Six hikers showed up on a warm September morning at the Gooseberry Springs Trailhead, where a group photo was taken by a kiosk showing historical information on the area’s geography and early inhabitants.

The group proceeded on the AZ Trail, where an open meadow with thick pine oaks woodlands was followed by smatterings of fir and spruce in addition to a herd of longhorn cattle.

The AZ Trail intersected FR 92 and began a 400-foot climb along a ridge above Fulton Canyon, displaying basalt rock formations. Further along the AZ Trail intersected FR 135 and FR 135C dirt roads initially built for logging operations involving a large supply of ponderosa pine.

The group went past Maxie Tank to Shuffs Tank, that is a popular watering hole for mule deer and elk and that also provided an excellent lunch spot. The hikers continued for another mile along the AZ Trail in a southerly direction before turning around.

Had the group continued another 30.7 miles they would have intersected Rt. 87 in Payson. The hikers re-traced their steps in a northerly direction on the AZ Trail through the Coconino National Forest heading back to the car.

Dinner was at Fat Olive by Route 66 in Flagstaff.