HikeArizona.COM

Well back in AZ and anxious to do some more hiking in the superstitions, I've been looking at a South to north shuttle hike from Peralta to Canyon lake, not too bad, just about 16-17 miles I think depending on the exact trails we opt to take.
I'm going to put this on the calendar for sometime in October, hopefully it will have started to cool down by then. Hop in, in order to do this one we need at least two vehicles. Start early, and get out in the afternoon, and then maybe get some Dirtwater Springs afterwards! Tentatively scheduled for October 24th.

Edit: Changing this one to the Lode! Lets limit this to 5-6 capable hikers.

@coanbru
Don't worry your secret is safe with me...its the webmaster guy you need to worry about ;)

I'd consider doing this if I wasn't doing the Canyon that weekend.

Is there a better date that works for you guys? This is just a generic date, if needs be we can push it back to November or up a week or two. Keep in mind this was going to be in the supes, so thats why I put a late october date, we will now be up at 7000 feet for a good portion of the hike. Although I must say that last year on November 1st it felt HOT!!

Tough_Boots wrote:Getting down from anywhere other than peaks 1 or 4 is probably harder than doing the whole thing or atleast much harder to find your way back from-- definitely for someone with tested route finding abilities.

Great information, I'm sure I can do this one. I am not familiar with the area, and want to make this hike with hikers who know it.

dround wrote: Great information, I'm sure I can do this one. I am not familiar with the area, and want to make this hike with hikers who know it.

You may be in for a rude awakening if you think this is a "hike". I really have to agree with Tough Boots on this one, do Browns Peak first before even considering the Mother Lode. Once you start you are pretty much committed to a very long day with very few escape opportunities.

I made it to the TH numerous times in Honda Civic's, Accords and a VW Golf, all from the west, the way in from the east is supposed to be more car friendly but a bit longer I believe. Haven't been there in a few years so don't know what the road is like now, but I would really go up and give Browns Peak a try first.

-TIM

davis2001r6 wrote:You may be in for a rude awakening if you think this is a "hike". I really have to agree with Tough Boots on this one, do Browns Peak first before even considering the Mother Lode. Once you start you are pretty much committed to a very long day with very few escape opportunities.

Great advice. I am actually considering removing this as an event, and then interested hikers can coordinate via pm... don't want anyone who's unprepared to sign up for this, puts the whole group in a bad situation. Nothing at South Mountain or the like really prepares you for the Mother Lode. To tell the truth, I am even having 2nd thoughts, part of me wants to go back, and part of me doesn't want to be crushed by a flying boulder...

One reason I started climbing was so I could prepare specifically for the ML. I find that it has helped. However; there is far more to it than just being able to climb around exposed walls. Route-finding, quick thinking, and keeping a strong psychology (level head for when you ARE in those severely exposed areas) all come into play. Also, being able to take on the scratches and gashes from all the agave, cacti, and holly bushes if you are silly enough to wear shorts..

It's definitely not a "hike" for everyone. Find ways to challenge yourself and really test yourself in these areas and then assess whether this is something you think you can handle. Read every triplog, every description that is posted. Watch every video on YouTube that you can find. Talk to people who have done it before. Nothing will ever compare to going up there and doing it yourself, but at least having a good idea of what to expect -- and a great respect for the actual danger involved -- will help you decide whether this may be an appropriate route for you.

rally_toad wrote:and part of me doesn't want to be crushed by a flying boulder...

:STP:
@juliachaos
Nice post....

Still interested, but making it easy for ya.

davis2001r6 wrote:do Browns Peak first before even considering the Mother Lode

agree this is good advice
i can take a hint

Does my resume give me credibility to hike this one, or should I too do Brown first and then gauge my ability? ;)

Like weather, movies, religion and guns you'll get every opinion in the book.

Judging by your Morning Glory ease I can't imagine the ML would be problematic for you. Then again it hits everyone different. My weakness is down climbing, yet apparently I have a lack of fear in ascending or hanging off the sides that makes others rather uneasy. Some think the scree chute up to Brown's is the worst part, I think it's the safest. Basically you won't know until you try.

trekkin gecko wrote:agree this is good advice
i can take a hint

davis2001r6 wrote:
do Browns Peak first before even considering the Mother Lode

I think I will do Browns Peak first after reading all of this string, triplogs and looking at photo sets. I have not hit the cancel button yet because, if Rally_Toad does not mind since it is his event, if anyone is interested in doing Browns Peak on the same day.