Day 20: April 13, 2023
AZT mile 268.4 to 288.4
Hiked today: 20.0 miles / 32.2 km
AZT ascents today: 878m , descents: 651m
AZT hiked to date: 36.0%

Trail angel Gary picked us up from outside our motel promptly at 6.30, just as he had promised.

After he dropped us at the trailhead, we set off again, the temperature a good deal lower than when we were last here. We all felt re energised after the zero day in town, and the trail started off at an easy gradient as we followed the path of the Gila River. Down below us, we heard the haunting whistle of a train, and we watched it slowly pass carrying copper from the mine just over the ridge.

Again we were treated with a path bordered by colourful flowers as we climbed out from the Gila River canyon and over the foothills, heading towards another mountain range.

The water we carried in from town tasted fresh and cool but soon we were looking for the next source. That happened to be the Gila river, brown and muddy despite its rapid flow. We are also a little suspicious of what else might be in it, given the effluent from the copper mine must drain into it, we suppose. The last access point to the river was just adjacent to a trail marker identifying this as the lowest point on the AZT.

In the afternoon, we entered another canyon and headed towards Tonto National Forest. As we climbed, we were treated to spectacular views of the impressive rocky mountains on either side. A strong wind blew up as the afternoon drew on and gave relief from the sun’s heat.

We had just one rattlesnake encounter but saw another unidentified snake slither quickly across the path in the tall grass. Rob and I both rate this as our best day on the trail so far. The awesome mountains around us were an unexpected treat. The weather was kind, and although we had plenty of climbs, none were too steep or arduous.