Rob and I got up Saturday and had a very relaxing morning. A nice pot of coffee, cool mountain air and sunshine made for a wonderful wakeup.
After a bit, we loaded a backpack and made our way to a trailhead in Oak Creek Canyon.
The West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon is a moderate six mile out and back hiking trail. Footing is good and the ground is fairly soft. Hikers are required to cross Oak Creek 13 times via stepping or hopping from one rock to another.
THE WATER IS NOT DEEP SO MISSING A STEP WILL ONLY RESULT IN A WET FOOT
Penny Lane was one happy dog. The water was shallow at all crossings but there were deeper spots available for her to get wet.
SHE STAYED WET AND DIRTY FOR MOST OF THE HIKE. DOG HEAVEN
The canyon walls rise high above the trail and are a beautiful mixture of colors. The reds are a product of iron oxide and the black stains, also called desert varnish, are a result of an iron manganese reaction. Vegetation is plentiful and varied. Hikers will see high elevation Ponderosa Pine, Gambel Oak and Box Elder. Fern line much of the undergrowth.
THE FERNS WERE THAT EARLY SPRING GREEN AND THEY WERE EVERYWHERE
This hike is fabulous. There is very little elevation increase, it is fairly well marked and it offers sun and shade. The trail is well used and the creek crossings are fun. The canyon walls are a sight to behold. Hiking this trail requires a mixture of looking down to check your footing and looking up to see the walls rising above.
Along with huge pines, gorgeous green ferns and so many other types of vegetation, I was treated to one of my favorites.....wildflowers.
BEAUTIFULLY RESILIENT. THE LEAF LOOKED TOO PERFECT TO BE REAL. I KNEW IT WOULD SOON WITHER SO I HAD TO CAPTURE IT.
We reached the turn around and even though it was an out and back, it was still an adventure. Hiking the trail while moving in the opposite direction gave us a different view. We were also less intent on making sure we were going the right way so we could spend a little more time looking around. Penny Lane loved it because she got to cross the creek 13 more times.
We got back to Clark and loaded for our ride back to camp.
ONE VERY DIRTY, VERY HAPPY DOG
We got back to the RV and Annie gave us what for. She did not appreciate being left at home but it was the best thing for her. She would not have lasted very long on the hike and and she would have hated the water crossings.
This trail is great. It is family friendly and hikers/walkers can choose how much time and distance they want to invest. The water crossings keep it interesting and are a great place for kids and dogs to take a break. Wear good shoes that you are ok with getting wet and take water to drink. A snack or picnic lunch would really be a plus.
We spent the rest of our Saturday resting and cooking dinner on the grill.
Our two days of hiking had left us both a bit tired but feeling accomplished.
Another great day in this thing we call life.
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