One More Image from the McCord Tail

Although not the best weather conditions for landscape photography, with some work one image did turn out.  A desaturated view from the overlook on the McCord trail, looking west across Cave Creek Canyon is shown below.  By desaturating the colors the differences in texture create a layered 3D effect with the rock outcrops appearing layered upon one another (click on the photograph to get a larger image).  This creates a diagonal composition with layers of rock outcrops running from the upper left (background layer) down to the lower right (foreground layer).  The layering effect is mirrored by the shadows which also run from the upper right to the lower left.  Notice also how the edges of the rock outcrops are sharp and crisp which lends to the layering effect and enhances the 3D appearance of the image.  All in all, a pleasing image of the landscape.

A view from the McCord trail above Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua mountains.

Back on the McCord Trail

The Portal Rodeo Hiking Club headed out for a favorite hike along the McCord Trail.  Not having hiked in awhile a small group decided to check out Cathedral Rock while the majority completed the up and over to finish at Naturalist Journeys.  As with many plans this began to fall apart heading up the trail.  The steep climb from Cave Creek Ranch resulted in a long string of hikers as various skill levels sorted themselves out.  As a straggler (taking photographs) a late arrival at the overlook was guaranteed and as the majority of the group headed to the top of the ridge the small group decided to forgo Cathedral Rock and head back down hill.  While the slight overcast reduced the landscape photographic opportunities something new was seen.  An obsidian outcrop along the trail jumped out as the sunlight reflected off broken pieces of obsidian lying on the ground.  A dark grey with red inclusions and highlights, the outcrop shows no evidence of prehistoric mining activity and is the first outcrop personally seen in the Chiricahua mountains.  Generally obsidian nodules are found along the stream beds where they were tumbled to smooth round nodules.  Further down the trail a side route was taken to explore another trail not previously visited.  After about a quarter of a mile and in a wooded gully a Coues doe was found.  She was bedded down as I came around the corner and got up and watched me watching her.  Carefully getting the camera out the image below was captured.  I moved on and so did she, her bedding area vacant about 15 minutes later when passing by on the way back down the trail.  Although not a long hike, it was nice to see familiar faces of the hiking club and get out to explore a little more of the Sky Islands.

Obsidian outcrop

Coues whitetailed deer in the Chiricahua mountains

The McCord trail in Cave Creek Canyon, Chiricahua Mountains 3/25/2011

This weeks hike with  Portal Rodeo Hiking club was up the McCord trail from Cave Creek Canyon, over the ridge, down past Hummingbird Spring, and out of the Coronado National Forest at the access point on Starview Place near Naturalist Journeys.  The loop is a little over 5 miles and gains 1600' in elevation, most of which occurs in the first 2 miles.

The McCord trail head  begins at Cave Creek Ranch and proceeds up the drainage eventually climbing several switchbacks.  Approximately 2/3 of the way up the trail splits, the right hand fork leads to the top of Cathedral Rock while the left continues to the top of the ridge.  The fork is labeled on a stone.  Continuing left up the trail and approximately 300' short of the ridge top a large outcrop with views of Portal and it's surroundings is encountered.  This is a good place to stop for a break and photographs before the last push to the top.

Once reaching the top of the ridge there are views of the San Simon Valley and the mountain ranges across the bootheel.  Continuing down the east flank of the Chiricahua Mountains the trail winds down eventually joining the trail from Hummingbird Spring.

The Google map of the McCord trail may be found  through the link or in the sidebar.

Screenshot of McCord trail

 

Ridge top on the McCord trail

Memtolith on the McCord trail

Bear Claw formation