cooperhill
New member
Was in the Southwest / four corners area on two weeks vacation and decided to hit this - the highest point in AZ at 12,633 ft.
Started out at 9am at the trailhead which is located at the Arizona Ski Bowl at about 9,000 ft. Throughout my trip I found that the trails were relatively easy (compared to ones in the whites) but the elevation difference made it difficult for me. The trail was gradual switchbacks through pine and fir forests. There was a surprising amount of dead trees / slash on the ground and I thought that this place would blaze up if there was ever a wildfire.
I was greated with the sounds of woodpeckers - what may have been a ladder-backed woodpecker and also a three-toed woodpecker. Also came up close and personal with a Clark's Nutcracker.
Back to the hiking - which was difficult only because of the elevation - I was definitely huffing and puffing and had to stop a few times. I eventually made it above treeline around 11,400ft and continued up some smaller switchbacks to the junction of the Weatherford trail. I spotted what I assumed to be a prescribed burn off in the distance- someone later told me it looked like it was in the Williams, AZ area - which I later confirmed.
It was again tough going - there were a number of false summits (three I believe) until reaching the top at 12,633ft. I was guided on my journey by a bunch of ravens. For some reason I really love watching ravens - dive and fly - they are a favorite photo op of mine. I was also carrying a Zuni fetish carving of a raven with me on my trip up so it was extra special.
The view from the top wasn't all that great as it was very hazy from (I'm assuming) smog and smoke. Took a couple of quick photos and made a hasty decent.
I hope to post some photos soon. Thanks.
Started out at 9am at the trailhead which is located at the Arizona Ski Bowl at about 9,000 ft. Throughout my trip I found that the trails were relatively easy (compared to ones in the whites) but the elevation difference made it difficult for me. The trail was gradual switchbacks through pine and fir forests. There was a surprising amount of dead trees / slash on the ground and I thought that this place would blaze up if there was ever a wildfire.
I was greated with the sounds of woodpeckers - what may have been a ladder-backed woodpecker and also a three-toed woodpecker. Also came up close and personal with a Clark's Nutcracker.
Back to the hiking - which was difficult only because of the elevation - I was definitely huffing and puffing and had to stop a few times. I eventually made it above treeline around 11,400ft and continued up some smaller switchbacks to the junction of the Weatherford trail. I spotted what I assumed to be a prescribed burn off in the distance- someone later told me it looked like it was in the Williams, AZ area - which I later confirmed.
It was again tough going - there were a number of false summits (three I believe) until reaching the top at 12,633ft. I was guided on my journey by a bunch of ravens. For some reason I really love watching ravens - dive and fly - they are a favorite photo op of mine. I was also carrying a Zuni fetish carving of a raven with me on my trip up so it was extra special.
The view from the top wasn't all that great as it was very hazy from (I'm assuming) smog and smoke. Took a couple of quick photos and made a hasty decent.
I hope to post some photos soon. Thanks.
