HikeArizona.COM

01/01/12
Just found out that I have New Year's Day off, (First time in 7 years) and since it is on a Sunday, thought I would post this as an Event. I have decided that I love scrambling, climbing, and bouldering so much that it seemed appropriate to ring in the New Year bagging a Summit and this one looks to be awesome. I would also love to greet the New Year with some New Friends and could use a little help with this trip since I do not have GPS and am still possibly too Novice for the Route Finding on this one. I'll bring cookies.... It's far enough away that hopefully there won't be crowds, yet close enough that the drive isn't bad. Willing to carpool, I can take 3 people on the way out from South Scottsdale. What say you all? :GB:

I have to work till 3 that day otherwise I would be in

I am putting myself as "interested" I hope I can make it. I will let you know as the date gets closer.

I don't know if I have to work or not yet, but if I have it off I'm interested because I'd like another look from the top for a way up from the SE. I was out there today trying the SE approach but I didn't start climbing until 11:30 am due to so much fog earlier I couldn't even see the base. It never cleared much and I was treated to a drizzle on and off but I kept on. I was within 300' vertically of reaching the horseshoe cross at the plateau when the weather closed in so much I couldn't see 20' in front of me so I aborted. I did find a faster way down but I still think there is a better route farther south to try.

Really depends on the weather, this hike is not for the faint at heart in foul weather (Reference our 12-03-2010 hike). We were considering this hike for a little later in the season but we might be able to push it up a little, weather providing.

@CannondaleKid I have ordered up a clear, 65 degree day for great viewing.
@WilliamnWendi The weather was a consideration and it won't happen if it's bad. Not too good to be climbing on wet rock. We'll either hurriedly find an alternative or cancel altogether.

Sorry, just got my schedule and I have to work 1/1/12.

But with 12/25, 12/26 & 12/27 off next week I'm going to do the normal Picketpost route 12/25 and see if I can find a good spot to drop down to my highest point reached from the east. If it looks promising, I'll shoot for a final attempt from the east on Monday or Tuesday. If I don't get this task done by the end of 2011, I'll move on to others on my wish list for 2012.

Have a great time on 1/1... I'll try to have something for you in the mailbox (or maybe hidden someplace close)

That's too bad you have to work Mark. Hopefully I can get someone to go with, otherwise I will have to cancel. It's not a hike that I would want to attempt solo for the first time. I don't have a Spot or GPS, so don't feel that it would be a good idea. I'm hoping that some HAZers will decide that there's nothing better for a New Year's Hangover than a good workout, fresh air, and spectacular views....

Good luck in finding the route. Keep me posted.

Don't give up hope too easily, looks like you've got a few interested...

I put myself in as "interested".....not positive I can go yet.

Sounds like the 10 Day forecast is sunny and a high of 75*! As long as the weather looks good we are in!

I haven't done Picket Post in years! Love to join you.
I can handle 5-6 in my SUV with no problem.

@SUN_HIKER Sweet! Welcome Aboard! It's gonna be a fun day!

@ALL Ok, I think a good time to meet up at the TH would be 8:30 A.M. That way, by the time we get geared up, get all the ankles taped up, ;) get everyone introduced, get the laughing warmed up and hit the trail, it will be 9:00. A little later than I would normally like, but with the evening before being such a big one, I know people will be out late and it will give them time to get the coffee and the aspirin working in the morning. Besides if we start too early, it might mean that someone is still driving intoxicated and I wouldn't want that either.

Any comments or suggestions?

I will be coming from Central Phoenix and would prefer to carpool with someone. Anyone up for carpooling? We could meet up somewhere along the US60.

Time works for us. Welcome Sun-Hiker. Let's get the year off to a good start

SUN_HIKER wrote:I haven't done Picket Post in years! Love to join you.
I can handle 5-6 in my SUV with no problem.

and don't forget the camera ;)

tibber wrote:

SUN_HIKER wrote:I haven't done Picket Post in years! Love to join you.
I can handle 5-6 in my SUV with no problem.

and don't forget the camera ;)

Thanks Tibber! To make sure, it's already clipped onto my pack (now I just have to remember the pack ;) )

I may stop by if Im finishing up my AZT section in that area. May climb from the other side though.

@rlrjamy We'll keep an eye out for a blur....

Outdoor Lover wrote:@CannondaleKid I have ordered up a clear, 65 degree day for great viewing.

Wow! Almost a case of be careful what you wish for! Somebody screwed up the "order" and gave me an extra 10 degrees for Sunday! 75 Degrees and Sunny! Whatever Ice is left up there will be long gone with the weather this week!