I needed to get away for a solo overnighter to relax before the frenzy of the river season starts. This summer, I will be working with Arizona River Runners and Grand Canyon Whitewater on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon! I thought about the Black Pool in Horse Camp Canyon and my floatie that has been put away all winter and my decision was made. I always enjoy the drive up 77, the views of the north side of the Catalinas and then along the Galiuros.
Started hiking around 10:30, and it was already pretty warm. Never a problem with Aravaipa’s cooling waters. I was pleased to see that it was still the season for poppies in the canyon. Wildflowers and cactus blooms- it only makes it all the more beautiful. I noticed immediately that the creek had quite a bit of algae in it. I hoped that the pool I wanted to float in would be clear. I had that happen once- came all ready to float only to find the pool a mucky green mess.
I saw a Zone-Tailed and a Red-Tailed Hawk and a Great Blue Heron as I hiked along. Picked all the right paths to move speedily to Horse Camp. Ran into a couple of groups of dayhikers and backpackers hiking out, but no one else until the next afternoon. I turned into Horse Camp Canyon and was sad to see tons of algae in there too. The creek was very green and lush with columbine and grasses. Upon reaching the Black Pool I was elated to see that it was perfectly clear! What’s more is the waterfall was almost completely obscured by red and yellow wildflowers. What a treat! I blew up my trusty green floatie and floated away the afternoon. The temperature of the water was perfect- warm on top, but much cooler below. I always wonder how deep it is, but I’m not about to dive down and find out.
When the sun went behind the canyon wall, I moved over to the popular campsite opposite Horse Camp Canyon to finish re-reading The Monkey Wrench Gang and write in my journal. As it got darker out, the mosquitoes appeared and I decided to try camping on the wide expanse of bare rock on the other side of the creek. Much better views and surprisingly few mosquitoes. The moon was large and bright and I had an enjoyable evening. The mesquite bosque is nice during the day for shade, but I always prefer a spot with wider views.
The next morning, I read Katie Lee’s All My Rivers Are Gone about Glen Canyon while waiting for it to warm up. Once the sun hit my sleep spot, I headed back into Horse Camp Canyon to float and read some more. It was so nice to be able to have two days to myself to relax. I used my umbrella with my floatie for shade, but the pool wasn’t big enough to ride the breezes like I did last year:
They call Aravaipa “The Grand Canyon of the Sonoran Desert” because of its layers and the water running through it. It certainly reminds me of a mini-Grand Canyon and made me completely excited for next week when I’ll be starting my dream job on the river. I will be sleeping on beaches with the sound of the river all summer long and I can hardly wait. I hiked out in the afternoon and as soon as I returned to the main stream, I saw a woman with a reflective umbrella similar to mine. We exchanged stories of guys thinking they are funny when they say “no forecast for rain today, heh heh…” as they pass by. The hike back to the trailhead was enjoyable and I bid beautiful Aravaipa good-bye until the next time.
In Wildlife Rehabilitation Fundraiser news, cute baby birds, bunnies, and squirrels abound. I feel so fortunate to be able to see them grow up and be released.
Sirena,
Great write-up and pictures, as always. Bob Luce, Tony Soukup, and myself were backpacking in on the GET at the end of last March with a plan to continue through Aravaipa, but a late season storm came in to raise the water levels and dropped the temps, so we had to bail. We plan on trying to do it again next fall, though.
You mention reading the Monkey Wrench Gang while on your trip. Abbey wrote much of that story in Aravaipa while working as a ranger for the Defenders of Furbearers (the predecesors of Defenders of Wildlife, who first owned the property now mangaged by the Nature Conservancy on the east side). Said that is was one of he toughest stories he ever wrote, as he came down with a bad case of writer’s block. (Guess he must have gotten over it, as the story turned out to be one of his best…)
Take care, Steve M.
Glad to see you guys are still chipping away at the GET. I’d love to join you sometime, I seem to be stuck on doing the Aravaipa segment over and over again!
My re-reading of The Monkey Wrench Gang was inspired by a recent trip to Page. In the second book I re-read on this trip, Katie Lee mourns the loss of Glen Canyon, the place she lived to visit. I stood looking at Lake Powell and I could not imagine the sadness of having the place that gives me the most happiness drowned before my very eyes.
My husband gave me a Kindle for a present and I am so enjoying not having to choose books based on their size and weight!
Who, exactly, calls Aravaipa “The Grand Canyon of the Sonoran Desert”? Other than me, and now you Sirena. ;0) Come to think of it, I know someone who’s so-called “online guidebook” is absolutely chock full of hyperbole like that. But enough about me. I hope you’re enjoying your time in the Grand Canyon this summer, and know that I – among many of your readers – is jealous as all heck.