Little Lewis Canyon ( FT 239A)-Lincoln National Forest

 It was a blustery morning as we set out for the upper trailhead of FT 239A at the top of Little Lewis Canyon. Clouds, both dark and forbidding and invitingly white, raced through the sky as raindrops sprinkled here and there.
 We drove out like we had the previous day: first to Weed on NM 24 and then onto FR 171. This time we passed FR 255 and drove about a mile further where we got onto FR 265. This was a narrow lane which changed from dirt (with mud and ruts in the low spots) to good gravel as it followed scenic Hughes Canyon with its large oaks in full autumn color and beautiful clearings among the pines and firs. Eventually we drove out of the canyon to the north where there were few rough spots in the road before quickly reaching the Little Lewis Trailhead at the top of the ridge.

 Soon we were hiking east on the old road that serves as the trail through colorful low growing oaks that have taken over fire scarred areas. The open terrain on top allowed for long distance views in three directions.

The trail climbed slightly onto a small hill with widely spaced conifers before beginning its descent  into Little Lewis Canyon via a couple of switchbacks.

 Because of fire activity in the not too distant past, its remote location, and drier environment, Little Lewis Canyon has a raw, wild feel and look that I associate more with Black Range in the Gila National Forest than with places in the Sacramentos.

 As we descended, oak leaves fluttered like butterflies in the wind, and butterflies fed at the pale purple thistle flowers. There is only intermittent shade along the primitive trail, but the clouds kept us from overheating ourselves or our Scotties. On south facing slopes above us, junipers that had been scorched brown were still surviving with greened branches in their upper reaches. On the north facing slopes, the oaks had taken over the hillsides, although the occasional fir or spruce that had survived the burn still would stand tall and lush.

The streambed itself began to run in the bedrock and there may be places where water was seeping, but the bank sides were a bit too steep to invite easy exploration. At about 2.5 miles in we rested and ate in a forest of pines that seemed to be mostly unscathed by fire. Then we turned around to head back. We had come down over 800 feet, and unfortunately on the way back up the clouds didn't cooperate as much keeping the sun off of us as they had on the way down. So, we rested and drank more frequently and got back to the 4 Runner in good order.
Note: these trail is open to most users (bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, horses etc.), but we never saw anyone. We didn't see any cows either. These add up to a definite bonus in the Sacramentos.

Carissa Lookout, Long Canyon-Lincoln National Forest

 I like visiting these old fire lookouts. I'm not sure why. I had been wanting to visit this one for awhile now but it's remote location precluded a day trip all the way from Las Cruces. This past weekend we were camping near Mayhill, so it seemed like a good opportunity to check this place out.
As it was, it was still between 45 minutes and an hour just to get there. Forest Roads 171 and 255 are good, maintained gravel roads that made for a nice drive as we wound past valley meadows thick with fading summer grasses. FR 271 which follows Long Canyon is a dirt one lane affair that makes for much slower driving. It is also in the midst of a logging operation which made the route less than scenic.
There is a faded sign pointing to the lookout road which is easy to pass right by. FR 612 is closed with a locked gate, but it's a very short walk up to the lookout tower and adjacent buildings, which where shuddered but have been restored in recent years.


We wandered around bit and I walked up a few flights of the metal stairs, but stopped  before reaching the 7x7 cab at the top, which I presume is locked.
 That all made for quick work so we decided to head back to a little canyon where we had spied some maple trees on the way in. It was just around a bend in the road, on the same hill where the lookout sits.
 The maples were in full autumn display and it was a fun, but steep little hike as we snapped photos of the brilliant yellow, orange, red and pink leaves.

That was over a bit too soon too. So we walked down to another bend in the road  and began hiking upstream in one of the upper branches of Long Canyon.
 

There is a closed road here too but we stayed in the center of the mostly open little valley bordered by spruce, fir and pine trees.We heard elk bugling as we trod along path in the green grass for a little over a mile or so before turning around. Another fall day with perfect weather and wonderful scenery, spent in the Lincoln National Forest.