe8WsBXYfDON0WuVDHZhGBODGwSDA2eZuBnGYEJGu_iIKXM1TaN1ALy2LaWy4EqCFUBH2KaXNnNvv9cKehyphenhyphenI4/s1600/MixedBlooms3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndDzoeasSIQWQr-ew6IUMbNkcTlMrF-43IFVFJiOMt6E2uZIcS2_R1zSe8WsBXYfDON0WuVDHZhGBODGwSDA2eZuBnGYEJGu_iIKXM1TaN1ALy2LaWy4EqCFUBH2KaXNnNvv9cKehyphenhyphenI4/s320/MixedBlooms3.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scorpionweed & Gordon's Bladderpod</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 mile<br />(two 0.5-mile loops) </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b> easy, barrier-free</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b><br /></span>1370’ - 1440</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, travel south on Central Ave., which will dead<br />end at the park entry gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pass<br />through the gate, take the first left and continue 0.1 mile to the Environmental<br />Education Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trail begins<br />behind the center.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO & MAPS:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />City of Phoenix, South Mountain Park</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/hiking/index.html">http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/hiking/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3838481979291.1073741827.1795269672&type=1&l=e408c8ad2e">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3838481979291.1073741827.1795269672&type=1&l=e408c8ad2e</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-26800344269070083502013-03-07T15:04:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.356-07:00Urban wildflower hike<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>320</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>1828</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>15</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2244</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>TERRACE TRAIL </b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area </b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2GSb0lNIOD_Wh2oA3Dn_Z4WlWSG5gcnaP8ziMZkpKB4gih8GslL1SV5WaaSamB4vzUz4A1g9DnEuleezq0OiYgVfTiXK8OgNpznBFHSZ2cnVmE4FW5I31KQNVGxn8-_aXvAyHe8cSDs/s1600/globemallow32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2GSb0lNIOD_Wh2oA3Dn_Z4WlWSG5gcnaP8ziMZkpKB4gih8GslL1SV5WaaSamB4vzUz4A1g9DnEuleezq0OiYgVfTiXK8OgNpznBFHSZ2cnVmE4FW5I31KQNVGxn8-_aXvAyHe8cSDs/s320/globemallow32.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Globemallow, March 7, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWABlQgmWxUlIEOB1prSX8PBK1Rvo0UD6oDwLI_dmZKI730PKuHbv8Yupp8HF24de5sf_qCOacUfx996HzkTKFIzdtJ7RlIW5szlUA2pGImUlquoAX7pmhO9lZlbgVeA_6iQl9-RxoPA/s1600/wolfberry2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWABlQgmWxUlIEOB1prSX8PBK1Rvo0UD6oDwLI_dmZKI730PKuHbv8Yupp8HF24de5sf_qCOacUfx996HzkTKFIzdtJ7RlIW5szlUA2pGImUlquoAX7pmhO9lZlbgVeA_6iQl9-RxoPA/s320/wolfberry2.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolfberry, March 7, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />She appeared out of a pile of rubble to check me out as I<br />photographed wildflowers on the flood plain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beautiful white pitbull mix kept both her distance and a<br />watchful eye on my wanderings, never letting me get more than a few dozen yards of her. I dubbed her “Ghost”. Sadly, feral dogs and cats are common in this<br />5-mile stretch of the Salt River, which cuts through Phoenix just south of<br />downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surrounded by quarries<br />and construction industries, this 595-acre City of Phoenix multi-purpose<br />project spanning from 19<sup>th</sup> Ave to 28<sup>th</sup> Street was<br />developed to restore the native riparian life zone, improve flood management<br />and open new recreational opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>The formerly blighted river corridor was cleared, water pumped in and<br />thousands of native plants reintroduced into created wetland marshes, mesquite<br />bosques and cottonwood-willow habitats. Even with all the improvements, the<br />sights and sounds of the heavy industry end of town are ever present ---planes<br />overhead, earth movers groaning in the quarries that flank the river and<br />unfortunate piles of trash carried in on the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, it’s important to keep in mind how extraordinary it<br />is that this place even exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,<br />for me that’s the draw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although<br />the Terrace Trail is one of the least attractive of the area’s hiking routes, I<br />find it fascinating to marvel at the variety of life inhabiting this sliver of<br />green wedged between freeways and barrios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful life such as globemallow, wolfberry and popcorn<br />flowers mix with water fowl, rabbits, lizards and misplaced beasts like Ghost,<br />who I last saw loping off toward 19<sup>th</sup> Avenue. </div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhMMVZGn2bnvhUKZxZaYFpaD6fzDmd8RjcXej2l1NEuDOPJvLeDvsAi3OZjnZh-xYYhzhQ4rdYjiN2zfUL5W4zmpJgQ9f-nbQS6FWcE14a8RdPe492a4g6-kr-fSjtg47EitxJjZavdc/s1600/cottonwood72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhMMVZGn2bnvhUKZxZaYFpaD6fzDmd8RjcXej2l1NEuDOPJvLeDvsAi3OZjnZh-xYYhzhQ4rdYjiN2zfUL5W4zmpJgQ9f-nbQS6FWcE14a8RdPe492a4g6-kr-fSjtg47EitxJjZavdc/s320/cottonwood72.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terraced waterfall & cottonwood trees</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 2 miles roundtrip</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b><br /></span>easy---rocky, unpaved route</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b><br /></span>1,100’</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>DOGS: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leashed<br />dogs are allowed only on paved trails</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HOURS:</b> sunrise to sunset or 7 p.m. whichever comes first</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />There are many access points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used the 7<sup>th</sup> Ave trailhead just south of US 60. Hike west from &th Ave to 19th Ave. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0v3Y-mOx5xGia_uX9knKoSUN4E1o08KEn_7RWkBraYzrANBXd-71zjxklUSBLay6sjVKBnjCQdjN4q8dfdZPeX8c0f_07AjWnlGUtLS95ZT0eFzvo8PKP0bRyAGRncsx-B7yGNP5si0/s1600/dog4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0v3Y-mOx5xGia_uX9knKoSUN4E1o08KEn_7RWkBraYzrANBXd-71zjxklUSBLay6sjVKBnjCQdjN4q8dfdZPeX8c0f_07AjWnlGUtLS95ZT0eFzvo8PKP0bRyAGRncsx-B7yGNP5si0/s320/dog4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ghost" the feral dog</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO & MAP:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />City of Phoenix, 602-262-6863</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Audubon Visitor Center, 602- 468-6470</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/riosalado/index.html">http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/riosalado/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3838091369526.1073741826.1795269672&type=1&l=a3eb521f39">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3838091369526.1073741826.1795269672&type=1&l=a3eb521f39</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-26934363121441490612013-03-03T13:15:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.453-07:00"Pop up" rivers of melting snow.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>393</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>2245</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>18</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2757</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Payson </b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier9nYezIKD4HUqIdBjKth8nW6oK7FcM4Zsq2bu1cx1oFM83GrsT-xuq8L3T_fzSiU_BtWn7sEbfUObv4m1HXaWk34U0g5K0KbkCFXJxQ40WGpQeCLZdDsL1jTUxACaJLuF8aa_K5tGHU/s1600/CypressCreek76.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier9nYezIKD4HUqIdBjKth8nW6oK7FcM4Zsq2bu1cx1oFM83GrsT-xuq8L3T_fzSiU_BtWn7sEbfUObv4m1HXaWk34U0g5K0KbkCFXJxQ40WGpQeCLZdDsL1jTUxACaJLuF8aa_K5tGHU/s320/CypressCreek76.