Trailblazers are ready to hike the AZT Passage 30. [photo by John]

The weather finally returned to normal temperatures up north and we had a nice monsoon the night before 13 hikers met at the Horse Trail trailhead to hike part of the Arizona Trail Passage 30. The group of 10 Arizona trailblazers and 3 guests carpooled over to the Mayflower Springs trailhead and then hiked 9.1 miles back to the Horse Trail Trailhead. This section of the AZT is one of my top 3 hikes along the entire 800 miles of trail.

Time to start treking. [photo by Vicki]

We are treking. [photo by Vicki]

Old railroad tie. [photo by Vicki]

The hike through the ponderosa forest was nice and cool. The trail and sky were dust free from the rain the night before. At several points along the passage, we hiked along the side of the old lumber logging railroad and had the opportunity to read about the loggers. After 5 miles of hiking through the mostly flat forest with some hills the group stopped for a water and snack break. After the break the hike continued through the forest and under the Pine Grove campground road until we reached Lake Mary Road. After crossing over the road, the hikers climbed up a small hill to the junction with the Horse Trail Trailhead where the hike ended. It was a beautiful day to be hiking on this little used trail and be out on part of the Arizona Trail system.

Plaque for the old railroad. [photo by Vicki]

Lots of rocks for the railway. [photo by John]

Lunch time. [photo by Vicki]

Mother and daughter. [photo by Vicki]

Just about back to the cars. [photo by Vicki]