This hike was a continuation of my quest to pretend that I am going to hike all 800+ miles of the Arizona Trail. In June we hiked AZT 30a from Gooseberry Springs to Mormon Lake Village. The hike today started at the village and continued northward to Dairy Springs, a distance of approximately 8 miles.

Twenty-one hikers showed up at the Village just before 9 AM and all within about 10 minutes of each other. That was amazing given that people were driving from Fountain Hills, north Phoenix, Flagstaff, Payson and Munds Park and three people were camping in the general area. It was a bright sunny day without a cloud in the sky. That makes for good hiking and picture taking but is scary since it has been over a week since there were any clouds in the high country during Monsoon Season!

We drove four cars to leave at the trail end near Dairy Springs campground and brought the drivers back to the trail beginning which was the trailhead for Navajo Springs trail in the Village. After the group photo and quick introductions, we started the 1.3 mile hike with 300 foot elevation gain on the Navajo Springs trail to the Arizona Trail. Along the way we encountered some equestrians from the nearby riding stables and occasional road apples along the trail. When we reached the AZT, we paused to make sure everyone was with us as we turned northward on the trail.

This section of the AZT is relatively flat but has a good forest canopy and grassy ground cover. I consider it to be the nicest part of passage 30. We trekked along, pausing periodically to make sure everyone was with us. Given the ease of the trail, the large group stayed together better than usual. We stopped in a ravine where there was nice shade and places to sit while we had a rest and some snacks. I suddenly got a call on by cell phone from one of the hikers saying “Where are you, did you pass by a burned out area?” No we did not. So I followed the trail back out of the ravine so we had a chance to see each other. Sure enough, after a couple of minutes, we spotted 3 hikers bushwhacking in our general directions. Apparently they had taken potty breaks off the trail and did not find their way back to the trail.

We stopped again for more snacks or our official “lunch” break after a little more than 4 miles and 2 hours of hiking. We continued on and joined the Lake View trail that took us down to the Double Springs Campground. We used the toilet facilities available and made sure everyone was with us because the trail through the campground is not obvious.

We continued on northward, crossing Forest Road 240 that links Munds Park to Mormon Lake and then on to the junction with the Mormon Mountain Trail. A few of the hikers blew past the junction, not remembering that we were to turn right to reach the place where we parked the cars at the trail end. Fortunately, we were not far behind and got them turned around quickly. Just a reminder to all hikers: stop at all trail junctions until the hike leader arrives and gives directions.

We piled into the 4 vehicles and drove back to the Village. One hiker was camping nearby so we could transport five hikers in each of the four cars.

In the village, the group divided up with some going to the pizza restaurant, Mormon Lake Lodge or leaving immediately for home. I had reminded all the hikers to consult with the driver that brought them before choosing where to eat.