Kings Canyon / Gould Mine Trailhead -> Gould Mine Trail -> Esperanza Trail -> Hugh Norris -> Sweetwater Trail -> Kings Canyon Trail -> Mahagah Picnic Area ->Kings Canyon Wash -> Out

We wanted to up our game and spend more of the day out. We did both admirably. We drove to the edge of Saguaro National Park’s western mountain district (somewhat beyond, but not by a lot, Tucson Mountain Park) and reached the trailhead around 09:20. This morning it actually felt like the recorded temperature. The air was cool and a breeze was blowing. It was enough to cause even me to put on a windshirt. Within a half-mile or so we were all shedding a layer as we had warmed up and the wind wasn’t really a factor on hte southern facing slopes (think that is right) we were gradually ascending.

The Gould Mine Trail takes us past the remnants of the Gould Mine. The mine was started in 1906 by H. Gould and though it remained open for nearly fifty years the H. Gould Mining company went bankrupt after only extracting 45,000 pounds of copper valued at $9,000 which was far less than the cost to run the mine and search for ore (learn more here). We gradually climbed the Gould Trail along its moderately stony tread.In the distance we could see what we think was an old air shaft. I understand the mine extended for a couple of miles at least 200 feet underground so I expect there are more air shafts than we saw.

We left the Gould Trail and the climbing got steeper as we began our trek on the Esperanza Trail. The views are spectacular but stark. The mountains are shades of brown with enough green to notice but not so much to ever cause you to confuse them with lush forests of places that get more than a few scant inches of rain per year. Here it is Saguaro Cactus marching across the slopes, mixed in are occotillo, pallo verde, prickly pear, cholla, staghorn, and no doubt much more. Today the staghorn would prove my nemesis. They look harmless enough, dark and low and woody but bunches of thorns grow on the branches and they are sharp. It is easy to brush by them and get poked and if unlucky impaled by a thorn that I am pretty sure has a barb to keep it in place under your skin. No joy. But the views are great.

We climbed steadily along a stony path past remains of what is referred to as a powder house. All that remains are some parts of walls. This is where miners would store dynamite. A little further on we came to the main shaft. It is now covered with a great steel grate cemented into the ground and surrounded by fencing. We paused for a break and to chat with a couple people before moving on and ever upward.

When we finally reached the intersection with the Hugh Norris Trail it was definitely time for a longer break. Views on both sides of the mountains were expansive and the spot we chose to sit was out of the wind which was nice. Once we left our spot we quickly noticed that wind striking the norhtern slopes were were now ascending. I won’t go as far as to say it was chilly but it was cool. Up we went. THe footing was sandy and therefore gentler on our feet. Along the way we came upon a five-person trail crew (3 women, two men) who I believe were working to improve erosion control features including drains and water bars. Hard work to be sure.

By 12:30 we reached the junction with the 0.3 mile trail that leads out to the nob of stone (over a couple other bumps) that is Wasson Peak. We have been there before and did not feel any need to visit to the peak this time. We settled in for a leisurely lunch in a slightly sheltered spot amongst the rocks just off the trail. As we ate several hikers and a couple of trail runners passed on by.

I had a suspicion that the initial climb from the trail junction of our lunch spot to the next trail junction would be a pain. It was. Mom zoomed on ahead while Dad and I plodded down the Sweetwater (I think) Trail. It is stony, full of steps, and steep. The switchbacks certainly help but it took close on 50 minutes (with some breaks) for Dad and I to descend the 0.9 miles dropping about 700 feet in elevation. Along the way we met a second trail crew working to improve the trail. When we finally caught up to Mom we learned she had been waiting for a good 15-20 minutes. What a slog. The views are great but it is hard going.

We continued along the Kings Canyon Trail. The stones did not abate but the number of great steps did, so going was certainly better. Not great, just less tiresome. Now and then relief in the form of a level stretch perhaps through a wash would buoy ur spirits but it never lasted long. Proper relief came when we reached the Mahagah Picnic Area. We lacked the desire and energy to walk the 0.1 miles uphill to the pavilion where tables and benches await the weary hiker. THe boulders we settled upon were good enough for a break. It was here we made the daring, for us, decision to strike out along the desert wash for the parking lot. We had heard from others that this was a viable option and we decided to take it.

