An Old Hiking Staff in Cave Creek Canyon

Took the guests on an afternoon hike up Cave Creek Canyon.  The route took the group along the Nature Trail from the Silver Peak trail head to Sunny Flat then back along the road.  Along the way we came across this old hiking staff dated 1969, making the staff better than 40 years old.  Made from a Yucca stalk it is a relic from some earlier hiker along the canyon who found the staff, dated and used it, then left the staff for another to find.

The afternoon sun along the canyon was exceptional and illuminated Cathedral Rock highlighting the green lichen and yellows of the volcanic tuff.  Silhouetted against the deep blue Arizona sky it allowed for some excellent photography.  We did a balancing stone recapitulating the view of Cathedral Rock in the creek bed for some additional photography.

After the hike the guests retired to the Hot Tub for the evening.

40 year old hiking staff along Cave Creek Canyon

Today is Thanksgivings and the guests are planning big dinner in celebration.

Cave Creek Canyon Nature Trail

A dozen hikers from the  Portal Rodeo Hiking Club visited the nature trail which parallels forest service road 42 along Cave Creek in the Chiricahua Mountains and ends at Sunny Flats campground.  An easy walk along level ground, this mile long nature trail through riparian habitat is a good introduction to the Chiricahua Mountains.  After finishing the nature trail, the group proceeded up South Fork Canyon and was greeted by a male Elegant Trogon who called and followed the group for about 10 minutes.  Returning downstream the group followed the east side of the canyon through the 2 campgrounds with a total distance covered of 5 miles in the canyon.

Below is a photograph of the Elegant Trogon on a tree limb.  The enlargement does not do this beautiful bird justice and the Trogons should  be viewed in person to really appreciate this unique bird. Click on the photograph to see the full size image.  The nature trail route was added to the riparian hike map (blue line).

Elegant Trogon (center) in South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon.  Click on photograph to enlarge.