January 24, 2016
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Black Canyon Trail: The Elusive K-Mine and More Agua Fria
January 24, 2016, Black Canyon City- I returned to the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, this afternoon, with a long-time family friend and her dog in tow. This hike was 5.5 miles round trip, not as intense as last week’s jaunt, but exactly what I had in mind.
We parked in the spacious Trailhead Lot, just north of Black Canyon City, and were treated to a taste of the lushness this section of the Sonora Desert offers.
Blooming creosote, Black Canyon City Trailhead
Ocotillo and sahuaro cacti, Black Canyon City Trailhead
We headed out, up a 1.1 section of trail called Horseshoe Bend, being on the south side of the feature of the same name, which was my stopping point last week. It is not a strenuous trail section, and offers a few anomalies, such as the Pharaoh’s Face. At the 1.1 mile point, Horseshoe Bend meets two other segments: K-Mine and Skyline. We took the K-Mine Trail, which took us close to the spot where I stopped last week.
Pharaoh’s Face, with a barrel cactus keeping watch, Horseshoe Bend segment, BCT
Friends along for the afternoon, junction of Horseshoe Bend and K-Mine Trails
The K-Mine Trail features mild switchbacks, down into a vast valley, outside Black Canyon (the natural feature). The cacti and succulents here take full advantage of the water wealth proferred by the Agua Fria and its tributary streams.
K-Mine Trail, west of Black Canyon City
K-Mine Trail, west of Black Canyon City
Desert valley, west of K-Mine Trail
The K-Mine Trail offered striking vistas, before taking us down to the Agua Fria, southwest of last week’s fording spot.
We explored a bit along the Agua Fria, but my intuition said it would be best for the three of us, that we turn back. This did not happen, though, before we checked out a small cataract, a bit upstream from the K-Mine Trail.
Edge of box canyon, along Agua Fria, near the K-Mine Trail
Agua Fria River, north of Black Canyon City, with small cataract in the background.
We met three young ladies, riding a quad and a small motorcycle, and watched as they gingerly negotiated the river. After returning to the trail proper, we found yet another crossing place, but again I had a feeling in my gut to turn back. So, up the K-Mine Trail we went again. The short section of trail to my last stopping place can wait for another day. Everyone’s well-being mattered more.
On the way up, we spotted a couple of cactus wren nests. One was wedged in between the arms of a sahuaro.
Cactus wren nest, K-Mine Trail
With such confirmations as these, and several heart-shaped rocks along the way, we called the day a success. More exploration of the Black Canyon Trail, and other such routes in Arizona, await, over the next several months.
Comments (4)
Pray tell why you had such strong feelings that you should turn back? Was the weather changing?? Loved the photo of the wren's nest!
It's nice you had a friend to walk with this time. I too like the spotting of the wrens nest in the cactus; hopefully it will keep the eggs and babies safe from predetory creatures.
@murisopsis: My hiking companion's knee is not in such great shape, and being the eldest child in my family, I was raised to look out for others.
@Crystalinne: Nature has many ways of maintaining balance, and this idea of the Cactus Wren is a prime example. Snakes don't do well, in climbing up a spined cactus.
We just spent a week in Arizona. It's a lovely state. Wore ourselves out hiking ad shopping. 'Twas fun.