Serving The Communities Of Portal and Rodeo (www.portal-rodeo.com)
Hiking
Hike For October 31 - Crest Trail
Meet: Silver Peak Trail Head at 8:00 am (AZ)
Carol Simon (520) 558-2433 casimon@vtc.net
Elaine Moisan (520)558-5204 emoisan2011@hotmail.com
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Hike Report for October 24, 2024
There was a cold rain, fierce winds and a gloomy day for a hike somewhere other than where we went today. It actually was a hot sunny day like summer, and the gentle breeze was a welcome gift. Two weeks ago a couple of hikers started down the old 4x4 road that used to go from Barfoot Park to Pine Canyon (and eventually got to the Methodist Church Camp which was torn down and everything removed 3-4 years ago). They enjoyed the hike so much (and a shirt was left along the way) they convinced more of us to hike it this week just to see. (The shirt was found but critters had added ventilation).
The spring at Barfoot meadow must be flowing low as the usual puddle in the road below the old Boy Scout camp was dry. The beginning of the old 4x4 road is blocked with many fallen trees - some on top of the picnic tables in what use to be part of the camping area. We wandered through the meadow avoiding as many trees as possible till we found the remnants of the old road where a sign warned us that only 4 wheel drive vehicles should go further. In my opinion only 4 footed bears and 2 footed humans could get there or should proceed; but that only my opinion.
The sign says, "CAUTION - USE 4X4 VEHICLES ONLY"
The Horseshoe 2 fire burned hot through this part of the forest and many of the conifers were killed. In their place the upper part of the trail is thick with grasses and forbs with a few seedling ponderosa pines coming up. Everything herbaceous is starting to dry during our usual fall, post monsoon season.
The former road has really narrowed through a rocky stretch and many fallen trees narrowed the trail further - under, over, detour around one log end then step over the next rotting log kicking the upper part off so it’s easier to navigate. The Fendler’s ceanothus is another issue as it’s claiming both edges of the narrow route that wildlife has maintained. Anyway, the hike was slow but we were able to enjoy the great views to the south where aspen, black cherry and raspberries were turning color.
Aspen turning up above
Just below the rocky area the trail skirts a nice meadow, or “park” as the old timers called them. We couldn’t find a historic name for this park,,, if there are any old historians still able to read hike reports (yeah, this means you Bill) they might be able to dig up a name. Here the trail turned left then right to drop down along a side slope through a continuous stand of regenerating silver-leafed oaks. The original oaks were killed by the fire and the dead trunks fell and now criss-cross the trail. Over, under, around the short end and then force our way through dead branches.
Anyway, the day was great, the hike was great, the scenery was great, the hikers were tired and Halloween is just around the corner.
For a change in our usual yearly routine we won’t hike Devil Canyon next week as there is a good chance we’ll find lots of aspen with golden leaves if we go on the Crest Trail then. We expect the Devil still to be in the Canyon if we hike there later in the year but if we wait longer we’ll find all the aspen leaves on the ground and have to wait till next fall. So we will meet at Silver Peak trail head at 8 AM AZ, 9 AM NM. Bring water, lunch, hat, sunscreen and lots of film for your camera. We expect to return to Portal by late afternoon but it’s a Wilderness out there and hillsides of golden leaves are a once-a-year treat.
Hike report from Al, photos from Elaine & Elly
The 62 Highest Peaks, Mountains, Hills, And Lookouts In The Chiricahuas
(Tabulated by Ray Brooks)
(Form Necessary To Work With Trail Crew)
Download - Complete - Mail
To volunteer with the US Forest Service, fill out an application. If accepted, a Volunteer Service Agreement specifying the task(s) will be sent to you.
DOWNLOAD THE FORM. Print it, fill out, sign in block 23, and date. You can scan a signed document and e-mail it toArmando Arvizu at: armando.arvizu@usda.gov
You can also mail the form to Armando at the Douglas Ranger District Office:
1192 W. Saddle View Rd. Douglas, AZ 85607
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