Fairbank River Loop (4.7 miles)

Distance: 4.7 miles
Elevation (minimal) 3800' - 3900'
Significance: historic village and mining site along San Pedro River


I got up early with Kevin and had coffee. By 8am he was on his way north for his own solo mini vacations to northern Arizona.  Fifteen minutes later I was en route to Fairbank, where I was to meet up with Eric, Robert, HollyW and Susan for a loop hike.  The others hadn't done this before and it was easy enough for Eric to handle.  Now that he's in Bullhead City and working as a truck driver, he doesn't have the time to hike like he did when he was living in Tombstone.  Tomorrow he would be on his way back home.  This was our last get-together.

Everyone was on time.  I walked up front with Zeke, but eventually slowed down to talk to everyone.  I tend to either be up front or in the rear because of Zeke.  I wanted to talk with Eric, too, but he admitted that he quickly fell behind.  Luckily this walk offers a few benches along the way and we were in no hurry.  My only concern was the heat the longer we were on the trail.  There is plenty of exposure on this loop. 

We parked in the trailer parking area just off SR82 and walked north toward the village and then the cemetery.  Eric had forgotten his water and all I had was dog water.  I emptied that out and refilled from a spigot by the schoolhouse building, which is now also the visitor's center but it's only open Friday-Sunday 9:30am-2pm.  They have water for sale there. 

There were plenty of whiptail lizards scurrying across the path.  I was more worried about snakes as it's certainly warm enough now.  The foliage is starting to look dry and drab from lack of any rain. When we got to the old cemetery, Robert had us all gathered around one grave and he recited a poem about the person's possible life.  He does good poetry.

Back on the main trail and I could already feel the heat.  Even Zeke looked uncomfortable.  When we got to the old mill site, we all rested on a bench for 15 minutes.   Just past the mine was an area to our right (west) of an old foundation, rusted mining equipment and a shot-up rusted car door.  By now the heat was even getting to me.

On a cool, overcast day, this hike is a pleasant walk through history. The circular trail is well-marked.  (One can even opt to continue hiking north along the river to other historical sites, but that is best for the cooler winter months)  Volunteers at the visitor's center can help answer questions about the old town site and what all was mined here.  There are a few exposed mine shafts off the trail if one knows where to look.

But today we had no cloud cover and the expected high would reach 93F.  I was looking forward to getting Zeke to the river to cool off.

I was quite surprised to get to the river bank and see no water in either direction.  Ouch!

We were now at the half-way mark.  The rest of the walk would now follow the rivered south and back to the village, with mostly shade along the way.

We stopped at our first spotted water break.  The water was very shallow and tadpoles were swimming in it.  It was so cool here, we stayed another 20 minutes just enjoying the cool breeze.  Zeke splashed around, Holly looked at tadpoles, we all enjoyed watching a red vermillion fly catcher and the thought of continuing along the banks crossed my mind, but I didn't bring any water sandals.

We had a mile to go now and we picked up some speed, but shade breaks came in handy.  We were all beat from the heat and I was feeling dehydrated.

The walk took us 2:48 hours, including breaks.  This is no PR but I came along for the camaraderie.  It's not often we see Eric much these days, and he's one of the original SVHikers.

We all agreed to have lunch at Sunny D's in Huachuca City.  That place is an icon from 1994!  (The building shows its age) but what draws people to this place are the friendly servers, great food and huge portions at decent prices. 

I was a bit concerned about the lack of any shade when we got there at 12:20pm.  The tall ash tree's shade that shades a big portion of the parking lot was now gone.  Even with the windows down, it was warm in the truck.  I was a bit concerned about Zeke.

Since we were a party of five and the booths up front only seat four, we were told to sit in the next room.  This worked to our advantage, as we were alone and could talk freely.  Even Susan joined us and she seldom joins the group for lunch. We could get enough ice tea and water though, so our server Kim gave us a pitcher of each.

She even let us bring Zeke in, but he had to go through the back door (away from any food).  We sat in a rear room by ourselves.  Susan and I each tipped Kim $5 for going out of her way for my dog.  Zeke rested the entire time and didn't even touch the water that Kim got for him.

I had a tasty Mushroom Cheese Burger that filled me up for the rest of the day.  The burger and tea came to $9.57