Portal, AZ - Rodeo, NM

Hike For June 29:  Southfork Trail 

Meet at the Silver Peak Trailhead at 8:00 am (AZ) / 9:00 am (NM) to carpool up to South Fork or you can drive yourself if you want to leave early.

Pat Owens      557-7722     rodeonm@vtc.net

Carol Simon    558-2433     casimon@vtc.net    

Jonathan Patt 558-0152      jonathanpatt@gmail.com   

Driving up to the end of the drivable section of the Greenhouse Road, five hikers walked the remaining distance of the road and got onto the Greenhouse Trail. Temperatures were already high at the start of the hike, but we moved along and gained elevation quickly, stopping at multiple water sources to wet bandanas and hats, and managed to stay reasonably cool throughout the day.

We stepped over and under occasional deadfall and went through some overgrowth, as well as a section along Cima Creek where the tread has collapsed away almost completely for a short stretch, but overall the trail is in fairly good condition, and as beautiful as always. We did a little lopping while walking, focusing primarily on locust that had grown into the trail in the switchbacks up to the Winn Falls Overlook. The waterfall was reduced to a trickle, but still a nice sight and a good rest spot before continuing on.

We made it up to Cima Cabin in time for lunch, rested and relaxed there a while in the cooler shade, walked up to the Crest for a (very smoky) view, and then made our way back down into the heat. During our descent, we saw some other hikers below us, at the Winn Falls Overlook, but we never caught up to them as they descended ahead of us. Our total hike was 9 miles.

Next Thursday, June 29, we will hike up the South Fork Trail as far as people want to go. The first 2 miles are in good condition, the 2 miles beyond are in moderate condition, the 2 beyond that in poor condition, and beyond that unknown. Plan for poison ivy to be present along the trail. Meet at the Silver Peak Trailhead at 8 (AZ) / 9 (NM) and we can carpool up to South Fork or you can drive yourself if you want to leave early.

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