Borden ck trailhead was packed friday night! There were at least 10 cars, by far the most ive seen there. It never fails, each trip to the Sipsey I always plan on covering way too much ground and I always end up rushed at the end of the trip. I must admit, im a sucker for the sound of falling water, every side canyon lures me in.
I started out friday night at dusk and hiked in about 1 mile or so on the west Borden Trail and set up camp, I had plans to hike the following days up to 209 then to East and West Bee then on out via 224 and if time permitted maybe a trip across to wolfpen canyon. I managed to explore most of the west Borden and east Sipsey up to Falls Creek Falls (such a boring name, who names these) before hightailing it to East Bee. First time to Falls Creek Falls and it was thundering, it was extremely loud, very impressive.
I didnt see but one group of hikers all along the FT 209 or west Borden, I hit the East Bee Canyon and was met by countless troops of kids. It was good to see the kids out there enjoying (well some it looked) the outdoors instead of the multitudes of electronics at home. Daylight was fading fast in East Bee canyon so I didnt get to spend much time enjoying it. I didnt find a suitable camp so I popped out the east side and camped up on the ridge. There is a well worn trail coming out of the canyon, Im sure this is well known but it wasnt listed on the Carto.
The next day was an easy hike out on the old forest road. I cant imaging it actually being used much by horses, it was quite narrow and overgrown. The trail had lots of nice color with tons of bigleaf magnolias in yellow, sumac and oaks in fire red and poplars starting to turn yellow.
Some notes; there were several down trees that crossed the Sipsey, one was near the jct of FR 202. There were several down trees along FT 209 and East Bee trails. I also found a laminated Briartech map along Ft 209 saturday, thanks whoevers it was.
Pm and I can mail it to you. Another important note to make, I was able to listen to the game sat night up on the ridge, reception was clear, Roll Tide. I also noticed alot of trash in the fire pits, especially At Buck Rough and FT 209, there was nearly an entire gargabe bag full. WTF people! Pack it in Pack it out.
Here is the gallery from the trip
http://www.alatrails.com/...hotos/index.php?cat=10239 , below are just a few
2 nighter, cool weather, waterfalls and fall color 10/16-18 FT200-209 & East Bee
2 nighter, cool weather, waterfalls and fall color 10/16-18 FT200-209 & East Bee
2 nighter, cool weather, waterfalls and fall color 10/16-18 FT200-209 & East Bee
2 nighter, cool weather, waterfalls and fall color 10/16-18 FT200-209 & East Bee
2 nighter, cool weather, waterfalls and fall color 10/16-18 FT200-209 & East Bee