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water on the Cypress Trail: March 2, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NhBQD9WS427voxziQx4bk7A87-lLCv_aKytj83TKOs4XmTSN4wUpu0cDAY4wqtkUsrej4hD-zCBgTZ_zKoXSJN9M3O9oavz1NH_kj9qlb_uDrjP1ifU8RkGdTnFIW0zYrhvmFNkRV_Q/s1600/LoopLedge21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NhBQD9WS427voxziQx4bk7A87-lLCv_aKytj83TKOs4XmTSN4wUpu0cDAY4wqtkUsrej4hD-zCBgTZ_zKoXSJN9M3O9oavz1NH_kj9qlb_uDrjP1ifU8RkGdTnFIW0zYrhvmFNkRV_Q/s320/LoopLedge21.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow on North Boulders Loop: March 2, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />The seasons of spring and fall share a common, landscape<br />transforming magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While autumn<br />is famous for painting the Arizona high country in warm fiery hues, spring<br />brings on a rush of “pop up” snow melt rivers to our deserts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>March and April are the best months to<br />view the transient water works in the Payson area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s still enough snow on the peaks and hiding out in<br />shady canyons to keep ravines and gullies flowing, but it won’t last long.<br />Located close to town in a surprisingly untamed terrain of weathered granite<br />dells and abrupt mini-canyons, the Cypress-Boulders Loop, is an ideal place to<br />experience snowmelt runoff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The<br />trail is shared-use and open to hikers, equestrians, bikes and ATVs, and thus<br />sees lots of action especially during this prime time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we hiked here this week, water was<br />everywhere and we found ourselves hopping rivulets and ogling at water chutes<br />cascading over bare rock every few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forests of pines, junipers and of course cypress trees mixed<br />in with open, boulder-studded fields form a patchwork of shade and sun along<br />the route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although this hike<br />would be pretty anytime of year, cool temperatures and rare water make it<br />exceptional in spring. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><i>HIKE DIRECTIONS:</i></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From the trailhead, follow Cypress Trail 2.5 miles to the<br />junction for Boulders Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take<br />either the north or south leg and hike the 2.7-mile loop back to this junction,<br />then retrace your steps back to the trailhead.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPKt8Q5CeBuAD5SsrMXRl7Yz3ZewB6UzGB5Yjxx2VbgNUTT7FJRwjQkFsP66zlHUFmFcEwl4aeeJfOp4cEemcVuMuuyS6WL1eA3qzfnR7gH971W7ffdR-ahrZk_Daj8MK1coXe1ncBIc/s1600/LoopFalls60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPKt8Q5CeBuAD5SsrMXRl7Yz3ZewB6UzGB5Yjxx2VbgNUTT7FJRwjQkFsP66zlHUFmFcEwl4aeeJfOp4cEemcVuMuuyS6WL1eA3qzfnR7gH971W7ffdR-ahrZk_Daj8MK1coXe1ncBIc/s320/LoopFalls60.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>7.3<br />miles round trip</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b><br /></span>moderate</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>4485’- 4932’</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, travel north on SR87 (Beeline Hwy) to<br />Payson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the intersection of SR87<br />and SR260, go right and follow 260 less than a mile to Granite Dells Road on<br />the right just past the Safeway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Go 1.9 miles on Granite Dells to a small easy-to-miss sign for Cypress<br />Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no official parking<br />area, just find a spot along the road being mindful of the private driveways in<br />the area.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><i>ALTERNATE ACCESS TO THE LOOP:</i></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into<br />FR435 after 1.3 miles) and park at the Monument Peak trailhead on the left just<br />before a roadblock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here, hike<br />down to the roadblock on FR435 and hike 0.5 mile (crossing 3 concrete bridges)<br />to the Boulder Loop trailhead—look for a sign on the cliff wall on the<br />left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail begins on the dirt<br />road heading downhill to the right. NOTE: From the first P.A.T.S. sign above<br />the gorge, the trail continues directly across the gorge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see the signs high on the<br />opposite embankment. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Payson Area Trails System (PATS)</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/HikingTrails/PaysonAreaTrailsSystem.aspx">http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/HikingTrails/PaysonAreaTrailsSystem.aspx</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>14</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>81</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>1</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>99</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3808756756179.1073741825.1795269672&type=1&l=cda58750ad">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3808756756179.1073741825.1795269672&type=1&l=cda58750ad</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment--><br /><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-84545043663293817432013-02-27T09:17:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.551-07:00Four Forest Restoration Initiative update<b>Forest Service Provides Early Opportunity to Preview 4FRI Draft Environmental Impact Statement</b><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbkgxMudSgBnVWn95P4Eq8GknFipjnsK9XyBW8EloJnLQ4bynRWQsG1bxTOCzoiXuXPqRhc4PDavcvNW6hzIFUy1jPRFMagBDznQBbv3PvjLvJhrK6P_PYouQrVGwvhSxX2UyNIKLGsQ/s1600/olearyview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbkgxMudSgBnVWn95P4Eq8GknFipjnsK9XyBW8EloJnLQ4bynRWQsG1bxTOCzoiXuXPqRhc4PDavcvNW6hzIFUy1jPRFMagBDznQBbv3PvjLvJhrK6P_PYouQrVGwvhSxX2UyNIKLGsQ/s320/olearyview.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconino National Forest</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">As avid hikers, we should all be aware of restoration and woodland health efforts planned for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. Today, the forest service released to the public a draft of the plans and how they may impact the landscape. <b>Our input is encouraged.</b> Let's be proactive in assuring forest health is maintained while protecting access to public lands. Here's the press release and link to the draft statement:</span></i><br /><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">FLAGSTAFF,<br /> Ariz. – The Forest Service is providing the public with an early <br />opportunity to preview the Draft<br /> Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Four Forest Restoration <br />Initiative (4FRI). The DEIS for the first analysis area on the Coconino<br /> and Kaibab National Forests has been posted to the 4FRI website at<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/4fri/planning"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">www.fs.usda.gov/main/4fri/planning</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">.<br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In<br /> response to public input, the Forest Service will offer a 60-day formal<br /> comment period on the DEIS, which<br /> will begin with the publication of the Notice of Availability (NOA) in <br />the Federal Register. The NOA is expected to be published in late <br />March.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In order to allow additional time for public consideration of this extensive document, online access to the<br /> DEIS is being made available by the Forest Service prior to the official start of the formal comment period.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“There<br /> are numerous individuals and groups with an interest in this document,”<br /> said Coconino National Forest<br /> Supervisor Earl Stewart. “We wanted to provide as much time as <br />possible for people to digest the information and begin to form comments<br /> and questions.”