Mogollon Hiking

    National Geographic magazine ranks Phoenix as one of the best hiking cities in America with over 180 miles of designated trails.  Here hikers and mountain bikers can easily and safely access and enjoy the natural beauty of our Sonoran Desert landscape - except in the heat of summer.  News headlines have already reported  too many medical emergencies with hikers who got overwhelmed by the extreme heat that the months of June, July and August bring.
    But there is a nearby alternative for those who want to continue to hike and bike during the summer months and that is the fabulous trails found along the Mogollon Rim.  Most of these Mogollon Rim trailheads require about a 1 1/2 hour drive from our north Phoenix homes but the cooler weather and the spectacular views found in the Rim Country is a great way to keep hiking and biking all summer long.  Here is a listing of some of the best hiking trails in Arizona’s Mogollon Rim Country…




Rim Lake Vista Trail - this trail will lead hikers to some of the most spectacular views from the Mogollon Rim including Four Peaks and the great mound of Mount Ord.  The trail is wide and easy to follow and meanders  close to the rim so that hikers enjoy one awesome view after another.  This trail is near Woods Canyon Lake which is one of seven beautiful lakes found on the Mogollon Rim.
    The Rim Lake Vista Trail is only 29 miles east of Payson off Woods Canyon Lake Road. Toilets are found at the trail head.  It is a 4-mile round trip hike and is rated as easy. 


Pine Trail - this trail is an ideal beginning trail for hikers and mountain bikers who want to begin to experience hiking in the Rim Country’s environments and altitude.  The trail is a 2-mile loop that leads near the base of the Mogollon Rim before winding back down the hill to the parking lot.  Most of the trail is flat and is shaded most of the way.
    The Pine Trailhead is about 15 miles on Highway 87 north of Payson near the southern part of Strawberry.  The Pine Trail loop is rated easy but it is also the entry point for other rim trails including the Highline Trail.



Highline Trail - this trail is affectionately known as the “Mogollon Rim Death March.”  It is for serious hikers who have the 3 - 5 days to complete the entire 52 mile length of the trail.  The trail begins at the Pine Trailhead and heads east toward the Woods Canyon Lake area meandering through canyons and streams, forests and glens of the beautiful Mogollon Rim. This is wilderness hiking so be sure you are totally prepared.   



Horton Creek Trail - this trail is rated moderate to strenuous but the beauty of Horton Springs will be worth the effort for someone who enjoys the challenges of hiking.  It is an 8-mile round trip from the trailhead to the springs and back.  The trail was originally a wagon road but today its used only by hikers as they wind their way through the beautiful forest along Horton Creek.
    Horton Springs creates a spectacular cascade of water flowing over moss-coved rocks.  Many hikers come here just to enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to their cars.
    The Horton Creek Trail is some 16.5 miles east of Payson on Arizona 260 near Kohl’s Ranch and the Tonto Creek Recreation Area.



Tunnel Trail -  This is a short, but steep 1.5 - mile round trip trial to a fascinating piece of Arizona railroad history.  In the early 1880’s an early entrepreneur wanted to build a railroad line to transport silver ore from Globe to Flagstaff.  A 3,100-foot long tunnel through the rock of the Mogollon Rim was needed to complete this new line.  Only 70 feet of the tunnel was actually completed before the company went broke but the remains of that tunnel makes for an enjoyable Rim Country hike for Arizonans today.
    The trailhead for the Tunnel Trail is some 40 miles north of Payson on Arizona 87 and Forest Road 300 which is also known as the Rim Road.  Forest Road 300 will also take you by a historic monument for the 1882 Battle of Big Dry Wash, the last battle between the US Army and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.


     So there are five of many Mogollon Rim Trails just waiting for you to get out, enjoy and explore.  Be sure to take all the necessary supplies and safety devices. Be aware of those monsoon thunderstorms as you plan your adventure.  Then, escape the Valley heat and travel to the cool temperature just waiting for you in Arizona’s Rim Country.



