AZT Day 29: Red Hills to Whiterock Mesa

Daily Miles: 19.8, Total Miles: 457.7

A bright, sunny and warm day! I got water from snowmelt in the first canyon of the morning. I stayed fairly high up all morning hiking in and out of drainages in the Mazatzal foothills and descending into the Red Hills. Had to use GPS a few times after wandering off the trail – I’d like to say the trail was poorly marked but probably just not paying attention. Ended up bushwhacking back to the trail.

Got my first views of the San Francisco Peaks today. I heard wild turkeys gobbling but couldn’t see them through the undergrowth.

I dropped down to the East Verde River and stocked up before crossing and hiking up on the volcanic Whiterock Mesa.

I’m sure I am no longer my sweet-smelling self after nine days – shower tomorrow in Pine!