Copper State Trail Riders
Christmas Ride
By Jodie Franklin
W
e had our Christmas
ride at Sophie’s Flat,
at favorite winter
location with so many trails
it’s hard to decide which
one to ride first. Friday was
arrival day with everyone
showing up throughout the
day and setting up camp. That
evening we gathered around
the fire for our usual Friday
happy hour where new and
old members got to meet.
A full moon rose over the
mountains to light the night
and make it a perfect evening.
Saturday morning dawned a
perfect riding day, just cool enough to make
the horses frisky and ready to hit the trail.
Whiff ’s of coffee, leather and horses (mules
too) floated through the air as riders got
ready for their days adventure. A lot of the
members were new to that area which made
it more exciting to show them the beauty
that surrounds
Sophie’s Flat.
From the
prominent feature
of Red Top which
is like the center
of a compass,
all trails unfold
in its shadow,
to the elusive
Hassayampa River
the stories and
history of this
land are a delight
to tell. One of the favorites to recount is the
story of how Precious Peak which is just east
of Red Top got its name.
We chose a loop that shows off the desert
beauty with a variety of terrain to travel over.
Crossing Blue Tank wash we rode up to Red
Top taking the pass beside it that brings us
into Dinosaur Canyon, pointing out the
stone formations that give the canyon its
18
January 2015
rose as we exchanged good Christmas
cheer and laughter around the fire.
Sunday morning the fire was lit and
Jackie cooked breakfast for us using
some left over ham and cackleberries
with other goodies from last night’s feast.
Some members had to start the long
road home; sorry to see them go but glad
they made the trip to send our last ride
of the year together.
name. From there we rode up on to the ridge
following a jeep trail along the top with views
to die for. No matter which direction you
look the mountains fade into the distance
like waves in the ocean. We pass Mistake
Mine as we drop down into the Hassayampa
River, our destination The Box for lunch.
This delightful location sadly requires more
respect than it is getting
from its visitors.
After lunch we rode
through the Narrows
in search of water for
our horses. Our return
trip took us up the
Pink Canyon, one of
the prettiest canyons
coming off the
river. At the
top we follow
a jeep trail in
front of Red Top to a single track
that took us down the mountain
and past a livestock tank and across
Blue Tank wash to come in behind
our camp.
The rest of us saddled up for a perfect
Sunday ride. We took the Skyline and
Hidden trails (names I made for them)
to make a loop to Goat Camp. This is
always a great destination for lunch
and water is always there for the horses.
Leaving Goat Camp we headed towards Pete’s
windmill, easy trails after yesterday’s ride.
There is always water there for the horses
and a pretty little trail that takes us back to
Sophie’s Flat.
Goodbyes were said until next year, what a
wonderful year of riding we have had. The
New Year promises to be full of great new
trails and wonderful adventures. If you want
to join us in the New Year for adventures of
your own email for a 2015 ride schedule to;
[email protected]
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, from
the Copper State Trail Riders!
It was time for our Christmas feast
around the fire and what a feast we
had! Followed by the Christmas gift
exchange and steal! The full moon
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