</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When the official NOA is published, the Forest Service will announce dates for public meetings. The public<br /> meetings will provide interested individuals the opportunity to learn more about the DEIS and comment on its contents.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/4fri/planningKumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-59945672663154665182013-02-25T20:11:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.648-07:00Wildflowers of the wild west<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>404</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>2305</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>19</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2830</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>COFFEE FLAT to WHITLOW CANYON</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Superstition Wilderness</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA2gPYsWvO-5hjci34Ttz1X_9ZBbY_Cg7xa73F3W9EaoQAA927vjHuqDi0j1m5i_2ctwrkXJGaFH2z2Ojs78foqbigZi6gc3uPjHfjCN4OsranbpmXMDZBzHIgu3Sx4FZ14MOMXo1UmM/s1600/CoffeeFlatCorral64.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA2gPYsWvO-5hjci34Ttz1X_9ZBbY_Cg7xa73F3W9EaoQAA927vjHuqDi0j1m5i_2ctwrkXJGaFH2z2Ojs78foqbigZi6gc3uPjHfjCN4OsranbpmXMDZBzHIgu3Sx4FZ14MOMXo1UmM/s320/CoffeeFlatCorral64.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">corral at Whitlow Canyon</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pS0tpyexZUwR_MbNJpRDAJoQLKa3-BP5K2lJxUPZqDSPNVgocq5bBCnXsqAYrKnOEyI7Jzahso1Q5K2iqr13h1ZzwQ6VcNKgvPh6ACcKvfQb1WMrCODesq6a53LUTzyi0Mh9ivQ505s/s1600/FairyDuster409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pS0tpyexZUwR_MbNJpRDAJoQLKa3-BP5K2lJxUPZqDSPNVgocq5bBCnXsqAYrKnOEyI7Jzahso1Q5K2iqr13h1ZzwQ6VcNKgvPh6ACcKvfQb1WMrCODesq6a53LUTzyi0Mh9ivQ505s/s320/FairyDuster409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Duster</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Early spring brings a magical transition to the Superstition<br />Wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a time when<br />winter-worn shrubs and the gray stubble of last year's flora make a yawning<br />renewal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, the craggy, hilly<br />terrain is awash in splendor-hinting shades of green with the first of the<br />early blooming wildflowers already beginning to show on sunny side of the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although most any trail in the<br />Superstitions would be good for viewing wildflowers, the routes leaving from<br />the Peralta trailhead are particularly productive due to the way water rolls<br />down from hoodoo edged ridgelines over loose-soil slopes before settling into<br />deeply incised canyons where mesquite and Palo verde trees play nurse maid to<br />myriad fragile perennials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For our<br />first wildflower hike of the year, we selected a mostly unshaded route to catch<br />the early bloomers. This week we observed spotty specimens of wild hyacinth,<br />fiddleneck, scorpion weed, buckwheat, brittlebush, red maids, filaree and<br />Mexican gold poppies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best of all,<br />an abundant crop of sprouts teased for a better-than-average wildflower season<br />to come. Color was best along the Dutchman's Trail, especially where riparian<br />life zones thrive around lingering pools of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>At 2.6 miles, we turned onto the Coffee Flat Trail with the goal of<br />visiting the mesquite bosque and old stock corral at Whitlow Canyon. The corral is a<br />collection of knotted barbed wire and rusty signs drenched in rugged old west<br />character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> B</span>efore heading back the way we came, we took a break beneath<br />a twisted mesquite tree surrounded by greenery that will soon burst into fields<br />of golden poppies .</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSHijSvVpZBPjLXvvynjoL1DtXRR2XtorvSRVphyBom_s-0R0luUvVjMgfeiVKl2oXd39-p733husec5FEQGrs6sic-VU6Ygw4lnjQshauS6xKQMbQ-zm5lTrS2N4GRgJUyb9j41pG-w/s1600/DutchmansWater31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSHijSvVpZBPjLXvvynjoL1DtXRR2XtorvSRVphyBom_s-0R0luUvVjMgfeiVKl2oXd39-p733husec5FEQGrs6sic-VU6Ygw4lnjQshauS6xKQMbQ-zm5lTrS2N4GRgJUyb9j41pG-w/s320/DutchmansWater31.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water on the Dutchman's Trail</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HIKE PLAN:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From the Peralta trailhead, begin hiking east on Dutchman's Trail #104.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 2.6 miles veer right at the signed<br />junction for Coffee Flat Trail # 108.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Follow #108 for 1.7 miles to the prominent wash of Whitlow Canyon, cross the<br />wash and within a few yards, look for a cairned "Y"<br />intersection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the right fork<br />to get to the corral. See "more photos" for images of these unsigned<br />waypoints. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9.2<br />miles roundtrip </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>easy-<br />moderate</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp5VEAiX94aoWXCfOhpuu2dAPtmLY1ajgRXLnUGx2Gvu4s715_sMaMYy1fPkS4-gf4bfoFoik7e5H5AH8BdgR0Fc0Sbr0ePejf1_Gq0tg4aH4b7f-B5AGCSxXvCXiihwJuT_gp50hXug/s1600/brittlebush.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp5VEAiX94aoWXCfOhpuu2dAPtmLY1ajgRXLnUGx2Gvu4s715_sMaMYy1fPkS4-gf4bfoFoik7e5H5AH8BdgR0Fc0Sbr0ePejf1_Gq0tg4aH4b7f-B5AGCSxXvCXiihwJuT_gp50hXug/s320/brittlebush.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brittlebush</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b><br /></span>2287' - 2680'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FACILITIES:</b> restrooms </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, travel east on US60 to Apache Junction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue roughly 8 miles to Peralta<br />Road (FR77) located between mileposts 204 and 205.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s also a sign<br />indicating "Peralta Trailhead". Turn left and follow Peralta Road 7.2<br />miles to the trailhead. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b> Mesa Ranger District, Tonto National Forest,<br />480-610-3300</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=35495&actid=30">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=35495&actid=30</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>MAP:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5163340.pdf">http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5163340.pdf</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>MORE PHOTOS:</b></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3773484274389.112505.1795269672&type=1&l=39845a911a">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3773484274389.112505.1795269672&type=1&l=39845a911a</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-71065903951934765902013-02-24T08:23:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.745-07:00Desert wildflower season 2013<b>WILDFLOWER HIKING SEASON 2013 GETS OFF TO A COLORFUL START</b><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB04LNSw2M4_FUDISJyvh3FYUPnGbV207oo6UlDRSbpQMhVO87sv7FFURp9u2QHYT4djsyzTAbL4drAxPttNJxESSycZ9jZopRYlxBXeRYPXatnOzmPo95YZ1nQrXP0Y55-0wDpH6OGI/s1600/poppy413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB04LNSw2M4_FUDISJyvh3FYUPnGbV207oo6UlDRSbpQMhVO87sv7FFURp9u2QHYT4djsyzTAbL4drAxPttNJxESSycZ9jZopRYlxBXeRYPXatnOzmPo95YZ1nQrXP0Y55-0wDpH6OGI/s320/poppy413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican gold poppy: Feb. 23, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOGRVP33VA3osHK78TcfNhTTChvvoYjPa5n_5S8l_HJb12s3I0GJ9pmQhw1Dh0nSK0OViXIY3D1peEnNpf1YPqVg2YKo904jvsnV9AxkFcMy8rH33GQdxp60TKkCeCmAhhh-8qRSCLOY/s1600/RedMaids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOGRVP33VA3osHK78TcfNhTTChvvoYjPa5n_5S8l_HJb12s3I0GJ9pmQhw1Dh0nSK0OViXIY3D1peEnNpf1YPqVg2YKo904jvsnV9AxkFcMy8rH33GQdxp60TKkCeCmAhhh-8qRSCLOY/s320/RedMaids.