So after reading about Fossil Springs in our company newsletter and some articles about it on other hiking sites I thought this is a place I need to see. So typically hiking in July in Arizona you head North not only for cooler temperatures but also to enjoy the green that hopefully awaits.
My hiking partner and I left the valley at 6:30 AM and made the drive North to Payson where we stopped for breakfast before we made the 4 mile hike down to Fossil Springs.
Once at the trail head we were met by two Park Rangers which wanted to reiterate to us that we would need plenty of water and also the fact that it was 4 miles downhill to the Springs and then 4 miles back to the Trail head. We gave them a confident Yes! We were prepared and ready to tackle the trail before us. The first mile was relatively flat and just normal trail grit type of trail surface. Then the real challenges began to show themselves. Long paths of medium to large sized rocks on a downhill grade that makes you wonder how long is this going to last? Well it lasted about 2-1/2 miles with small breaks in between of smoother trail. But we were not going to be deterred from completing the hike to see the Springs. Even though I had some major blisters I couldn't wait to get my feet into the cool water that I knew was awaiting ahead. Fortunately for me I had a hiking partner that comes prepared for almost anything so band aids on the toes and we were off to seek the water. It was a much warmer day than what we were hoping for but we managed to endure the heat and carry on. Frequent breaks in the shade to cool down and rest the feet from the rocky trail.
Crossing the dry spring bed of rock and then a short walk in some tall grass and we could hear the springs. Down the bank and there it was running quickly and many people in the Springs swimming and dogs swimming too. It was so beautiful and off with the boots to soothe our tired feet. Awwww…. so very nice.
We enjoyed the cool water of the Springs and the soothing sound of the rushing water for a couple hours and then we knew it was time to make the trek out. So boots back on and away we went. Needless to say, at least for me, the hike out was pretty treacherous. Not wanting to fall and get an injury was at the top of my list so slow and steady was the plan. We headed on our way out around 4:30 PM and reached the trail head parking lot at 8:30 PM. Caught a light rain shower on the way out which was very refreshing and used the headlamp to light the last part as it was very dark with the cloud cover. Overall a great hike but definitely not for the faint of heart. Probably best to hike this in the early Spring or late Fall when the temperatures are more pleasant. Definitely make sure you take plenty of water and are prepared for a rocky trail and a steep climb back out.
No comments:
Post a Comment