Portal, AZ - Rodeo, NM

This week, five hikers drove down to Rucker Canyon to hike beyond the gates.  We were pleased to meet another hiker (from the Bisbee area) parked at the campground entrance, so our group was six.

We saw some nice wildlife on our way:  One person saw a Scaled quail with chicks on the Portal/Rodeo Road;  we all enjoyed some Burrowing Owls off Tex Canyon Road, and found a beautiful Pronghorn family there as well.

The road was rougher from flooding, so we were unsure what to expect.  Shortly after the start of the trail, we found that a side drainage had completely blown out the trail.  There was a huge gully that we had to navigate around, and this continued to be the pattern for many side drainages as we walked upstream.  We were surprised by a male trogon "singing", and were able to see him fly over.  He was in the same area on the way back, leading us to suspect a nest nearby.

Once we left the trail for the Gates (staying on the creek) we met the expected collection of fallen trees so it was slow going for awhile, but we were rewarded by the gorgeous cliffs and clear pools as we made our way up.

Two hikers turned back when we left the trail, and one more after we lunched at the grotto, but three of us kept going 3/4 mile beyond that to where the canyon broadens out a bit.

Some local friends just sent an email thanking people in our group for continuing to work on trails, particularly two people that they encountered sawing a large log across the trail up to the old Barfoot lookout – you know who you are, thanks!

Next week, our group plans to do some trailwork at the crest - we'll try to get details out soon.  Anyone who doesn't wish to work this time can still meet up to hike - 8 AM Arizona, 9 AM New Mexico at the Silver Peak trailhead parking lot. 

report and photos from Elaine

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Chiricahua Trail Crew Volunteer Agreement