Portal, AZ - Rodeo, NM

Hike For September 27:   Rucker Canyon 

Meet at the Rodeo Post Office at 8:00 a.m. AZ, 9:00 a.m. NM.

 Pat Owens      557-7722     rodeonm@vtc.net

Carol Simon    558-2433     casimon@vtc.net    

Jonathan Patt 558-0152      jonathanpatt@gmail.com   

Sulfur Canyon

9/20/2018

Photos and Report by Carol

Four hikers met at the Rodeo Post Office and decided to postpose the Rucker Canyon Hike until next week. The region got widespread rain the night before, with more forecast, and we were unsure of driving conditions over so many miles of dirt roads. Instead, we headed into nearby Sulfur Canyon with clouds hanging low over the Chiricahuas and grasses glistening with moisture. The grasslands approaching the canyon and covering the lower hillsides were lush and green, with little hint of the 2011 Horseshoe Fire. But there was plenty of evidence of the 2014 Hurricane Odile. What was once an easy walk into Sulfur Draw, following an old road to a large metal cow tank and then continuing on a narrow but evident trail, is different today. There certainly are stretches of the old road and numerous grassy trails, most likely due to the cattle that graze this area seasonly, but much of the walk is a scramble along the blown-out creek bed. Nevertheless the rising rhyolite cliffs make this an attractive walk.

We found water flowing above ground in some limited areas and a few wildflowers persisted to this late September date, especially yellow composites, red scarlet creeper and pentstemon, and blue morning glories as well. As we walked deeper into the canyon the clouds began to lift until there was considerable blue sky at our apple pie snack break around 10:30. (Thanks Alina!!) Here one hiker turned around while the others went on to explore a side canyon. They walked another two miles in, passing a narrows, numerous pools of water and an intermittent stream. Hikers walked four to eight miles, depending upon where they turned around.

We wish to acknowledge those that did hot and thirsty trail work during the past week in the vicinity of Pine Park. The Portal-Rodeo hikers appreciate every hour you spend on the trails. And thanks, John, for coming all the way from Texas to organize these efforts.

We will try Rucker Canyon again next week, on 27 September. Meet at the Rodeo Post Office at 8:00 a.m. AZ, 9:00 a.m. NM. The exact route will be decided by the participants. At least a portion of the hike (or all of it if you wish) will be along the always lovely Rucker Creek.

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Chiricahua Trail Crew Volunteer Agreement