Two years ago we had started to take the wash and when we reached a set of imposing rocks that dropped down many feet in a series of huge steps we turned back and took the Kings Canyon Trail out. This time we pushed on ahead. We all sat down and scooted ahead. Some of those steps were certainly of the sit-down-and-lower-yourself type. How the trail runner zipped through them so fast I do not know. I guess he just jumped down. No way. By this time we had attracted a group of other day hikers who had done shorter loops and while Mom and I forged ahead Dad stayed with them learning that two of them were from North Dakota. They were in the region for several weeks. Must feel incredibly warm compared to a typical North Dakotan winter.

The wash was easy going excpet when an occassional set of sometimes large rock ledges required us to work harder to get down. What a lovely change underfoot. I don’t know exactly how long it took us to navigate the final 0.7 miles but it sure felt fast compared to what we had been doing. It was a great way to end the loop and the hike.

Photos

Dad is standing in what remains of the powder house for the Gould Mine. The powder house is where miners stored dynamite.

--January 06, 2020 at 10:11:50. Tucson, AZ, United States

Ken. Stadning by the main shaft (not shown) of the Gould Mine. Photo by Jonathan.

--January 06, 2020 at 10:14:43. Tucson, AZ, United States

A typical view of of the mountains and valley below. Looking generally southwest.

--January 06, 2020 at 10:20:43. Tucson, AZ, United States

Just before lunch. Mom is a bit ahead checking out a possibly better spot for lunch that wouldn’t pan out.

--January 06, 2020 at 12:28:20. Tucson, AZ, United States

Stats

Total TIme: 6 hours and 32 minutes with 1 hour 22 minutes in breaks including a 30 minute lunch.
Total Distance: 7.25 miles with 1,660 feet of ascent and descent. The first 0.7 to 1.0 miles is pretty gentle and then the climbing gets steeper. The steepest descent happens in the first 0.9 miles from the lunch spot and the last 0.9 miles or so was in the wash so very gradual. The footing is stony especially on the Sweetwater and Kings Canyon Trails.
Weather: Sunny and clear. I think we had a high around 72 at the top but it felt quite pleassant. As we descended it got warmer but whether that was because it was warmer or the sun was baking us with pretty still air I can’t say.

Golden Gate Trail -> Chaparral Trail -> Connector trail -> Golden Gate Trail Loop

If I were to go back and check our notes from last year I suspect I would discover that the weather was considerably colder and the skies wholly overcast. Today the high was predicted to be 72F and the skies were free of any clouds. We arrived at the Golden gate Pass parking lot at 09:00 and I expect the temperature was alredy well over 40F. By the time I checked my thermometer, generally basking in the sun, it was registering 74F around 11:00.

This hike starts off with an ascent to the pass. You gain a couple hundred feet over 0.4 miles. It’s a gentle ascent with few annoying big steps or loose stones to contend with. Just a few hundred feet above the desert floor and we noticed that the flora seemed to be more leafy. Cactus were plentiful but other plants seemed to be present too. After reaching the pass you turn towards Golden Gate Mountain and begin a mile-long descent along its flank on a stony trail with occassional big steps down to the desert floor. It was during this part of the hike we could hear voices of people. Sometimes close and sometimes farther away. Voices carry well. Of course, some voices are just plain loud. Two gentlemen caught up to us and one of them was expounding loudly about something-or-other political. I don’t mind if people talk while hiking but “inside voices” is fine more more than just when inside.

Once you reach the desert floor you have several choices. In the past we have had to pay careful attention to our notes and any maps our guidebook had. Sometime during the past year the folks who run Tucson Mountain Park put up numerous signs including map signs. They have done a very good job too and I am wiling to bet everyone who uses the trail appreciates the effort. We confirmed what we thought was so and decided to take a different route than we usually do. The main reason: to avoid hearing the loud voices. We marched out on to the desert floor under the baking sun along the Chaparral Trail. Usually we return via this trail. It is a flat, perhaps gently - very gently - descending trail that seems to run pretty straight across the desert floor towards South Kinney Road. It is an asy walk. Now and then a bird would serenade us, the roar of a motorcycle engine or other vehicle would impinge on our ears, and accompanying it all a seemingly constant beat of booms of gunfire from a gun range somewhere in the distance. It is, even so, remarkably tranquil. It must be remarkably hot in the summer.