Here is a great link from the town of Payson for even more Mogollon Rim hiking trails - http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/#!mogollon-rim-trails/gk2h4  

Along the Rim Trail Vista Trail

A typical Mogollon Rim view

Arizona's Sunset Beach

   The Valley of the Sun is blessed with not only an abundance of summer sunshine but with many world-class resorts that offer tremendous deals for family stay-cations.  This year is no different, but the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort may have bettered its summer completion with the opening of their new Sunset Beach.
    No longer do you have to make that 6-hour drive to San Diego to enjoy lounging on the beach.  Some 830 tons of crystal white sand surrounds the Princess’s newest and biggest pool creating an ocean paradise just 40 minutes from north Phoenix residents.  Glamorous cabanas and 102 luxurious new, surrounding guest rooms make Sunset Beach not only a marvelous stay-cation but also a dreamy play-cation. 
    Each weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day a “Summer Beach Party” celebration will occur. This celebration is a splashy mix of fun throughout the resort with cool rides down waterslides, Techno Glo pool parties, Dive In movies, the new 4-story Aqua Flyer inflatable waterslide, the new Mermaid University, Swashbuckler Academy and three summer fairies, Dew Drop, Sparkles and Poppy Pixie, who are delightful new Fairmont friends to meet. Plus, the resort has two relaxing pools just for grown-ups.
    At the lagoons, fishing is fun with Ranger Rick, who also leads nature walks and bird watching with the resort’s falconers. Other unique experiences, for adults, include sampling any of 240 tequilas a La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval, escaping to Well & Being Spa, savoring a dish at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak or enjoy the sunset and Pan-Latin fare at Toro at TPC Scottsdale.
    Fireworks explode into the sky each summer Saturday evening as well as the holiday weekends of the 4th of July Freedom Fest and the Labor Day Dreamcation offering even a greater line-up of festivities.
    So this year you don’t have to go to California to enjoy the beach.  All you have to do is get out and make a 45 minute drive to discover the best white sand beach in all of Arizona - Sunset Beach at the Fairmount Scottsdale Princess.  The Sip, Savor & Sand Package start from $179/night with a $50 daily credit. 



Other Stay-cation offerings…

 -Copperwynd Resort and Spa, Fountain Hills (480-333-1900) - complete $5 million renovations-many offering for staycationers who are into fitness - from $157/night

-Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (480-515-5700) - Monthly Mashup dinner series and Kids for All Seasons programs as well as resort’s #FSSummer Story social media contest - from $179/night

-Camelback Inn, Paradise Valley (480-948-1700 - the historic Camelback Inn offers the “Escape Your Way” package that include pools, spas and golf - from $159/night

-The Boulders, Carefree (480-488-9009) - the “Truly Boulders Package” includes the new “Waterfall Rapple” adventure - from $109/night

-Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley (602-955-8614) - historic old inn decorated with the Western art work of Lon Megargee and the famous Lon’s restaurant.  The “80th Anniversary Stay Package” is more ideal for adults who enjoy great dining and longing in a smaller resort environment - from $179/night 









All Pictures belong to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princes Resort

   

Saguaros and Cardóns

      The Sonoran Desert is located in both the southwest region of the United States as well as the northern region of Sonora and central Baja, Mexico.  Within the Mexican region is found the cardón cactus, a close cousin to the saguaro cactus of our Arizona.  Cardóns are the largest cactus in the world and unless one spends time in Baja California, not a common sight.

     But in north Phoenix, along Cave Creek Road, a local plant nursery has several specimens of the world's largest cactus growing.  Over the past two months we have photographed these cardóns as they bloomed, develop seed pods and then open those seeds pods to the birds and animals of the area.  Here are a series of 12 photos comparing the flowers, seed pods and fruits of the giant cardón and saguaro cacti.

