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| Hike & Climb | 13.60 Miles |
5,262 AEG |
| | Hike & Climb | 13.60 Miles | | | |
| 5,262 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Ah, the Catalinas....it had been too long. This is a spectacular hike - one of the finest I've seen in the state. It was a bit warm (already??) down low, but the creek was flowing well, and was doing so from its source to the desert floor. Which made it extra sweet to be kicking steps into snow near the Window later on.
The trail, while relentless in its ascent, is in good shape the entire way. A number of people were on the trail down lower, who mainly were heading to the pools after the first big climb. Past that, hiking in the oak, juniper, and grass-covered slopes was very pleasant. Gaining the main ridge of the Catalinas affords good photo ops in every direction, but the best views are the ones seen sitting underneath the Window. Just amazing. Couldn't stop there, though, as the summit called. One steep push put us in an oak grove between some pillars that looked very difficult, but right at the last second, an easy route appears, and the stunning view is yours. We went back to the sunny Window and had lunch. Got back as the sun was setting and it was off to Thunder Canyon brewing... |
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