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Black Top Mesa, AZ
2012-03-11       10 by wallyfrack
 
 
Black Top MesaPhoenix, AZ
 
Hiking11.40 Miles   4 Hrs   20 Mns    2.63 mph
2,186 ft AEG   
Linked  None
Partners None
I wanted an easy hike that i could finish early and I remembered seeing an arch in the tuff cliffs of BTM so I was on a mission. I got to First Water TH about 7:40, parked between the poles and headed out. It was cool on the trail so the sun felt good. I didn't see anyone on trail going in and finally saw tents off trail just beyond Parker Pass. I took a few minutes and looked for signs of the old arrastra that was supposed to be near Boulder and Ducthman trails. There is a flat area with small quartz and other rocks that look like they may have been brought there but nothing conclusive. From there I moved on to Bull pass and kept looking up to see the arch. There's about a 20 foot section where you can see the arch so you need to look up and the right time. I located the arch and moved on to the saddle. Once on the summit trail I thought about going off trail early but continued on making my way up toward the top. I finally cut over near a grassy area and hiked west since the terrain was friendly. When i got to the side I realized i was up too high and needed to go north and drop down. I scrambled down to the tuff and started hiking around and looking over the edge to find the arch. I missed it at first then finally found it. It's a small arch that looked bigger from below but still interesting. The tuff area is larger than I realized so I will return and explore some more in the future.
_____________________
Wally
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