August 18th McCord Trail Hike

Picture by Pat Owens

The local hiking group from Rodeo and Portal ventured out once again yesterday on another Thursday hike. This time the group hiked up the side of the Chiricahua Mountains using the McCord Trail. Because of all the recent rains the trial was very overgrown with native annual wildflowers and grasses. A good thing with just having major fire in the area this spring and summer. So nice to see the forest greening up once again!

The hikers went from the Portal Post Office up along an old roadway to the McCord Trail then from there proceeded up the side of the mountain on that trail. Because of all the recent monsoon rains the mountainside as mentioned was covered with a rich growth of native annual wildflowers and grasses. Such a nice sight to see following the recent destructive forces of the wildfire earlier this spring and summer. Growth was so lush in parts that the trail was hard to follow but after some wrong turns we eventually made it to our destination, a natural rock shelter that was once used by ancient Native Americans. On the underside of the main ceiling rock were many pictograph's. (Go to Chiricahua Sky Islands blog on my links, to see all the pictures of them taken by DiAnn). The group enjoyed the break and took group pics and just relaxed enjoying the spectacular views from there.

Following our time enjoying the view we began our trek back down the mountain. Once reaching the bottom some of us spent time relaxing by the bird feeders at the Cave Creek Ranch. Cave Creek Ranch is a very beautiful location to stay while visiting the Portal area. I highly recommend it if you like beautiful settings and wildlife.  Also enjoy the many other places to stay in the Rodeo/Portal area as well.  From there we walked on back to where we parked our vehicles and as we did we could see and hear the thunderstorm over the mountains coming alive with the sounds of thunder rumbling through the canyon as the storm cloud continued to rapidly grow and spread across the mountains and valley area. It would later drench many parts of the mountains and the surrounding area with  much needed rain.

Come visit and stay at our many resorts and B&B's in both Rodeo and Portal. Visit our galleries, especially mine! :), and the shops and restaurants too!!  - Roger

All photos unless marked are by Roger McKasson.