I guess my mind isn’t what it used to be. Two rides in less then 24 hours both of which I have forgotten something vitally important. Last night it was the skid lid. Today it was water. But hey, I just live in a desert water isn’t really that important..
I got to the trailhead of Prospector this morning with “ganas” to ride only to find that my water bottle with all the water I was going to drink on this little adventure was conveniently still on the counter at home. Not to be deterred I decided to make the best of it and do a little exploring on the Red Cliff’s side of the Prospector. Seeing that there is a new step over and a trail on the other side of the road, it seemed like a good idea.
The next obstacle I ran into was the above photo. I’m all for making sure there are reserved spots for the handicap, but the only parking lot close to the Prospector Trailhead and 2/3 of it is off limits. The other 1/3 was in use. It seems a bit excessive, but whatever. I turned around and parked at the other “new” step over just up from the first stream crossing as you head into the recreational area. The sign said High Grade and had that beautiful little decal that meant it was open to me.
High Grade takes you from this parking lot back to the Prospector. It’s not long and after having ridden it both directions it looks that it will be the connector to a new parking lot when all is said and done. Which I’m guessing would then make more sense that the other one is off limits to almost everyone.
After reconnecting with the Prospector, I headed back down to the road and crossed over to the “new” section. It was short and basically took me back to the stream. The stream is currently what we would call a river around these parts so crossing it didn’t seem like a good idea with the gear I was wearing. I could see the trail on the other side and it looked like a reclaimed road. Not ideal but not bad either. If the road goes as far as it could potentially go, it could become a vital link in the Turkey Farm Loop.
I turned around and headed back up the Prospector and High Grade back to the car. I then checked out the Trailhead for White Reef. Again looks like a road but is heading in a good direction.
After my brief trail reconnaissance, I was going to head back home (it was getting warm and I still didn’t have any water). So I took the long way home and checked out the trail OTE has been working on over by Quail Reservoir. Looks to be tight and twisty as it I have heard the rumors confirm.
All in all, this morning could have been a much better ride If I tweren’t so forgetful. Maybe next time I will remember everything…
Out.
I’ve also parked at that old pioneer building and found it odd that there is only one normal parking spot. Must be some sort of law? Do handicap people frequent red cliffs to….hike?
Yea, I’m pretty sure those spots are there to conform with some code that may or may not make sense. I’m not sure what people who can’t park where everyone else does could be doing at Red Cliffs, but at least they have a place to park.