Nature, Sutherland, Trail-Link, 50-Year, Bridle Trail Loop

 

I figured a 10-mile hike rated as moderate would take about tree hours to complete according to my personal metric, and that estimate was almost spot on. I am on the lookout for moderate hikes to share with our upcoming visitors, most of whom don't share my hiking fanaticism. Segments of this hike fit the bill, but other portions were found lacking for one reason or another—too rocky, boring views, bike or horse traffic, or just too many other bipeds—so I will probably toss this loop in the ain't-worth-the-three-hours bin. 

However, I am intrigued by the back section of the hike. A new loop was recently opened (see map below) combining the 50-Year Trail (which was my penultimate trail today) and the new Cañada Del Oro (CDO) Ridge Trail or CR, A 1.5 mile trail overlooking the CDO wash. The CR now connects to the 50 -Year Trail to create a 3.2 mile loop, or a full 4.0 miles with the Bridle Trail link to it from the parking lot. Maybe that was the hike I should have tried today.

Beautiful, clear weather today. 60º at 10:00 at the start, rising to 76º at 1:00 at hike's end.

The initial path takes the Nature Trail, which is smooth and sandy. 

The Trail-Link Trail is more of a road than a hiking trail, and a rough rock-strewn one at that. I couldn't wait to get off it.