Spanish Ruins via Doll Baby

Weather:  65°, mostly sunny

About this Hike:  I originally read about the hike up to Spanish Ruins via Doll Baby Trail last January. After looking at a home for sale in Payson, we set out to visit Doll Baby, but the dirt road was extremely muddy and rutted. We opted to turn around and went to Peach Orchard Trail that day instead. My intention was to return to Doll Baby in a drier season.

Now Payson is home, and with unseasonable warmth and dryness, I decided it was time to give Doll Baby another shot. 

The road was dry, save for where water always trickles across the road near the sewer treatment plant. I don't know if I want to know the reason why there seems to be a perennial stream in this area...

What's really intriguing about this hike is the drive to get there. The road goes from dirt, to good paved road, and then back to dirt again. There are also utility boxes for electric and fire hydrants. Why is there so much developed infrastructure along a forest road? My best guess is that it serves the ranches in the area. 

Finally we reached the Doll Baby TH and parked. We had it all to ourselves. I've read this is a boring hike. I'd have to beg to differ. There's very intriguing geology in this area. Red and purple Mazatzal quartzite is scattered on the ground. I was admiring a Sedona-esque red rock cliff face that loomed just above the hiking trail. The hike at this point involves climbing a steep hill on an old road. 

Upon passing a large metal gate, an immediate left turn reveals the side trail up on top of that same red-rock cliff face. The side trail can be confusing. People have set up cairns, but I believe more than one route has been traversed. It involved a lot of off-trail trial and error. The red cliff facings form the edge of a mesa, and once we'd hiked and scrambled a bit, we were on top. The search for the ruins site had commenced. 

We got off trail quite a few more times. Hiking GPS definitely helped to re-orient us, especially after following a few oddly placed cairns. 

Eventually we got to the ruins site. It is much bigger than I anticipated. I wonder how whoever created this structure found so many relatively flat red stones to build these walls out of. There is no mortar between the stones and they have fallen in a few places. However, the walls are surprisingly sturdy. I imagine whoever built this used it as a lookout on the Verde River valley far below. 

And that brings up another point I wish to mention. The Verde River is lined with sycamores and cottonwoods. I want to revisit this area in the fall. I imagine the color is fantastic. 

After hanging out at the ruins for a while, we hiked back to Doll Baby TH and did a quick side trip over to the Verde River. Being as this is right in Payson's backyard, I look forward to exploring more of this area in the future. 

North Peak 24

Weather:  57°, mostly sunny

About this Hike:  With 2,800+ feet of elevation gain, a hike up North Peak Trail sounded like the perfect end to a four-day Thanksgiving weekend filled with feasting. 

The trailhead is on FR 414-A, which is a turn off from FR-414. I'm glad I studied the map carefully and was aware of this. The parking area is just a "lollipop" road, but I had it all to myself. 

The trail starts in a riparian area along Mineral Creek. Had I visited a week or two earlier, I would've been treated to some nice fall color among the sycamores, cottonwoods, and (what I assume to be) sumac. A few colored leaves were still hanging on, but the peak color has certainly passed for this year.

Most of the 2,800 feet of elevation gain come at you fast. The climb is steep. Remember that what goes up has to come down... But as you ascend the views keep getting better. Look up for some cool Mazatzal quartzite formations and look down for views into the canyon made up by the lower reaches of the trail's namesake North Peak. 

As I climbed higher the views just got better and better. Today was a rare clear day in Arizona. The snow-capped Humphrey's Peak up near Flagstaff eventually came into view. 

While the hike is seldom completely flat, the brutal elevation gain eventually settles down into more of a "roller coaster." There's climbs up hills and then drops into ravines. This is the best part of the hike, in my opinion.  The scenery is typical of the Mazatzals with wrinkly green mountains in the distance, stunning rock formations, and distant canyons. One thing lacking on this hike is old-growth forest. I  believe much of it may have burned around 20 years ago. Some areas are showing signs of recovery, but the massive old ponderosas are sparse. Enjoy the few brief stands of them that remain. 

