The long, unbearably hot summer was on its last fiery breath. For Dave and I, the final weeks of August and early September were a test of patience and well-planned happy hours. So, when the temperature started heading downwards, we hit the road.
Beeline Highway
The trip was chocked full of surprises. We chose to explore Tramway Trail No. 32 in the West Clear Creek Wilderness, near Happy Jack, AZ. This time, Luci joined us—as she is becoming quite the iggy hiker.
Luci is ready for adventure.
It was quite an ambitious undertaking. From Phoenix, we traveled through Payson, Pine, and Strawberry, watching the landscape change from desert to forest. Our stop for gasoline at Clints Well campground consisted of port-a-potties and hanging elk. Hunting season was in full swing.
Just outside of Pine, AZ
Our 2-hour drive became three. As we turned onto FR693, the real adventure began. Nine miles of rutted, muddy road lay between us and the trailhead, reminiscent of our Crown King off-road experience (without the climb). High-clearance vehicles are recommended, with good reason.
FR 693, nine miles from the trailhead.
The Verde District Sportsmen Club built the Tramway Trail in 1942 to transport fish to stock West Clear Creek. The tramway shut down in 1966, leaving the trail made to build it for recreational use. Tramway Trail No. 32 is one of only two maintained routes to Upper West Clear Creek from the north side.
Tramway Trailhead.
Our plan was to hike to the rim and look over it. Nothing more, nothing less. The path is steep and rocky from the perimeter, turning a leisurely hike into a significant challenge. After a three-hour drive, that option was never in the cards.
September wildflowers.
What a wonderful escape from the heat! The trail was easy to follow—overall, it was more of a walk than a hike. Luci enjoyed keeping the pack together— continuously bounding ahead and circling back.
Little dog, big world.
As we approached the canyon's edge, agave, yucca, and shrub oak popped up. These heat-tolerant species appear only along the warmer southern rim.
Southern exposure
Luci
On the edge.
Hoodoos (from ancient oceanic sediment deposition and windblown erosion) were visible along the canyon walls.
Canyon Hoodoos.
Another view from the rim.
We logged a little over 3 miles—leaving plenty of time to have a late lunch in Flagstaff before heading back to Phoenix. And late lunch we did - at Flagstaff Brewing Company.
Even though it is now the first week of October, and we are still nearing and sometimes surpassing that 100° mark, change is in the air. Could jackets be far behind? It's time to dust off those hiking boots and get outside.
