GET Day 19: Safford-Morenci Trail

Most of the morning was spent getting through Safford, across the Gila Valley cotton fields, then up to Solomon Pass.

Just beyond the pass, the Freeport McMoran copper mine is expanding adjacent to the GET route along Salt Trap Road.

I chased the cows away and filled water bottles at the solar powered well on the Spring Canyon alternative.

Shortly thereafter I joined the Safford-Morenci Trail, an old trade route now used for hiking. The route weaved through canyons and rock formations dotted with junipers and pinion pines.

I finally dropped into Johnny Creek Canyon and followed it down about two miles into a narrow slot section. I’m sure it won’t rain – just hope no rocks fall on me.

Saw no hikers today. Checked the trail register at the Safford-Morenci TH and a handful of GET hikers are 5-7 days ahead of me. No clue who’s behind me.