Browns Peak

[kgmolson]

So I was thinking its about time to tackle this beast. I was just reading some triplogs... is it safe to do this time of year? I would assume all the ice and snow towards the peak are melted by now. Also, I drive a little Honda civic (yes as apposed to a big honda civic, right?) would it make it to the TH and... sorry one more, are there any good loops or longer hikes that include this peak?

Thanks for the help guys...

-Kevin

[joebartels]

The bugs atop are horrendous right now, I'd go elsewhere.

If you go in a car it's best to come in from the east side as it's much smoother. It's deceiving as all that extra driving only takes 10-15 minutes longer time wise.

There's several options for smaller loops in the upper parts. That would be a better option than going for the bugs at the peaks. Browns->Amethyst->Trail #130, you can tag in Pigeon too and/or spur out to the Amethyst Mine

Personally I'd still like to tackle the full 26? mile super loop, but everybody always wusses out. It's too hot for most right now as it dips down to the Apache Lake elevation.

[kgmolson]

bugs so bad to keep joe out huh??? what kind of bugs are we talking about? and is it just at the peak? if so I think i would just bag the peak then head back.

26 mile super loop... sounds interesting and fantastic all at the same time!!!! When would be a good time to tackle that one?

[johnr1]

Kevin
We made the trek to the peak last weekend and it was real treat.

The road from the West side has been greatly improved and recently graded to the point where your civic should have no problem as long as you pick your route and carry some speed through the water.

There is no ice or snow on the trail, just some you can see in the shadows on the east side.

As others have noted, there are a lot of trails that could be connected to make a loop, but to me the big attraction is the climb up to the top and the views.

John

[joebartels]

Amazing to think there's still water in the creeks!

The bugs tend to only congregate on the the summits. Sometimes it's solid ladybugs covering large swaths. The nagging ones are like flying ants or something. Sometimes it's bee city. If there's a breeze they go away. Maybe not even present yet.

Hit the full loop Dec-Mar!

[DarthStiller]

Joe, do you mean the Alder creek trail starting on the east side and as it goes down towards Cottonwood camp? I would like to try that maybe in the fall as a shuttle hike and shorten it by half.

I'm thinking of trying the Amethyst trail and maybe even the Alder Saddle Trail (spur) as "short" hikes in the summer heat. Hopefully the elevation up there combined with an early start will make those feasible.

[chumley]

On the Civic question, I agree with Joe. Much nicer rice from Roosevelt up. The road on the west side is very rough (and I'd borderline say impassable in one section) in a Civic.

[joebartels]

In response to Stiller:
From Cane Spring Trailhead take 82 counter clockwise to 130
130 to Lone Pine
Lone Pine down *unofficial trail to Mud Spring
83 to 77
77 to FR401 and short distance back to Cane Spring Trailhead

*I don't know if it goes through but I've seen the upper portion. If not take Brown's up to Brown's Saddle then go north up hill and follow use trail down to Big Saddle.(just east of Wata Ridges and pickup Soldier)

West 82 is practically non-existent. GPS is the only hope, but it's easy going. East 82 is the same but not easy going. Believe it's around 23 miles and about 6-7k

------------------
another super loop in the area that I'd like to do some day is
Ballantine to Pine Mtn, down to road, road over to Picadilla and back to trailhead

[kgmolson]

Nice thanks guys... Hitting this up tomorrow, going to try for an early start and see if I can also get a run up the flatiron in as well.

I think i will just head over to the east side to the TH id rather not test the civic.

Lets plan a trip for the super loop in early dec... who is in?

[Hoffmaster]

Lets plan a trip for the super loop in early dec... who is in?

I'm interested!

[kgmolson]

Right on... will get something going on the hiking partners page soon to get this in the works.

[Vaporman]

I'm interested in doing that 26-miler but my May is booked already... I'd be interested next Fall as well.

[kgmolson]

joe- you were right about the bugs... holy good god!!! They were everywhere. Couldnt really sit at the peak too long, but still really enjoyed the hike and plan on doing it again real soon.

[joebartels]

push it and go for the second peak
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=681

[kgmolson]

for sure... i was thinking about doing that when I was there on Sunday... but decided not to. Now that I know you can... consider it done. thanks!

[Hoffmaster]

It's been a few years now since I've been up there, but I remember the "route" to the 2nd peak being rather exciting! I hope you're comfortable with heights and exposure.

[kgmolson]

Tried to make it over to peak 2 this weekend... Think I finally found the route but due to lack of time I couldnt make it over.... Once you get to Browns Peak do you cut across the peak and then head down and over or do you cut through the trees at the mini saddle at the top of the chute?

[joebartels]

best I can say is as I described it here
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=681

[wallyfrack]

Once you get to Browns Peak do you cut across the peak and then head down and over or do you cut through the trees at the mini saddle at the top of the chute?

When we did it in March we cut across the peak and then down. There was a lot of loose stuff but solo (with no one below you to kick rocks at) it'd be ok. Looking back from peak 2 going back to the chute looked just as good.


http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=59124 Here's the view from peak 2

[joebartels]

farview
http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=11012

closeup
http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=11017