Trails that Go Nowhere

[skyhawk1251]

For all Google Earth images inserted below, GPS coordinates at the bottom of the images are for the center of each image. The red box in the first image encloses the area of interest.

I've seen many trails on the slope of this mountain that seem to indicate much human activity in the past. Because those trails took considerable time and effort to construct, but seem to begin and end in improbable places, I associate those trails with prospecting for minerals.

In the second image, notice the unusual geology, and the trail that seems to lead to it. This is most probably a volcanic blowhole, and the trail could be just a natural fissure. I see no evidence of a mine dump.

The third image shows the network of trails on the mountain, with the "blowhole" inside the red box.

When I search areas for mining activity, I give priority to following trails. Those trails could lead to prospects and mines, especially if they seem to go nowhere and end suddenly.

 

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[Oroblanco]

Not to discourage you and I don't relish being a wet blanket, BUT (which always follows that disclaimer) most of the trails in the Superstitions are created by animals. The cattle made many and wildlife made many more, and still are creating them. It is not safe to assume that a trail must have been made by human activities.

Please do continue, sorry for that discouraging word there!

 

[skyhawk1251]

Not discouraging at all, Oroblanco. I'm aware of what you stated, but failed to mention that in my initial post. Burros have made many trails in and near the Black Mountains here in Mohave County, Arizona. I do think, however, that people searching for mining activity using Google Earth are not wasting their time by following trails, wherever they might lead.

In the third GE image I provided, I see what looks like a disturbed patch of ground near the lower left side of the image, and what could be some rocks piled to form a crude retaining wall. I suspect some human activity at that location.

 

[skyhawk1251]

Another possible mystery in the Superstition Mountains --

This path/trail is north of Peters Mesa, and if I'm reading the topo map correctly, it could be in the vicinity of Cottonwood Canyon. I don't think it's part of Peters Canyon Trail. I can't make out the trail beyond what I see in the clearing. The path probably runs through grassy vegetation, but I somehow doubt if the path was made by wildlife coming there to feed on the grass. I see no evidence of human activity nearby.

 

[markmar]

For all Google Earth images inserted below, GPS coordinates at the bottom of the images are for the center of each image. The red box in the first image encloses the area of interest.

I've seen many trails on the slope of this mountain that seem to indicate much human activity in the past. Because those trails took considerable time and effort to construct, but seem to begin and end in improbable places, I associate those trails with prospecting for minerals.

In the second image, notice the unusual geology, and the trail that seems to lead to it. This is most probably a volcanic blowhole, and the trail could be just a natural fissure. I see no evidence of a mine dump.

The third image shows the network of trails on the mountain, with the "blowhole" inside the red box.

When I search areas for mining activity, I give priority to following trails. Those trails could lead to prospects and mines, especially if they seem to go nowhere and end suddenly.

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Hi skyhawk

I'm with Oroblanco statement that that trail was created by animals. I made a GE image to explain this. With white colour is the trail you have mentioned and with orange is the Bull Pass Trail.
A trail created by animals in many places splits in few brances, fact which shows they a declining little from the main path in regards to graze little the place along. But in every instance , those trails lead to a permanent water source which in the summer time would save their lives.
On the GE image, I marked with a blue circle a permanent seep spring ( not that which Geronimo and Waltz mentioned ) which was/is known to very few persons. For your info, the Spanish/Mexicans knew about it and in one of their maps, they have marked it. If you look closely, you will see at the place of the spring the trail splits in many mini paths around the spring before go down in Needle Canyon.

 

[markmar]

Another possible mystery in the Superstition Mountains --

This path/trail is north of Peters Mesa, and if I'm reading the topo map correctly, it could be in the vicinity of Cottonwood Canyon. I don't think it's part of Peters Canyon Trail. I can't make out the trail beyond what I see in the clearing. The path probably runs through grassy vegetation, but I somehow doubt if the path was made by wildlife coming there to feed on the grass. I see no evidence of human activity nearby.

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Another animals paths. Look how many are all over the place.

 

[skyhawk1251]

Thank you, markmar. A wildlife trail is an absolute possibility, and I would admit more likely than human activity in that location. My initial thought was that if animals were coming there to feed on grass the trail would not be so well defined through the grassy area. I'll take another careful look at that location to find other trails and to see if GE shows any sign of a seep.

