Our Choice Beachfront Hotel in Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
May 25, 2019
Review: ATIKA Women’s Maya Trail Outdoor Water Shoes Sport Sandals
July 1, 2019Our Choice Beachfront Hotel in Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
May 25, 2019Review: ATIKA Women’s Maya Trail Outdoor Water Shoes Sport Sandals
July 1, 2019Explore Arizona: Hiking - Potato Patch Loop (Kingman, AZ)
QUESTION: Where are some of your summer escapes in Arizona?
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Wildlife Viewing:
Wildlife indigenous to this higher elevation include elk, mountain lions, mule deer, foxes, javelina, bears, squirrels, skunks, raccoons, chipmunks, and a wide variety of songbirds and birds of prey, including owls, hawks, and golden eagles.
4 Vegetation Life Zones
1– Chaparral
2– Pine / Oak
3– Mixed Conifer
4– Fir / Aspen
The Hualapai Mountains remain green year-round and are home to the Ponderosa Pine, White Fir, Aspen, Pinion Pine, Manzanita, and Gambel.
A Touch of History:
The name ‘Hualapai’ is derived from the word for “People of the Tall Pines” for the Native American tribe that once called these mountains home until they were relocated by the military in the 1870s.
It was 100°F+ weather, at home. We decided to have a shady, summer escape to cooler weather amongst the granite rock formations and in elevations of 6,000 to 8,400 ft in the Haulapai Mountains. With 10 miles and 2,300 acres of hiking trails, plus 14 trails to choose from, we hopped onto the Potato Patch Loop Trail.
On our first visit, we stopped at the Ranger Station to pick up a map, brochure and learn more about the area.
One day I’ll earn the medallion to add to my hiking stick when I make it to the peak.
From sleeping in a teepee (or tipi) to cabins to RVs, if you want several days of the outdoorsy life, Hualapai Mountains has you covered. Here’s a glimpse of the tent camp site.
Either stay in a modern cabin or one of the stone cabins made constructed in the 1930s by the CCC.
The Potato Patch Trail - Photo Ops
From the restroom, we hiked 5 miles (roundtrip)... taken 14,124 steps... with a 1,285 feet elevation gain to our highest point of 7,640 feet. It’s good to have enjoy the trail, 2x this month, before thunderstorm season (July and August).
Appropriately named, "Stonestep Lookout."
Here we have Manzanita which I’ve just learned has medicinal uses. "A poultice of the chewed leaves is applied to sores and headaches. The leaves are chewed as a treatment for stomach ache and cramps… The leaves can be boiled and the yellowish-red extract used as a cleansing body wash. The wood makes an exceedingly fine fuel." (Source: Natural Medicinal Herbs)
The county sure does a great job and grooming the trail.
Can probably use this storm shelter, if/when hiking during thunderstorm season (July - August).
Such a wonderful surprise to see benches so high up in elevation.
Wildlife
We were lucky on our 1st visit to the park, to see our very first elk… snacking away. They don’t need any help for humans to find food. If you love the deer and the elk, it’s best to watch and not feed them. Just ask the Rangers why you shouldn’t feed the wildlife.
Bill luckily came across a horned lizard crossing the trail... you know, that weird blood-squirting-from-its-eyeballs lizard (also known as horny toads or horntoads or bearded dragons). He was so cute!
Spotted some bones at Camp Levi Levi.
Panoramic Views from Potato Patch Loop
Summary Video: Views from up Potato Patch Loop
Bucketlist Activities & Tours
Horseback Riding Through Joshua Tree Forest, with Buffalo Experience. Lunch included
Desert Wonder Tours
Duration
6 hours
About
Enjoy a Historic Western Ranch once owned by a bank/train robber. Guided horseback ride through the scenic Joshua Tree Forest. View Buffalo and enjoy lunch with the singing Cowboy!
Guided Kayaking to Emerald Cave Adventure
Desert Wonder Tours
Duration
7.5 hours
About
We have partnered with a popular Kayaking company for a 3-hour kayaking experience.
This adventure combines the thrill of kayaking with the stunning natural beauty of the Colorado River and the Emerald Cave. Enjoy a 4-mile round-trip tour of the Colorado River.
Guests can expect a memorable and scenic experience, blending natural beauty, history, wildlife, and the majesty of the Colorado River. It’s a journey that promises to leave you with lasting memories of this remarkable destination.
Keepers of the Wild Nature Park on Route 66, Crozier Canyon
Desert Wonder Tours
Duration
4 hours
About
Journey on a Historic Route 66 adventure to meet wild creatures who live in habitats occupying 175 acres nestled into a picturesque Crozier Canyon on the heart of Route 66 in Valentine, AZ. Your expert Keeper guide will drive you through the canyon to meet more than 130 wild animals such as lions, tigers, wolves, bears, leopards, primates, and various wildlife indigenous to the beautiful Southwest.