
Trailblazers at Copper Canyon. [photo by Vicki]
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Seventeen hikers showed up at the Copper Canyon Loop Trail #504 and began hiking at 10:15
am. The hikers climbed 519 feet weaving up a set of switchbacks to the ridgeline where views
of I -17 appeared. The ridge line also displayed an interesting blend of desert and mountain
terrain with views of the red-rock geology of Sedona and the snowcapped peak of Mt.
Humphrey.

Crucifixion thorn bush is common here. [photo by Michael]
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Lichens are liking this rock. [photo by Debbie]
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Great views of the Verde valley. [photo by Vicki]
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About 2.5 miles into the loop, the hikers encountered Copper Falls where
unfortunately water was not present. Fortunately, however, a few ponderosa pines, southern
sycamores in the creek, scrub oak, and an occasional pinion pine were spotted. The group
stopped for lunch break by a large southern sycamore tree trunk.

Lunch time. [photo by Debbie]
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Flower pasted their prime. [photo by Vicki]
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No water in sight. [photo by Vicki]
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Back on the main trail the
path was relatively smooth, with only a few jutting rocks to impede the way. Along the way
several hikers stood atop a large round rusted brownish/red tank that was used to store fuel for
miners and ranchers in better times. The hikers finished the hike at the trailhead parking lot
after hiking 5.3 miles in a clockwise direction.

Smooth path. [photo by Vicki]
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Left by the miners. [photo by Vicki]
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Old half buried tank. [photo by Debbie]
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