Route Editor
Route Scout
Thanks for the hike on Saturday. Thought I'd let others know about this Phoenix Mountain Preserve Loop.
We started at the Preserve parking lot on the north side of Lincoln at 32nd St and covered 6 3/4 miles (according to GTG's GPS). Starting at 5:30, we escaped much of the heat. (But my tongue was hanging out for the last mile or so of the hike). The trail goes east out of the parking lot, but soon climbs and turns to the west and skirts some very interesting little casitas along Lincoln. (I figured each can hardly sleep more than 10 or 15 people.....
As I stared at one of these modest dwellings, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd rather 1. Break into it and use the pool, 2. Like the owners, live in it idyllically; on the edge of the Preserve, or 3. Torch it. What I've always liked about hiking is that you have plenty of time to consider your ethics.....The scenery is not confined to these humble little abodes. Views of downtown Phoenix and Camelback mountain are right at hand. Not long into the walk, we all smelled smoke......I immediately glanced down at my boots but realized that it was too soon for my boots to have ignited. That usually happens during the last mile of the hike....
We did spot what looked like a home burning on or near Camelback. (Is the 'Preserve Torcher' out of jail yet??
)Turning north into a side canyon, we climbed a ridge and then dropped into Squaw Peak park. We were headed for the Circumference trail just up the road, but both CTG and Olesma had suggestions for little detours that took us up; WAY up above the Park and then back down and then along trail 304 and after long last we finally Started on the Circumference Trail. Why take the direct route, when you can go the long way around?? It's the hiker's creed......
But really, it was nice to discover some very little used trails near and in the Park that provided some new interest and great views......not to mention some heart pounding aerobics.......
Three miles later, there we were...at the half way point up on Squaw Peak. Fortunately, no one suggested going to the top. We (mostly I) were Very happy to head Down. Fortified by some concentrated Gatorade and a Cliff bar (compliments of GTG), going down was almost a pleasure. Almost....because even at 8am.... we knew that the sun was intending to kill us. So we got our butts down to the Summit Trail parking lot and then headed back toward 32nd St. A little past 9am, it was all over. About 1/2 gallon of water consumed, each.....feet crying inside our boots, we were still happy to be alive......I think......
Seriously, this was a wonderful hike with many trail choices and flexibilities for setting the length and difficulty factors. Just get some good company, like I did, and it'll be a blast.
Zenphx
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