Giundani Trail, Coronado National Forest; how to do a trail right

This trail leaves from Kartchner Caverns State Park, although most of it is in the Coronado National Forest.

We did this trail a year ago, and had fond memories of it.  It is a nice hike, not too long (4.7 miles from where we started at our camper, with 1000 feet of elevation gain).

We took this loop hike in the counter clockwise direction.  We ran into two hiking groups who did it the opposite direction.  Both directions are good, but we like the experience of reaching the saddle and seeing the mountain in front of us, so did the counterclockwise hike.

The trail is a model for hiking trails in National Forests.  There is great signage:

Including this sign at a switchback that a hiker could miss and easily get off trail.  These are very nice.

When a trail goes up a canyon it can be difficult to know when one is supposed to walk in the wash or when the trail leaves the wash.  Cairns placed at strategic places keep the hiker on the trail.  This trail had cairns in all of the necessary spots.

Hiking counterclockwise on this loop trail one begins by going about a mile up a wash.  Then there is a nice climb, not too steep, but a climb that makes you know you have done some work.  About 1000 feet.  We ran into a bit of snow, since the trail is on the north side of the mountain and didn't get much sunlight to melt it.

The next photo shows a rock wall that was built for the trail.  These are numerous on the first half of this trail.  We wonder how long ago they were built, and by whom.  We have seen no evidence of new trails that have been created in the National Forests.

 

Overall, to us, it seems as if the National Forest campgrounds and trails were all created many years ago, probably by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and that over time most of what was created has gradually eroded.

I am glad we are getting to see these natural areas before too much deterioration has occurred.  But I feel for our grandchildren who will never enjoy what we have enjoyed.  It will be so unfortunate.  Our recommendation is to enjoy our natural areas while you can, because there is not enough money, organization, or vision for these natural areas any longer.  We need Teddy Roosevelt to be President again.

In many places we hike we are the only hikers.  On several occasions we can no longer even find the hiking trails as they have been overgrown and not maintained.  Many campgrounds are aging, many no longer even have trash pickup, leading to further deterioration. Some are closing. 

Three weeks ago we tried to go to the CCC Campground in the Cave Creek Ranger District in the Tonto National Forest.  We arrived at the ranger station to be told the campground had been closed for months.  "Budget cuts". (The excuse to end all excuses). 

But nothing to this effect was on the National Forest website!  So we drove all the way there, at some expense, for nothing.  Now, how much effort does it take to keep a campground open?  Replace toilet paper twice a week, and empty the trash once a week.  Have an honor system for paying.

But of even more significance, how much effort is it to maintain an accurate web site?  The place had been closed for 7 months!  Nobody gives a $hit.

In many campgrounds we see evidence that there once was a water supply.  Nobody has maintained them. 

Trail maps inaccurate, signs at one campground saying to be careful of drug smugglers! 

And fires everywhere.  So many places have had recent, severe forest fires. Is it from a lack of monitoring?

The National Parks are a different matter--they seem to be well maintained and adequately staffed.  But they are but a fraction of our natural areas.

And then, today, on a well done trail, we were two of about 14 people enjoying the natural resources that we all own. 

It is shameful what is happening, and sad.

This will not be there for our grandchildren I fear:

Approaching the saddle:

 From the saddle:

Hiking down the other side we had a good example of what can happen with trails when they are not well used.  Trails that are not easy to use are then not used often enough and then can get overgrown, making them even more difficult to follow.  The grass had grown very high this year, and the trail was not obvious more than a few feet in front of us.  Fine to follow, but if no one had been on the trail this year, it would have been impossible.  Gone, maybe forever.  

As it was, it was beautiful walking through this golden meadow high on a mountain ridge.