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Maids: Feb. 23, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHXVqOUlM-0mRVdUxNaLSO2DjlErMONrI0ezxeQozlCPRVQDujAS-ZKhydM-3ufKbIimzj3rDvSecz19UPT2EwiwfhQ06f3xGSPA1IdAAH94oZp4av2uvbDsPXmpO6J3MDRyvcJsEr8Y/s1600/DesertRockpea2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHXVqOUlM-0mRVdUxNaLSO2DjlErMONrI0ezxeQozlCPRVQDujAS-ZKhydM-3ufKbIimzj3rDvSecz19UPT2EwiwfhQ06f3xGSPA1IdAAH94oZp4av2uvbDsPXmpO6J3MDRyvcJsEr8Y/s320/DesertRockpea2.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Rock Pea: Feb. 23, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqHQmveSqGyfBfy7Y2to1md9zcQ6NKLGDJTVrOkD3efMr4aPytnpWnrBj13f02c2z2O6imbhGHJsvbqrg7sC2THaLErCrBbAq_GUmqBZCnPk-gd1ZwOSyJQPRyRHukMZTHpE45DqoWY8/s1600/BlueDicks1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqHQmveSqGyfBfy7Y2to1md9zcQ6NKLGDJTVrOkD3efMr4aPytnpWnrBj13f02c2z2O6imbhGHJsvbqrg7sC2THaLErCrBbAq_GUmqBZCnPk-gd1ZwOSyJQPRyRHukMZTHpE45DqoWY8/s320/BlueDicks1.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild hyacinth, aka Blue Dicks: Feb. 23, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />Desert wildflowers are popping up all over the low deserts this week. With a decent amount of cultivating winter rain and warming temperatures, the show is off to a good start. Here's a sampling of what's blooming in the <b>Superstition Wilderness</b> right now. Stay tuned for updates and wildflower hike trip reports. Can't wait? <i><b>Click on the "wildflower" link in this blog's trail index for dozens of top blossom-viewing trails.</b></i>Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-19642122418389879842013-02-21T18:40:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.842-07:00GPS withdrawal at Skunk Tank<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>SKUNK TANK-CAVE CREEK LOOP</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Tonto National Forest</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_zc4lGjS0ZB5Wwrm7-KBVc9BHlcXST3kZqwgdQ-2B863BsmVTGrPNlYQHthOG_v6igKBbQKhUId-yXKUvdjRloQSQQDAlJzctsQdQwPeK0pf0Ln-2wlpXpjqd_KgAtpcd-dATdi9Axc/s1600/CaveCreekTrail40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_zc4lGjS0ZB5Wwrm7-KBVc9BHlcXST3kZqwgdQ-2B863BsmVTGrPNlYQHthOG_v6igKBbQKhUId-yXKUvdjRloQSQQDAlJzctsQdQwPeK0pf0Ln-2wlpXpjqd_KgAtpcd-dATdi9Axc/s320/CaveCreekTrail40.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave Creek Trail</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8MIHSh_mbTzBayq7k2scLcPMM2Yb1jBaa2RmEmR9HF_xr5H_6saLd2uBs-n2APs6JZWjhtIRH6CVTB5yFKJ7MyzI7GrNuj0_e2k3kn9Max6npfnJQv2laPpjlv46iAu8T2DcHzedRDM/s1600/SkunkTankTrail3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8MIHSh_mbTzBayq7k2scLcPMM2Yb1jBaa2RmEmR9HF_xr5H_6saLd2uBs-n2APs6JZWjhtIRH6CVTB5yFKJ7MyzI7GrNuj0_e2k3kn9Max6npfnJQv2laPpjlv46iAu8T2DcHzedRDM/s320/SkunkTankTrail3026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New River Mesa as seen from Skunk Tank Trail</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Except for an A minus I once achieved in a grad school<br />statistics class, I've never been particularly gifted with numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This might explain my befuddlement over<br />the actual length of Tonto National Forest’s Skunk Tank-Cave Creek Loop<br />hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Additionally, i</span>nconsistent signage and<br />conflicting published reports didn't help rectify the numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's pretty common<br />knowledge that forest service trail signs are rounded up or down to convenient<br />fractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trail segments that are<br />actually 0.3 mile might well be posted as .25 mile and 0.6 mile as 0.5<br />mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, that's me<br />splitting hairs for no good reason, and yet, over 10 miles or more, with 5<br />trail junctions, the discrepancy can add up and escalate into a hot topic especially<br />along that last mile which always feels longer than its advertised range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A check of various hike books, maps and<br />web sites declare this trail length at anywhere from 9.2 miles to 12<br />miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I geared up for a<br />12-miler, grabbed my GPS and stepped out to get my own read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I wasn't about to place too much<br />trust in my GPS either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's<br />because on past hikes, GPS-totting trekkers in my group have all come up with<br />different mileage reads on their devises----BIG differences, like 2-3<br />miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, since my devise is<br />brand new and set up to acquire all those extra Russian satellites, I figured,<br />why not give it a try. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />But, I refuse to be a GPS junkie---checking moving speed and<br />elevation profiles every half-mile and robotically announcing the results to<br />bored travel companions as if it mattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope. Set up, hit track, waypoint when necessary and don't<br />look again until trail's end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We<br />began the loop hiking counterclockwise to take on Skunk Tank Trail #246 (note:<br />some trail signs mistakenly say Skunk "Creek").<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This open-to-the-sky segment makes a<br />steady climb over rolling desert hills dotted with cactus and the sprouts of what may be a good wildflower season .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 1.4 mile from the 246 junction, run<br />off from Quien Sabe (means: "who knows") Spring spills down a narrow<br />gully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spring itself is 0.3<br />mile up the gully, but it's a bushwhack to get there, and frankly, not<br />worth the effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skunk Tank Trail<br />tops out at a 4100' lookout point with dizzying views of New River Mesa,<br />Humboldt Mountain and Quien Sabe Peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>From here, the route plunges downhill toward Skunk Tank on a slim path<br />cut into sloping, exposed (not for acrophobics) hillsides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tank is a lovely willow-ringed<br />oasis where swarms of birds and other local wildlife---like mountain lions and<br />deer---gather to quench their thirsts and maybe score a meal. Pass through the<br />tank's rustic barbed wire fence and soon the junction with Cave Creek Trail #4<br />comes into view signaling the final leg of the hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also the best part because trail #4 moves among the<br />waters of Cave Creek, lofty canyon walls, a lush riparian ecosystem and two<br />rare crested saguaros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back at the<br />trailhead, my GPS read 10.385 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>I'm gonna call it 10.4-miles, and "who knows" if it's really<br />10.6 or 10.2. Who cares?</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkOjEUJgi9MV-IGPUXVgUQPeFAlhpGhRWbhYcB7z6xO9JnaZsymoQyu8H_1ADpY5lZy-z9AL2a-IU-vB3HLif9t8dX6_s7kmoo7WtSgmqfowjxqp5Mf8wMwbKYYQv1maA4aNvPIzm9ck/s1600/CaveCreekTrail3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkOjEUJgi9MV-IGPUXVgUQPeFAlhpGhRWbhYcB7z6xO9JnaZsymoQyu8H_1ADpY5lZy-z9AL2a-IU-vB3HLif9t8dX6_s7kmoo7WtSgmqfowjxqp5Mf8wMwbKYYQv1maA4aNvPIzm9ck/s320/CaveCreekTrail3137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave Creek water: Feb. 16, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>10.4<br />loop</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>moderate</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>2980'-4100'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FEES:</b> a Tonto Pass is NOT required at the hiker trailhead,<br />but may be required if you park at other recreation sites in the area.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Cave Creek Trailhead (as described here): From the Loop 101<br />in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit 36 and go 13 miles north on<br />Pima to Cave Creek Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn<br />right (east) and go 12.5 miles on Cave Creek Road (a.k.a FR 24 and Seven<br />Springs Road) past Seven Spring Recreation Area to Cave Creek trailhead on the<br />left located between MCDOT mile markers 12 and 13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roads are a mixture pf pavement and good dirt passable by<br />passenger cars when dry. Two minor creek crossings on cement are required—do<br />not attempt after heavy rains.