Update:
I've been putting off doing this peak for so long they put in a trail while I was waiting! (Thanks coanbru).
It looks like the route will be Walkin' Jim Trail to Big Jim Trail to the saddle, then offtrail to summit 3465', for a 12.2 mile roundtrip and 2778' AEG.
Depending on how that goes, 3392', a crazy ridgeline, and Pikes Peak are within striking distance. My topo program was so far off on estimating 3465' that it's hard to say what that might entail. Mileage might only be 2-4 more, but AEG will be closer to 4000'.
I'm flexible on start time, but sunrise is at 6:55 , so leaving the 33.903792N 112.326072W trailhead at 5:30 would put us around the saddle at dawn's first light.
If that's the case, I'll be leaving the Beuf Center on Pinnacle Peak west of I-17 at 5:00 and have room for 1 unless you like open-air seating at 70 mph.
3465' approach from the east
3465' (left) and 3177'/Pikes Peak seen from 3651' to the north
Last edited by Barrett on Nov 04 2013 7:14 pm, edited 4 times in total.
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense.
@coanbru
Thanks for the info.
To be honest I'm a little disappointed to find out about the new trails. When I first set foot in the HCW 12 years ago, it really did feel like wilderness. Maybe I need to go back to 1902. ;)
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense.
@burntlizard
"My avatar photo is taken at the saddle of 3465 - compliments of Kingsnake!"
Small world. Maybe you should lead.
5.15 hours at 62 - impressive. Maybe getting old isn't so bad.
Hope to see you there.
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense.
@SpiderLegs
A 5:30 start followed by a Burntlizard Uncles pace (2.3 mph) would see us back at the parking lot at 10:39 if we stick to 3465' and approach using the Walking Jim/Big Jim trails.
I removed the Morgan City Wash option - it saves hiking mileage, but requires high clearance vehicles, almost all off trail hiking along with off trail in the dark. Probably best to keep this straightforward.
If people want to explore further, bag 3392', Pikes Peak, etc., the return time will be after 11:30. If you feel comfortable returning to the trailhead on your own, that would be an option. Standing on top of 3465', it's hard to say whether it will be "This was cool, lets head back.", or "That stuff to the west looks wild, let's do it!".
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense.
I've been up there once before but would like to hit some of the other peaks. Let me double check my plans for the afternoon and see when I need to be back in town. Just so we are on the same page, meeting in the parking lot on Castle Hot Springs Road where Walking Jim Trail starts?
@SpiderLegs
Yep. I'll be at the trailhead at 5:30 am on Saturday. Headlamps, flashlights, or night vision goggles recommended.
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Carefree Highway (SR 74). Turn left on Carefree highway and drive west to Castle Hot Springs Rd (Lake Pleasant exit). Turn north and drive for approximately 5.1 miles to a large pull off on the left side of the road. Careful of deep sand in the parking area. The hike begins at the northwest corner of the parking lot on the other side of a fallen barbed-wire fence.
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense.
Barrett wrote:@SpiderLegs
Yep. I'll be at the trailhead at 5:30 am on Saturday. Headlamps, flashlights, or night vision goggles recommended.
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Carefree Highway (SR 74). Turn left on Carefree highway and drive west to Castle Hot Springs Rd (Lake Pleasant exit). Turn north and drive for approximately 5.1 miles to a large pull off on the left side of the road. Careful of deep sand in the parking area. The hike begins at the northwest corner of the parking lot on the other side of a fallen barbed-wire fence.
That's where I parked the last time I did it. Will confirm later today if I'm coming.
@burntlizard
My darling wife Karen asked who was going on Saturday, and I read her your post. She doesn't know what you do for a living, and she replied "I got your 800 yard midnight pour right here". ;)
God, I love that woman.
I'll see you on the trails...
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense.
Route Editor
Route Scout
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}
- We have a 800 Yard, midnight pour Saturday. Sorry Barrett, maybe next time.