I didn't quite finish North Peak Trail. It ends at Mazatzal Divide Trail, and I opted to turn back with just about a mile to go. The air was getting chilly and I knew the hike down was going to be treacherous. 

The typical Mazatzal ecosystem and the stunning views are what make this hike worth it. Whether or not I'll be back is TBD. Now that Payson is home, there are still so many other trails around here I look forward to exploring. 

Rock Creek 42

Weather:  70°, sunny

About this Hike:  Rock Creek Trail 42 sounded intriguing. This hike thru the Mazatzals was supposed to take you by a waterfall before the trail ends at Mazatzal Divide Trail. 

I drove to the trailhead via forest roads accessed from Rye just off AZ-87. In theory you could follow this same FR-414 down from Payson. While I'm sure it's a beautiful drive, I prefer to limit my time off the pavement. 

The drive in was OK, save for the two final creek crossings which featured large boulders and were  uncomfortable. My Tacoma made it thru unscathed. 

A well-marked 'TH42' sign indicates the start of Rock Creek Trail. Initially the hike follows the creek, and I honestly think this is some of the best part of the hike. The sycamores lining the creekbed were in full orange array of fall color, and the few cottonwoods were just beginning to turn yellow. The creekbed is a rainbow of boulders grey, grey-blue, and red-purple. 

The 2,000+ feet of elevation gain comes at you quickly and steeply on this well-maintained trail. As I reached the red-purple Mazatzal quartzite ridges, that began to change. Manzanita overgrowth began to pose more of a challenge. While the trail was still visible and the bushwhacking not impassable, it was annoying. Sometimes I was sidestepping manzanita while trying to avoid impalement by the spiky yuccas near the trail. 

I reached the rock formations and came to a perfect rock bench in the shade. There were beautiful views down to Highway 87, the Mogollon Rim, and the eastern Mazatzals. Beyond this, the trail had a sheer drop off. As in, get your ankle caught in some overgrowth and you very well may fall to your death. I have an extreme fear of heights and seeing this ledge caused me a panic attack. I opted to sit on the rock bench, eat lunch, and contemplate my next move. I was sick of bushwhacking, and honestly the map indicated the trail was going to be more of the same the rest of the way to the waterfall—steep, sheer drops, and likely overgrown. 

As I've found myself doing more and more lately, I made the tough decision to turn back, not having reached my goal at the waterfall. By the way, the waterfall was sure to be dry, but I still wanted to see those cool rock formations that water spills over when the creeks are flowing. 

The hike down was uneventful, although I was very cautious considering the steepness of the trail. The Mazatzals have a lot to offer in terms of rock formations and cool high-desert-to-forest scenery. There are better options than Rock Creek 42 in my opinion...

Halloweekend Tradition Lives On

Weather:  81°, sunny, hot

About this Hike:  Haunted Canyon has been a Halloween-time tradition for a fourth year in a row now. My pattern is to alternate each year between the lower trailhead and the upper trailhead. This meant that 2023 was the year to visit from the steeper, tougher upper trailhead. My last visit here was in 2021.

I can't say much has changed in two years. The drive up is a little sketchy but not unbearable by any means. In past years I've done this in October. I opted to try it a little later this year to enjoy the brilliant yellow fall color of the sycamores that line creekbeds in this ecosystem. 

There is a segment of this trail that was full of overgrowth and bushwhacking. Despite getting some maintenance this spring, the bushes are growing back. While not impassable by any means, the bushwhack is annoying. I brought my clippers and did some trimming to try and make it a little less annoying. 

I saw plenty of friendly deer—some a little too friendly. Are other hikers feeding them? I also saw plenty of bear evidence, but thankfully no bears. 

The creeks are bone dry this year, although the several spring heads along this hike were dripping. Otherwise I had the parking area, the trail, and the canyon to myself. I never saw another vehicle or hiker on this exceptionally warm fall day. 