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /><b>HIKE PLAN:</b></div><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />From the trailhead, pick up Cave Creek Trail #4 and hike 0.6 mile south to the Cottonwood Trail #247 junction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(NOTE: winter 2013 flooding has washed out much of this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cairns and red trail tape have been placed have been placed as temporary navigation tools).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow #247 less than a mile to the Skunk Tank Trail #246.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow #246 to Cave Creek Trail #4, turn right and follow it back to the trailhead.</div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Cave Creek Ranger District, Tonto National Forest,<br />480-595-3300</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35249&actid=50">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35249&actid=50</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3742691784596.112169.1795269672&type=1&l=1c333001d7">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3742691784596.112169.1795269672&type=1&l=1c333001d7</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-91027100966786508812013-02-20T15:21:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:29.939-07:00Snow! Snow!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ8kkByXRpGUNL14PhrdjFhqMblMM7n3tH-eW90_627W4I5vLeMw7YJ3yEZGaish3jUSNBc7TC96DK990iB8dxDxViY6HH-474y6DFggRA0_i9zO_0Ye_1uslDReEPMYWTbQe35qxFUY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ8kkByXRpGUNL14PhrdjFhqMblMM7n3tH-eW90_627W4I5vLeMw7YJ3yEZGaish3jUSNBc7TC96DK990iB8dxDxViY6HH-474y6DFggRA0_i9zO_0Ye_1uslDReEPMYWTbQe35qxFUY/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow on the McDowell Mountains: Feb 20, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />Doesn't this make you wanna ditch work and go hiking? Here's the view from my office window in Scottsdale this afternoon. Rare desert snow on a sunny afternoon. Oh to be on a McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail right now!Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-7844958809692048782013-02-19T09:09:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:30.035-07:00Take your best shot at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>McDowell Sonoran Preserve 2013<br />Photography Contest</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YHmjOtIn1D4tIEsQoL6Br6NfcKtBHg_m2pjeJFK5ViT2-87YP-tk3KVD2_RMYH0XPnzGjIv08armpi2PAg10RXHW060ENX5tkdvtDfAXNzlG31xJNl80HEdj2Lj42fNjCPvwKmS_RAA/s1600/pincushion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YHmjOtIn1D4tIEsQoL6Br6NfcKtBHg_m2pjeJFK5ViT2-87YP-tk3KVD2_RMYH0XPnzGjIv08armpi2PAg10RXHW060ENX5tkdvtDfAXNzlG31xJNl80HEdj2Lj42fNjCPvwKmS_RAA/s320/pincushion.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />If you've been reading this<br />blog for more than 15 seconds, you already know I'm a huge fan of<br />Scottsdale's <b>McDowell Sonoran Conservancy</b>. We hikers have them to<br />thank for preserving irreplaceable desert land on the outskirts of<br />our suburbs and also for building a stunning network of trails for our<br />enjoyment. And, the work continues with plans to expand recreational<br />opportunities in the Brown' Ranch area this year. Haven't been there<br />yet? Now is the perfect time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Spring wildflower season is here</span> and<br />the McDowell Mountains area's rich biodiversity makes it a premier<br />location for bloom spotting. May I suggest the Bell Pass and Gateway Loop Trails.....</div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />As an extra incentive to<br />draw visitors to the preserve, the Conservancy has launched its 2013<br />Focus on Conservation photo contest. This year's categories are<br />biodiversity, sustainability, families and fitness. So grab your<br />camera and submit your best shot for a chance to be featured in an<br />online gallery. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QtAYMcw5kIMQgFkqix7g3M8wx94nVD914umBT8z6VoA_nka1Y31m6W5vRKDgIYWZOBzEixs7FVTKVXdcPEWKcg8iPiz7dIE9n9e2slCvhCEwQVWwKc92lh0TgY8rgYz_Y9OwDQgoh58/s1600/maze0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QtAYMcw5kIMQgFkqix7g3M8wx94nVD914umBT8z6VoA_nka1Y31m6W5vRKDgIYWZOBzEixs7FVTKVXdcPEWKcg8iPiz7dIE9n9e2slCvhCEwQVWwKc92lh0TgY8rgYz_Y9OwDQgoh58/s320/maze0.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Whether you head out on your own or as part of one of the organization's guided hikes, it's a great way to get to<br />know all about this North Valley jewel of a hiking destination.</div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>DEADLINE:</b> May 31, 2013</div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>CONSERVANCY INFO: <br /></b></div><br /><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><a href="http://mcdowellsonoran.org/home#sthash.3FUHEKX2.dpbs">http://mcdowellsonoran.org/home#sthash.3FUHEKX2.dpbs</a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>PHOTO CONTEST INFO:</b></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><a href="http://mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/contestEntry2#sthash.vU42smVx.dpbs">http://mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/contestEntry2#sthash.vU42smVx.dpbs</a></div><br />Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-69156096393975427992013-02-17T14:48:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:30.132-07:00Hike to Devil's Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>494</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>2820</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>23</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3463</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>SOLDIER PASS-BRINS MESA-CIBOLA PASS-JORDAN TRAIL LOOP</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Coconino National Forest, Sedona</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIr-tI9aByCAwOS88uM0JQkSj5E2OmtKYwofr0rAn0Thet_XBNfcwOE96gbZYTG4vMNf3wE_5Mr9TL6kpXp5VO5XN4JO9xjwqu2MH3X-q0SIxiPOh1tSW0pgdrvIuTOjRQwh7w5cao90/s1600/DevilsKitchen80.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIr-tI9aByCAwOS88uM0JQkSj5E2OmtKYwofr0rAn0Thet_XBNfcwOE96gbZYTG4vMNf3wE_5Mr9TL6kpXp5VO5XN4JO9xjwqu2MH3X-q0SIxiPOh1tSW0pgdrvIuTOjRQwh7w5cao90/s320/DevilsKitchen80.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Kitchen</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHGOEmNQ3zH-9XIanf0Ceh5TaRgUrlDCGqXDgsFdna1MvbngzkhupGKIEp8wHUDiZwr6oEfJVkNMMA2o5PCdbIQx_bgMz2xUax1mTE2KnzJtCTYuf0Y35WwZFR8HSa8RBI0ZzWYXMWs0/s1600/Pools3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHGOEmNQ3zH-9XIanf0Ceh5TaRgUrlDCGqXDgsFdna1MvbngzkhupGKIEp8wHUDiZwr6oEfJVkNMMA2o5PCdbIQx_bgMz2xUax1mTE2KnzJtCTYuf0Y35WwZFR8HSa8RBI0ZzWYXMWs0/s320/Pools3.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven Sacred Pools</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />For a short trek, this little loop packs in plenty of<br />variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First up, is Devil's<br />Kitchen---Arizona's largest sinkhole. Formed by a series of catastrophic<br />geological events, the hole will continue to grow over time and the AZ<br />Geological Survey considers the area unstable and hazardous. Although it might<br />look tempting, the sinkhole is just not safe to explore beyond the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A link below leads to an AZGS article<br />about Devil's Kitchen and includes lots of interesting maps and data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond the slump, head left and hike less than a mile to see the "seven sacred pools", a chain of shallow ponds scoured<br />from red sandstone that reflect both blue sky and colorfully-layered canyon<br />walls. Once done exploring the pools, follow the trail through a calming landscape of cypress, juniper and yuccas to the sign for Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Here, an unsigned, but obvious footpath heads right for a mildly steep quarter-mile<br />side trip to the Soldier Pass Arches. Past the arches, the route makes its final ascent to the<br />Brins Mesa Trail junction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At just under<br />5,000' the views here are breathtaking and breath saving as it's all downhill<br />trekking from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continuing<br />southeast on the Brins Mesa Trail, the route dives into a canyon land of<br />Paleozoic-age sandstones singed by the 2006 Brins Fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A haunting landscape of blackened<br />stubble mixed in with healthy high desert flora splatters the gorges in<br />earthy shades of green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mid-segment<br />lookout point provides unobstructed vistas of Sedona, and sometimes, graceful<br />waterfalls can be seen washing over distant crags. