Red Hills 2769, AZ

Overview
A short hike to the 2769' peak (perhaps the second highest) on various topo maps. These hummocks are also sometimes referred to as Three Red Hills, which is a misnomer since there are more than three significant tors in this area.


A beautifully beguiling sweep bordered by Needle Canyon to the west and south, Marsh Valley to the east and La Barge Canyon to the north with Black, Bluff Spring and Malapais Mountains strikingly dominating these valley's peripheries.History
Evidently, Adolph Ruth's skull was found near here in early December 1931 after his archaeological prospecting enchantment quest ended similarly as many other failed Superstition treasure hunters. Autopsies determined that he likely died of exposure after apparently ignoring an obvious and now very well-known warning, which is don't assume that you can withstand the oppressive heat of a Supes summer solstice. Reference Tom Kollenborn © 2022 Courtesy of the Apache Junction News and Apache Junction Public Library.

Approach & Hike
From any trailhead around the Superstitions, hike to Cavalry Trail #239. From the west junction with Boulder Canyon Trail #103, hike 1 mile east then head south off-trail up to 2769. If hiking from the junction with Dutchman Trail #104, hike up 1.25 mi before going south off-trail. The off-trail hike up to 2769 is nothing to fear.

Synopsis
This mini peak's crest has an interesting and contorted geology worth a short side trip from the Cavalry Trail #239 via the north slope, but cairns, ducks, or a summit register would be nonsensical on this relatively easy, minimally bushwhacky connector summit.

2024-01-07 pseudalpine