Barnhardt Trailhead

Barnhardt Trailhead October 10th 2021

Distance: 13 Miles

Hiking Partners: Colin and Uncle J

This is a great hike near Payson AZ. We saw tons of creatures on this one. More than any other hike I'd been on so far this year. Everyone had a great time! This was also Colin's longest hike to date!

First Creature of the day. A hand Size Tarantula! This was one of many we saw that day!

Our goal for this hike was to reach the top of the plateau, each lunch and head back. As we were approaching the top, we noticed tons of yellow flowers nearby. We hiked an additional half mile and boom we were in the thick of it! 

Right on the edge of the yellow flowers we found this awesome trip to each under for lunch.

Now it was time to make our way back.

Before checking out the waterfall, we saw something I've never seen before in the wild. A Black Arizona Rattlesnake. Luckily the rattlesnake was about 5 feet off the trail. Check out that rattle. Its a big one!

After checking out the rattlesnake from a far we headed to the double waterfall. The waterfall was running just enough for us to see both cascading down the cliff edge.

After the waterfall we were only about 2 miles from the trailhead. Then all of the sudden two cows came out of nowhere and escorted us down the trail. Yep, they lead us for a good solid mile before finally parting ways into the brush.

All in all, this was a great hike! Lots of critters, great scenery and lots and lots of flowers!

Until Next Time!