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dawning of the age of acropolis by joebartels  North RT to Peak 0.8 mi / 640 aeg North to South 1.25 mi / 820 aeg South to North 1.25 mi / 420 aeg Overview About 3.4 mile south along Reavis Trail #109 from the northern trailhead. This distinct peak has a bottle cap ridge appearance from afar... Black Cross Butte 9.8 mi NW Bronco Butte 5.0 mi NW Boulder Peak 3.5 mi SE Dacite Mesa 12.8 mi SW It is a predominant terrain feature in the eastern Superstition Wilderness area. Visible atop most peaks in the wilderness including 15 miles west along the Superstition Ridgeline. This excellent reference point is a great destination too for the semi avid hiker. Hike The peak can be reached by a steep semi cairned use-trail that follows a fence line. A southern approach from one saddle north of Windy Pass is another option. Both ascents are steep and loose. The north has occasional pines in the lower portion and chaparral throughout to help stabilize your stance when needed. The mini Castle Ridgeline is fairly easy travel. Just keep a constant eye out for barbed wire on the ground! Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Castle Dome 5308 - Tonto NF
Reavis Plow Castle Dome
Perfect weather day to hit up this area in the Supes. The sun was still behind the hills when we got off to our chilly start.
We made quick work of the Reavis #109 Trail to Plow Saddle Trail #287. This was one of two Supes trails I needed to get the Supes done. I did not expect much, but was pleasantly surprised. Steep going down to the Plow Saddle Spring box and Intersection with the Frog Tanks #112 Trail. We did not take the time to check on the actual Spring location and headed up the much gentler Frog Tanks Trail.
Now at Reavis Ranch we used many of the use trails to check out the Creek, farm implements, and take in some lunch.
After lunch, Joe led us in a search for the old trailer by Owen's Spring. It was dry at the spring location marked, but plenty to filter from from a couple of pools just downstream.
Next up was Castle Dome. We decided to climb this one from the south for 2 reasons. First, 350 less gain to get to the top and second, it looked like on satellite views that it was relatively brush free. This ended up being the right call. Sweet views along ridgeline while making our way over to Castle Dome 5308. It's final a steep 100' climb to get to the top.
Getting down the 650' drop back to the Reavis #109, we practiced safety second. The brush was thick in spots going down, but you could find pathways. Still nicer going down this, as opposed to up.
From here, just a cruise back to the TH.
We made quick work of the Reavis #109 Trail to Plow Saddle Trail #287. This was one of two Supes trails I needed to get the Supes done. I did not expect much, but was pleasantly surprised. Steep going down to the Plow Saddle Spring box and Intersection with the Frog Tanks #112 Trail. We did not take the time to check on the actual Spring location and headed up the much gentler Frog Tanks Trail.
Now at Reavis Ranch we used many of the use trails to check out the Creek, farm implements, and take in some lunch.
After lunch, Joe led us in a search for the old trailer by Owen's Spring. It was dry at the spring location marked, but plenty to filter from from a couple of pools just downstream.
Next up was Castle Dome. We decided to climb this one from the south for 2 reasons. First, 350 less gain to get to the top and second, it looked like on satellite views that it was relatively brush free. This ended up being the right call. Sweet views along ridgeline while making our way over to Castle Dome 5308. It's final a steep 100' climb to get to the top.
Getting down the 650' drop back to the Reavis #109, we practiced safety second. The brush was thick in spots going down, but you could find pathways. Still nicer going down this, as opposed to up.
From here, just a cruise back to the TH.
2018-02-03 The_Eagle
Castle Dome 5308 - Tonto NF
Reavis - Plow Saddle - Castle Dome
The Apache Trail is under construction from Dutchman to the marina. Looks like they are doing shoulder work before a much needed repave.
After the slow and tedious Cactus Butte hike last week Bruce suggested the super highway Reavis North. 3 cars in the lot and a couple entries in the register before our 7:40am start. 2 other cars at finish.
Plow Saddle Trail #287
Old man competition needed this for his Superstition Wilderness Trails rank. New to me too. Steepish. More enjoyable than anticipated. Gets you out of seemingly barren rolling hills into a living area quick.
Reavis Playgrounds
Hunted a little for the machete I hid in 2012 after raising the nerves of @MtnBart01 & @Tortoise_Hiker with my samurai skill set. A guy we encountered before turning down Plow Saddle was in the primo camp site off Reavis Gap at the creek. Three small groups set up camp in the homestead vicinity. Just a glimpse of life, they must have been out exploring.
Castle Dome
Visible atop most peaks in the wilderness including 15 miles west along the Superstition Ridgeline, this has served as a great reference point over the years. Hands down the highlight of our hike. Bruce had us approach from the south, one saddle north of Windy Pass. The mini ridge is recommended, that said views on Castle Dome 5308 are the showstopper. Both ascents are steep and loose. The north has chaparral to help stabilize your stance when needed. The ridge on top is fairly easy travel. Keep a constant eye out for barbed wire on the ground.
After the slow and tedious Cactus Butte hike last week Bruce suggested the super highway Reavis North. 3 cars in the lot and a couple entries in the register before our 7:40am start. 2 other cars at finish.
Plow Saddle Trail #287
Old man competition needed this for his Superstition Wilderness Trails rank. New to me too. Steepish. More enjoyable than anticipated. Gets you out of seemingly barren rolling hills into a living area quick.
Reavis Playgrounds
Hunted a little for the machete I hid in 2012 after raising the nerves of @MtnBart01 & @Tortoise_Hiker with my samurai skill set. A guy we encountered before turning down Plow Saddle was in the primo camp site off Reavis Gap at the creek. Three small groups set up camp in the homestead vicinity. Just a glimpse of life, they must have been out exploring.
Castle Dome
Visible atop most peaks in the wilderness including 15 miles west along the Superstition Ridgeline, this has served as a great reference point over the years. Hands down the highlight of our hike. Bruce had us approach from the south, one saddle north of Windy Pass. The mini ridge is recommended, that said views on Castle Dome 5308 are the showstopper. Both ascents are steep and loose. The north has chaparral to help stabilize your stance when needed. The ridge on top is fairly easy travel. Keep a constant eye out for barbed wire on the ground.
2018-02-03 joebartels