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HIKE DIRECTIONS:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From the trailhead, follow the access path 0.2 mile to the<br />first junction and turn left to pick up the Soldier Pass Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hike roughly 0.7 mile to the wilderness<br />sign where an optional side path leads to a series of natural arches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This side trip will add 0.5 mile to the<br />hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue another 1.0 mile on<br />Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Turn right here and hike 2.0 miles to the Cibola Trail, turn right and<br />go 0.6 mile to Jordan Trail, turn right again and hike 0.3 mile to the Soldier<br />Pass junction, turn left and hike 0.2 mile back to the trailhead. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRUL1HAhcuiJQosAqQMlIGXELo__nMlDZ9nPAmuCAPWndeWBoOJnNjo-CWuPYgW5aACsJH1qLT4ATLE9Lr2ZvWKdGMBMjUjaPsCgt8PBSweOJYaKlrueuzHJ9c4y4xe20lQ_zsbiwQBE/s1600/LoneTree39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRUL1HAhcuiJQosAqQMlIGXELo__nMlDZ9nPAmuCAPWndeWBoOJnNjo-CWuPYgW5aACsJH1qLT4ATLE9Lr2ZvWKdGMBMjUjaPsCgt8PBSweOJYaKlrueuzHJ9c4y4xe20lQ_zsbiwQBE/s320/LoneTree39.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5-mile<br />loop (5.5 with arches detour)</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b> moderate</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>4,450'- 4,930'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FEE:</b> A Red Rock Pass is required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$5 daily fee per vehicle.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HOURS:</b> the Soldier Pass trailhead is gated and open only<br />from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />There's alternate access off Jordan Road. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, go north on I17 to exit 298 for Sedona/Oak<br />Creek. Turn left (west) onto SR179 and continue to the traffic circle<br />intersection at SR89A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Veer left<br />through the circle heading toward Cottonwood on SR89A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between milepost 372 and 373, turn<br />right onto Soldier Pass Road, drive 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows, turn right and<br />continue 0.25 mile to the short drive to the trailhead on the left. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b> Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District<br />,928-203-2900</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55392&actid=50">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55392&actid=50</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GEOLOGY ARTICLE</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://azgeology.azgs.az.gov/archived_issues/azgs.az.gov/arizona_geology/winter09/article_devilskitchen.html">http://azgeology.azgs.az.gov/archived_issues/azgs.az.gov/arizona_geology/winter09/article_devilskitchen.html</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-14809950603366871972013-02-14T18:15:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:30.229-07:00A waterfall for all<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>402</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>2294</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>19</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2817</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>WATERFALL CANYON</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>White Tank Mountain Regional Park</b><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYDctD9OnPQ6nFDA5E_emCIykuIxCdGSwL-HzBR1Cdx41A8TUdqS6KhqWkMeWenVzMqz58XR0kqApM03pTcxsM-TOucDIxDgypIiLRUmjgo1YuZtoCoVI5hYcbdCz2_fKZ9Sv4Tp62sI/s1600/FallsPool2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYDctD9OnPQ6nFDA5E_emCIykuIxCdGSwL-HzBR1Cdx41A8TUdqS6KhqWkMeWenVzMqz58XR0kqApM03pTcxsM-TOucDIxDgypIiLRUmjgo1YuZtoCoVI5hYcbdCz2_fKZ9Sv4Tp62sI/s320/FallsPool2762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool at the base of Waterfall Canyon: Feb. 12, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-ay3vz43EnjyUhicjVbp6kusChR78lOJp_H5JSSMWeZ1guT6pvgWi3RGK_JC6nYZejVHyL4O7FVeuUuUOZ3tWHko4To4rQpx461xKD-SOPK_OAH8WWTVneHI_Q6nFY_q5il_GIWbB0k/s1600/FallsCanyon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-ay3vz43EnjyUhicjVbp6kusChR78lOJp_H5JSSMWeZ1guT6pvgWi3RGK_JC6nYZejVHyL4O7FVeuUuUOZ3tWHko4To4rQpx461xKD-SOPK_OAH8WWTVneHI_Q6nFY_q5il_GIWbB0k/s320/FallsCanyon3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the slot canyon</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />How many people can fit into the 12' x 12' box canyon at the<br />end of White Tank Mountain Park's Waterfall Trail?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By my observations, at least 16--while a constant que waits<br />on deck to rotate in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a<br />better question might be; what on earth could possibly be so interesting that<br />16 people would <i>want</i> cram into such a place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Welcome to one of Arizona's premier mostly-barrier-free hiking<br />destinations. This extraordinary trail's popularity is bolstered by its wide,<br />flat surface which is advertised as suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and<br />walkers for at least the first 0.6-mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>However, I've seen wheeled trekkers make it all the way up to the final<br />300 yards where a set of stone stairs leads to the box canyon---and beyond with<br />a little assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a<br />beautiful thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because so many<br />of Arizona's special hiking trails require physical stamina and equipment lists<br />beyond the scope of casual day trippers, it's good to know that Waterfall<br />Canyon offers a glimpse of desert splendor to anyone willing to get out of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides the sometimes-flowing-sometime-not waterfall,<br />galleries of ancient rock art line the entire route. "Petroglyph<br />plaza"--an open-air amphitheater with benches--displays several major<br />design panels with trailside signs explaining their significance.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Just below the waterfall, another considerable heritage site<br />includes an eclectic mix of astronomical, hunting and magical designs tapped<br />into boulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, the trail<br />meets stone stairs for a short climb to the waterfall box canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside, a trio of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stone walls, worn smooth by a million<br />rainy seasons, jut vertically skyward from a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>white sand beach and plunge pool echoing a serinade of digital<br />camera clicks and whizzes.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_6RMLq-z8Mr8udhiegDNNuSHW6yGnrCAZ1uqAghF-kNm2tf54B_J2eEeuJgpEkPQLoiPDApjiJLGPnb5S4usyoE8deTVIoEXjq68VvpeTcF0DVVcKdWbslIDpRzZtk19Qv7Bm0tEC3g/s1600/FallsPeople1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_6RMLq-z8Mr8udhiegDNNuSHW6yGnrCAZ1uqAghF-kNm2tf54B_J2eEeuJgpEkPQLoiPDApjiJLGPnb5S4usyoE8deTVIoEXjq68VvpeTcF0DVVcKdWbslIDpRzZtk19Qv7Bm0tEC3g/s320/FallsPeople1.