Seeing Fall Color

Weather:  63°; sun and clouds

About this Hike:  It has been just over five years since I last visited See Canyon. Back then I did this steep climb on a hot, humid August afternoon. I'm not sure what I was thinking back then, although I do remember it being a beautiful hike...

We came out here today to experience some Arizona fall color, which thus far this year has been lacking. See Canyon did not disappoint. I was fortunate to get one of the last parallel parking spaces along the 284 road. The main lot was full. 

Upon arriving at the parking area we were greeted with red and orange maples. As we hiked into the canyon the scenery only got better. We did the side trip over to See Spring which was flowing nicely. It's fascinating to watch how these springs go underground and then re-emerge right out of the side of a rock pile. 

The higher we climbed into the canyon, the better the fall color became. While the reds, yellows, and oranges were mostly attributed to maples, a few aspens in the higher elevations also showed off their golden leaves. All of this fall color is complimented by evergreens, striking rim views, and dramatic dry creek beds. 

The final part of this hike is very steep. It's like the bulk of the 2,000+ feet of elevation gain all comes at once. Approaching the rim, the landscape changes. The rocks become a pale color with some rust spots. The soil gets rockier. The vibrant mix of colorful maples and evergreen firs gives way to spotty grassland and ponderosa pine. The few deciduous trees at this elevation were already bare of leaves.  We turned back at Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) and hiked back down the way we came. 

Despite only being about 3:30pm, the shadows were long in the canyon and the temperatures began to drop quickly, despite brilliant sunshine still lighting the cliffs above. We returned to a now almost empty parking area just as the sun began its final descent and the full moon began to rise.  

Four Peaks Return via El Oso Road

Weather:  79°; mostly sun

About this Hike:  Five-and-a-half years ago I first visited Browns Peak via Lone Pine Trailhead in the Four Peaks. I got there in an old 2WD Nissan Xterra. I drove in via the west approach on FR-143, and having no prior off-road driving experience, it was probably more than I should have attempted. That story is memorialized here.

I mentioned that the only way I'd return to Four Peaks would be via El Oso Road. Now that Payson is home, this approach to Four Peaks is right in my backyard. On the east side of the range near Tonto Basin, El Oso is shorter and said to be in better condition. Overall, I'd say this is true. El Oso does have some shelf portions, blind curves, and extremely tight switchbacks. It was not a fun drive even in a properly equipped 4x4 pickup. Back in 2018 I marveled at a Mitsubishi Mirage that made it to the trailhead. This year I marveled at a Honda Civic Si that somehow navigated the rough road.

Today it was my goal to explore the Amethyst Trail including the jaunt out to the Four Peaks Mine. In 2018 fire damage was evident on Four Peaks, although the area was recovering since a bad fire in 1996. Much of that recovery was undone thanks to Bush Fire in 2020, and I was curious to see what, if anything, had survived this latest inferno. 

At the Lone Pine Trailhead I noted that fire had burned all the trees that greet you at the information sign. The railroad tie steps at the beginning of the trail were mostly burned up, and the erosion was terrible. Since I previously explored Brown's Peak Trail, I opted to start with Amethyst. The signs at the trailhead call it Four Peaks Trail 130. Regardless, this trail went through some areas of gamble oak and scraggly ponderosa. As Browns Peak came into view, some fall color was evident on the hillside. Overall, despite fire damage, there was a little bit of forest to enjoy. The ascent up toward Browns was very steep and rocky. Eventually I reached the saddle and made a wrong turn. I started up the side trail to the scree chute. Much as I'd like to say that I summited on Brown's, I wasn't willing to attempt that scree chute in 2018 nor was I willing to take another stab at it in 2023. 

I was actually looking for the trail that leads to the Four Peaks Amethyst Mine. It's not easy to find, and I skidded on nearly all fours down a hillside to reach it. Had I looked near the saddle by a fire ring and campsite, I would've found that the trail does connect, it's just not marked at all. 

