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| Hiking | 10.00 Miles |
1,950 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.00 Miles | | | |
| 1,950 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I lead this hike for the Arizona Trailblazers (azhikers.org)on February 11, 2012. The first thing I want to point out is that, contrary to what the driving directions say, you do not turn off of FR525 when you leave HW89A. Do not turn onto 525C at the Y. Stay steady on FR525 and follow the signs to Loy Canyon.
This is one of my favorite hikes because I hardly ever see anyone else on the trail. Please keep in mind that I do not use a GPS and the distances I describe are approximate.
The first mile or two is fairly open and on a pretty level sandy bottomed trail. It is tiresome but you easily forget about it because it so pretty. Around mile 2+, the trail begins a gradual climb and is shaded. At @ mile 3, the fun starts with @1000 ft. elevation gain in the last mile ending at the saddle for Secret Mountain. The big climb is mainly through some pretty intense switchbacks with some tricky footing.
If you take your time and are careful, the climb is rewarded with a fabulous view of Loy Canyon.
The average age of our group was 60 yrs old and all of us negotiated the switchbacks. Unfortunately, due to time, we stopped at the Loy Canyon overlook and didn't go all the way to the saddle.
The switchbacks offer absolutely no cover. You are at the mercy of whatever the sun and wind have to offer.
Personally, I'm very happy that I undertook the hike.
There was a little snow on the trail but just a very small amount. |
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| A trip of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Canary Spring borrowed this wise saying from Confucius. |
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