Snow Thanks, I'll Pass

Photo credit: Pat Mount from her home in Tucson

Waning Gibbous Moon

This whole snowing-in-Arizona thing solidifies the notion that my crash in the canyon may have been a trail god blessing in disguise. Even a younger, stronger, healthier Palomino would have struggled to continue through this February mess. I am fairly certain much of it will melt by this time next month, but right now I would not want to try it. The Arizona Trail holds a lot of promise for beautiful hiking. I'll wait.

Posted by Jason Farnsworth. Image source unknown.

On the Facebook Arizona Trail 2019, hikers and local trail folks have posted photos of the scene at various points along the trail. I have taken the liberty of stealing some of them without permission, so my apologies in advance to anyone who might object. I will give credit when I know who took the pictures. Here is Patagonia, the town about 15 miles south of where I got hurt. Great place to visit, by the way.

Photo credit: Ken Taylor

Even the city of Tucson got snowed on this past week. I'm sure it happens now and then, but when you think of Tucson, do you picture snow at ~2,100 feet? Mt. Lemmon, northeast of the city, where I would have camped Thursday or Friday had I continued, recorded overnight temperatures well below zero and a couple of feet of new snow. Check out the humorous Tucson Police Department video.

Photo credit: Pat Mount

The further north you go, the deeper the snow and the colder the temps. Many of the access roads are buried or iced over. Some have been cleared. Passage 8 is pictured here. 

Photo credit: Ken King

The Mazatzal Mountains, said to be part of one of the most beautiful, if strenuous passages, look like they will be definitely challenging for quite some time.

Photo credit: Gary Householder

Deep snow on top of sharp cactus with obliterated trail means slow going, which means more clothing, food, and fuel to carry. It is possible, of course. I have hiked through stuff like this before and I am sure there will be strong hikers who will do it this year. But not me. The American Flag trail head is pictured here.

Photo credit: Gary Faulkenberry

Then of course there is the Grand Canyon. Is this how you imagine the approach to the Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim? Yikes! Don't follow this piggy!

Photo credit: Haley Johnson

I will wait and hike what I can some day if I am still able. I want to see a Gila Monster and cacti and wildflowers and mountain trails through Jeffrey pines. I want to test my memory of the Grand Canyon formations up close. I want to enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors I know Arizona has to offer. Mess with snow? Not so much.

Peace, Love, and Arizonasnowmageddon 2019,

Jim