Previous reviews I read of the one-and-three-quarter mile mine trail indicate it suffers from overgrowth. Thanks to some recent maintenance, the trail is passable. Shears in hand, I helped add to that trail maintenance in areas where oak and catclaw were beginning to crowd the narrow footpath again. Overall it's easy to follow, although I did lose the trail a couple of times. One time I got off trail and nearly took a nasty tumble. My best advise is pack a lot of patience for this hike. Despite a relatively short distance, it has to be taken slowly and carefully. You cannot hustle on this trail; there are just too many obstacles to be wary of. 

Finally I reached the locked gate for the amethyst mine. You can see the mine building up on the hillside. There is a sign that I'm guessing was a boundary marker, although now it's a charred mess. Seeing the mine is neat. But I think the real reward on this hike is the views. You have to keep stopping to look up. This trail is taking you by all four summits that compose the Four Peaks. Study them carefully. There's interesting foliage, rock formations, and even a few little rock arches. Looking the other direction, you'll see panoramic vistas of the Superstition Mountains, Salt River reservoirs, and maybe even a little bit of the Phoenix Valley poking up through the smoggy haze. 

I returned via Brown's Trail, effectively making this a 'lollipop' loop. My two liters of water gave out as I was hiking away from the mine, and I was rationing my reserve bottle until I got back to the truck where more water was waiting in the cooler. Much of the gamble oak forest near the top of Brown's is still in tact and provided welcome shade. This was a nice break from what's otherwise a mostly hot, exposed hike. The trees eventually give way to fire damage as you get closer to the trailhead. Many trees are down across the trail, and you either go up and over, or hikers have made side trails to get around. 

The Four Peaks are an iconic Arizona landmark. In this unique sky island, pine trees fight to grow in what still feels like more of a high-desert landscape than it should at near 6,000 feet. The views are magnificent. However, this is rough, unforgiving country. My honest opinion is that while it is worth doing, Four Peaks is not someplace I'll be rushing back to. Other places (i.e. Mount Peeley) in the Mazatzals are much prettier. And as a whole, Arizona has far more beautiful places to explore. 

Battleground Ridge & Battling a Thunderstorm

Weather:  83°; clouds and sun

About this Hike:  Visiting Battleground Ridge on the Mogollon Rim has been on my bucket list a while. This monument can be driven to via Rim Road (FR-300) and FR-123. However, hiking to it from the Rock Crossing area of the Arizona Trail is also a very doable 11.5 - 12 mile day hike. 

I parked at the Arizona Trail parking area on the side of FR-751. This road leads to Rock Crossing Campground and eventually down to Blue Ridge Reservoir. 

This segment of Arizona Trail begins in forest that is rocky grassland. One area of minor fire damage led to stepping over some downed trees, but it was nothing too challenging. Eventually this hike begins steeply descending into Clear Creek Canyon.  

The trail reaches the fine, rocky bed of Clear Creek, which it traverses at well-marked crossings. Clear Creek is completely dry in this area right now, and you're a little way upriver from where the waters of Blue Ridge Reservoir officially start.

The climb out of Clear Creek is equally steep. In fact, the vast majority of elevation change during this hike occurs climbing up and down the sides of Clear Creek Canyon. Despite the tough elevation change, it's worth taking your time to look around. On the north side of Clear Creek are some cool rock formations and volcanic remnants. On the south side you'll enjoy some of the most varied conifer forest this hike offers. 

Once up and over the creek, the trail becomes an old road. It's also fairly level. I studied the possibility of a shortcut around an area called Battleground Tank. All Trails map even indicates a trail in this area. In reality, there's no trail. In fact, looking at the topographic map indicated I'd have to traverse at least one, if not two, ravines. These were likely steep and in thick forest. I opted to stick to the sure thing and follow the trail.

