Description
This field trip requires hiking three miles (round-trip) on a riparian (streamside) trail. The trail follows the Santa Clara River through a canyon with imposing cliffs on both sides. The hike is on an abandoned roadway with generally gradual elevation changes. The canyon walls contain several panels of “Native American Petroglyphs” as well as a number of nesting sites for raptors, ravens, owls and even Canada Geese. Birding is enhanced by the presence of running water, beaver ponds and dense off trail vegetation. Nearly the entire trail is within the boundary of the BLM Santa Clara River Reserve so it is managed for the preservation of habitat and the associated wildlife.