Took another pass at the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona. Last time coincided with Flagstaff’s “fourth winter” wherein the road became an impassable snowy ski ramp above 9,200 ft [2,804 m], but luckily was able to make it all the way across this time!
Terrain drifted between purpleish pine beds, chunky gravel backroads and steep singletrack, climbing nonstop for hours over 9,400 ft [2,865 m] before repelling back down on the Inner Basin Trail. This technical type of riding was a bit outside of my comfort zone, but a proper challenge nonetheless!
It was my first time camping at the famed Lockett Meadow too. Fading hints of golden hour pawed at pieces of birch bark littering the valley floor, with desert horned lizards and bounding fawn. Douglas fir and ponderosa pinecones glowed amongst the campfire coals like red Christmas ornaments.
There was so much to listen to out there: the metallic bugling of elk through the night, aspens trembling in the breeze like glassy river water. I was mostly just glad to enjoy a shorter, more casual bikepacking trip after the intensity of Alaska-to-Argentina. It felt good to be back outside.
A few shots of prior attempt included as well for weather comparison ✌🏼
by donivanberube