The Corsica takes us so many places. This time it was a trailhead just a few miles outside of Wickenburg, AZ. In Phoenix the brake lights bled red, and even the “HOV” lane did nothing for us. It was well after dark before we made it to Wickenburger, so we went for a night hike.
I hopped on the bike early in the morning, with expectations set appropriately low. I was just happy to be out, seeing something new.
Sure enough, many of the trails in the Sophie’s Flat trailsystem are horsey — sandy, pulverized, eroded or straight up washes. Luckily I’ve ridden in a wash or two before. One of the washes was narrow, filled with rocks and actually quite fun. So much for an ‘easy’ ride.
Around the backside of the “A” trail, the surface turned solid and the fun factor went up. The trail snuck through a small pass, climbing ledges and rock jumbles reminiscent of Hidden Canyon. I dabbed and walked a bunch of things that might “go” with more time/effort.
Overall I was impressed by the area. On a cold Thanksgiving morning it was so fantastically quiet. With only horse prints on the trail it felt like I was the first person to ride the trails. Definitely not everyone’s (anyone’s?) cup of tea, but the northeast corner of the trailsystem is good trail, and I could definitely see incorporating it into a bikepacking route.
There is a map, directions to the trailhead and accurate GPX network here:
http://www.wickenburg-az.com/2008/12/sophies-flat-celebration/
Not a bad place to overnight if you’re passing by. The trailhead is far enough from town and the highway that there was no traffic noise. It’s also large enough to land a jet plane, so there’s plenty of room to find a good spot, even if other people are using the trail.
Orange rock! We made it to St. George and I got to ride with my dad and one of my brothers.
I get rock envy every time I go to St. George.
I didn’t envy the temperatures, though, esp. the snow that fell the night before we left.
Paula and I also went out for a spin, her first “real” MTB ride in some time. The mood was somber at first, clouds blocking the weak sun. But a few minutes up the trail we grabbed the sun’s 20 minute window between the clouds and the Beaver Dam mountains. Ahhh, perhaps there is hope for life and light in the world.
My nephew, Owen — silly ham that he is. Of course the best part of the trip was visiting the family, and we had a great time riding, swimming, eating until we couldn’t breathe, wrestling, playing foosball, ping-ponging, laughing until it hurt playing cards, putting Mr. Sandman to sleep on the Wii, walking, talking, et cetera. Too much fun, and all too short. I am really lucky to have such a loving and supportive family, I just wish I could see them more often.
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