The old road doubling as Arizona Trail intersects FR-123, which has utility lines running parallel to it. Those lines eventually run up to a Blue Ridge Reservoir pumping station. At FR-123-E there's a signed junction. The pumping station is to the right and Battleground Ridge is to the left, each about two miles from the where the road forks. 

I followed the road up to Battleground Ridge. I was surprised to see some people had setup camp up there. I paused at the monument and read the placards on both sides. I also hiked around the area a little bit, as I know from the map that you're on a ridge that overlooks the lake. For the most part all I found were near-vertical drop offs that would eventually lead down to the lake. The forest and foliage were far too thick to see through. However, I did find one vantage point where I could see the lake. I even saw a kayak go paddling by on the water far below. 

My return was the via the way I came in. It was now almost noon and thunderstorms were beginning to build in. My return hike involved a lot of hustling and pushing myself to go faster, constantly outrunning the dark, thundering clouds that seemed to be chasing me. I guess my strategy worked...I was back to the truck just as the rain started coming down. 

I drove down the rim and into Strawberry for a much-deserved after-hike treat at Pie Bar. 

West Baldy #94

Weather:  81°; clouds and sun

About this Hike:  Rested up after a night at Winn Campground, I headed to West Baldy #94 to get an early start. This time of year the days start beautiful in the White Mountains—clear blue skies with not a cloud in sight. By lunchtime this often changes as the thunderstorms build in. 

I came to this hike expecting it to be another gorgeous White Mountains landscape—old growth forests, lush meadows, and the winding west fork of the Little Colorado River. My map indicated it was about seven miles to the pseudo-summit where West Baldy #94 joins East Baldy #95. 

I didn't expect to reach that summit. I planned to go as far as I could and just enjoy the magnificent scenery while keeping a close watch on the skies. As the first thunderheads began building, I planned to head for lower elevation. 

What I didn't realize is that most of the elevation gain on this well-traveled trail comes later in the hike. Meanwhile, I was enjoying the scenery. Wildflowers filled the meadows around the Little Colorado. I'd hike through an open, grassy meadow only to again be under the canopy of granddaddy lodgepole pines, firs, spruces, ponderosas, and aspens. I lost track of time. The trail was ascending very gradually, but thus far there was no steep ascent. I looked at my map and realized I was about three-quarters of the way to the summit. A few grey clouds had popped up and were offering some welcome respite from the sun's rays. The clouds weren't thundering, but I knew the weather was changing. Regardless, I was now determined to reach that summit. 

At this point the trail exits the thick forest and comes into a damaged area. On both West Baldy, and looking to the other ridge on the east, downed trees litter the landscape like toothpicks. I thought this was Wallow Fire damage from 2011, but I may be incorrect. I've heard everything from pine beetle kill, to a fire in the early 2000s is responsible for this damage. 

Despite the damage, the forest is regenerating. Parts of the landscape are covered in blue spruces that look to be about 10-15 years old based on their height. It's like a Christmas tree forest. And it's right about here where the steepest elevation gain begins. A few tight switchbacks push your ascent above 11K feet. 

I met a friendly lady on horseback who advised me to watch for a meadow full of purple wildflowers in one of the areas where the pines had died. It was magnificent. She also told me to look out for the famed plane crash site. I was able to find the fuselage on the mountainside using my binoculars. 

Finally, I pushed ahead to the pseudo-summit. I call it this because the true summit is on tribal land and requires permission to hike to. I did find the trail that would have led to the true summit. I expected a warning sign and perhaps a gate. Logs and stones laid across the trail are the only indicator this area is off limits. It wouldn't stop anyone who wanted to just step over it. I opted to respect tribal land, and plus, the summit adds about another mile each way and I was tired. Plus I now had to hike back down seven miles.

I briefly considered going down East Baldy. After all, the sign at the junction indicated it was a couple miles shorter. But linking back to the West Baldy lot where I was parked would add more mileage. I opted to return the way I came. 

