SOUTH FORK TRAIL
SOUTH FORK TRAIL Willows hug the So. Fork of the Little Colorado River At the point on the South Fork Trail #97 where the route crosses a creek and begins its grueling climb, I was jolted to a stop by screams that sounded like an injured dog. In a flash, a herd of elk bolted across the trail just yards ahead of me. Five females in tandem, then a lone male. Eden meets Hell. They scrambled up a knoll following the cries of a distressed calf. The adults circled the young one who continued to wail from its high perch. Two more elk burst from the creek, stopping briefly to stare me down before they charged up to meet the herd, round up the calf and bolt into the back county. They gave me a thrill and I reciprocated with exactly what they needed--their space. Encounters like this one are common on the White Mountains trails of northeastern Arizona. Wild roses bloom through August. Before venturing out into the forests, hikers should be aware of common...