Blog

Take a Hike-Passage 29 of the Arizona Trail

A fritillary enjoys lunch on the Arizona Trail
A fritillary enjoys lunch on the Arizona Trail

Unless you want to hike an "out-and-back" which in this case would total 11 miles, you take two cars for a shuttle.  We drop Stan's car off at Mormon Lake Lodge, our terminus, then drive back up the road to Double Springs campground and leave mine there.  Check on all your gear and let's go!

 

 

The trail is clearly marked and almost so all the way.  There was one instance where we couldn't find where the trail went for a few moments.

 

That was fun and it'll be the only water we see for the next 5.5 miles.

 

Work crews on the AZT place these cool little "Roll-overs"  for pedestrians and bicyclists.  Gates are arranged  for equestrians when a property fence is reached.

 

 

And for quite some distance, it's all uphill.

 

We find most of the trail to be rather rocky, so just watch your footing.

 

The trail is well marked.  Here's where the Lakeview trail meets the AZT.  The day is getting pretty warm, so a good time to chug some water and have a snack.

 

And more uphill.  

 

We cross a small dirt road and usually the trail is well-marked.  I missed the trail sign which hidden by this downed tree, which also obscured the trail.  Good thing Stan spotted it.

 

Start looking for a place in the shade to have lunch. Most of the big logs are in the sun, but here's a pile of rocks that look possible.  Find a comfortable one and take a break.

 

What did you bring along?

 

We could hear the roar of an ATV for some time, so we knew there must be another road to cross--and there he was. After that anachronistic thing passes, let's take a look at the small things.

 

 

A little sulphur nectarine on some Mules Ears

 

A fritillary enjoying lunch.  

 

Just about the only wildflower we encountered along the trail was Scarlet Bugler--a treat for hummingbirds!

 

Finally we reach the side trail that will take us down to Mormon Lake.  

 

Not too far to go and we are ready for something cold and wet.

 

Mormon Lake where the population sign reads "Population: 50-500".  We head for the Lodge where--

 

We make our way to the bar,  We must have looked pretty hot and bedraggled.  We asked for lemonade and the bartender said it was on the house.  Left him a sweet tip, cooled off with that lemonade, then wobbled back to Stan's car, drove back to pick up mine, then drove back home.

 

 


Comments


Leave a Comment

Remember Your Info
Check this box if you want email updates when people comment on this post