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| Hiking | 12.00 Miles |
2,000 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.00 Miles | | | |
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| 2,000 ft AEG | | | |
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| partners | | | Camped at Spencer canyon campground about 4 miles south of Summerhaven, then drove to the trail head. Set off on the hike from the parking lot, near the power-station, near the Mount Lemon Peak, skycenter. The morning weather was particularly spectacular as a cold front came through and brought low clouds, rain, and much colder temperatures -- very welcome considering the hot weather we came from in the valley. We loved the feeling as were literally "Walked through the clouds". However this provided a bit of a challenge for navigation, because of the low visibility, we had to rely on our maps and GPS since we couldn't see landmarks very well, and there are several trail splits in this area. Here is the route we used to Samaniego Peak: We followed the Mt. Lemon trail #5, but taking the Meadow Trail alternate segment #5a (0.8 mi.). We noted that the meadow would make a great camp spot, for tents in good weather (could be really really bad in a thunderstorm). Continued on Mt. Lemon Trail #5 (0.7mi) to junction with Sutherland Trail. Continued on Southerland Trail #6 (0.8 mi.) to junction with the Samniego Ridge Trail #7. Then took Samaniego Ridge Trail to Walnut Springs, which is at the base of the peak (3.3 mi.). Then we bushwacked to the peak (no trail) about (0.6 mi.). There are two spots where there are junctions with trails that lead east, down the ridge to Canada del Oro Trail #4, of course, just stay on the ridge to continue on to the peak. Total trip distance one way was 6.8 mi. (13.2 mi. RT). Our ultimate goal was to find a geocache near the peak -- Good job Dave for finding it! The elevation gain is about 2000 ft returning to Mt. Lemon Peak to the parking lot, but this is a bit deceiving as the trail follows the ridge which goes up and down enough that it feels like the actual elevation change may be much more -- be prepared for it to take longer that you think. Overall it was a perfect day -- a nice strenuous hike, with perfect cool weather, and absolutely gorgeous views of the valley below. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Walnut Spring |
Dripping |
Dripping |
| | | The spring flow was sufficient to fill the round tank, but not much flow was evident | | _____________________
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