We were happy to snag a bit of shade for lunch just before reaching the connector (new) trail that would take us to Golden Gate Trail. In the shade it is noticeably cooler. The dirt and gravel ground is actually a bit cold. But if you feel cool just shift a few feet into the sun and you will warm up in no time.

Our return walk along the Golden Gate Trail was a bit different. While the outbound desert floor hike was notable for its ease our trek back seemed a bit more stony and full of undulations that trended upward. It wasn’t hard, just different. When we reached the start of the loop once more Dad decided to head up a wash to walk along the road to the car. Mom and I would retrace our route back up the side of Golden Gate Mountain and back down to the parking lot. Our walk would be about 1 mile longer with perhaps an extra 200 feet of ascent and descent. Slow and steady climbing saw us to the pass within 30 minutes; 15 or so more minutes more saw us back at the car where Dad had been for perhaps 20 minutes. Everyone has had a good day

Photos

Mom and Dad at the western end of Golden Gate Trail. The Pallo Verde and tiny Saguaro Cactus keep them company.

--January 05, 2020 at 11:36:51. Tucson, AZ, United States

--January 05, 2020 at 11:47:11. Tucson, AZ, United States

Stats

Total Time: 4 hours 34 minutes with 41 minutes in breaks
Total Distance: 5.9 miles with 750 feet of ascent and 750 feet of descnet. The bulk of the climbing takes place at the start of end of the hike with the ascent to and from Golden Gate Pass from the parking lot and the desert floor.You spend about 2.6 miles on the desert floor; the remainder of the climbs (up and down) to the pass.

Douglas Springs Trailhead -> Garwood Trail -> Three Tanks Trail -> Steel Tank - and Back

For a variety of reasons we did not get on to the hiking trails until 12:00. By then the sun was blasting heat down and it certainly felt warmer than the stated 61F. Yes, I know in the shade it probably is that cool and the air would be that cool but the body feels what it feels. We took layers off and put sunscreen on. We strode out across the desert floor.

The parking lot at the trailhead was full. It is a good sized lot. We quickly passed by many small groups of people coming from the foothills. I expect most were going to the Three Tanks and were now on their way back. Some would have visited Bridal Veil Falls and taken the longer but less steep route via the Steel Tank back. Others were, no doubt, doing something entirely different. Many others. We saw plenty of signs of horses in left-behind poop but no horses and riders today. On we walked along the gently rising desert trail avoidng rocks and poop as the need arose.

About 1.3 miles in we came to our first real glimpse of more surging water. We had heard the rushing sound for a bit but until we looked out across a wash we did not see the flow. A little further on the trail (and up) we got a view of the waterfall. To me it looked like a single stream jetting off a ledge. It is a shame neither the photo I have or video really do it justice.

We ascended the rocky trail feeling the heat beat down upon us. It is tiresome but slowly and steadily we gained the plateau where the aging steel tank sits in a dip. This time we found a modest stream flowing through the wash. We think there is a trail where the stream is flowing but we couldn’t tell. That was a shame because we had wanted to return via the WIld Horse Trail and do another lollypop-type hike. Instead we decided to retrace our steps. Descending from the Steel Tank was certainly quicker. At least it felt quicker. If my photos are to be believed, and they are, we zipped down and back to the trailhead in a little over an hour. We took much more time on the outward bound leg of the hike even when you consider the vast majority of our breaks were taken then.

A bit past 15:00 we returned to the car. Gratefully shed our packs and headed for dessert. The milkshakes we had at Cold Stone Creamery were disappointing. Way too thin even if they were loaded with ample ice cream. Oh well.

Photos

--January 04, 2020 at 13:07:30.

The Steel Tank isn’t visible but the star is the stream in the wash. I am confident saying we have never seen this before in this location.

--January 04, 2020 at 13:44:05. Tucson, AZ, United States

The Steel Tank.

--January 04, 2020 at 13:51:14. Tucson, AZ, United States

Stats

Total Time: 3 hours 19 minutes with 36 minutes in breaks mostly on the outbound leg and mostly for lunch
Distance: 4.5 miles out and back with 560 feet gain and loss (all up one way; down the other). The bulk of the climbing is in about 1.3 miles
Weather: Sunny and clear with a few wispy clouds. The reported temperature was 61F at the start but I am sure it was pushing 80F in the sun certainly by the time we finished around 15:10.

