|
Jane, Michael, Quy, Dwight, Joann, Heather, Dave, Jim
|
David French hike leader (southbound).
Dwight Schaal deputy hike leader (northbound).
This hike continued my quest to hike as much of the Arizona Trail as possible
on a day-hike basis. A few weeks ago, Dwight and I, along with some others,
had hiked the southern portion of this passage from FR 123A to General Springs
Cabin and FR 300. Dwight knew the way to the southern starting point for our
hike and graciously agreed to be the deputy hike leader.
That was his first venture into hike leadership for the Arizona Trailblazers.
I also want to welcome Joann and Jane who were guests and the first time
hiking with the club.
This hike covered the northern portion of AZT 27 from FR 123A to the Blue
Ridge Trailhead just south of SR 87 between Clint’s Well and Happy Jack.
To reach the southern starting point, you must drive 11 miles from SR 87 on
FR 300 (the Rim Road) and then 6 miles north on FR 123 and a half mile
northwest on FR 123A. All those Forest Roads are unpaved but passable by
most vehicles. High clearance is certainly recommended.
To reach the northern starting point, continue north on SR 87, past
Clint’s Well, past the Blue Ridge Ranger Station, and turn south on
FR 138 that is signed for Moqui Campground.
Given the long driving distance between start and ending points, we had to do a
key swap.
Eight Trailblazers and guests met at the Target parking lot in
Fountain Hills before 7 AM. We loaded into two cars and headed to Payson and
on northward on SR 87 to FR 300. There we stopped, exchanged cars and took
the group photo. The northbound group headed by Dwight drove my car to the
southern starting point, and I drove Joann’s car to the northern starting
point.
|
Car exchange: make sure you have everything you’ll need.
[photo by Quy]
|
I will describe the hike for the southbound group. Thanks to Quy for providing
lots of great photos. Dwight provided great photos of the northbound group
and I included those at the end.
The Blue Ridge Trailhead is marked by the standard large metal Arizona Trail
sign. From that sign you can go either to the left or right. The left will take you
northward across SR 87, so we went right to head south.
|
Southbound hikers at the Arizona Trail sign.
|
And away we go! [photo by Quy]
|
Heather says it’s dill.
|
We pass through a meadow in the forest. [photo by Quy]
|
The tank is almost dry.
|
We cross a plateau along the trail. [photo by Quy]
|
Burn to start Sept. 24.
The early part of the trail is pretty flat but has a nice forest and some meadows.
We passed by the Blue Ridge Campground and found the AZT signage to be a
little confusing but we managed to get through it OK.
Because an area designated for recreation was fenced off, a bypass route for
equestrians and hikers with dogs was provided.
We encountered a modest climb after the campground and reached a higher
plateau. After crossing a few unpaved forest roads we came to the trail junction
for the Rock Crossing Campground Trail.
We turned right to stay on the AZT, and soon met the northbound group.
We had hiked over 5 miles in a little over 2 hours.
The northbound group had hiked about 3.5 miles.
The long unpaved road to reach the starting point took them longer than our
driving a greater distance on SR 87.
We found some rocks and logs to sit on and enjoyed a deserved rest and
snacks, exchanged keys, took a second group photo, and headed on.
|
Heather
|
Quy
|
Handsome creature! [photo by Quy]
|
THAT Brewery in Pine. [photo by Quy]
|
Now that is a weird rock. [photo by Dwight]
|
This forest needs to be cleared. [photo by Dwight]
|
Michael takes in the view. [photo by Dwight]
|
|
|
Gnarly tree. [photos by Dwight]
|
|