Seven Trailblazers are are tring out the new Black Canyon trail segment.

Victoria, Cindy, Patti, Mike, Li, Michael, Julie.

Seven hikers showed up on a beautiful sunny day on a historical trail that is part of a new section of the Black Canyon Trail along State Route 69 that has been expanding northward into the Prescott National Forest. The group started at the trailhead where we encountered several dogs that were being trained in search and rescue for the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office.

Dogs being trained in search and rescue for the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office

The group head in a southerly direction across a drainage and sandy washes that eventually crossed Ash Creek that was flowing with water requiring some rock hopping to cross.

Hop Ash Creek

From Ash Creek we ascended in a westerly direction up an incline exposing excellent views of the Pine Mountain Wilderness to the east and the Bradshaws to the west. The group passed a green cattle gate at the top of a second summit where a large watering hole for cattle and other wildlife could be seen. While here a flock of Sandhill cranes from Willcox passed over head, heading north.

Looking down on the upper reaches of Ash Creek

Watering hole for cow and other animals

The hikers made a detour in an easterly direction before the five-mile mark after gun shots could be heard in the near distance and stopped for lunch under a large juniper tree. Three members of the group headed up to a summit where snow could be seen on upper elevations of the Bradshaws. We headed back along a wash, climbed up hill for about half a mile, crossed another cattle gate and headed back towards the cars. An early dinner was enjoyed at El Canto II in Carefree.

Time for rest and a snack

There some snow on the local mountains

Checking out the local summit

Two mountain dogs finding a shadely spot to rest