Meeting at the freezing Fort Tuthill winter wonderland, we could only imagine where the snow line ended up in Oak Creek Canyon. We were about to be amazed! Within 15 minutes of leaving Flagstaff, we reached the 6000 ft. level and it looked like Spring! Absolutely no sign of snow. While it was a bit chilly when we reached Midgely Bridge, the sun was already warming the trailhead. The group consisted of Neil, Bruce, Kaci, Amber, Rhiannon, Aldo (again up from Phoenix) and Mackenzie.
Along the way we took the time to enjoy Cottonwood Spring where a lone Cottonwood and Willow appeared stuck in time. A Historic berm catches water from the surrounding cliffs providing enough water for the Cottonwoods and Willow to survive. (You can see the cottonwood behind the runners in this photo). It was quite a surprise and a nice break! We have run this trail for many years but never noticed this oasis!
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