Broadway Trailhead -> Shantz => Pink Hills -> Carrillo -> Garwood Dam (and other bits)

Our First day in Tucson, AZ. It is sunny. What a change from last year when it was considerably colder and far grayer. We like the area of the Pink Hills. Doing a modest hike with limited elevation gain and loss seemed like a good way for us, especially Dad, to get back into the swing of things. After all, Dad has been recovering from troubles that plagued him last autumn.

We struck out around 09:30 under crisp and totally clear blue skies. The temperature was a bit below 40F but it alrady felt warmer than that. Perhaps our bodies adjust quickly to direct sunlight. It wasn’t long before everyone had removed at least one layer of clothing as we ambled down the trails of the desert floor towards the hazed shrouded Rincon Mountains. A lovely morning that could only get better.

Things seemed greener than usual. That was not a mere illusion. It has rained enough over the past month that grasses are sprouting up in low places. More than that we had streams to cross. Actual water running more than shoe-deep in places. Water pouring out from the mountains, over Garwood Dam, and down into the valley below. For quite some time before we found our first stream I had been hearing susurrations and thinking it sounded like water but couldn’t possibly be water. It was. Fantastic.

On we went. Most times we don’t see many people. Today over the entire trip we encountered in several groups 8 horses and their riders (all women but ). We saw perhaps a dozen hikers including two fast-moving trail runners. That is a lot of people. But most were friendly enough to at least say hello as we passed. The horse people were happy to chat for a moment or two. Though this was a large number of people it didn’t detract from our day. We had the desert with its infrequent chirps, chitters, and other sounds mostly to ourselves.

Photos

Dad and I both thought the barrel cactus was blooming. Mom thinks the yellow parts are more likely fruiting parts. But it’s a fine view.

--January 03, 2020 at 09:45:31. Tucson, AZ, United States

Heading towards Garwood Dam. It’s a crisp , clear day.

--January 03, 2020 at 09:48:00. Tucson, AZ, United States

We are about an hour from the dam. No hurry. We can enjoy the steadily warming day.

--January 03, 2020 at 10:59:19. Tucson, AZ, United States

This group is just one of many we passed by. 8 horses and their riders.

--January 03, 2020 at 11:37:04. , ,

A horse and her lady.

--January 03, 2020 at 12:41:13. , ,

Our last stream crossing. We had 2 more, far swifter and broader streams to cross. We’ve never had stream crossings before. Maybe water has been present in the valley but this was a first.

--January 03, 2020 at 13:14:55. Tucson, AZ, United States

The hike has ended. With rising temperatures layers came off.

--January 03, 2020 at 14:23:57. Tucson, AZ, United States

Stats

Total Time::: 5 hours 5 minutes (1 hours 27 minutes breaks)
Distance: 6.5 miles in a lollipop shape
Elevation gain and loss: 260 feet
Weather: Lovely. Clear with a haze covering the mountains in the morning. My thermometer was basking in the sun a lot and read 74F at lunchtime at Garwood Dam around 12:30.

Great Lakes Hikes November 2019 Gathering

In 1999 a small group of people on the old GreatLakesHikes Yahoo! Email group decided to have a gathering the weekend before firearms deer season at the old One-room schoolhouse and former NCATA headquarters in White Cloud, Michigan. Over the past 20 years, 21 Gatherings, people have come and gone but the camaraderie, enjoyment of good food and drink, and good hiking in all types of weather has persisted. This year’s Gathering may well be the last at the Schoolhouse as it is likley the aNCTA will sell it. TAhe Gathering may continue at a new location but that will change it in some ways. However, the core qualities of the Gathering should continue. What follows are a handful of photos from past Gatherings as well as the video for the 2019 Gathering (other videos exist for a few other Gatherings on the YoutTube channel).

Our first Gathering in 1999 was smaller than the first Gathering I could find photos for. Here is probably pretty much everyone (maybe everyone) that was at the second Gathering: November 2000 Photo by Ken Knight

--November 11, 2000 at 11:36:27. , ,

John was one of the people to attend the first Gathering. I am sure some people can tell me exactly where this is but what I recall where the globe-like plants and how remarkably deep the muck off the boardwalk was as John sunk his stick ever deeper into it. 2001 Gathering. Photo by Ken Knight

--November 08, 2002 at 17:30:51. , ,

Traditions or at least things that are kin to traditions formed over the years. Eric wrapping himself up in his colorful blanket and taking a nap during a break on any hike became one such. November 2003. Photo by Ken Knight.

