Hike report for 3/23/23:

With many of the creeks flowing, we decided on a hike where we wouldn’t get our feet wet. The hiker with the new hip suggested Silver Peak so we went for that, and people could turn around when they wished.

It was a fine day to hike up there - low clouds in the morning, then sunshine and a light wind.One of our group had hiked to the summit two weeks ago (!) and encountered quite a bit of snow (now gone). 

We spotted some birds (big flocks of Chipping sparrows) and several lizards were out.A few flowers were in bloom, most noticeably Noccaea fendleri, AKA “Candytuft” or “Alpine pennycress” (in the mustard family):

       

One hiker needed to leave early, and one chose to wait at the “snack tree” (about half way).For the rest of us, it was so nice to get up into the forest with Gambel’s Oak and Douglas Fir.And, once you’ve gotten that far, why not go to the summit?

     

The trail was in good shape - we really appreciated the re-route on the lower end, especially at the end of the hike.  It used to be steep, rocky and rather painful on sore muscles and joints.  I think the re-route added some distance, so we probably hiked close to 10 miles round trip, with almost 3000 ft. elevation gain.

Next week we plan on hiking the Basin Trail from the Welch Seep trailhead (on FS 42). Hikers could leave a car at Herb Martyr parking lot if they want a one-way hike. Meet at the Silver Peak trailhead at 8AM AZ, 9AM NM to carpool up.

Hike report from Elaine, photos from Chuck, Becky & Elaine

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