Trailblazers are ready to check out the Wickiup Trail System . [photo by Tom]

Michael, Vicki, Alan, Justin .

Four hikers joined me on this loop hike that is part of the Wickiup Trail System that was completed in the spring of 2018 developed and maintained by the Beaver Creek Trails Coalition. The area is known for its ranching history that is now part of the Walker Basin Grazing Allotment established in 1907 and operated by the V Bar V Ranch (drove by this ranch just prior to the trailhead).

Large pile of poo left by one of the local animals (bear?). [photo by Justin]

Trailblazers by a feeding trough. [photo by Alan]

It was a crisp Saturday morning where snow could be seen on small sections of the trail and the upper sections of the San Francisco Peaks and the Bradshaw Mountains. The temperature was apx. 52 degrees (balmy because there was no wind) at the Golden Gulch Trailhead. The group headed to a bench overlooking Montezuma Well at apx. 1.8 miles where visibility was excellent given the fact that a high-pressure rain and snowstorm system cleared the air the day before the hike.

Snow in Arizona. [photo by Vichi]

Snow on the ground. [photo by Vichi]

Montezuma Well with snow in the background. [photo by Vichi]

After stopping for a small snack, the group headed down the Golden Gulch trail for apx. another mile where they encountered residential homes. The group turned around, went past signs for the Mallard and Cedar Knoll trails and completed the loop on the Sunset South Trail that eventually connected with Elmore Wash Trail. A barbecue dinner was eaten at the Colt Grill in Oak Creek Canyon Village.

Golden Gulch. [photo by Justin]

Nice bench. [photo by Vichi]

yes, it does snow in Arizona. [photo by Vichi]