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| Hiking | 4.92 Miles |
1,000 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.92 Miles | 4 Hrs | | 1.23 mph |
| 1,000 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Topping out at 2822 feet, Turks Head would be quite the imposing monolith were it located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. However, on the south side of the Superstitions it goes virtually unnoticed by the masses as they head for popular weekend hotspots like Hieroglyphic Canyon and Fremont Saddle. Admittedly, I've hiked to the petroglyphs in Hieroglyphic Canyon more times than I can remember and never noticed the massive structure looming to the east until it was pointed out to me.
Well, I'm glad I took a chance on it. It's a fun hike! The route to the peak is well-marked with cairns, but what makes the hike so enjoyable is the minimal vegetation going up the slope. Even those nasty little chollas with their mystical jumping powers don't stand a chance when they can be avoided by several feet of clear sailing.
There's funky rock formations everywhere for you to use your imagination on. One looked like a funky cartoon lizard wearing a golf hat. The summit has great views and apparently some very large birds must frequent the peak. There's massive quantities of bird poop everywhere! Best of all - solitude! The parking lot at Lost Goldmine TH was packed solid, but 95% of the people were headed to the petroglyphs. I saw a few people on the Lost Goldmine Trail and was completely alone on the peak. Not bad for a busy Sunday. |
| _____________________
"I've driven across deserts, driven by the irony, that only being shackled to the road could ever I be free"
- Frank Turner "The Road" |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
