One of the top tourist attractions in the Japanese Alps is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート). Located in northern Chubusangaku National Park (中部山岳国立公園, Chūbusangaku Kokuritsu Kōen), the route takes visitors on a journey through the mountains. The trip involves multiple modes of transportation such as bus, trolley, and cable car. Highlights of the Alpine Route include the snow corridor, hiking trails, the Midagahara wetlands, Kurobe Dam, volcanic features, and scenic views. Each stop along the route has its own personality and attractions.

The Alpine Route is only accessible from mid-April through November due to snow accumulation. Hotels, mountain huts, and campgrounds are located along the route, so you can make your trip as long or short as you like. We chose to spend one night in Midagahara Hotel (弥陀ヶ原), just below the apex of the route.

Murodo, the highest point along the Alpine Route, is home to Mount Tate (立山, Tateyama). We hoped to climb it as a day hike, but ended up exploring hiking trails at Midagahara instead due to time constraints. We were able to check out the volcanic area around Murodo known as Hell Valley. Murodo also boasts a picturesque but pricey lodging option called Hotel Tateyama.

Day 1 – Toyama to Midagahara

The day after we completed our backpacking trip to Mount Yari (Yarigatake), we took a bus from Shinhotaka Onsen to Toyama. Our journey officially began in Toyama, on the west side of the Alpine Route. Alternately, you could start on the east side, in Shinano Omachi.

A train took us from the Dentetsu Toyama Station to Tateyama Station. As with all our train rides in Japan, it was wonderful. We passed lots of verdant rice farmland along the way. After arriving at Tateyama Station, we awaited our second mode of transportation: a cable car to Bijodaira.

Our final type of transportation for the day was a bus, which took us to Midagahara. The bus goes all the way to Murodo, but you can press a “stop button” to get off earlier. Plenty of other people got off at Midagahara too, so we didn’t need to press it ourselves. The bus ride was peaceful, and had some decent views. The guide pointed out Shomyo Falls – the tallest waterfall in Japan – on the left side, though it was hard to see. For a better view, you can take a bus from Tateyama Station, followed by a short hike.

We got off the bus at Midagahara, and checked into the western style hotel, naturally called Midagahara Hotel. They upgraded our room when we checked in. We had reserved a twin room, but we ended up with a larger room with a lovely view and three beds! …score? Midagahara is known for its surrounding wetlands, so our plan was to go hike!

Day 1 – Midagahara Boardwalk Outer Course Hike

A network of trails runs throughout the park, and behind Midagahara Hotel are a couple recommended circuits – an inner loop, and a larger outer loop. The outer loop is only 2.1 km (1.3 mi), so we decided on that one. The trail begins on a boardwalk, which is the best place to hike in my opinion. Hiking over water allows you to access places and plant life you wouldn’t normally be able to.

There were wildflowers along the hike, but figuring out what they all are takes some work! The views out from the boardwalk were gorgeous, with clouds that looked like steam escaping from the earth. Around the path are “Gaki-no-ta,” or small ponds. They look like rice paddy fields, and are said to have been created by a hungry demon. The reflections in the pool gave the area an ethereal ambiance.

Every so often the hotel does a guided tour of the wetlands. And we ran right into the group. The only bad thing about boardwalks is there’s not much room to get around people. The guided group stopped frequently to hear the guide (who was speaking Japanese, otherwise we would have joined). Eventually, we got around the group and continued past the turnoff for the inner loop.

The trail transitions back and forth from a stone path to a boardwalk, and crosses a small stream. It feels more confined in this section, with bamboo grass surrounding the trail. Near the end of the loop, we spotted some snow next to the trail – and it was mid-July!

Asian skunk cabbage was just starting to blossom near the trail. The hotel was in view at this point, so we headed that way. The last unique wildflower we saw was a type of purple marsh orchid, which excited me since I always love seeing any kind of orchid. Overall, we really enjoyed our short hike.

Back at the hotel, it was time for dinner. It included a regional specialty called shiroebitei – raw white shrimp sashimi from Toyama Bay. We weren’t quite sure how to eat them, but we really enjoyed this delicacy. There was also a Wagyu beef hot pot (it was amazing) and a selection of other delicious food.

Day 2 – Murodo

Early the next morning, we caught a bus to Murodo, the highest point along the Alpine Route. Near the top is a popular destination called the “snow corridor,” where the road can have snow walls up to 20 meters (66 feet) high on both sides. Spring is the best time to experience it, and the bus will stop so visitors can get out and explore. The snow walls were significantly lower when we visited in the summer, but we still enjoyed our brief glimpse from the bus window. As we expected, the temperature in this area was much cooler than it had been at lower elevation.

The bus dropped us off at the Murodo Bus Terminal, and we promptly went to explore. There are a multitude of trails nearby, and we decided to do a short loop hike around Mikurigaike Pond. Mikurigaike and other nearby ponds are volcanic, meaning (we think) that they were formed in a caldera after a volcanic eruption, and later filled with rainwater and snowmelt.

A typhoon was impacting the area, so it was very foggy and a bit rainy. We plunged into the murky fog as we started the trail across stone-lined paths. Notably, snow covered some parts of the trail.

Our first stop was Mikurigaike Pond, which was surrounded by snow. Around this time, the clouds started to lift, revealing much appreciated blue sky. The ponds seemed to come to life as they reflected sky overhead. Near Mikurigaike, we spotted a rock ptarmigan, known as raichō (雷鳥) in Japan. There’s a population of about 350 of them in the Murodo area, and we were lucky to spot one. They’re not afraid of people, so I was able to get a close-up photo.

Next, we passed Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a volcanic area that reminded me of Yellowstone National Park. A trail passes through it, but it had been closed due to a high concentration of volcanic gases. However, we could look down at the steam vents to see the gases rising from the area. Mikurigaike Onsen is located near the trail to Jigokudani, if you want to stop for a soak.

We continued onto a side trail toward Rindouike Pond, which was covered with snow, so the view was a little disappointing. We spotted some Chinoike, or Blood Ponds, which appear reddish due to the high concentration of iron oxide. The air smelled heavily of sulfur along this section of trail, so we turned around and headed back to the loop once the smell became too pervasive.

Midorigaike Pond was our next sight. Smaller than Mikurigaike, it was very picturesque and lined with wildflowers. Mount Tateyama rises up behind the pond, though its summit was obscured by clouds. We passed Tateyama Murodo Mountain Hut, and then finished our loop. It was lunch time, so we ate our onigiri bento from Midagahara Hotel. Afterward, we decided to continue along the Alpine Route. I wish we had more time to explore Murodo, particularly to hike Mount Tateyama.

Day 2 – Kurobe Dam

We climbed aboard a trolley, our fourth mode of transportation. It took us through Mount Tateyama via a tunnel, en route to Daikanbo. At Daikanbo, an observation station affords great views of the surrounding mountains. Kristin found an interesting snack here which we hadn’t seen before: gohei mochi, which is basically grilled mochi covered in a sweet soy sauce. It’s a specialty of the surrounding mountainous region of Central Japan. It was delicious and we bought more at every opportunity going forward.

From Daikanbo, we boarded our fifth unique mode of transport, a ropeway down to Kurobedaira. We enjoyed the views, but it was too crowded to get any good photos. From there, we took a cable car to Kurobe Dam.

The sixth mode of transport is simply walking across the dam itself. Built between 1956 and 1963, the dam is on a grand scale and provides gorgeous views of the Kurobe River. As we walked across, water gushed through the open spillway.

The dam is a true tourist attraction, and its many platforms provide a variety of spectacular views. We tried to capture the essence of the dam through photos, but its massive size made our task difficult. After scoping out a few different perspectives, we continued on the Alpine Route. We took our seventh and final mode of transport: an electric bus which traveled through a tunnel to Ogizawa. From there, we took a bus to Shinano Omachi, the terminus of the route.

The Alpine Route was such a unique experience, and it allowed us to see so much of central Japan in a relatively short time. If you have time, we highly recommend checking it out. However, what we did is only a snippet of what’s available, as there are many other attractions along the route. Our next destination would be something completely different: we would travel south to Itsukushima (厳島), also known as Miyajima or “Shrine Island,” in Setonaikai National Park.

Links

• Official Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Website (English)
• Wikipedia: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (English)
• Japan Guide: Alpine Route (English)
• Japan Guide: Midagahara (English)
• Midagahara Hotel (English)
• Japan Guide: Murodo (English)

Map

The post Midagahara and Murodo on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route appeared first on KTNPBlog.

After setting up our tent at Willow Flat Campground in Canyonlands National Park, it was time to go hiking! We were in Island in the Sky, the most easily accessible district of the park. The two closest hikes to the campground are Mesa Arch and Aztec Butte. We planned to hike both, and we started with Mesa Arch Trail.

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Canyonlands, odds are it was of Mesa Arch. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park. The arch is situated on the edge of a cliff, with a view of canyons, mountains, and other rock formations beyond. It’s also a popular place for sunrise photos – time it right and you can frame the sun as it rises through the arch. We weren’t too concerned about getting a sunrise shot, but we still got there early in the morning.

We found a parking spot, and started down the dusty trail. The route is an easy 0.7 mile loop, and it was crowded. Almost immediately, the canyons and snow-capped La Sal Mountains became visible in the distance. We passed several small signs with information about various native plants. I enjoy seeing these on trails, since it helps me learn more about the flora in the area.

Mesa Arch

After 10-15 minutes of hiking, we arrived at the 27 foot long Mesa Arch. It features a wide scenic view into Buck Canyon. I think the arches in Arches National Park are more picturesque (who would’ve thought?), though the view here is striking. From the canyon to the rock formations to the La Sal Mountains, there are so many sights to take in. Mesa Arch frames the canyon landscape beautifully. If you look closely toward the east from Mesa Arch, you can also see Washer Woman Arch.

There was a crowd of people waiting to take a picture with the arch, so we got in line. Unfortunately, there were a few people who didn’t seem to care about the line, and they just walked up to the arch and got their photos. We weren’t too surprised. It’s more likely that you’ll run into visitors who are unfamiliar with hiking etiquette on easy, short, popular trails. This was completely different from the experience we had at the challenging 3.2 mile trail to Delicate Arch.

Mesa Arch is a “pothole arch” that formed when water on the ground pooled near sandstone, slowly eroding it until it formed a hole. This arch looks different from most of the ones found in Arches NP because those are primarily formed from sandstone fins (there are many fins in Arches NP, but significantly fewer in Canyonlands).

After we finally got our photo with Mesa Arch, we walked around and admired the scenery before continuing on. After a short walk, which included some stone steps and more plant signs, we completed the loop and returned to the parking lot. Near the end, we could see our next destination in the distance: Aztec Butte. While Mesa Arch was a must-see for us, we don’t consider it one of the best hikes in the park. And after hiking it, we were ready for a longer and more challenging hike, with more solitude.

Mesa Arch Trail

Date: Thursday, March 29, 2018
Type: Loop day hike
Total Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 94 feet (29 m)
Time: 1 hour, at a leisurely pace including photography
Trail Markings: Wayfinding Cairns
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: A lot. Everywhere.
Water: None
Highlights: Geological Features, Views, Plants
Directions to Mesa Arch Trailhead: Google Maps Directions
Notes: It can get hot, so bring plenty of water.

Trail Directions

• 0.0 mi – At the trailhead, go counterclockwise (right path). You could go either direction on the loop though.
• 0.3 mi – Arrive at Mesa Arch, then continue back on the trail to complete the loop.
• 0.7 mi – Arrive back at the parking lot

Places

• Mesa Arch | 38.3885673, -109.8668391
• Washer Woman Arch | 38.388989, -109.837127

Maps

• Isle in the Sky Map (NPS)

Links

• Mesa Arch (NPS)
• Washer Woman Arch (Wikipedia)
• Airport Tower (Wikipedia)
• Monster Tower (Wikipedia)

Interactive Map

The post Mesa Arch Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

It was our intention to backpack in Island in the Sky. But we looked for backcountry campsites too late, and most of the good ones were already taken. Also, once in the park, we decided we’d rather explore a bit before jumping into backpacking. With that in mind, we wanted to stay one night at Willow Flat.

Island in the Sky…that is what we are

After driving into the park, we made a quick stop at the Visitor Center in hopes that a backcountry site had opened up. Unfortunately (but not unexpectedly), none had, so we headed to Willow Flat. It’s a small first-come, first-served campground, with only 12 sites. We usually reserve campsites ahead of time, but this time, we winged it (though we made sure to arrive early). And…it turned out fine. There were 3-4 sites available when we got there at 10:20 am.

We grabbed site 8 for only $15/night. Thankfully we had some cash on us. Each campsite has the usual amenities – fire pit and picnic table – as well as a nice ramada which provided some shade. You can’t go wrong with any campsite, but it’s worth noting that site 6 is accessible (ADA) and reserved at all times for people with disabilities only.

Willow Flat has few amenities. There’s no water available, but the nearby visitor center does have potable water. We brought plastic water jugs just in case too. The campground has two pit toilets, and thankfully they were clean. While setting up our tent, we noted how scenic the campground is. Afterward, we headed out to hike. 

Later that day, we relaxed at our site and enjoyed the surrounding beauty. We didn’t have any firewood to cook dinner (you’ll need to bring your own, as it’s not sold in the campground), so we relied on some dehydrated meals we had brought for backpacking. After dinner, we headed a short distance down the road to Green River Overlook. The view from the overlook is spectacular, and I recommend it even if you’re not staying at the campground.

Back at our campsite, we got ready for bed. The campground was so quiet and peaceful. In the morning, we scavenged for breakfast, and then packed up. At this point, the campground was full – some other visitors arrived and asked if they could take our spot. I guess we got lucky the previous day. Even though we only stayed one night in Willow Flat, we really enjoyed it and would have loved to stay longer. It’s a perfect place for exploring the park. And it certainly beat driving in from Moab every day.

Willow Flat Campground | 12 Campsites

Date Visited: March 29, 2018
Location: 10 miles from the park’s main entrance (Google Maps Directions)
Amenities:  Fire Pits & Barbecues | Picnic Table | Ramada | Vault Toilets | Trash and Recycling (Note: Firewood is NOT sold here)
Dates Open: Year Round (Most popular spring through fall)
Prices: $15/night for individual tent campsite (bring cash or check). You can also pay with credit card at the visitor center, if open.
Reservations: None. All sites are first-come, first-served.
Highlights: Views, Located in the Park
Best Sites: You can’t go wrong with any site.
Notes: No potable water. Check-out time is 10:00 am. Campsite #6 is ADA and reserved at all times for people with disabilities only.

Places

• Willow Flat Campground | 38.383320, -109.888232
• Green River Overlook | 38.383320, -109.888232

Maps

• Willow Flat Campground Map (KTNPBlog)

Links

• Willow Flat Campground (NPS)
• Cryptobiotic Soil Article (NPS)

Interactive Map

The post Willow Flat Campground appeared first on KTNPBlog.

It was going to be a busy day in Arches National Park. We decided to hike two trails, including Delicate Arch. But we started with the less strenuous Windows Section. The area boasts numerous arches, and a fairly short trail leads to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. Double Arch is also nearby – it’s unique in that it has two arches that share a central pillar. We decided to explore them all.

The trails to the Windows and Double Arch are fairly easy. For the Windows, we did a 1.2 mile loop trail, including a primitive trail that goes around the “back.” Even though it’s labeled as more difficult, it’s still relatively easy terrain. The trail to Double Arch is only 0.25 miles one-way, and you can see the arch from the parking lot. If you take the route we did, including the Windows, primitive trail, and Double Arch, it’s about 1.8 miles.

From Moab, our drive was about 40 minutes. After passing Balanced Rock on the main park road, we turned right onto a side road to get to the Windows area, then headed to the nearby parking lot. The Windows Loop Trail is to the east, and Double Arch is to the west.

Turret Arch

We chose to start with Windows Loop Trail, and headed toward Turret Arch, which is about a ten minute walk. It’s made up of one large arch and one smaller arch. Visitors can scramble through Turret Arch, and it’s always nice to get a photo from both angles. The arch is aptly named, because it looks like a castle.

The level, gravel trails are windy and interspersed, so we had to backtrack in order to see everything. And there are many features to see in the Windows area. As always, we made sure to avoid stepping on cryptobiotic soil.

North and South Windows

Our next stop was the North Window, which was a short walk from Turret Arch. On the way, we could see both the North and South Windows. Both “windows” are part of the same sandstone fin. Between the arches is a rock formation known as Nose Bridge. When viewed together, the two windows and bridge are known as “The Spectacles,” as they look like a pair of glasses. We walked underneath the North Window, but couldn’t go any farther as there’s a cliff on the other side. Looking through the arch toward the northeast, we saw the canyons of Salt Wash and beyond.

The nearby South Window was next. This one is high up on a cliffside, so we enjoyed it from below. Compared with the other formations, there were fewer people here. It was breezy , so we didn’t stand around for too long.

Primitive Trail

As we took a break by the South Window, another couple asked if we knew where the primitive trail, which loops back to the parking lot, begins. We weren’t sure, but we began looking since we planned to take it too. Turns out it starts to the right of the South Window. It’s a bit hidden, but is marked by a cairn near the base of the fin.

So, we headed down the primitive trail. While it isn’t the most exciting hike, there are some nice views along the way. One of my favorite parts was seeing both windows simultaneously, and from a different angle. Even though it’s called a “primitive trail,” it’s not hard (this was nothing like our experience at Devils Garden, for example). There’s minimal scrambling, but otherwise it’s a short, easy trail with plenty of wayfinding cairns. And we had more solitude on this section of the hike.

Double Arch

The primitive trail led us back to the parking lot, where we turned right toward Double Arch Trailhead. From there, it took us about ten minutes to get to Double Arch – it’s easy, level, and crowded. To the left is a sandstone formation called Parade of Elephants, and we could see the resemblance. A couple arches are also hidden in the rocks.

Double Arch’s height and span are impressive – it’s the tallest in the park, and the third widest. It was fascinating to learn that the arch started out as a pothole in the sandstone, and formed as water eroded the rock over time. Relaxing under this formation was a special experience. Since there are two arches, it’s almost like being a kid hiding in a fort. We sat on some rocks underneath it, ate a snack, and then climbed further up on some rock outcrops behind it. It was very crowded though, considering its proximity to the parking lot. Low effort, big payoff.

We enjoyed both of these hikes, and Double Arch was my favorite arch we’d seen so far. These trails might be a good bet if you are looking for quick, easy walks and multiple rock formations. The Windows Loop primitive trail even provides some solitude, though there are more interesting trails and features elsewhere in the park. Our next stop: Delicate Arch.

Windows Loop and Double Arch Trails

Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Type: Day hike
Total Distance: 1.8 mi (2.9 km)
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: +381 feet (116 m), -431 feet (131 m)
Time: 2 hours, including breaks
Trail Markings: Wayfinding Cairns (on primitive trail)
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Heavy near Turret and Double Arches, and the Windows. Few on the primitive trail.
Water: None
Highlights: Geological Features, Views
Directions to Windows Parking: Google Maps Directions
Notes: There are multiple ways to see the features mentioned above, so feel free to explore

Trail Directions

• 0.0 mi – From the parking lot, head south to the Windows Trailhead. Look for the trailhead sign.
• 0.1 mi – At the intersection, turn right toward Turret Arch.
• 0.2 mi – The trail passes Turret Arch, and you can stop to scramble and explore it.
• 0.3 mi – At the intersection between the windows, continue straight toward the North Window.
• 0.4 mi – Arrive at North Window. Check it out, then turn around and go back the same way.
• 0.5 mi – Back at the intersection between the two Windows. Turn left toward South Window and arrive there shortly. At the base of the South Window, follow the trail to the right toward the primitive trail. Cairns will help guide you.
• 1.2 mi – Primitive trail ends at the parking lot. Turn right and follow the road to Double Arch Trailhead.
• 1.3 mi – At the Double Arch Trailhead. You can see the arch from the trailhead.
• 1.5 mi – Arrive at Double Arch. Enjoy it, then head back the same way.
• 1.8 mi – Back at the parking lot.

Places

• Turret Arch | 38.684249, -109.534913
• North Arch | 38.685686, -109.532856
• South Arch | 38.684996, -109.532504
• Double Arch | 38.691531, -109.540308
• Parade of Elephants | 38.690017, -109.541318

Maps

• Windows and Double Arch Trails (KTNP)

Links

• Explore the Windows (NPS)
• Stroll to Double Arch (NPS)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Windows Loop and Double Arch Trails appeared first on KTNPBlog.

After getting set up at Devils Garden Campground and checking out the visitor center, we went on our first hike in Arches National Park. We chose Tower Arch Trail, in Klondike Bluffs, the northwest section of the park. The 2.5 mile trail is named after the titular Tower Arch at the end. Along the way is a well known rock formation called the Marching Men, which looks exactly like it sounds.

Compared with most hikes in the park, this one is more secluded and as a result, less crowded. Near Devils Garden Campground is a turnoff for Salt Valley Road, a dirt/gravel road that leads to the trailhead. We took a 4WD SUV, but you could easily use a 2WD vehicle. The 8-mile drive has scenic views, so we stopped a few times to take photos.

After seven miles, we reached an intersection with a 4WD road to the left. This road leads almost directly to Tower Arch. But we wanted to hike to the arch, so we continued 300 feet to the next intersection, and turned left. A mile later, we arrived at the trailhead.

Tower Arch Trail

The parking lot only has space for about eight cars, but there are overflow areas too. We grabbed our gear and started the hike, which begins with a short uphill scramble of 150 feet. Initially we took our trekking poles, but realized they were getting in our way. We decided to drop them back at the car, and we were glad because they aren’t needed on this hike. After the initial scramble, the trail was relatively flat.

From the top of the ascent, we looked at all the beautiful views around us. We saw spots of craggy, black cryptobiotic soil, which helps control erosion and retain water in the desert. Stepping on it will destroy the living crust, and a minimal amount can take up to seven years to reform, so staying on the trail is important. Thankfully, it’s easy to do since the trail is primarily on slickrock. Occasional cairns guided us as we made our way to the arch.

As we reached a high point in the trail, sweeping views appeared. Suddenly we were overlooking a wide open bowl-shaped valley surrounded by rock formations, and it literally took our breath away. We gradually descended into the area over the next half mile, snapping lots of photos on the way.

We pointed out every rock formation we saw, and wondered whether it was the Marching Men. Near the end of the valley area, we finally spotted them based on a picture we saw beforehand. They were on our left (to the south) and are hard to miss if you know what you’re looking for. The trail started ascending a sandy hill as we left the valley. Soon we were amidst striking vertical sandstone formations called fins.

Tower Arch

From a distance, we spotted Tower Arch, and just beyond it, a vertical rock formation that gives the arch its name. Tower Arch has a span of 92 feet, which while big, isn’t close to the largest in the park. But you can walk underneath and explore this one, which adds to the experience.

A nearby intersection leads to the 4WD road, but we were glad we hiked in. We headed straight for the arch, and climbed up until we were underneath it. Good views were everywhere, but my favorite was looking out from behind the arch with rock formations in the distance. A few ground squirrels scurried around as we examined some wildflowers. We took a break for lunch as we enjoyed the scene.

If you can find them, there are also two inscriptions at the base of the Arch: the Ringhoffer Inscription, and the H.S Bell inscription which named the arch “Minaret Bridge.” Both inscriptions were created in the 1920s (before doing so was illegal). The name “Minaret Bridge” didn’t stick though, and it was named Tower Arch by Frank Beckwith in 1934 during an expedition to survey the park. Unfortunately, we didn’t learn about them until after our visit.

Another feature we missed is Parallel Arch, about 400 feet south of Tower Arch. There are actually two arches right next to each other (Parallel Arch Outer and Parallel Arch Inner), but they can be hard to see. Another challenge for us to find next time. There are other arches in the Klondike Bluffs area, like Anniversary Arch North and South, but most are off-trail and hard to find.

After eating lunch on a large rock with a view of the arch, we headed back to the trailhead. This is one of the least populated hikes in Arches, and we only passed a few other groups on the way. As we climbed out of the bowl-shaped valley, a hiker coming the opposite way exclaimed, “Whoa!” as she came to the lip of the bowl. That was pretty much our reaction too!

Tower Arch is impressive and you can beat the crowds that are pervasive in the other hikes in Arches National Park. It’s really not that hard to get to, but I guess the dirt road dissuades some people. While the NPS website lists Tower Arch as a difficult hike, we’d call it easy to moderate. It was a great introduction to the park, and we highly recommend it.

Tower Arch Trail

Date: Sunday, March 25, 2018
Type: Out and back dayhike
Total Distance: 2.5 miles (4.0 km) round trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 686 feet (209 m)
Time: 2 hours, including lunch and breaks
Trail Markings: Cairns to guide the way
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Low
Water: None
Highlights: Geological Features, Views, Solitude
Directions to Tower Arch Parking: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• 0.0 mi – From the parking lot, start Tower Arch Trail by scrambling up the initial ascent.
• 1.2 mi – Arrive at the intersection with the 4WD road. A short trail leads to Tower Arch. After checking out the arch, head back on the same trail, making sure to keep left at the intersection sign toward the Klondike Bluffs Trailhead.
• 2.5 mi – Back at the parking lot.

Places

• Tower Arch Parking Lot | 38.7930818, -109.673468
• Tower Arch | 38.7893406, -109.6836825
• Marching Men | 38.7836999, -109.6809228

Maps

• Tower Arch Trail Map (KTNP)

Links

• Parallel Arch (UtahArches.com)
• Anniversary Arch North (UtahArches.com)
• Anniversary Arch South (UtahArches.com)
• Klondike Bluffs Arches (UtahArches.com)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Tower Arch Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

We had just finished hiking Mount Scott, also in the southeast section of the park. It was an easy drive to Pinnacles Road, which intersects with East Rim Drive at Phantom Ship Overlook. Plaikni Falls was our next destination, 1.1 miles down Pinnacles Road.

Plaikni Falls Trail

The trail to Plaikni Falls is an easy 2-mile out and back hike. The trail, constructed in 2011, is mostly wheelchair accessible. The exception is the short section at the end which allows visitors to walk closer to the falls. The name “Plaikni” comes from a Klamath Native American word that means “from the high country.”

Rocks line the manicured path, and distinctive benches are placed periodically along the trail. Meandering through a forest, the trail passes a large rocky outcropping on the left. Red, yellow, and purple wildflowers were scattered along the trail. I was surprised by the plant diversity given how short the trail is. There were columbines, monkey flowers, orchids, bleeding hearts, and more!

As we approached the end of the trail, a stream flowed on our right. Upstream we saw the beautiful Plaikni Falls, where a few other groups enjoyed the scenery. After a brief wait, we had it all to ourselves for a few minutes. We were able to get close enough to the falls to feel drops of water, which was very refreshing. Late afternoon is the perfect time to photograph Plaikni Falls to avoid glare from the sun.

Although there were a few mosquitoes, particularly close to the water, this short hike has great payoff. The trail is wide and flat, so it’s easily accessible for people of all abilities. We usually prefer more rugged terrain, but this hike is well-maintained and culminates in a captivating waterfall.

Pinnacles Trail

After enjoying Plaikni Falls, we drove further south to Pinnacles Trail, at the end of Pinnacles Road. On the way, we stopped to check out Lost Creek Campground, which the National Park Service operates. The first-come, first-served primitive campsites cost $10 per night. It was very quiet, and we wished we had stayed there rather than Mazama Campground. The campground bathrooms (outhouses) are the only in the area, as Plaikni Falls and Pinnacles don’t have any facilities.

We parked in the small lot near Pinnacles Trail, along with a few other visitors. A sign details the geological formation of the nearby spires, some of which we could see from the parking lot. The spires, also called fossil fumaroles, were formed by volcanic gases and steam that were released through tubes in ash that covered the area. Over time, these tubes hardened and the ash surrounding them eroded, leaving the spires.

Although you can see some volcanic spires from the parking lot, a 0.8 mile out and back hike takes visitors along a rim overlooking Wheeler and Sand Creeks. Like Plaikni Falls, Pinnacles Trail is wheelchair accessible. Covered with gravel and sand, the trail is easy and flat.

Along the trail are several lookouts into the canyon, providing views of the pinnacles and Sand Creek. Clusters of pinnacles line the trail side of the canyon. Looking across to the other side are lone pinnacles amongst the trees. Some spires were fun (and difficult) to pick out from the trees! Afternoon is not an ideal time for photography; morning or midday might have provided better lighting.

At the end of the trail is a large stone structure which marks the historic eastern entrance to the park. The structure was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in 1937 and the entrance was closed in 1973 due to disuse. We noticed how similar it looked to the north entrance.

Beyond that point, the trail becomes a forest road and continues into Fremont-Winema National Forest. After relaxing a moment in solitude, we turned around and headed back to the parking lot. This is a short and unique hike, especially for those interested in geology.

Places

• Plaikni Falls Trailhead | 42.907286, -122.0684791
• Pinnacles Trailhead | 42.849872, -122.0074557
• Lost Creek Campground | 42.8793819, -122.0369873

Links

• Plaikni Falls Trail (Crater Lake Institute)
• Crater Lake East Entrance (Oregon Hikers)

The post Plaikni Falls & Pinnacles Trails appeared first on KTNPBlog.

The average July rainfall in Crater Lake National Park is around one inch, the lowest of the year. So, it was just our luck that it was raining on our first few days in the park. We wanted to go backpacking in the northwestern section of the park (on Bald Crater Loop), but the rain and threat of thunderstorms put a stop to that. Instead, we decided on a 5.4 mile out-and-back dayhike to Boundary Springs.

Boundary Springs Trail is not a heavily used or well-known trail. The best way to access it is from the northern edge of the park in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The trail leads to the headwaters of the 215-mile Rogue River, which starts in Crater Lake NP, Oregon. The source of the spring is snowmelt, not Crater Lake itself. The trail was a delight and one of the (pleasant) surprises of our trip. But it’s not well marked or widely publicized. A ranger we met later in the trip said she had hiked the trail recently, but hadn’t found the spring.

To Mount Mazama Viewpoint

Driving north from Mazama Campground on West Rim Drive, we were stopped by construction for 30 minutes. After we made it past the delay, we stopped at a few overlooks to photograph Crater Lake with Wizard Island. The overcast sky reflecting on the surface of the lake was stunning.

Passing the North Junction, we continued on North Entrance Road and stopped to check out the Pumice Desert. Only a few trees and wildflowers dot the barren landscape as Mt. Theilson looms in the distance. The soil felt squishy and strange with each step. We examined some rocks that had holes and were lighter than an average rock, but not as light as we imagined. Continuing, we left the park boundaries and turned left onto highway 230.

Along highway 230, in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, we found trailhead for Mount Mazama Viewpoint. Just off the road is a decent-sized parking lot and a pit toilet. We stopped to read a sign there that explained how the caldera, and later Crater Lake itself, formed after the eruption of Mount Mazama.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

We tried to read the peeling trailhead sign while mosquitoes attacked us just feet from our car. We reserve insect repellent for those “absolutely necessary” situations, and within 10 minutes of starting the hike we applied some. Upper Rogue River Trail (1034) descends through a forest that had a fire in 2015. Many burned trees remained, and new seedlings had sprouted. Pumice was scattered on the forest floor, and we stopped to pick a few up to see how heavy they were.

After half a mile, the trail comes to a fork with a small wooden sign nailed to a tree. To the right, Upper Rogue River Trail continues. We headed left on Boundary Springs Trail (1057). The trails here are not well signed, so a quality map is a must. The trail continued down a hill and the Rogue River flowed on our right. Beautiful wildflowers grew on both sides of the trail.

At the bottom of the hill was a stream crossing. Kristin was a bit hesitant, but made it without any issue. As we ascended the trail we were rewarded with views of the Rogue River. We would follow the river upstream the rest of the way to Boundary Springs.

Fifteen minutes after the stream crossing, we reached a road. We were uncertain where to go, so we checked our Nat Geo map. The map showed that the trail should be to the right, across the road. So we turned right and crossed the Rogue River which flows underneath the road. On our left, we found the trail, next to another badly peeling sign which read “Rogue River.” Metal or carved wooden signs would be more functional than these.

Crater Lake National Park

We continued up the trail, which became rolling and narrow. A few sections of the trail had steep dropoffs. We saw other hikers for the first time, near a small stream crossing. One mile after crossing the road, we crossed into Crater Lake National Park.

The trail got lower and closer to the river, as the river widened. We noticed yellow flowers growing all over dead logs in the stream.

The trail descended, providing beautiful views of the widening river. We began to notice yellow flowers growing all over dead logs that floated in the water. Looking it up later, we learned that they were yellow monkeyflowers. We were here at the right time of year! Other wildflowers, like fireweed and bleeding heart, grew nearby.

As we progressed, we passed burnt areas from a recent fire, which dramatically changed the landscape. The Rogue River continued to widen, and flow more rapidly. Upstream we saw multiple waterfalls, which were partially obscured by trees.

The trail got muddy as we came upon a marshy meadow. I always celebrate discovering any marshy area since it means there’s a chance to see some unique wildflowers. And sure enough, there were bog orchids and clintonia wildflowers growing alongside the trail. We stopped, and I took way too many photos.

The river seemed to fork at this point, and the trail followed a smaller stream. Eventually, the small stream seemed to dry up and disappear. We wondered if the waterfall we had seen earlier was Boundary Springs, and were unsure of where to go.

Boundary Springs

Continuing, we came to a curious log embedded in the ground. The log was polished, like it was meant for something, but there was no sign on it. A narrow dirt trail ran to the left, while the trail we were on continued straight. We decided to check out the side trail, and we found part of the river that had split earlier.

The side trail wasn’t well defined, but we continued on. After about five minutes on the side trail, we found what we were looking for – Boundary Springs. We could see the start of the Rogue River pouring out of the earth.

We carefully made our way directly behind the spring. It made for a gorgeous view of the river, dotted with yellow wildflowers. We relaxed for a bit and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the spring. It’s very powerful to think about the beginnings of a huge river coming from this humble spot.

We headed back the way we came, and the mosquitoes began attacking us again. As we started north toward the parking lot, thick gray clouds appeared in front of us, and blue sky behind us. The skies started sprinkling, but it didn’t storm. Maybe we could have done that backpacking trip after all.

This was one of our favorite hikes in Crater Lake. It’s unique, and there are fewer visitors than most trails we hiked during our trip. It’s off the beaten path, but that only adds to the experience. Just be sure you have a map, since it isn’t well marked.

Boundary Springs Trail

Dates: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Type: Out and Back Dayhike
Total Distance: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 883 feet (269 m)
Time: 3.5 hours which includes photo breaks
Trail Markings: A few peeling trail signs
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: A few groups, otherwise had it to ourselves
Water: Rivers and streams along the trail
Highlights: Boundary Springs, wildflowers, marshy area, burnt areas, waterfalls
Note: You could also hike to Boundary Springs from the south, but it would take longer.
Directions to Mazama Viewpoint Trailhead: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• Mile 0.0 – From Mazama Viewpoint, take the Upper Rogue River Trail (1034). This trail starts inside Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
• 0.6 – At a poorly defined intersection, turn left onto Boundary Springs Trail (1057).
• 1.0 – You’ll come to a dirt road, Old Diamond Lake Road. There will be a stream to your right, perpendicular to the road and flowing under it. Go right onto the road for about 100 feet, and you’ll see the trail continue on your left.
• 1.6 – A sign indicates that you’ve entered Crater Lake National Park.
• 2.5 – An intersection with the trail that leads to Boundary Springs. There’s no trail sign as of 2017, just a polished wooden pole in the ground marking the intersection. Take a left here.
• 2.7 – You’ve arrived at Boundary Springs! Enjoy the peace, quiet, and beautiful scenery, then return the way you came.
• 5.4 – Back at the parking lot.

Places

• Mazama Viewpoint Trailhead | 43.0906366, -122.2239233
• Pumice Desert Overlook | 43.027926, -122.119328

Maps

• Boundary Springs Trail Map (KTNP)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Boundary Springs Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

Towering redwood trees. That’s what you think of when you come to Redwood National & State Parks. Our first hike in the park though? It would feature no redwoods. Lyons Ranch, a National Historic Site, has an easy 4.5 mile loop trail and features wide open prairies, dramatic views, and historic structures. You can see more than just trees at Redwood N&SP.

Lyons Ranch Trail is in a remote section of the park called Bald Hills, near the park’s southeast border. It takes time to get there, but it’s worth it. Native American tribes like the Chilula, Hupa, and Yurok originally lived in the area. These tribes deliberately set fire to the surrounding oak woodlands to enhance the growth of acorns, berries, and grasses. The resulting wide-open prairies eventually welcomed settlers and their sheep ranches.

Jonathan Lyons was one of the first European-American settlers in the Bald Hills area. He and his wife, Amelia, who was of Hupa descent, started sheep ranching here in 1873. The land was ranched for three generations, until the 1960s when it was sold for its timber. Today, the area is still largely untouched with various historical buildings and structures remaining.

Crescent City, California

The day before we arrived in Redwood N&SP, we drove down the Pacific coast from Portland, Oregon to Crescent City, California. We could write a whole post about how awesome the Oregon coast was – but this is a blog about National Parks. So, we recommend you check it out yourself.

Once we entered Redwood N&SP, our first stop was Hiouchi Visitor Center, near Jedediah Smith Campground. Here, we signed up for a free kayaking trip that the park runs. Next, we drove south on highway 101, which traverses the northern half of the park. Construction backup and eerie fog slowed our trip down a bit. However, a few scenic overlooks with spectacular coastal views made the drive much more interesting.

Bald Hills Road

To get to the trailhead, we continued driving south on highway 101 and then turned onto Bald Hills Road. The road is a 2WD accessible road that runs on the east side of the federally managed Redwood National Park section of Redwood N&SP. Various trailheads like Tall Trees Grove and Dolason Prairie can also be accessed from Bald Hills Road. 17 miles from the start is the trailhead for Lyons Ranch.

After 6.7 miles, we stopped at an overlook of Redwood Creek. The overlook is a wide scenic view of Redwood Creek, where we backpacked later in our trip. It was cool to see it from higher up as we knew we’d be down there soon. We got back on the road, which turns from pavement to gravel. With the change comes gorgeous views of open prairies as the road winds its way through them.

The road is dusty and bumpy, but easy to drive on. As we drove we suddenly heard a loud roar and saw a giant logging truck coming toward us. We pulled over to the side as far as we could, as the truck raced past us. It’s dangerous, we really had to be careful and pull over as far as we could to let the truck go by. Be very cautious while driving this road!

Lyons Ranch Trailhead

We finally reached the trailhead after a long drive. It takes awhile to get here, so plan accordingly. Somewhat surprisingly – there weren’t any other cars in the parking lot. As we were gathering our gear, another car drove up and parked. Two people got out, snapped some photos of the views, and then hopped back in their car and left. Those were the only people that we’d see on the hike.

When deciding on which route to hike at Lyons Ranch, there are a few options. The main trail is Lyons Ranch Trail which is an out-and-back to the old Lyons barn and some other buildings. The Lyons Ranch area also has a series of intersecting old gravel roads. There’s a gate that prevents cars from getting on the road. We’d be making a reverse lollipop loop out of the trail and gravel roads.

To start, we went straight out of the gate, past the trailhead sign onto Lyons Ranch Trail. We were immediately greeted with dramatic vistas over prairies. In the distance are views of the rolling hills which makes for a nice dichotomy. It was sunny, warm, and clear – a great day for a hike.

Much of the trail is exposed to the sun, but after about 15 minutes we entered an area with oak woodland surrounding us. It’s a nice change, but soon we were back out on the prairie. A few simple signs that say “TRAIL” with an arrow guide us as we go, but the way is clear even without them. Growing alongside the trail are some pretty purple and pink wildflowers. If we were here in the spring or earlier in the summer, the area would be bursting with wildflowers!

“Home Place”

At 1.6 miles into the hike, we saw a large barn in the distance. The area around it is the “Home Place,” the former residence of the Lyons family. Other than the barn, only two small bunkhouses remain. We approached the barn and looked around. We weren’t aware and didn’t see any obvious entrances, so we didn’t go in, but we later found out that visitors can enter the barn.

Further past the barn are the bunkhouses, which we did go in and explore while being respectful of what was there. Mostly old tools, soda cans, clothing and other odds and ends. Further beyond the bunkhouses looked to be an old outhouse, but we weren’t sure. I’m glad these structures still exist for us to look at, as they gave us an idea of what life was like at the time.

Ranch Road

After taking a short break at a nearby picnic table, we headed back the way we came. Around 15 minutes later, we saw a fork in the road. To the left, Lyons Ranch Trail returns to the parking lot. To make this a loop hike, we headed right onto Ranch Road. There’s no signage, we just went by our map. But both roads are obvious, they’re not hidden. It’s the first intersection we encountered after turning around at the barn.

Ranch Road is a pleasant hike and features more shade and fewer views than Lyons Ranch Trail. Taking the road added about a mile of distance and 200 feet of elevation gain to our return route. It’s worth it for the views and historical buildings we saw.

We came upon a downed tree across the road. As we hopped over it, I wondered how much maintenance this trail gets. Soon, we saw another barn down the road. Except, it’s not technically a barn, it’s Long Ridge Sheep Shed. In the winter, sheep would be fed inside this building.

Approaching the shed, we took a quick peek inside, imagining how it was used. After satisfying our curiosity, we immediately turned left onto Long Ridge Road which leads back to the trailhead. Still no signage, but the route was easy to follow on our map.

Long Ridge Road

Long Ridge Road ascends sharply uphill, and this is the most strenuous part of the hike. As we hiked, we looked back and were greeted with great views of the shed and scenic landscape. Before long we looked to our left and could see Lyons Ranch Trail in the distance. We could see that the trail would meet up with Long Ridge Road soon. When it did, we arrived back at the parking lot.

This hike was a wonderful introduction to Redwood N&SP, even if it lacks redwood trees. As you hike this gravel road, you’ll be serenaded by birds and enjoy seasonal wildflowers. It’s pleasant and scenic with gorgeous prairie and mountain views. We recommend this trail, particularly since it’s so different from the rest of the park. And the hardest part about this hike is getting there.

Lyons Ranch Trail

Date Visited: July 17, 2017
Type: Reverse Lollipop Loop
Total Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 880 feet (268 m)
Time: 2.5 hours hiking which includes photography breaks
Trail Markings: None besides a few simple wooden signs that said “TRAIL” with an arrow, but it’s easy to follow
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: None
Water: None
Highlights: Views, history, wildlife
Note: Watch out for logging trucks on Bald Hills Road!
Directions to Parking: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• Mile 0.0 – Head straight, past the gate onto the road/trail ahead onto Lyons Ranch Trail.
• Mile 1.7 – You’ve arrived at the “Home Place.” A barn and two bunkhouses remain. Explore, then head back the way you came.
• Mile 2.3 – The trail forks here. To the left is Lyons Ranch Trail, where you came from. Take the right fork towards Ranch Road.
• Mile 3.7 – At the intersection of Ranch Road and Long View Road is Long View Sheep Shed. Go left onto Long View Road; Ranch Road continues to the right.
• Mile 4.1 – There is a faint road to the right here called High Prairie Road, but continue straight on Long View Road.
• Mile 4.5 – You’ve arrived back at the parking lot.

Places

• Lighthouse Inn | 681 Highway 101 South, Crescent City, CA 95531
• Hiouchi Visitor Center | 1600 US-199, Crescent City, CA 95531
• DeMartin Picnic Area | 41.6034896, -124.1011377
• Lagoon Creek Picnic Area | 41.5936743, -124.1009537
• Redwood Creek Overlook | 41.2580432, -123.9981322
• Lyons Ranch Parking Area | 41.1474986,-123.8963249
• Lyons Ranch Barn | 41.136546, -123.913175
• Long Ridge Sheep Shed | 41.138709, -123.889121

Maps

• Lyons Ranch Trail Map (KTNP)

Links

• Lyons Ranch Historical Place Article (NPS)
• Bald Hills Visitor Guide (NPS)
• Lyons Ranch Cultural Landscapes Inventory, 2004 (NPS)
• Del Norte Triplicate Article About Lyons Family

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Lyons Ranch Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

Type: Out and Back Hike
Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km)
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 526 feet (160m)
Net Elevation Gain/Loss: 209 feet (63 m)
Date visited: April 20, 2017
Garwood Trail Map (KTNP)

Our intention was to visit as much of Saguaro National Park as we could.  Crisscrossing desert trails in the northwest corner of the Rincon Mountain (east) District are known as the Cactus Forest.  We wanted to hike somewhere up there, so we reserved a full day for it.  Our initial plan was to do a longer loop, but we were exhausted after backpacking to Manning Camp, so we decided on a shorter hike.  A ranger at the Rincon Visitor Center recommended a 4.0 mile out-and-back on Garwood Trail.  This option has many connecting trails, so it could easily be part of a loop or longer hike.

Garwood Trail has multiple points of interest.  First, there was a cristate or “crested” saguaro along the trail.  A cristate saguaro is a mutation that causes a saguaro’s cells in the stem to divide outward, rather than in the normal circular pattern.  As a result, the saguaro grows a large fan-shaped crest at the top.  Also along the trail is a cluster of 11 saguaro cacti growing within inches of each other.  Our hike would end at Garwood Dam which was built in the 1940s. You could go beyond the dam and spend a full day on the Cactus Forest trails; we just went to the dam and back.

After our stop at Rincon Visitor Center, we headed to Douglas Spring Trailhead.  The trail leads to the backcountry, and eventually to Manning Camp, though we decided on another route due to frequent overnight break-ins.  We figured it would be safe to park there for a few hours, though.  At the trailhead was a ramada (an open shelter with a roof), a picnic table, and a few other parked cars.

Garwood Trail

Our route began on Douglas Spring Trail, which intersects with Garwood Trail in 0.2 miles.  There isn’t much elevation gain, so this trail is more about views of cacti than landscape views.  We found a lot to like about the trail, and encountered some surprises.

We enjoyed the scenery, which included many saguaros, cholla, and other desert plants.  About 1.1 miles into the hike, shortly after the intersection with Wildhorse Trail, is the cluster of 11 saguaros – there were 13, but a few have died over the years.  It was unique to see all the saguaros close together, although I imagine more may die off as the cacti grow in size.

We continued the hike and very quickly, we saw our next point of interest: the cristate saguaro.  It’s nothing like the other saguaro, it’s very intricate and otherworldly.  It’s right next to the trail, and has a unique fan-shaped head, so you can’t miss it.  Cristate saguaros are rare; they comprise only one out of every 200,000 saguaros.  As of 2013, there were 30 in the Tucson Mountain (west) District and 27 in Rincon Mountain (east) District.  During our time in Saguaro, we only saw one other cristate saguaro, along the road near the Tanque Verde Trail parking lot.

We continued along the trail, Kristin in the lead, to get a better view of the cristate saguaro.  Suddenly, Kristin stopped.  She started backing up, so I asked what was wrong.  She whispered, “there’s a snake on the trail.”  I looked ahead to see a coiled up snake, with a diamond pattern, lying in the middle of the trail.  It was a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, a venomous snake found in the southwestern United States.  It made no sound, rattle, or movement, as we stared at it.  Given its coloration, it blended easily into the trail, so we didn’t see it until we were close.

Naturally, I took out my camera and started taking photos.  Of course the snake was unaware that it was lying on a trail, just that it was nice and shaded.  Kristin wanted to turn back, I wanted to go around it somehow.  We sure weren’t going to jump over it!  I wanted to get a better look at the Cristate Saguaro, as well as the dam.  The snake picked a bad place for a nap.

We scoped out a way around on the left side of the trail.  I blazed a path beyond the snake with K following.  We moved slowly, quietly, and carefully, trying to avoid cholla berries or other snakes.  Soon we stepped out onto the trail beyond the snake.  We wouldn’t go off trail normally, but I think the situation called for it.  We look back at the snake, it’s still lying there lazily.  When I took my next photo, the snake’s eyes were open – was it watching us?  After snapping some quick photos of our new friend and the cristate saguaro, we continued on the trail past a wash.  Always exciting!

Carrillo Trail

After about another 0.2 miles from the cristate saguaro, we turned left on Carrillo Trail.  We spotted the dam about 0.2 miles away, and start quoting National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation.  There were several pools of water down in the “canyon.”  There is no off-trail hiking in Saguaro below 4,500 feet, so visitors can only get so close to the dam.

The dam itself was built in 1948, before the land was part of the national park.  Back then it was owned by Nelson and Josephine Garwood, who constructed the dam to provide water for their ranch.  The property was sold off in 1950s and ’60s, until it was acquired by the park service in the 1970s.  The National Park Service has an article about Garwood Ranch if you’re interested in learning more.

After checking out the dam, we turned around and our thoughts went back to the rattlesnake.  Would it still be on the trail?  Of course it was; the trail was still shady.  So we went around the rattler again, giving it plenty of space.  Always respect nature, and be aware of your surroundings.  You never know what you’ll run into!  A month later, near Mary’s Rock in Shenandoah National Park, we ran into a Timber Rattlesnake.  This one surprised us by rattling as it crossed the trail.

Overall, we enjoyed this short hike in the cactus forest.  If we had more energy, it would have been nice to hike a longer loop.  My favorite part was the cristate saguaro, and I’d recommend the trail just to see it.  After our hike, we went into Tucson to grab lunch, then returned to the park to drive around Cactus Forest Loop Drive to see what else we could find.

Garwood Trail
Type: Out-and-back
Total Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km) round trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 526 feet (160 m)
Net Elevation Gain/Loss: 209 feet (63 m)
Time: 2 hours hiking with a couple breaks, mainly snake-related detours
Trail Markings: No cairns or blazes, but the trail is well-defined and there are signs at each intersection
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: None, we saw no one
Water: Some small pools of water near the dam
Directions to Douglas Spring Trailhead: Google Maps Directions
Trail Directions: 

• Mile 0.0 – Start at Douglas Spring Trailhead, and go on Douglas Spring Trail.
• Mile 0.2 – Turn right onto Garwood Trail.  After 180 feet, you’ll pass another intersection with the Stock Bypass Trail.  Continue straight on Garwood Trail.
• Mile 0.5 – You’ll pass Converse Trail on your left; continue straight on Garwood Trail.
• Mile 1.0 – You’ll pass Bajada Wash Trail on your right, continue straight on Garwood Trail.
• Mile 1.1 – You’ve reached a four way intersection with Wildhorse Trail.  Continue on Garwood Trail, and in only 530 feet you’ll reach the clustered saguaros.
• Mile 1.5 – The cristate saguaro is on your left
• Mile 1.7 – Turn right onto Carrillo Trail
• Mile 2.0 – You’re at the dam!  After checking it out, head back the way you came.
• Mile 2.3 – Head right onto Garwood Trail.  Continue straight until it dead ends.
• Mile 3.8 – Turn left onto Douglas Spring Trail.
• Mile 4.0 – Back at the parking lot

Highlights: History, Water Features, Wildlife, Wildflowers, Solitude
Date Visited: We hiked this trail on April 20, 2017

Places:
Douglas Spring Trailhead | 14306 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748
Garwood Dam | 32.21414, -110.69122

Maps:
Garwood Trail Map (KTNP)
Saguaro National Park Rincon District Map (NPS)

Links:
NPS Cristate Saguaro Article
NPS Garwood Ranch Article

The post Garwood Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

Desert Orientation

A visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum seemed like a good place to start our adventure. Travis had never been to southern AZ, and I hadn’t visited the area in almost 20 years, so we wanted to learn about the climate, wildlife, and landscape. As we drove through Tucson, we saw gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance. I wish we could see mountains like that just driving around at home! As we got closer to the museum, which is just outside Saguaro NP, the roads became windy and hilly with a single lane on each side. Travis was driving, and I kept reminding him to go slow since we couldn’t really see over the hills. The occasional cyclist added an element of surprise.

We pulled into the museum parking lot and were greeted by the US, Mexican, and Arizona flags. The lot was crowded, but we found a spot after a short search. The museum is a pueblo style building – a low, unobtrusive structure with a flat roof – that blends well with the desert landscape. As we approached the museum, we had a gorgeous view of the Sonoran desert through an opening in the center. This indicates that most of the museum is outdoors, so you get the full experience (including unlimited direct sun).

We paid about $21 per person to enter, and headed through the gate. Our first stop was a board near the gift shop to see which docent programs were happening that day. There was a presentation on the saguaro cactus that afternoon, so we made a mental note and continued on. Next, we headed out back to take a walk in the desert landscape. We walked around the winding paths, and enjoyed viewing the saguaro with a mountain backdrop.

The heat and direct sun were getting to us, so we decided to take a break. After a stop at the bottle-filler (which we were very thankful for), we still felt overheated, so we went into the museum gift shop, which had glorious air conditioning. I browsed jewelry and knickknacks until we reached the small cafe at the back. After careful consideration, we each decided on a popsicle and a bag of chips. I’m not usually into popsicles, but this was no ordinary day. We took them outside to enjoy as we explored some of the exhibits – they were a huge help so we didn’t get overheated. Maybe I’m being dramatic, but we weren’t used to this kind of heat, especially in April!

Wildlife

The museum has viewing areas for many different animals. We saw an otter swimming in a pool. In was cool to watch him (or her) glide effortlessly through the water. An aviary had some more wildlife for us to see. It was a bit strange to hear and see birds flying overhead, and to round a corner only to find a huge bird sitting on a branch a few feet ahead. These guys are clearly used to having people nearby. Of course, the aviary is enclosed with a screen high overhead, and has lots of trees where the birds perch, so it provides some respite from the sun.

Travis’s favorite spot was the hummingbird exhibit. He loves to take photos of wildlife, and he would spend hours snapping photos if I let him. Several other visitors were also trying to get that perfect hummingbird photo, so it got a bit crowded in spots. Some of the hummingbirds were tiny, and in unexpected colors. If you looked closely, you could also spot their nests.

Docent Presentations

There are many docents scattered around the museum. One showed us a young desert tortoise. It was really cool to observe up close. Visitors over age 3 can touch the shell. Apparently, this is because you can get Salmonella from turtles. Who knew?

We ran into another docent who asked us if we were interested in jojoba oil. We weren’t. But we didn’t want to be rude, and it turned out to be pretty interesting – what caught our attention was that there are male and female jojoba trees, and they’re pollinated by the wind. She showed us how to differentiate between the two. We thought this was actually pretty cool, and something we could look for on the trail.

Soon it was time for the saguaro decent presentation. We met in Vista Ramada, a small covered porch area with a great view of the Sonoran desert. There were a few others attending the talk, including a family with a child. The docent made jokes, was very informative, and especially made sure to engage the child in conversation.

We learned that a saguaro cactus has a wood skeleton (I had been wondering what gave them their structure, but never thought to ask). This made sense, since they can grow up to 40 feet tall. There was a dead saguaro right next to the porch, so you could see its wood “skeleton.” As a teacher, I consider myself a lifelong learner, so I gave this presentation a thumbs up.

When we needed our next shade break, we headed into another indoor section of the museum: the reptile house. There were tarantulas, snakes, lizards, and…that was enough for me. So we filled up our bottles again and headed back outside.

Desert Loop Trail

One of the coolest features of this museum is that it has its own trail. It’s situated behind the museum, in the desert landscape. A warning sign explains the trail’s purpose and amenities. I recommend taking plenty of water, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat…and maybe a popsicle.

As we walked the paved loop trail, we looked for wildlife among the desert vistas. Even though signs and the museum map indicates where the animals are located, we had to search to find them. We were also introduced to some desert plants including the saguaro (who saw that coming?) and the ocotillo.

After walking the desert loop, we were tired, hot, and the museum was about to close, so that was our cue to go get dinner. Being from DC, we are used to having access to many great museums free of charge. However, we were happy to support the mission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and recommend that others visit it, too. The docents are friendly and knowledgeable. You’ll learn a lot, and be able to spot some really cool desert wildlife. And you can further support the museum by grabbing a cool treat on a hot day.

Places
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743 | Open 8:30am – 5pm daily

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