Seven hikers met at the Wendy’s meeting spot. With a quick stop for gas a grub, the wheels were rolling at 7 AM. After a 10 mile one-hour drive on FR201 we were at the trailhead. Sunny skies and above normal temps awaited us

From the trailhead we hiked generally uphill to TX86 where the trail splits. We stayed left on trail #86 toward Thicket Springs.

At this point we began our gradual easy downhill decent. Water as clear and flowing at Thicket Springs (TX1).

As we continued to TX2 we had many easy creek crossings and photo opportunities.

Dick was in the lead when we came upon two riders each leading a packhorse. They said the trail was bushy. What’s new? With clipper in hand Bill did selective clearing as we hiked.

Shortly after TX2 the trail widened as we were now on FR25a. That is where we really started trucking (pun, see photo).

We came upon a stream with a deep clear pool. Great place for lunch, however, we decided to hunt for the mine first.

The fact that the mine name appears on several maps might imply size, thus abandoned equipment or obvious tailings. None. We kept looking as we headed up FR3722 a quarter mile further and nothing. The group headed back down for lunch. Bill played a hunch and headed “off trail” in an area that was slightly less bushy. Bingo. Found it.

Not seeing animal scat, we entered and continued until the floor became wet. No gold. We all wondered if the names on the large tile referred to the miners. Bill said he would e-mail Marshall Trimble for any history of the mine.

After lunch we “soaked” our bandanas and hats before heading back. Uphill. At TX2 we took trail #260. It was steep and overgrown well beyond the help of a single hand clipper. After frequent rest stops we reached the Arizona trail at TX3.

The trail was clear with great views of Mt Peely and Mt Ord. After a few ups and downs we reached TX1. We re-soaked and rested before returning to the trailhead.

Thanks to Ajay for driving and Ed for demonstrating the “EZ Flop”.