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowd in Waterfall Canyon</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 2 miles round-trip</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b> easy, barrier-free up to the last 300 yards. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION: </b> 1500' - 1700'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>DOGS:</b> leashed dogs are allowed</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FACILITIES:</b> restrooms</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FEE:</b> $6 daily fee per vehicle</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, go 18 miles west on I10 Loop 303.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go north and contnue on 303 to<br />Olive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left (west) on Olive<br />and proceed 4 miles to the park entrance. Once in the park, follow the main<br />road (White Tank Mountain Rd) 2 miles to Waterfall Canyon Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left and go 0.4 mile to the signed<br />trailhead on the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><b>NOTE: 2013<br />road construction plans may cause detours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>park<br />web site or call ahead for details. </b></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlUpLnNgi3nUDzdwW2hfWdjs_9vFkG4CMukC7LEI5NicYM45AyhEJ0pePknGzaKLx5NvuPeD3sdKaoyUsbasm3MDVM_niJ9BztfZDiIvMZYr_fMyo9UzNcoVj9FnKkAgMyCu4c1-J_Tw/s1600/PetroglyphAlley92.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlUpLnNgi3nUDzdwW2hfWdjs_9vFkG4CMukC7LEI5NicYM45AyhEJ0pePknGzaKLx5NvuPeD3sdKaoyUsbasm3MDVM_niJ9BztfZDiIvMZYr_fMyo9UzNcoVj9FnKkAgMyCu4c1-J_Tw/s320/PetroglyphAlley92.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art in "petroglyph plaza"</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><b>INFO:</b> White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Waddell AZ<br />623-935-2505</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/default.aspx">http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/default.aspx</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>MAP:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/pdf/2012/white-tank-8x11.pdf">http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/pdf/2012/white-tank-8x11.pdf</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3718998512279.111945.1795269672&type=1&l=a4f97ace33">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3718998512279.111945.1795269672&type=1&l=a4f97ace33</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-83795960748960148342013-02-11T12:53:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:30.326-07:00A beautiful suburban treadmill trail<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>267</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>1523</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>12</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1870</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>PINNACLE PEAK TRAIL</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>City of Scottsdale</b></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7Mrko8ShCSk4W6Er3DYAg_I9lZcyRykM9HqTgeGZPq5EuS9A2rcPtHNcnAefBATsYoKfCSTRm3pdVMihVVKa1LPiFoSb15SX5kgKQ_7INKBHOU_kievXHhiK0p5Go7YYe3fkVYoSKQI/s1600/edge5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7Mrko8ShCSk4W6Er3DYAg_I9lZcyRykM9HqTgeGZPq5EuS9A2rcPtHNcnAefBATsYoKfCSTRm3pdVMihVVKa1LPiFoSb15SX5kgKQ_7INKBHOU_kievXHhiK0p5Go7YYe3fkVYoSKQI/s320/edge5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter storm over Pinnacle Peak Trail: Feb. 9, 2013</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Traversing the north face of one of Scottsdale’s signature<br />geological wonders, Pinnacle Peak trail is as manicured and swanky as the tony golf<br />communities lapping at its base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>It's a beautiful trail for sure, but don't expect solitude—this suburban<br />route is the north Scottsdale equivalent of Piestewa Peak---replete with<br />elbow-to-elbow crowds and buff bodies intent on maintaining target heart rates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More of an outdoor tread mill than a<br />hiking trail—most people come here for a workout---except for me, who comes to<br />take photos and indulge in a post-hike beer at nearby Greasewood Flat saloon.<br />The trailhead is nicely outfitted with restrooms, drinking water, visitor<br />center and picnic tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An<br />informative sign marks the start point followed by mileage posts every quarter<br />mile and lots of little plaques identifying points of interest like plants and landmarks visible from the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a sky island jutting<br />above an emerald sea of country club homes, the trail gets just high enough<br />above civilization for a decent desert experience but stays close enough for<br />comfort when hiking alone or with winter visitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlpKcMwiDDqwKoS6KYLB3wg7TlCOi6Hf_-TmfPrLCPZsk4IlXrGSrAcnd6KI8v_1zKLpHKTZ3fIXTVaDAZYBKbFBI1RWtUtcJncA4eX8BEKMqWNG72vUhQKW4bjc_trMogIyEsR_zcL4/s1600/trail244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlpKcMwiDDqwKoS6KYLB3wg7TlCOi6Hf_-TmfPrLCPZsk4IlXrGSrAcnd6KI8v_1zKLpHKTZ3fIXTVaDAZYBKbFBI1RWtUtcJncA4eX8BEKMqWNG72vUhQKW4bjc_trMogIyEsR_zcL4/s320/trail244.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the final mile from near the trail's high point</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 3.5 miles out-and-back</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b> moderate</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b> 2,366' – 2,889' (trails climbs both on the way in and out)</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>DOGS:</b> not allowed</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>BIKES: </b>not allowed</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HOURS:</b> dawn to dusk and variable---check web site before<br />going</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Drive<br />exit 36 and go 4.5 miles north on Pima Road to Happy Valley Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn right (east) and go 1.8 miles to<br />Alma School Road, turn left (north) and continue 1 mile to Pinnacle Peak<br />Parkway turn left and follow the signs to the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left (west) on PPP and go 0.5 mile to the park.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO:</b> City of Scottsdale 480-312-0990</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Parks/pinnacle/">http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Parks/pinnacle/</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3705937425760.111782.1795269672&type=1&l=ddf6a7bb5a">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3705937425760.111782.1795269672&type=1&l=ddf6a7bb5a</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-61589259103940661932013-02-08T19:25:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:30.423-07:00Take the Sedona Hike Challenge<b>Hike in Sedona for a chance to win prizes.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16bcRHdA0umE9XUFCjToPAL0CK61hTfpMOaviyi1p88KxGMIIliEHTYaZV9IEsvMMDMp30wHIvtoBlHhODjPPNc8dfUSv02OpuBx7XzrQYW8lyJveUhNXwPzorKSj5TE82QHJQgG5sCI/s1600/yucca5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16bcRHdA0umE9XUFCjToPAL0CK61hTfpMOaviyi1p88KxGMIIliEHTYaZV9IEsvMMDMp30wHIvtoBlHhODjPPNc8dfUSv02OpuBx7XzrQYW8lyJveUhNXwPzorKSj5TE82QHJQgG5sCI/s320/yucca5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />No doubt---Sedona is a world-class hiking destination. So, why aren't you getting out there more? Perhaps the <i><b>Sedona Hike Challenge</b></i> will inspire you to make a couple of trips to Red Rock Country this winter. Sponsored by The Hike House, Sedona businesses and hiking equipment companies, the challenge is easy and some lucky winners will walk away with an AWESOME prize package just by hiking 2 Sedona trails. Plus, its PRIME hiking season---so, this is a win-win challenge.<br /><br /><b>Here's how it works:</b><br /><br /><b>1.</b> Go to <a href="http://www.sedonahikechallenge.com/">http://www.sedonahikechallenge.com</a> to learn about the event and prizes.<br /><br /><b>2.</b> Bring your camera and hike 2 Sedona trails.<br /><br /><b>3. </b> Upload your hike photos to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SedonaHikeChallenge">http://www.facebook.com/SedonaHikeChallenge</a> to be entered into the prize package drawings.