Blog

This hike requires two vehicles.  We drop our friend's truck at Lakeview Campground six miles away at the end of our hike.  Then we'll drive my Forester to Marshall Lake where we will get on the AZT. 

On this chilly morning, the sun is just coming up over Anderson Mesa.  Jackets and gloves are in order, however, we start out with a climb and they'll soon come off and get stored in your pack.

The oaks are putting on a beautiful golden display and  are even prettier backlit with morning sun.

You gotta wonder what happened to this one!

One of the highlights of this hike are all the gates we encounter.  Otherwise, it's pretty flat and just a little mundane.

This gate and fence protect a wildlife area.

Prime Lake (dry lake right now) is one of many that dot the top of Anderson Mesa providing important bird and wildlife habitat.

We pass by the observatories.

And encounter Michael who is out for a  ride to Mormon Lake--quite a distance away!

A little farther on, the trail turns southward, traveling along the edge of the Mesa and where we get some fine views of Upper Lake Mary.

Another mile and time for a snack and a map-check.

Onward.  The Mesa is criss-crossed with wildlife and ATV trails, so it is always reassuring to encounter the AZT signs,

And another few miles, we come upon our turn for the Lakeview Campground where we left our friend's truck.  On our last foray onto Anderson Mesa, we hiked up from the campground and turned right at this sign.  This time we'll turn and head down the Mesa.

Love this sign!  I will need to check, but I believe we have already finished at least 70 of the 243 miles to Utah.  This 5.5 mile segment completes 55 miles of the trail from Mormon Lake to FR 514 just north of the Peaks and White Horse Hills.  Having finished the trek across Grand Canyon that leaves only 167 miles to go to Utah!

Time for lunch in the warm autumn sunlight.

We will descend about 1000 feet off the Mesa to our awaiting truck.  It's almost the prettiest portion of our trail today with the glow of colorful oaks and the scent of pine needles underfoot.

And one last little surprise-a pretty paintbrush beside the trail!