Soldier Mesa

A FLIGHTY FOREST FROLICSoldier Mesa TankThere are a lot of birds on Soldier Mesa. Bluejays, hawks, vultures, finches, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and ravens. Lots and lots of ravens.  A wild turkey feather at Soldier Mesa TankFor whatever the reason—its proximity above the course of Fossil Creek, a secluded water source or its lightly used location on the Mogollon Rim—the feathered hordes like it here.Winged buckwheat blooms July - September Gamble oaks shade FR9362KIt’s not necessary to be an expert bird watcher to enjoy the popular hobby in birdy places like this. With the aid of technology (see links below) and a pair of binoculars, anybody can play wanna-be ornithologist and feather detective.  It is illegal to collect most wild bird feathersBut before heading out on a bird-spotting expedition, it’s important to know the rules. First and foremost, it is illegal to collect or possess feathers or any other parts from almost all native wild birds in Arizona. The Federal  Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects more than 800 species including most of what flies overhead in Arizona. Soldier Mesa Tank is easy to missThe law also means you may not mess with the birds, their eggs, nests, habitats or feathers. This includes anything you may find on the ground. Watch for raptors over the juniper meadowsA complete set of rules, guidelines and limited hunting exceptions may be found on the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service website. Of course, if you’re already observing the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, that pretty much covers it. Junction of FR9362K and FR9365KA mixed bag of woodland types might be a contributor to the large number of species that call Soldier Mesa home.  Dense Ponderosa pine forests, Gamble oak patches, sunny stretches dominated by junipers, agaves and wildflowers and the mucky waters of Soldier Mesa Tank make for prime habitat opportunities. White prairie aster blooms July - OctoberIt’s also a tidy little hiking destination for wandering and wondering. Forest Road 9362K serves as the hiking route on Soldier Mesa. From the gated entrance on State Route 260, the rough dirt road makes an immediate duck into tree cover of Coconino National Forest.  FR9362K ends overlooking Horsetank WashA short distance in, white chevron tree markers denote where the road crosses the historic General Crook Trail. Woodpeckers appear to favor the tall pines and are easily identified by their bright red caps and noisy tapping.  White chevrons indicate the Gen. Crook TrailContinue following FR9362K as it makes a barely discernible downhill crawl. In places, the road splits and rejoins but it's never too difficult to navigate through oak woodlands that attract wild turkey and sparrows. At the half-mile point, the road meets a junction with FR 9365K. FR9362K is rough and rockyVeer right to stay on FR9362K.  The next stretch of road moves through patches of open meadow dotted with yucca and cacti.  Hummers, finches and jays flit among juniper branches. At 0.8-mile, Soldier Mesa Tank comes into view off to the right. It’s easy to miss, so stay alert and you might see hawks and ravens circling above the tiny pool. Agaves thrive among Ponderosa pinesBeyond the tank, the road degrades into a rocky, cracked-earth path, ever narrowing until it fades into scrub and boulders above Horsetank Wash at the far northeast boundary of Fossil Creek Wilderness.Trailhead on State Route 260LENGTH: 3 miles round trip (out-and-back hike)RATING: easyELEVATION: 6,636 - 6,789 feet (338 feet of accumulated elevation change)GETTING THERE:From Interstate 17 in Camp Verde, take the State Route 260 exit and go 28 miles east (toward Payson) to Forest Road 9362K on the right just past milepost 246. There’s parking behind the gate.U.S Fish & Wildlife Servicehttps://www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918Feather Identification Toolhttps://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/Merlin Bird IDhttps://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/Leave No Tracehttps://lnt.org/why/7-principles/