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| Hiking | 6.60 Miles |
1,315 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.60 Miles | 5 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.20 mph |
| 1,315 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Escudilla Mountain Trail #308
For a few weeks now, a group of us have been planning a weekend escape from the valley heat targeting Escudilla Mountain. I had a Friday dinner engagement delaying our departure until early Saturday morning. With a couple of last minute drop-outs, we carpooled into my F-150. By 6:30am, Mike Mattes, Ken Schopen, and I were on the road!
It took a little longer than expected to get to the trailhead, but by 1:00pm we were trekking through the many aspen. There were only 2 other vehicles at the trailhead. I’ve trekked through the aspen groves near Snow Bowl and Hart Prairie, but must say they have a fraction of what I was seeing at Escudilla. The thought of fall colours at Escudilla have me penciling in a return trip early October!
My biological altimeter tripped at 10,000 ft as I started to feel a nasty headache. Not to be alone, both Ken and Mike commented feeling the same way. So it goes for the lowland city dwellers…
As we approached Profanity Ridge, the view across Tool Box Draw was nothing less than spectacular. At the ridge the obligatory cussing began. Now we understand how it got its name…
Passing through a pine forest, complete with mossy covering, we emerged onto another expansive alpine meadow. The remnants of the Jeep trail double-track could be plainly seen and we wondered how long vehicular traffic has been banned from the area. The trail sign indicating Government Trail was soon passed. Into another pine forest with some gentle switchbacks and we soon popped out at the Fire Look Out.
Climbing the Fire Look Out we were disappointed to discover the locked floorboard preventing us from taking in the 360 degree views around the top rung. Nevertheless the view from the stairs was still a good hiking payoff! We explored the peak for about an hour before heading back down the mountain.
When we reached Profanity Ridge the obligatory cussing had merit. A monsoon blew in with a steady rain. No lightning as we rested on some logs under some large pines. In 15 minutes it was over and we continued our trek into the aspen groves.
By 5:30pm we were sitting around my truck sucking back a brew and passing around a bag of cheesy poofs – life is good!
Discussion began to center around where to find a suitable campsite. Equipped with some Escudilla camping tips from Belladona Took and AZbackpakr, we drove around Terry Flat until we found a double track heading into the forest. A small clearing with an established fire ring made for an easy decision – this is the spot!
With military precision camp was established and the New York Strips from A.J.’s were soon on the BBQ along with the corn cobs. When it came time to lift the steaks off the grill, another steady rain began. No problem – we had the chairs and table under the easy-up…
Bottom line – a fantastic hike and camp out of the Valley heat. Biggest surprise – no bugs. Biggest disappointment – where were the deer and elk? |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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