"Wanna go on a road trip?" Kevin asked after the morning political talk shows were over.
"Where to?"
"I was thinking of that road near Gleason..."
So off we were. But when we landed at the road we found that the road was gated shut AND it was private property AND part of State Trust Land.
"We don't have a permit to go here, Kevin...the State Trust Land just hiked their fees to $50, $75 for families..."
As we got out of the car the property owner, Linda, came by. We explained that we were not going to enter her land since we didn't have the required permit (to which she just rolled her eyes).
"We have hunters in there" she said, "and we're about to kick them out...you're better off coming back when hunting season's over."
Now where?
We opted instead for the Chiricahuas, a massive sky island that straddles the stateline with New Mexico. The mountains are tall, a birder's paradise, and full of lush riparian trails.
It took us two hours to get to the western mountain trails. We drove into Rucker Canyon, crossed Rucker Creek, saw the "Beware of Bears" sign, then turned off a forest road leading into Red Rock Canyon. I had never been here. The sycamores, ash, maples and elms were already changing colors...and cows were all over the creekbed. The sign said nothing about "Beware of Bullshit."
"Why are cows allowed to graze in a recreation area?" I asked, miffed. Later we saw those same cows grazing in a camping area.
"I hope they paid their $3 per head fee!" I added, annoyed.
We pulled over on an unmarked jeep trail that winded uphill through a dry creekbed in parts. The dogs enjoyed the water in the creek, I enjoyed just getting out. But we weren't on the trail for long.
"Where to?"
"I was thinking of that road near Gleason..."
So off we were. But when we landed at the road we found that the road was gated shut AND it was private property AND part of State Trust Land.
"We don't have a permit to go here, Kevin...the State Trust Land just hiked their fees to $50, $75 for families..."
As we got out of the car the property owner, Linda, came by. We explained that we were not going to enter her land since we didn't have the required permit (to which she just rolled her eyes).
"We have hunters in there" she said, "and we're about to kick them out...you're better off coming back when hunting season's over."
Now where?
We opted instead for the Chiricahuas, a massive sky island that straddles the stateline with New Mexico. The mountains are tall, a birder's paradise, and full of lush riparian trails.
It took us two hours to get to the western mountain trails. We drove into Rucker Canyon, crossed Rucker Creek, saw the "Beware of Bears" sign, then turned off a forest road leading into Red Rock Canyon. I had never been here. The sycamores, ash, maples and elms were already changing colors...and cows were all over the creekbed. The sign said nothing about "Beware of Bullshit."
"Why are cows allowed to graze in a recreation area?" I asked, miffed. Later we saw those same cows grazing in a camping area.
"I hope they paid their $3 per head fee!" I added, annoyed.
We pulled over on an unmarked jeep trail that winded uphill through a dry creekbed in parts. The dogs enjoyed the water in the creek, I enjoyed just getting out. But we weren't on the trail for long.
I could have stayed a few more hours, but Kevin wanted to leave almost as soon as we got to the trail.
I want to come back here and explore, and figure out where Sage Peak is, where the trail ends 5.4 miles uphill with panoramic views. We only had a taste of the mountains today.
http://www.arizonahikers.com/forum/modules.php?set_albumName=albvw92&id=rcc6&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php
We just didn't have the time to stay and explore for long. The dogs were chasing cows and Sara delighted in rolling around in fresh cow patties. Her fur was a matted dark green when we left the forest two hours later.
I could see the red spiral rocks between tree crowns. This is truly a beautiful canyon that deserves more exploring, perhaps with an overnight camp-out, if we can squeeze that in before the really cold weather is due next week.
http://www.arizonahikers.com/forum/modules.php?set_albumName=albvw92&id=rcc6&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php
We just didn't have the time to stay and explore for long. The dogs were chasing cows and Sara delighted in rolling around in fresh cow patties. Her fur was a matted dark green when we left the forest two hours later.
I could see the red spiral rocks between tree crowns. This is truly a beautiful canyon that deserves more exploring, perhaps with an overnight camp-out, if we can squeeze that in before the really cold weather is due next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment