Trailblazers hiking on the Berry road. [photo by Vicki]

Eight hikers showed up on warm Saturday morning to participate in these high-country woodland areas of the Coconino National Forest. This hike began in a shaded area along the old Lake Mary Frontage Road which was built with red lava rock interspersed with road-building materials used in the 1920’s through the 1940’s. The hike paralleled Mormon Lake, Arizona’s largest natural lake fed mostly by snow melt. The old crumbling byway was abounded with a bounty of fruit-bearing native plants such as the Arizona walnut (hikers collected the fallen seeds), the Utah service berry, wax currants, and blue berry elders.

Cactus in the old roadway. [photo by Vicki]

Start of the hike. [photo by Vicki]

Arizona walnut. [photo by Vicki]

On the road again. [photo by Vicki]

Unfortunately, no waterfowl could be seen but several hawks with long wing spans were viewed flying overhead the basal-laden cliff tops. The presence of basalt is evidence of volcanos long passed. Dens of the Kit Fox were also evident, but no foxes were spotted. Between shady strands of Ponderosa pines, Gamble oaks (leaves displayed red coloring early indications of fall), junipers, cotton woods, and aspens, a view of Mormon Mountain (rises to an elevation of 8,456 ft.) could be seen to the south. The group turned around at a locked gate apx. 3.3 miles into the hike. Several members proceeded to the Mormon Lodge to drink a much-needed beer due to afternoon temperatures that were in the low 90’s.

Fall color is starting. [photo by Vicki]

Some berries on Berry road. [photo by Vicki]

Walking on Berry road. [photo by Vicki]

Vulture checking us out. [photo by Vicki]

Plenty of flowers. [photo by Vicki]

The leaves are changing color. [photo by Vicki]