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| Algonquin / Horsethief / 201 Loop, AZ | |
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| | Algonquin / Horsethief / 201 Loop, AZ | | | |
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Algonquin / Horsethief / 201 Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 15.25 Miles |
4,300 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.25 Miles | 9 Hrs 55 Mns | | 1.71 mph |
| 4,300 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | 14 LBS Pack | | |
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| Partners |
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[ show ]
| partners | | Bruce threw together this loop and I was excited to see some new terrain in the Bradshaws. While at the same time expecting horrid catclaw based on our Twin Peaks loop last June, in addition to what others have reported.
This turned out to be a nice loop. The worst overgrowth is from Poland Creek for a mile or so to a tributary of Horsethief where #30 ascends out of the creek. To be honest it really isn't that bad. I didn't come home blood nor scratched up. Being the jewel views of the hike your attention is diverted anyhow.
The cabin area was cool. We looked around for the mine without success. Did find some mining equipment. While Bruce went for another look I realized sitting by the cabin it may be more of a workshop. The door on the end has a huge pipe making it a sliding door. The construction is metal too. Gotta check up on the history. Very cool that spring seeps out under the tree next to the structure.
I was surprised to see Horsethief Creek flowing mid May in this dryer than normal year. Such a cool area that nobody seems to checkout. Heading up on #30 we lucked out as it was flagged maybe a year ago for a good portion going up and cairned along the way. While the fire damage is sad, it still offers great views. This is a true rugged mountain loop with very apparent mountain grades. It must have been phenomenal before the fire. The trail is trenching in steep parts due to uncontrolled runoff, yet I've seen worse in the Phoenix Preserves.
With only one hour sleep due to some unknown site outage issue I was dragging big time once we hit trail #201. 201 is pretty much gone and would not have been possible without Bruce's GPS route. Our loop had a little road walk in the middle that I looked forward to relaxing. Of course it was all up hill...lol
Shortly onto the upper Algonquin Trail Bruce found a shady spot for lunch. I was beat and desperately needing the break and food. Refueled, finally heading down and the ibuprofen circulating I started feeling better. Once again the views are awesome. This trail wasn't a bad bushwhack either. It does head straight down without switchbacks on unsure footing. Sections have survived the fire giving you hints of yesteryears.
We finished this one up with some nice shady stretches. The dreaded climb out lacked the pain we feared most and this hike turned out much better than I anticipated. Thanks Bruce!
Wildflowers where moderate throughout with some substantial areas. Not large flowers that photograph well with point and shoot cameras. Beautiful to view in person.
Looking back it's been just over 10 years since I hiked from this Algonquin trailhead to the Big Dipper. Until I read over my notes just now I forgot all about a bad experience. The Big Dipper page is titled "Mean Fall". I didn't fully explain out of pride or something. On that trip I was jumping boulder to boulder and slipped backwards falling on my hip and hitting my head to unconsciousness. Not sure how long I was out. Seems like it was around a half hour. Then I woke up dazed and in an odd position partially submerged. Apparently luck was on my side that day! |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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