HikeArizona.COM

Strange story ... odd time of year to be attempting such a hike. A look at the victims FB page only makes it stranger.

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/ ... 52735.html

Discarded clothing sounds like possibly late-stage hypothermia.

@big_load I had the same thought. Even so, I have a lot of questions!

It reminded me of this incredible story with somewhat similar circumstances from a few years back—which against all odds—had a positive outcome.

Condolences to those who knew him.

Wow, quite the tale!

Condolences to his family. He is from a little town not 20 miles from where I grew up. Nuff said.

RedRoxx44 wrote: ↑Feb 11 2022 9:29 am He is from a little town not 20 miles from where I grew up.

same here

I thought the Swift Trail was closed in the winter, at least the back side? It used to be that it didn't open until like March or April 15th?

@outdoor_lover
Yes, it is closed beyond Shannon - that is where he began his hike.

@outdoor_lover There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation for the Swift Trail. I used to think the Swift Trail was close in winter at the lower gates around 6000', but except perhaps in storms, it is typically "open" to the parking and turn-around area at the end of the pavement, and right across from the High Peak road area and road to Heliograph Peak. Road conditions will vary, and reports are that it is icy.

[ Swift Trail (State Hwy 366) ]
While the Pinalenos are not as popular as they were in the past, the road still sees some logs tagged to it. It was updated in the fall to reflect accurate information that it is open to the gate 21 miles from US 191, weather/ storm permitting.

cactuscat wrote: ↑Feb 24 2022 1:47 pm Yes, it is closed beyond Shannon - that is where he began his hike.

Apparently not on November 25, 1988. They did Grant Hill, Webb and Grandview Peaks!

@outdoor_lover

Yeah - there were many things about that story that didn't make sense to me until I realized how old it was and things must have been different back then! I tried to dig up more info on the story, but didn't find anything ... was thinking if it's true then maybe that is the exact reason why they close the upper gate by a certain date every year now regardless of if there has been any snow yet or not.