Saguaro in bloom

Cardón in bloom

Closer look at cardón blooms

A cluster of saguaro seed pods in the center with a single cardón seed pod to the right

Some more cardón seed pods

Saguaro seed pods open exposing the thousands of tiny, black seeds

Cardón seed pod open exposing the thousands of tiny, black seeds

Saguaro seed pods open

Cardón seed pods with two that have opened

A cluster of cardón seed pods

Cardón seed pods - two open; one not yet ready

Another cluster of saguaro seed pods ripe and ready to open

2016 Saguaro Flowers & Fruits

May 20, 2016

     In the Spring of 2015 we commented about how few of the saguaro cacti that grow around the Anthem, Arizona area had bloomed.  It was the fewest blooming saguaros that we had ever remembered seeing.  Why, we don't know but we do know that has not been true in the Spring 2016.  Saguaros everywhere were blooming this spring and here are a few of out most favorite 2016 pictures.  Hope you enjoy them...

May 6, 2016

May 20, 2016

May 2016

May 23, 2016 - two opened

May 24, 2016 - same two now closed

May 17, 2016

June 9, 2016

June 10, 2016

June 13, 2016

June 13, 2016

June 13, 2016

June 14, 2016

June 13, 2016

June 13, 2016

June 16, 2016

June 16, 2016

June 16, 2016

 

Bullock's Oriole

      On May 7, 2016 a beautiful Bullock's Oriole was sitting atop a giant saguaro probably looking for some nectar from the beautiful saguaro flower upon which to dine.  Beautiful bird/beautiful flowers.

Urban Trailhead - Desert Vista

    Over the many years we have lived, studied and taught about Arizona, the cities of the Valley of the Sun have done a tremendous jobs in preserving the amazing mountains and mountain foothills found here.  Each year more and more land in put into preservation and new trailheads are open to the general public.  Here is our story about one of the newest trailheads...  

      For those of us who live in the far North Valley the nearby Phoenix Sonoran Preserve continues to offer new opportunities to explore and enjoy the rugged beauty of our local Sonoran Desert.  And if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking and/or horseback riding, the newly opened Desert Vista Trailhead just might become your favorite local hangout. 
    The Desert Vista Trailhead is located just to the northeast of the Fireside at Norterra Community Center.  From here outdoor lovers can access 10 trails leading into the interior of this lush desert preserve and covering over 14  miles.   A new restroom facility and fresh water station are also found at this trailhead. 
     All 10 trails are wide and easy to follow but difficulty varies usually based on elevation change.  The Cactus Wren Trail is considered easy to moderate and has an elevation change of only 234 feet.  While the Dixie Mountain Summit Trail is a steep, 346 foot ascent to the mountain top with panoramic views of Camelback Mountain, Shaw Butte and Piestewa Peak.
    The 3.82 mile Dixie Mountain Loop Trail was the first trail built in the Sonoran Preserve opening in 2010.  It is rated “moderate” as the many small climbs throughout the trail results in an elevation change of 1,322 feet.
    Many desert washes cut through the desert landscape as the trails skirt along the hillsides.  Stunning views of undisturbed desert landscapes change at every turn and twist of the trails.
    When completed the Sonoran Preserve will encompass some 20,000 acres which will make it larger than both the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and South Mountain Park.  Since this new preserve is still not surrounded by housing developments, these trails are relatively uncrowded and hikers can often find themselves alone on the trail with only nature as a companion.
    The main protected land that is encompassed by the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is bordered by the Carefree Highway to the north, North Valley Parkway to the west, Cave Creek Road  to the east and the Central Arizona Project Canal to the south.  The Desert Vista Trailhead is just the newest facility to open within the preserve with more trailhead and parks coming in the near future.
    So, if you are looking to quickly escape back into undisturbed nature, get out and discover for yourself the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve and the new Desert Vista Trailhead.  You will surely enjoy this nearby desert experience - just remember your sun screen, water and hat!