As temperatures rise in the desert, so does the need to escape. That’s where Dave and I found ourselves last week. With the border to Canada closed for at least another 30 days, we agreed to suck it up and make the best of the current situation.

Reynolds Creek Trail #150 filled the bill. Albeit a long drive, the beauty of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness did not disappoint. One could call it social distance via distance.

Our good friend Margaret and her son Austin joined us for the day. We set out early—armed with masks, Purell, and disinfectant wipes—not to mention plenty of snacks and water.

I was glad I’d made sandwiches. It took us close to 4 hours to reach the trailhead, thanks to a repaving project at the junction of the Globe-Young Highway (AZ 288). A bumpy, four-mile jeep ride on FR 410 took us to our destination.

We hit the trail around 10 am., and at 6,000+ ft of elevation, the weather was darn near perfect. The hike was a steady uphill climb— initially through scads of wild berry bushes—which must be a hit with bears come July.

Scattered cacti bloomed, clinging to their last grasp of desert soil.

As we climbed above the canyon, the trail narrowed, winding its way towards Reynolds Creek Falls.

We continued towards Aztec Peak, deciding to turn back about three miles in at the fork in Knolls Hole. Lunch was spent upon sunny boulders—gazing into the canyon below. Our return trip to the Jeep took no time at all.

Reynolds Creek got its name from a rancher with a somewhat storied past. Glenn Reynolds was the first rancher to build a house on this creek. His popularity led to becoming sheriff of Gila County back in 1888. He met his demise the following year, while escorting Apache prisoners—by none other than the Apache Kid. This wilderness was a rugged, wild country. It still is.