Slot City with the Gila Hikers
April 23, 2024
We returned with our hiking group, the Gila Hikers to a remarkable area of slot canyons and crenelated cliffs not far from Silver City.
There's no trail, but a route drops into a dry canyon and emerges on a vast plain of volcanic tuff.
There are a few signs of a previous mining or ranching operation, including an old concrete dam, a small shack, lots of pipe, and this old fence.
The wash was dry, but we saw some wonderful spring wildflowers, including this luscious blanket flower.
Fragrant evening primose.
I'm still looking for an ID for this flower that I see often in the Gila Wildernes — perhaps a groundsel or ragwort. Other sightings included verbena, Indian paintbrush and golden smoke.
I'm getting used to a new (old camera), so I zoomed in on a white dot at the top of the ridge. Nobody believed me when I said it was a bighorn sheep, but I rest my case!
Approaching the slotty area.
The only word for this landscape is "epic"!
A pair or turkey vultures waiting for us to die.
It was already getting warm. We found a shady spot for "first lunch".
To enter the slot, you must first conquer the choke stone!
The first slot is surprising long and unobstructed.
Ken approaching an impressive choke stone.
The last part of the slot was flooded. Lots of animal tracks in the slot showed that this tiny pool is an important source of water for them.
Dennis demonstrating his agility (not bad for 75).
Continuing up the canyon.
In the shadow of towering cliffs.
Second lunch.
We were all dazzled by the bright green tree in the slot. Alan did his best to get a closer look.
Kim and Dennis emerging from the slots.
A venerable juniper.
A striped whipsnake. So long and skinny!
It was a long, hot slog up and out of the canyon. We need to return in cooler weather, and spend a couple of days!