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| Hiking | 12.20 Miles |
2,940 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.20 Miles | 5 Hrs 20 Mns | | 2.29 mph |
| 2,940 ft AEG | | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | I left the house at 7am which was way later than ideal in my book. My GPS mentioned some long delays so I avoided them, which resulted in a huge b-line through Tucson. Strike 1. Between here and Wilcox, I drove through what was probably the worst visibility I've ever seen - no pun intended. My lovely Garmin then told me to take a left onto a dirt road that I thought would take me to the trailhead, but eventually came to a dead end. Strike 2, and on a roll at this point. Luckily my phone has decent internet browsing, and I was thankful enough to have phone reception where I was at so I brought up Bassett's description page to check the directions. Finally back on track! I went a short ways on FR660 before pulling over at a gate. I'm glad that's where I stopped to because not long after the gate, the road seemed to get too rough for my van. Did I mention the menacing storm clouds that were hanging out above the Galiuros?
Dressed in my water-absorbent pants and shoes, I was a little anxious about the trip. On the bright side, the foliage was great. Especially during the more overgrown portions of the trail. These parts were also very wet from the earlier rains, and by the time I started the first set of switchbacks, my lower-half was drenched. At the top of the switchbacks, the ridge exposed me to some of the winds, which dried my pants a little faster, but also made it colder. Do I turn back now? I mean, the peak is right there... (By the way, the view of Bassett while coming up the switchbacks was absolutely stunning.)
Okay, done with the ridge. Time for the last set of switchbacks. Doesn't look like it from here, but I know they'll take me close to the summit. Just one issue: They're covered in snow. At this point, I just want to get to the top because I'm too stubborn to turn around after coming this far and being this close. My socks and pants are wet, it's cold, storm clouds are brewing just overhead, and in the big picture, it's getting late. It could have very well been the snow, but the majority of these switchbacks seemed like they were only a foot wide. This is about the time when thoughts like, "If I slip and plunge down, how long until I hit something hard enough to stop me?" came to mind. I eventually found a rhythm that worked and took it one switchback at a time until I came to a bit of a saddle and went east for Bassett.
I couldn't really tell for sure if I was on any kind of spur trail, but judging by the openings in the vegetation I was doing pretty well. A few minutes later, I was finally at my destination. Snapped a couple pictures, and immediately started down without a second thought. I smashed my way through whatever to get back on the trail, but slowed down when I saw some cacti and remembered I was in Arizona.  I must have moved non-stop on the way down with the exception of having to tie my frozen shoe laces several times. Moving quick through the foliage was fun, but the last mile to the car seemed endless. At least the rain clouds spared me! About four and a half hours later, I was at home wanting to do it again. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
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