--November 08, 2003 at 13:46:48. , ,

SOme people have been to every Gathering throughout their whole life. Sure Abbey is going to remember the first few Gatherings she attended but she and her younger brother have lived through every Gathering they could. November 2004. Photo by Ken Knight

--November 13, 2004 at 11:36:49. , ,

Food, drink, merriment outside by a campfire and inside the Schoolhouse.November 2010. Photo by Ken Knight

--November 13, 2010 at 17:53:57. White Cloud, MI, United States

We do long and short hikes on Saturday. Sometimes things go a little awry as they did for me and Andy on a long hike where we were also doing some trail mapping.We waited here at McCarthy Lake for the rest of the people on the long hike to finish and come back to pick us up after we made our amusing, in retrospect, goof. November 2011. Photo by Andy Mytys.

--November 12, 2011 at 15:37:26. Irons, MI, United States

Sometimes during a Gathering we do more than just hike. Now and then some or all of us do trail maintenance or other trail building work.. November 2013. Not sure who took this photo.

--November 09, 2013 at 11:21:42. , ,

It isn’t always sunny and warm. We always have had people who decide to camp outside and a far smaller group who decide to sleep inside. Everyone has a good time. November 2017. Photo by Ken Knight

--November 10, 2017 at 08:32:34. White Cloud, MI, United States

Have to have fun while hiking. Steve is having fun. November 2018. Photo by Ken Knight

--November 11, 2018 at 13:47:12. White Cloud, MI, United States

Spending time bya fire during the day or at night is an integral part of time at a Gathering. November 2019. Photo by Ken Knight

--November 10, 2019 at 10:11:48. , ,

VIDEO: NCT Solo Backpacking Trip - August 2019

It has been over 9 years since3 I did a solo backpacking trip. The last one was my second Great Outdoors Challenge trek across Scotland from Mallaig to Stonehaven.  While that was a solo trip it was far from solitary. This hike on the North Country Trail would be solo and likely solitary. I did not expect to see andy other backpackers and few if any day hikers.  While my original plan ended up changing I still think this ended up being a trip to remember. I hope you enjoy this video which should give you at least a sense of what I did over the course of the six day trip.

NCT Solo Hike Part 2

It has been 9 years since I did a solo backpacking trip. That trip was my second Great Outdoors Challenge crossing of Socttland from Mallaig to Stonehaven. While that was a solo trip I probably met people every day and hiked with them at least some of the time. This hike on the North Country Trail would not only be solo but I expected it would be solitary except at major campgrounds. In this two-part series I travel from Mackinaw City, Michigan to Petowskey, Michigan. In some ways it proves to be a great trip; in other ways not so much.

In part 2 I travel from Richard’s property near Levering Road to Petoskey. I also spend some time in Petoskey proper, though I do leave a modest gap, adding a bit more to my totaly milage. All in all I probably hike another 28.5 trail miles along with a modest bit of going to and fro in Petoskey itself. In some ways this segment was less eventful than the first portion but it does have highs and lows and some just plain dull stretches. It is, in other words, prety much what one should expect from a trip: not what you expect.

I hope you enjoy the conclusion to this backpacking trip through the Harbor Springs chapter’s section of trail (and a tiny bit of Grand Traverse chapter).

I think I am actually a bit off the NCT at this point. I went left and think the trail went right. My two-track sure looked like the proper option. I passed this small field of wildflowers as I neared Robinson Road where I popped out a bit west of the trail interesction.

--August 17 2019 at 13:05:52. Harbor Springs, MI, United States

Gazing out upon the river in Petowskey, Michigan (Bear River I suppose). The NCT follows bike paths and sidewalks through the heart of Petowskey. It is particularly nice in the Bear River Valley REcreation Area.

--August 19 2019 at 14:19:26. Petoskey, MI, United States

A bit north of mile marker 603.5 and not far from my end around marker 600. This might actually be a private path to the beach here at Little Traverse Bay but that seems like it should not be so.

--August 19 2019 at 16:34:11. Petoskey, MI, United States

The silo-like structure at the back right of this building is what really clued me in to the fact that this had to be Petowskey Brewing Company. I probably had the most dangerous bit of hiking right here crossing the road.

--August 19 2019 at 18:20:09. Petoskey, MI, United States

Check out this episode