<br /><br />Event runs through March 15, 2013. Check the web site for deadlines and details. Good luck!<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>The Hike House</b><br /><br />431 SR 179 #B-1<br /><br />Sedona, AZ 86336<br /><br />928-282-5820<br /><br /><a href="http://thehikehouse.com/">http://thehikehouse.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sedonahikechallenge.com/">http://www.sedonahikechallenge.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i>The author is not participating in this event and has not received trade or payment for this blog mention....it's just a cool opportunity worth a mention. :)</i></b>Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848484256075061766.post-44789667858251642672013-02-05T17:49:00.000-08:002013-04-04T23:30:30.519-07:00An "upside down" river ramble<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template><br /> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision><br /> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime><br /> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages><br /> <o:Words>394</o:Words><br /> <o:Characters>2248</o:Characters><br /> <o:Lines>18</o:Lines><br /> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs><br /> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2760</o:CharactersWithSpaces><br /> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version><br /> </o:DocumentProperties><br /> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /> <o:AllowPNG/><br /> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings><br /></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br /> <w:WordDocument><br /> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom><br /> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/><br /> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/><br /> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery><br /> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/><br /> </w:WordDocument><br /></xml><![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>The Nature Conservancy, Wickenburg</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJz5vxaBsAsY5p-_ONJF2dZqIVlW4Jmfsvv9sndbt4xOp92hTeyQDYSa-tk8Wpnp4gLSPQZtQSgraC5X721sb40s-0weZ1WKcFdFPA4RPjsfgDgSbUmm9yGrHhx-xGFpl1BOsUFff8Ds/s1600/RiverRamble813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJz5vxaBsAsY5p-_ONJF2dZqIVlW4Jmfsvv9sndbt4xOp92hTeyQDYSa-tk8Wpnp4gLSPQZtQSgraC5X721sb40s-0weZ1WKcFdFPA4RPjsfgDgSbUmm9yGrHhx-xGFpl1BOsUFff8Ds/s320/RiverRamble813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Ramble Trail<br /><br /><br /></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnGlF3d4aEX2vD7HxiWN__SQZcXWVtBwx0jiv11i4lM4b7RF9wnF84qYaakudbW1s2LNae_HPGzqu6ypYe4YLEi4aJo1ZsqWyXzLq-Ds3lBlpbATHwDdbmMXw1o9U7DloLFgomnJAJc8/s1600/PalmLake83.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnGlF3d4aEX2vD7HxiWN__SQZcXWVtBwx0jiv11i4lM4b7RF9wnF84qYaakudbW1s2LNae_HPGzqu6ypYe4YLEi4aJo1ZsqWyXzLq-Ds3lBlpbATHwDdbmMXw1o9U7DloLFgomnJAJc8/s320/PalmLake83.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Lake</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />Tucked between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>US60 and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BNSF railroad<br />tracks on the outskirts of Wickenburg, an enchanting forest thrives in a rare<br />riraprian corridor of an "upside down" river. Like many desert<br />waterways, the Hassayampa River--which runs 100 miles from Prescott to the Gila<br />River southwest of Buckeye--flows underground except in only a few places, thus<br />earning its Yavapai moniker "upside down" river. One place in the river's course<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where water flows year-round is The<br />Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve. More than two miles of hiking<br />trails wind through this 700+- acre property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paths range in difficulty from barrier-free (Palm Lake<br />Trail) to mildly challenging (Lykes Lookout) and each showcases a particular<br />aspect of the site's ecological diversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most wild of the trails is River Ramble<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wanders along the waterway in a tangle of gigantic<br />cottonwoods and Goodding willows with a carcophony of bird songs drifting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through the canopy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, it's easy to spot herons and<br />other water fowl lurking among cattails. Along the muddy banks, a frenzy of<br />racoon, opossum, skunk and fox prints betray the critters skulking in the<br />underbrush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other preserve trails<br />focus on endangered mesquite bosques and a spring-fed lake replete with<br />water-loving vegetation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's no<br />wonder this place is a magnet for birds both common and rare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In February, Cedar Waxwings and<br />Yellow-rumped Warblers splatter flicks of lemony color through trees and shrubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More common aboreal winged creatures<br />like brilliant scarlet<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Northern<br />Cardinals and vociferous Curve-billed Thrashers add familiar sounds to the bird<br />convention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>February is a terrific<br />month for viewing either on your own or as part of a guided tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, plan on spending several<br />hours exploring this incredible roadside gem. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDIoF9_4sEOPT4PK7ATX7QzKn3DPXM5l7e7Sq8EbLFzivXzkoQ-8jY1fjFIQeF0T5GPMvrkCrEBxKk2ETAsbF7rhIByRhvUxStBRDqH_qefgO-WHqRpXgAGMyymtGw-8ACESOMDAkgrA/s1600/prints.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDIoF9_4sEOPT4PK7ATX7QzKn3DPXM5l7e7Sq8EbLFzivXzkoQ-8jY1fjFIQeF0T5GPMvrkCrEBxKk2ETAsbF7rhIByRhvUxStBRDqH_qefgO-WHqRpXgAGMyymtGw-8ACESOMDAkgrA/s320/prints.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>LENGTH:</b> 2.54 miles (6 short trails)</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>RATING:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>easy-difficult</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>ELEVATION:</b> 1900'- 1980'</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>FEES:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>$5 per<br />person ($3 for members). Kids 12 & under get in free.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>DOGS: </b>pets are not allowed in the preserve</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>HOURS:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sept -<br />May: 8 a.m - 5 p.m. May - Sept 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.. Hours/Days vary by season, so<br />visit the website or call ahead. Closed on Mondays,Tuesdays and most major<br />holidays. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />From Phoenix, go north on I17 to Carefree Highway<br />(AZ74)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at exit 223.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left (go west toward Wickenburg)<br />and continue 30 miles to US60.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>Turn right (north) and go 6 miles to the Conservancy turn off on the<br />left near milepost 114. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>INFO & MAP: </b>The Nature Conservancy, 928-684-2772<br /><a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/arizona/placesweprotect/hassayampa-river-preserve.xml#thingsToDo">http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/arizona/placesweprotect/hassayampa-river-preserve.xml#thingsToDo</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">MORE PHOTOS:</span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3637747361051.111435.1795269672&type=1&l=862b1d98e6">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3637747361051.111435.1795269672&type=1&l=862b1d98e6</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><br /><!--EndFragment-->Kumar Jadhavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437983120200483061noreply@blogger.com0