Shortly after beginning my descent, the cloudy skies began to rumble. And rumble some more. The first thunderstorm popped up and dropped some rain. The rain-cooled air actually felt pretty good. I met other hikers still on their ascent. I was surprised how most of them seemed unfazed by the afternoon weather. Meanwhile, I was hustling to get to lower elevation. 

That first storm blew through and clear skies returned. I continued on my descent, but as I came within a couple miles of the trailhead, mother nature unleashed again. Loud thunder and hail came with this one. Thankfully the hail was just an annoyance and not dangerous. I still got a good soaking. Other hikers were laughing and joking about it. I wish I could be so nonchalant, but I hate getting caught in thunderstorms. 

When I originally researched this hike, West Baldy looked more scenic to me. But now that I've seen it in person, you can bet I'll be back to do East Baldy. With a little more research and planning, I might have done both as a loop, but at the same time I look forward to returning to this beautiful area. 

Thompson Trail #629 - High Road vs. Low Road

Weather:  79°; clouds and sun

About this Hike:  Getting there may be half the fun, but not when it comes to the White Mountains. The drive takes forever, which is why I'd only been to this part of the state once in the past. 

But now that Payson is home, that drive is 'only' about three hours, and I'm planning on exploring the White Mountains more in depth. With Payson weather as of late being reminiscent of the Phoenix Valley weather I left behind (triple digits and no rain), I decided to head for the 'coolest' spot in the state right now. 

I set up camp Friday afternoon at Winn Campground under threatening skies. Rain showers started just east of Pinetop and followed me the entire way to the campground. With my site picked out and camp set up, I headed out for my first hike.

Being as it was late afternoon, I planned an easy hike for this evening. I've long seen photos from the White Mountains of lush, wildflower-studded meadows with a stream flowing through the middle. I wanted this type of scenery to be my White Mountains experience. The hike on Thompson Trail did not disappoint.  

The hike begins at a well-signed trailhead off a maintained gravel road. I hiked along a decommissioned forest road and admired views of the west fork of the Black River down below. I saw what looked like a path on the river's edge and even some other hikers down there. The embankment was pretty steep, and I wondered how they got down there... 

Eventually I reached the end of the old road at a marked junction. The sign read 'Thompson Trail 0.3 mile.' I thought I had been on the Thompson Trail the whole time. Looking at my map, I saw a series of extremely tight switchbacks in the direction where the sign pointed to Thompson Trail. Those switchbacks would take me down to the river. But would there be a trail down there, or would it be marshy grass? I decided to explore, but only a little further. The trail was rocky and getting hard to follow. I opted to play it safe and return the way I came, at least until I reached a small saddle where the embankment wasn't so steep. 

Climbing down the embankment and through the marshy grass, I was able to get down to the river's edge where a well-blazed trail awaited me. I followed this all the way back to a gate on the old road, which then led back to the trailhead. In other words, I could have hiked at the river's edge the entire time. The trick is to follow the path to the left of the gate as you come in via the old road. Regardless, this was a beautiful, easy ~5 mile hike, and a good intro to the White Mountains.

I returned to camp to get ready for the next day's big hike at Mount Baldy. 

Military Sinkhole Via 260 Trailhead

Weather:  90°; sun; windy

About this Hike:  Driving eastbound from Payson on AZ-260, I've long been intrigued by a sign indicating a left turn that's aptly named '260 Trailhead.'   

This is an uncomfortable left turn.  The highway is four lanes total (two in each direction) with a solid center line.  There's no center lane for making a left turn.  Oh, and the speed limit is 55 mph, with most people doing far in excess of that.  

Military Sinkhole trail ascends the Mogollon Rim from 260 Trailhead.  If the left turn were not safe, my Plan B was to drive a few more miles and park at Military Sinkhole Vista on top of the rim and then hike this trail in the opposite direction.  Thankfully, with no traffic behind me, and a gap in oncoming traffic, I was able to make the legal, but treacherous, left turn into 260 Trailhead parking lot. 

