I've been wanting to do this hike/climb for ever it seems. I learned the route this winter, then immediately hurt my foot and that was that.

This is an exhilarating hike and climb in the western Santa Ritas, where the topography and lay of the land are far, far different than Madera Canyon and the rest. This is boulder laced desert with severe pitches, peaks and spires everywhere. Ocotillo forests abound, and surprisingly, so do Arizona Rainbow cacti. Beautiful rugged land.

From the top and the ridgeline are the best views in the Santa Ritas and simply some of the best views I've seen. Due to a combination of factors I thought I was gonna die on the way out, but I made it...barely.