Arizona Trail, Days 19 to 20, March 23-24

Oracle Ridge, reptiles and thumb care

By Roger Carpenter / Greg in Wild

The lofty elevation of Summerhaven and Mt Lemmon took the edge off the heat. But, I was about to hike into lower, hotter terrain. The AZT was recently rerouted to Red Ridge. Rumors claimed it was a nasty descent for three miles to a running stream, then a very steep uphill to Oracle Ridge. I discussed the choice with two other AZT hikers at a cafe for breakfast. The decision was unanimous. We all decided to take the shorter, old route. To my surprise the trail along the old route was in good condition, and I was a happy hiker. Looking to my left from Oracle Ridge, the nearby Red Ridge looked nasty!

I packed one gallon of water and rested often in the shade of spindly Mesquite trees. Every time I sat down, I checked for snakes lurking in the shade. While paying attention to everything on the ground as I walked, I spotted a horned toad, which was my first reptile sighting other than the multitudes of lizards that seem to be everywhere on the AZT. I am happy to report that I saw two snakes stretched out on the trail.

After hiking 12 ½ miles I arrived at a most unusual destination. the High Jinks Ranch was once owned by Buffalo Bill Cody, but today is a struggling property intended by its owners to be a guest ranch. AZT hiker Matt and I chose to cowboy camp in an area that quite a few AZT hikers had occupied on previous nights. Trivia: A movie starring Elizabeth Taylor was filmed at High Jinks. Thankfully there was a water spigot that provided sufficient water for the night and the next couple of miles the next day.

On March 24 I hiked only two miles to the American flag trailhead and hitched a ride to the nearby town of Oracle. I enjoyed coffee and a breakfast bagel at the Way of the Bean Coffee Club. The real purpose for my departure from the trail was to go to Oro Valley to have my injured thumb examined and treated. I am happy to report the thumb will be fine!

The suspense is over! I have compiled the wildlife standings of the first 20 days of hiking! The deer have a slight edge over the turkeys, but I expect snakes to become more common as I enter a lower and hotter portion of the trail.

Deer 8
Turkey 6
Rabbit 4
Snakes 2
Rat 1
Horned Toad 1
Rattlesnakes 0
Javalina 0
Coyote 0

After 20 days, which includes four rest days, I have hiked 200.7 miles of the AZT.  The weather is expected to cool substantially in a couple of days. I look forward to that!

Even in this 90-degree heat, Greg in wild hikes on!