Copper State Trail Riders
Summer ride reporT
By Jodie Franklin • [email protected]
S
ummertime found us on the traditional Arizona
pilgrimage to seek refuge from the heat in the cool
northern pines. For June’s ride we selected everyone’s
favorite, Little Eldon Horse Camp.
On Friday the rigs started pulling
in; we had most of the camp
reserved. One of the great things
about this club is every ride brings
out new members. This ride
was no exception, what a great
group of riders came to share the
trail with us. Friday’s are about
setting up camp, going out for
an afternoon ride and of course
Friday happy hour. This is where
you get to sit, relax and get to
know each other. The horse circle
is really very small in Arizona
and it usually turns out that most
people have crossed trails at some point.
Saturday morning with lunches packed and horses
saddled we headed out on the Arizona Trail. Our first
destination was Schultz Tank, along the way we could see
how Mother Nature is healing from the devastating fire
that ripped through there. Despite the drought the tank
had water in it and even a couple of ducks out for a swim.
From the tank you can go several directions we chose to
follow Schultz Creek Trail. This idyllic trail meanders
along the creek with delicate yellow columbine peeking
out from the tall grass. At the junction we took the Moto
Trail climbing up away from the creek drainage. Noon
time we stopped at a hillside meadow and let the horses
graze while we enjoyed our lunch. Back in the saddle we
completed our loop arriving at Schultz Tank from the
opposite direction.
That evening the tables groaned under the weight of
all the Mexican dishes brought out for our potluck and
so did our stomachs as we quickly transferred all the
wonderful fare to our plates! Lively conversation around
the fire followed another wonderful potluck.
Sunday morning we were back in the saddle following
the Arizona Trail back to Schultz Tank. There is a
section of the trail that is so picturesque as it follows
a drainage with wild roses growing along it that I wish
would go on longer. This time we chose the Kachina
Trail until we reached the junction with the Weatherford
Trail. From there we rode up the Weatherford into the
Kachina Peaks Wilderness. The shimmering aspens
and stately pines were a delight to ride through. We
AZintheSaddle.com
passed the alpine meadow where Aspens Springs is and
contained to climb. Rounding a corner in the trail took
our breath away, the mountains rolled away as far as you
could see fading to blue like waves in the ocean. Still
the trail continued to climb and
us with it as we found ourselves
back in the trees again. This time
it was the trees that caught our
attention as we started seeing
carvings on the aspens from the
1800’s when the sheepherders
passed that way. I know they
were old because I even found
one with my birthday on it!
As the trail became steeper and
more rugged we decided to turn
around as horses can only go so
far on this trail anyway. When
we got back to the mountain
meadow and Aspens Springs it was the perfect spot to
take a break. While the horses grazed we dug in our
saddle bags for that trail bar that had been in there for
a few rides! After all this was supposed to have been a
short Sunday morning ride not an
all day adventure. But when the trail
beckons how can you resist!
Sunday afternoon back at camp
goodbyes are said until we meet
again for another great adventure on
the Arizona Trail!
July Adventures
at Jacks Canyon
The company, the trails, the
campsite, the weather all came
together to create the perfect
weekend. This was by far the favorite
ride this year with a campsite that is
already on next year’s schedule.
Friday is a free day as everyone
arrives and sets up camp. Some
people chose to relax in the cool shade of a ponderosa
while others saddle up to explore the area. But in the
late afternoon we all gather for our traditional Friday
happy hour. This time thanks to Mirek who brought a
giant Jenga game we had a blast!! I wish I could post all
the pictures of us playing what a riot that was! We ended
up with an impromptu “what have you got to throw on
the grill” kind of dinner. Of course that was followed
by bonfire via Mirek. A beautiful evening with a hint of
anticipation sparking the air for tomorrows ride.
Saddles creaked and horses whinnied as riders got ready
for the days adventures. Camp was situated on a hill
and a “secret” trail was discovered that lead us down
into Jack’s Canyon and on to the Arizona Trail. While
looking down into the canyon and the Arizona Trail that
wound through it I could feel my horse eager to see what
lies ahead.
It’s a joy to ride through this beautiful canyon dotted with
wild flowers and grass so long it tickled the horse’s bellies
and would hide the trail. We were riding a loop that
consisted of the Arizona Trail, some cross country and
shady forest roads. Tanks are plentiful and picturesque in
this area, making it easy to keep the horses hydrated and a
cooling dip for the dogs.
Cross country riding in this area alternates between
meadows and forest, all of it scenic and fun to do. Midday
we came upon the perfect setting for lunch. The tank was
dry but the grass was high and the horses enjoyed grazing
while we relaxed against the logs. The second half of our
loop was down a shady forest road to a single track that
lead us back to the Arizona Trail.
That evening we enjoyed the potluck
(where do all these good cooks
come from?!) and topped it off with
another bonfire and roasting giant
marshmallows. I think I broke in to
a verse of “Kumbaya” at this point!
Sunday’s ride took us back down
to the Arizona Trail, riding until
another tr