Time to check out the fall colors. {photo by Li}

Michael, Diane, Debbie, Terry, Edith, Li, Tom.

Seven trailblazers headed to Flagstaff in hopes of seeing the first splashes of fall color on 10/20. Due to severe burn damage to the inner basin, that trail has been closed for the last two years. So we decided to hike Abineau Bear Jaw trail instead to see the aspen color changes. The Abineau trail was carpeted with fresh yellow leaves below and a gentle fall breeze blowing overhead. As we walked, gold leaves continued to fall like snowflakes, brushing past our faces, making a picturesque landscape. Since this part of the trail was so quiet we could even hear the sound of leaves touching the ground, adding to the tranquility of our surroundings.

Carpeted with golden leaves.

Starting the hike.

It was a steep climb over 3 miles with 1400 feet of elevation changes to the saddle. We kept at a steady pace so we wouldn’t run out of breath before reaching the top. This year we saw a lot of people at the saddle of the trail junction. After a quick snack break and chat with a couple also hiking the trail, we went bushwhacking uphill in an attempt to find the creek 1 mile nearby with no luck. We did however find a flat lunch spot with a view, making the endeavor worth it. After taking a group picture, we descended to the saddle. By the time we made it there, it was lunch hour and there were 13-14 people scattered around the trail junction enjoying the food and views. We however, did not stop and went down the pipeline trail to finish our hike.

The golden path.

We are at the top.

Lunch time.

This part of the trail had more aspens so the leaves covered the entire path which was perfect for fall color viewing. Soon we merged onto Bear Jaw trail to the left, and some of the aspen on this trail still looked in their prime. We took many pictures before finishing our first fall color hike. We celebrated a successful hike at Grimaldi’s pizza place.

Great view from up here.

Walking the golden road.

The open golden road.

Old log in a golden field of leaves.

All most back at the trailhead.

Low tree blocks the path.