I was surprised to find a large gravel lot with bulletin boards, a latrine, and well-signed trails branching in multiple directions.  

From the parking lot I began my ascent on Military Sinkhole Trail.  The forest service website labels this as Trail #966, but the signage at the trail has it as Trail #179.  Regardless, the ascent up the rim takes place over about two miles and just over 1,000 feet of elevation gain.  It starts out in a vein of "Sedona-esque' red rock, but quickly becomes shadier.  In fact, this section of the hike has the best forest.  A thick blend of firs, spruces, and ponderosas are complemented by plenty of maple and oak.  I might need to come back here in the fall.  

The trail crests on the rim at Military Sinkhole lookout site, which is part of the Rim Lakes Vista Trail.  Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) is still paved at this point, and the vista lookout sites have paved parking lots.  This means expect lots of tourist traffic.  

Despite the higher elevation, the forest on this part of the rim changes.  Mighty ponderosas dominate with no firs or spruces in sight.  The pines are spread apart, and the forest floor feels almost like high desert grassland.  Open grassy meadows are abundant while old logging roads criss-cross the landscape. 

I opted to cross FR-300 and continue along the trail.  I found what I'm certain is the Military Sinkhole.  It's just a shallow depression in the ground.  Maybe it fills with water during the wetter seasons.  Being as it was still early in the day, I continued my hike following the trail and Old Rim Road to the 235 Road Trail.  I hiked to a feature on the map called 'Lake Three.'  Lake Three was void of any water, but it was beautiful, grassy elk meadow.  This was my turn around point.  

Despite the forecasted highs on the rim top being in the low 80s, it was hot.  The wind picked up in the afternoon, which was a welcome relief. Despite the shade of the thicker trees, the hike down only got hotter as I descended in elevation.  

I've long been curious about 260 Trailhead, and I'm glad to have explored this area.  And of course, I found a few other trails that I'll need to come back and explore again in the near future.  

Loy Canyon - FINALLY!

Weather:  70°; clouds and sun

I love Secret Mountain Wilderness. I've explored Secret Canyon from Sedona before, and I couldn't wait to explore more of Secret Mountain via Loy Canyon. It's taken the last six months for this hike to materialize. Each time I'd plan a trip to Sedona, the weather would turn for the worst and I'd have to cancel. 

Finally, with ideal spring weather upon us, I made an impulse decision to do a Saturday trip up to Red Rock Country.  

The road out to Loy Canyon TH isn't bad at all, which is surprising after the wet winter we've had. It's maintained dirt/gravel, and the utility poles that follow the road remind you you're not far from civilization, remote as it may feel out there. 

This hike begins in Red Rock Country, which gives way to beautiful old-growth forest. Then it gets less pretty as you emerge from forest into desert scrub and sandstone. This section is the switchbacks that ascend up to Secret Mountain. Definitely watch your footing in here, as the trail is a shelf in some sections. The views of Secret Mountain and the canyon are breathtaking. 

Once through the switchbacks I reached the saddle and junction with Secret Mountain. I first went to the south, but the trail gave out quickly. Massive trees have fallen, and the trail is not only blocked but tore up with huge gashes that are impassable. The elk are certainly enjoying this area of Secret Mountain. Whatever's on top of Secret Mountain may have to wait for another day (doubtful as my understanding is this section isn't being maintained anymore).

I opted to go to the north and hiked over to the Secret Mountain TH. I was actually impressed to see this is a semi-developed TH. I put down my pack here and had lunch. The creeks in the lower elevations of Loy Canyon were bone dry which is unexpected after this wet winter AND there's patchy snow on Secret Mountain. However, in the higher elevations water is still flowing. I first heard and then spied two beautiful waterfalls across the canyon. I also heard, but did not see, what was most certainly a rock slide somewhere in the canyon. 

Unable to explore Secret Mountain further, I returned the way I came. I'm so glad to check this one off my bucket list, but I may be back.  My understanding is that there are some impressive Native ruins to explore in Loy Canyon.