Native Plant Hike at Ryal Canyon – Verde Valley

2317 South Salt Mine Road,Camp Verde AZ 86322

15 April, 2023

Description

April 15, 2023 - Ryal Canyon Trail – Verde Valley9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Join the Prescott Native Plant Society in exploring Ryal Canyon in the Verde Valley. Ancient lake deposits formed Ryal Canyon called the Verde Formation— a mixture of limestone, gravels, silt, clay, and salts. In this canyon, we hope to find unique plants adapted to survive in the high salt content of this limestone. Itinerary: Participants will meet at the trailhead at 9:00 AM (see carpooling option). We will hike about 2 miles one-way. This trail is rated strenuous, with a gain of 600 feet about 1/4 mile from the trailhead and then a steady climb. We expect to return to our cars by 2:00 PM. Please bring plenty of water and a lunch. Click here for more trail information. Driving directions from Prescott: We will not be driving on rough dirt roads— head south on Highway 69, east on Highway 169, and then north on Interstate 17. Take exit 287 for Arizona State Route 260. Go 1.6 miles east on SR 260 (toward Payson) to Oasis Road, where there are signs for Copper Canyon Trailhead. Go past Forest Service Road 136 (for Copper Canyon Trailhead). At the stop sign, turn right onto Salt Mine Road (not signed) and continue 2 miles to the large trailhead on the right. Click here for a map of the trailhead. Carpooling: We encourage carpooling, so let us know if you are willing to drive and how many passengers you can take. Meet at the Frontier shopping center in the parking lot above Einstein Brothers Bagels at 8:00 AM. We will coordinate carpooling before the event date. Plan to meet at the trailhead parking at 9:00 AM for anyone coming from other locations. Click here for a map of the trailhead. Photos courtesy of Francisco Anaya