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| Hiking | 8.62 Miles |
1,800 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.62 Miles | 7 Hrs 20 Mns | | 1.99 mph |
| 1,800 ft AEG | 3 Hrs Break | | | |
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| partners | | Met John and Ambika at 5:30AM at Park n Ride on Bell & I-17 where they can keep their vehicles in covered parking while we head up north for some slightly cooler temps and climb up a mountain. We arrived at the Metate TH at 7:30. We were meeting about 6 others from arizonahikers.com. I asked John if he wanted to start hiking while the others arrived so that we could get a good jump as these other hikers are fast, fast, fast.
This hike starts out in a nice shaded area and ever so slowly edges you up to the base of the mountain. Not a lot to see along the way except when glimpses of the surrounding rocky hills and the mountains come into view. There are some interesting boulders but the real crux of this trek to the base and up the side of the mountain doesn't really begin until you pass the gate that takes you out of the wilderness if you choose to go that way. For Granite Mountain, you proceed north and in a few moments someone may also ask you (have you got your hubs locked  or something like that) because then it's up, up  and away as you begin the climb up the carefully crafted trails with steps every now and again.
It turned out to be a nice climb too as you would climb a little, level out, climb a little all the way to the saddle. John created the perfect pace for me  and tho my bulging disc was annoying me (from sitting too much the previous 10 days), the pain worked itself out by the saddle. John eagerly kept his eye on a couple climbers who were going up the slab face of the mountain. They got up quite quickly too. We were also happy to encounter a nice breeze as we climbed that last mile to the saddle. It made the trip much more comfortable.
We waited at the northeast side of the Saddle for the others to arrive. I was actually wondering if they were coming because it had been awhile so I walked a little way back down the trail until I finally saw a couple of the folks, well actually the dog, that I recognized. Hank, the person who put this together, then guided us over to the far northeast side where we got an incredible view  of the valley below. So we sat for awhile, a few of us with our legs hanging over the edge, and re-grouped for our final push up to the Vista.
It's a fun hike as you continue your way up to the what seemed like a valley on the top of this mountain. There is a beauty of a cedar tree that we all ogled and took pics of as we went by. Once into the flat area of the mountain top, it is quite picturesque with boulder like hills around you to the north but you head south toward the Vista. Along the way, something riled up a black AZ rattler so of course, the paparazzi  assembled quickly. The snake was not amused so moved on under some brush and over to another. I did manage to get some photos and a video though.
Once that excitement was over we continued to make our way up and around the south side to the Vista. It's a great trail running on the cliff alongside the top of the mountain. The viewpoint looks down on the pond that is near the trailhead and in the distance to the east you can see Watson Lake. We took the obligatory photos. Before I knew it, John was already up to the boulders on top. The others went down to find a nice place for lunch and I went up to check on John.
I took some photos and video of him making his way higher. It was a bit windy where I was standing next to the boulders so I stood put for a bit. But then I was eyeing this one boulder that looked doable so I gave it a try (it was an easy boulder but heh, you gotta start somewhere  ). We made our way back down through the brush and over the boulders to join the others at a very nice shaded area. Soon it was time to go back as we knew we would encounter some heat on those last couple miles back to the TH. We took a detour to a nice camping spot Hank had spent some time at before continuing our way down.
This was Lucy the dog's first big hike so we would stop whereever there was shade. John and I were always behind as the others scampered down the mountain. In fact, one time I thot the group had stopped to wait for us but it was Lucy who was getting the reprieve. We waited again by the gate where there was some more shade before getting that last long 1 1/2 mile or so done. I just don't like those miles that seem doubly as long  . John and I did think we figured out where we were bouldering at  , well he was bouldering at, on the top of the mountain on its west side.
We finished off the day with a homemade wonderfully tasting girly brew  (by Todd) before having a bite at Kendalls Burger and Ice Cream shop. It was a good day (other than the last hour or so in that heat) and not a bad mountain for me. It's always good to visit with the folks of arizonahikers.com too.
to and at the Saddle: http://youtu.be/ieYsWKd1fSs
to and at Vista Point: http://youtu.be/BiytkWb30Vw
hike down: http://youtu.be/wSrqBjFuqeo |
| _____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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