This is where the trail crosses the east verde river. It was the most refreshing part of the trip. I submerged my body in the cold water. It felt like I was a kid again back in some Wisconsin summer of the past.
Springtime in 2019 on the AZT was a great year for water. I did not have to carry more than one liter except for a couple dry stretches indicated by the guthook app on my phone. Many hikers would agree that they would not be able to make it without guthook. Those who hiked these long trails before smartphones were a tough bunch. The feeling that you may have lost the trail is unsettling and to not know if the next water source is flowing would be scary. Not to mention the disappointment of carrying 5 liters of water at two pounds each only to find there is plenty of wet stuff ahead on the trail.
One of many seasonal creeks where I filtered water. Most of the time it was crystal clear and tasted better than most of the bottled stuff.
Red rock spring near pine. This was bone dry when I was here last fall. Cold, clear and flowing well. It had and earthy taste.
Pine spring, a little further down the highline portion of the AZT, needs an upgrade. Below the spring there was water and mud, but I don’t think this box was doing it’s job of catching it.
This is a shot looking down at another tasty seasonal creek. I don’t think it takes long for the Arizona heat to dry these up. Who would hike in that heat anyway?
This is oak spring which is about 4 miles before pine. I was heading south and the next good source was 15 miles unless you’re willing to drink mud water with the cows. Needless to say I did not mind packing 3 liters of this being it was the clearest most pristine spring I’ve seen in Arizona. The blood orange was added for a little color. Yummy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Super-Awesome. May the tunes keep you stepin’
Thank you Green.