| when? | Saturday, June 25, 2005: Trip Report | ||
| where? | Flagstaff | ||
| the hike |
Plentiful wildlife and great views of the San Francisco Peaks
are the major features of this Flagstaff section of the
Arizona Trail. We’ll begin at the Marshall Lake Trailhead.
This vital wetland, which is more of a marsh than a lake,
is frequented by bald eagles in winter and osprey in summer.
Waterfowl and a variety of smaller hawks are generally
present year-round. We’ll finish the one-way hike at Sandy’s
Canyon.
Most of the trail winds across Anderson Mesa, a broad grassy upland dotted with widely spaced trees. The open character of the terrain here provides excellent opportunities to view the area’s wildlife residents. Anderson Mesa supports a rich and diverse community of wild animals some of the larger and more visible are elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, wild turkey, Abert’s squirrels, coyotes, and pronghorn antelope. |
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| distance | 6 miles | ||
| EC | +605'-920' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 7195' (Anderson Mesa) to 6621' (Walnut Creek) | ||
| time | 4-5 hours | ||
| hike rating | "C" [easy] | ||
| on trail | 100% — Arizona Trail, Sandy’s Canyon Trail | ||
| dogs? | no | ||
| type | one way | ||
| starting at |
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| ending at |
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| cost | $0, though riders should share the cost of gas. The club will allow voluntary contributions of $1/member or $3/non-member. | ||
| weather | Flagstaff | ||
| meet in Phoenix |
7:00 AM by the M&I Bank on the southwest corner of I-17 and Bell Road, across the driveway from Denny’s. Please park them away from the bank and away from Denny’s. | ||
| meet in Flagstaff |
If you are meeting us in Flagstaff, be at the Circle K, 3350 Lake Mary Rd. at I-17, by 9:15. See map. | ||
| drive |
Take I-17 to Flagstaff. Get off at Lake Mary Road (county highway 3), exit
339. Turn right and go southeast 5.3 miles to a dirt road on the left, just
past the cattle guard. Turn left and go 0.3 miles to Sandy’s Canyon
Trailhead. Those starting from Flagstaff should meet us there at 9:30 AM.
We’ll leave most of the cars at Sandy’s Canyon Trailhead, where the hike ends. Go back to Lake Mary Road, turn left and drive 4.0 miles, alongside Lower Lake Mary, to the paved Marshall Lake Road going uphill on the left. Take that road up Anderson Mesa 1.25 miles to the sign for Lowell Observatory. Go straight ahead on FR 128 and continue 1.0 miles to a fork in the road. Marshall Lake is just ahead of you. Turn left and drive 0.3 miles to Marshall Lake Trailhead, where the hike begins. |
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| updated June 23, 2008 | © Copyright 2008, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |