Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona (May 5, 2021) I went on my first group hike this morning – well, my first group hike since Debra and I moved to Show Low full time last fall. There were 20 of us in total (and two dogs!). It was a mid-week hike, on a Wednesday, so I was not surprised that most of the hikers, or perhaps all, were retirement-aged+.
To a person, these folks – an equal mix of men and women – were avid hikers, dedicated and enthusiastic as they tackled the trail. And from the conversational buzz that surrounded me, I discovered that most were “social hikers” who talked about family and friends, swapped stories on trails they have hiked, discussed current events, etc. I loved these aspects of the group, which mirrored my mindset on hiking.
This morning’s hike sandwiched the Springs Trail, a 3.6-mile loop in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, between an out-and-back on the Old Hatchery Trail, which was eight-tenths of a mile one way. In total we covered 5.2 miles – a good distance for a group hike, especially when hiking skills varied from one member to another – something I soon realized was true of this group.
This morning’s hike sandwiched the Springs Trail, a 3.6-mile loop in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, between an out-and-back on the Old Hatchery Trail, which was eight-tenths of a mile one way. In total we covered 5.2 miles – a good distance for a group hike, especially when hiking skills varied from one member to another – something I soon realized was true of this group.
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We met at the McDonald’s in Pinetop, and from there drove a short distance to the Arizona Fish and Game regional office on White Mountain Road. The trailhead for the Old Hatchery Trail was near the northeast corner of the parking lot.
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I later learned that this was the site of a major fish hatchery built in the 1930s. Up to three million eggs per year were hatched, and when a “catchable-size” program was implemented, nearly 200,000 catchable trout were produced each year! Drought forced the hatchery to close in the 1950s, although the ponds were used for small-scale projects into the ‘90s. The ponds were rebuilt in 2015 for conservation activities.
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We followed our group leader, Arlene, past the hatchery ponds (in photo above) and across a bridge that spanned Billy Creek. The trail dropped about 50 feet over rocky terrain with some boulders, which may be why this trail, as short as it was, earned a “Moderate” rating. (Don’t let this dissuade you from hiking this trail.)
The trail flattened out as it meandered through the not-very-dense forest. We passed through two gates, and soon came to a clearing with a cairn “garden.” I do not know if this was the artistic work of one hiker or many over time. Either way, I never saw anything like it, and thought it was pretty neat! |
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The Old Hatchery Trail ended near trail marker S6 on the Springs Trail. As an aside, all trails in the White Mountains Trail System were marked with white diamond markers and every quarter mile the marker was numbered. The letter designated the trail (in this case, S = Springs) and the number signified the distance from the trailhead (consequently, 6 = six quarter miles, or 1.5 miles from the trailhead). Arlene led us counterclockwise on this looped trail, which was rated “Easy” by AllTrails…and it was, with mostly hard-pack dirt and little elevation change.
We passed several connector trails along the way, including one that was only a couple of hundred feet – perhaps the shortest trail in the White Mountains Trail System!
We reached Thompson Creek about two-thirds of the way around the loop. At first, the small creek trickled parallel to the trail. But just past the spot where we crossed the creek, it widened into a beautiful riparian area. I heard a couple of quacks and a few tweets – and while I did not spot the ducks and birds who uttered these sounds, I well-imagined them on the water and in the trees!
We reached Thompson Creek about two-thirds of the way around the loop. At first, the small creek trickled parallel to the trail. But just past the spot where we crossed the creek, it widened into a beautiful riparian area. I heard a couple of quacks and a few tweets – and while I did not spot the ducks and birds who uttered these sounds, I well-imagined them on the water and in the trees!
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From Thompson Creek, we completed the loop back to the Old Hatchery Trail, which we followed to the trailhead at Fish and Game.
This was not the most adventuresome hike I have been on, but as with all hikes, it was great to be outdoors in picture-perfect weather, and it was fun to hike with a convivial group.
I had hoped to meet at least one person who I might do more serious hiking with…and I did. I hiked with Oland, a part-year resident of Show Low, along much of the trail. I found it easy to talk with him, and quickly realized that our hiking interests and skills were “simpatico.” I invited him to join Mark (another hiking buddy) and me next week on the Blue Ridge Trail – 9.1 miles, 800+ foot elevation change, rated “Moderate.” I look forward to sharing this hike with you!
I had hoped to meet at least one person who I might do more serious hiking with…and I did. I hiked with Oland, a part-year resident of Show Low, along much of the trail. I found it easy to talk with him, and quickly realized that our hiking interests and skills were “simpatico.” I invited him to join Mark (another hiking buddy) and me next week on the Blue Ridge Trail – 9.1 miles, 800+ foot elevation change, rated “Moderate.” I look forward to sharing this hike with you!