Hello Troop 648
Wrapping up final prep for our backpack outing this weekend. We are scheduled to backpack into Loy Canyon in the Sedona area.
This trail leads up a desert wilderness canyon offering excellent views. The well constructed path was used by the Samuel Loy family in the 1880’s to move their livestock to and from summer pastures on the canyon’s rim.
The trail starts out by skirting the fence line of the Hancock Ranch. Sheer cliffs of vermilion and buff sandstone form a colorful backdrop for the desert garden of manzanita, catclaw, cholla and prickly pear that carpets the canyon floor. Natural rock sculptures carved by flash floods and spring runoff that seasonally course down this normally dry streambed provide scenic settings. Underground moisture is sufficient year-round to support a desert riparian area rich in bird and other animal life.
Near the end of the canyon, the trail becomes strenuous, completing the majority of the 1680 foot climb to a high saddle that leads to the top of a mesa called Secret Mountain in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. We will pitch our tents on top of this mesa in the pine trees. Beautiful!
The trail will be dry so everyone should be prepared to bring all their water (5-6 liters). Additionally, you will need to bring you own food and gear for this overnighter. Weather is expected to be clear with highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 50s to high 40s. Please be prepared for cool temps Saturday night.
We will leave Saturday morning from the church parking lot near the shed at 7am. If you are going, please email dmcfetters@gmail.com or call me at (602) 793-1058 as soon as possible.
Thanks and see you this weekend!
Scoutmaster T648