 

[Gare]

For all Google Earth images inserted below, GPS coordinates at the bottom of the images are for the center of each image. The red box in the first image encloses the area of interest.

I've seen many trails on the slope of this mountain that seem to indicate much human activity in the past. Because those trails took considerable time and effort to construct, but seem to begin and end in improbable places, I associate those trails with prospecting for minerals.

In the second image, notice the unusual geology, and the trail that seems to lead to it. This is most probably a volcanic blowhole, and the trail could be just a natural fissure. I see no evidence of a mine dump.

The third image shows the network of trails on the mountain, with the "blowhole" inside the red box.

When I search areas for mining activity, I give priority to following trails. Those trails could lead to prospects and mines, especially if they seem to go nowhere and end suddenly.

View attachment 1914425

View attachment 1914426

View attachment 1914427

For all Google Earth images inserted below, GPS coordinates at the bottom of the images are for the center of each image. The red box in the first image encloses the area of interest.

I've seen many trails on the slope of this mountain that seem to indicate much human activity in the past. Because those trails took considerable time and effort to construct, but seem to begin and end in improbable places, I associate those trails with prospecting for minerals.

In the second image, notice the unusual geology, and the trail that seems to lead to it. This is most probably a volcanic blowhole, and the trail could be just a natural fissure. I see no evidence of a mine dump.

The third image shows the network of trails on the mountain, with the "blowhole" inside the red box.

When I search areas for mining activity, I give priority to following trails. Those trails could lead to prospects and mines, especially if they seem to go nowhere and end suddenly.

View attachment 1914425

View attachment 1914426

View attachment 1914427

I use google earth some times . A lot of trails on there could possibly be animal trails. Animals have used the same trails for many many years. Just saying

 

[Carl995]

Not to discourage you and I don't relish being a wet blanket, BUT (which always follows that disclaimer) most of the trails in the Superstitions are created by animals. The cattle made many and wildlife made many more, and still are creating them. It is not safe to assume that a trail must have been made by human activities.

Please do continue, sorry for that discouraging word there!

Seeing your dog picture gave me the idea of teaching a dog to smell for gold!!!

 

[skyhawk1251]

Here are more trails that go nowhere. These are real puzzlers. The GPS coordinates included in each image mark the terminus/end of the trail in each respective image. I recommend using GE to go to each location, then backtrack on each trail as far as you like.

 

[markmar]

Here are more trails that go nowhere. These are real puzzlers. The GPS coordinates included in each image mark the terminus/end of the trail in each respective image. I recommend using GE to go to each location, then backtrack on each trail as far as you like.

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Those trails are very known trails:
1- Geronimo head Trail ( a different route than that from Tom's monumented trail map ).
2- Boulder Canyon Trail
3- Grand Enchantment Trail ( or south fork Peter's Trail )

 

[skyhawk1251]

I think I've solved my personal disorientation problem when looking at trails using GE. This map of the complete trail system should keep me "on course."

 

[autofull]

any trail takes repeated voyages along its length, long or short. if not, it would not be visible and called a trail.

 

[Gare]

Some times the trails are left by animals

 

[Idahodutch]

Some times the trails are left by animals

Agreed, and if we include man in with the animal kingdom, then a large portion of the visible trails probably are. 👍😜

 

[Gare]

i know if i look in my pasture or any pasture for that matter the animals all follow the same trails
you can see this in almost any pasture you will see the same trails

 

[Gare]

I would think a good way to grade a coin is to try and sell it to a collector. Then the price he offers just DOUBLE or TRIPLE IT 11

 

[markmar]

Man use animal's and animal use man's. So, always it's a trail.

 

[skyhawk1251]

Another trail that leads nowhere, GPS coordinates 33.463275, -111.318664.

The trail follows alongside the arroyo in the canyon bottom, then climbs up a hillside. What might look like the continuation of the trail higher up on the slope is actually a long, linear rock outcropping (dike). I see no sign of mining activity.

 

[markmar]

This is the known Peters Trail which connects Tortilla Ranch with Charlebois Spring. Look in a topo map to see it better.