Portal, AZ - Rodeo, NM

Raspberry Hike Report, Fly Saddle (5 points), 7/30/26:

We apologize for changing the planned hike, but we thought this would be the best week for raspberries, and it proved to be true!

 

  

 

Because of the change we had some confusion about where to meet but it all worked out.  Two vehicles drove up to Rustler Park and stopped to marvel at the Red Crossbills eating lime from the restroom walls.

 

 There are lots of flowers in the high country, mostly sneezeweed and verbena with a dozen or more scattered species.  Yesterday’s monsoon rains had settled the dust and we saw East Turkey Creek flowing like it used to every summer.  We certainly enjoyed the cooler temperature at 9,000 ft.  Past Rustler Park the steep and rocky Long Park Road didn’t seem to be as bad.  We enjoyed a different bunch of flowers such as Delphiniums, Thurber’s Cinquefoil and a native star thistle.  Water-filled puddles were a welcome change from the usual rocky route.  Long Park was a green meadow filled with Sneezeweed, Bluebells, Delphinium and of course Bracken fern.  

We hiked the trail through aspen stands – now with thick native grasses underneath – out to Fly Saddle.  Several types of mushrooms have started to emerge along the route, and at Fly Saddle there were raspberries! 

  

The six hikers went separate directions looking for the best locations.  After a couple of hours, we clustered at the edge of the aspen on the trail to the top of Fly Peak for lunch.  The few empty containers were filled from bushes in the shade of the regrowing trees.  When all were filled (plus lunch containers and at one point a hat and an upside-down umbrella) we headed back to the vehicles at Long Park and home.

 Next week we will hike up the South Fork of Cave Creek.  The canyon bottom should be comfortably cool in the morning with the cold air drainage, thick tree cover, and flowing water.  Creek crossings could be tricky if the monsoon rains pick-up (please pick-up !!).  There is little elevation gain for almost 2 miles, then just one steep section.  Bring hat, sun protection, lunch, good hiking boots and hat.  Meet at the Silver Peak parking lot at 8AM AZ, 9AM NM time.  The hike is an “up and back” so people can turn around whenever they choose.  

Report from Al, photos from Elaine and Kent