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| Hiking | 10.90 Miles |
2,635 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.90 Miles | 9 Hrs 26 Mns | | 1.89 mph |
| 2,635 ft AEG | 3 Hrs 40 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | I called Wendy to see if she wanted to go to the Santa Ritas, but it turned out she'd already made plans with Cindy to do Josephine Peak, so I got to tag along. This was a great destination that I probably wouldn't have thought of, as it is off the Super Trail and I always take Baldy up the mountain.
We had perfect weather, big fluffy clouds with a couple of sprinkles just before we had the final push to the peak. The Ritas are super-lush with wildflowers everywhere. We took Baldy to Josephine Saddle, then the Super Trail to Riley Saddle and the turnoff for the Josephine Peak "Trail". I really enjoyed the open views and easy grade on the Super Trail.
We hit the peak turnoff and then the fun immediately began. Cairn-hunting, log-hopping, side-hilling, and brush fighting. Some of us were more successful than others at the brush fighting and a certain person who is known for throwing her arms in the air had an up-close and personal encounter. Friendship is plucking pricklies from a posterior that isn't yours 
We went up along the ridge that goes from Riley Saddle for a bit and then had to sidehill toward another ridge that led to the summit. After we reached the summit ridge, the tread became more apparent and switchbacked steeply up toward the summit. The summit had fantastic views of Wrightson to the north and I could see the path of the Arizona Trail below. Cindy had her celebratory beer and I got out Micro Chicken for his summit shot.
Summit video- http://youtu.be/wI2JF5WpAPM
After the enjoyment at the summit, it was time to fight the brush again back down to the Super Trail. We were elated at the wide tread and log-free Super Trail and Cindy turned into Downhill Turbo Cindy. At Josephine Saddle we decided to take the Super Trail to the Roger's Rock/Pipeline route because Wendy hadn't seen it before. It was gorgeous, with running water and changing sycamore trees. Spent the whole day on the mountain and topped it off with ice cream on the way home. I don't think days get much better than that. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Route Editor
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