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| Hiking | 6.40 Miles |
1,300 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.40 Miles | | | |
| 1,300 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Hike 2 of 3. My new Trail Runners drew this Hike. Same Trail Runners I had before, just updated. Like my old Trail runners, I developed hots spots initially, but I think changing socks will help with that and my feet get used to them too. They did fine and will do even better after a couple more hikes and tweaking the socks.
Did this CW upon Jake's suggestion and he was spot on. The Description doesn't include the intersection with the Arizona Trail, but just know, that that intersection is NOT the 1st Intersection with the use trail that he lists in his description. I took a break next to some nice Aspen along the Weatherford and when I started up again, I ended up blowing by the 2nd Intersection. So I got some extra mileage and AEG in before I realized that RS had intermittently stopped again and that I missed the turnoff.  Got back on track and took the Use Trail down.
Remarkably this Trail is still in pretty good shape although there is some deadfall along the way which is all easily negotiated, one way or another. Looked for Aspen Spring, and finally found it, but it's dry. There is some flora encroachment on the trail in places, but unless you hate brushing up against 4+ foot high Ferns, you'll be fine. The Aspen area comes later than you think, but it's worth the loop for sure. After seeing what upper Weatherford looked like from above, that Aspen stand goes almost all the way up the Canyon, you just catch the lower part when you intersect it on that Trail. Got some photos and just enjoyed the Hike at a fairly leisurely pace. Trail Runners were a bit problematic, but I expected it on their first outing due to experience with the old ones.
Before and after the Loop, I visited Shultz Tank. First time at this TH, so it was all new. The Dragons were numerous and even included some Butterflies in the mix. TH Parking was almost full, both at the start and at the end. Busy place. Good Hike and a nice forest experience for sure. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Lupine and Vetch were going strong, as was the Fleabane. Yellow and White flowers were also numerous in places. |
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| Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "Wow What a Ride!" |
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Route Editor
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