DESTINATION Generic 46 Photosets
| |
| Thunderbird H1/H2/H3 Loop, AZ | | -
-
-
-
| |  |
|
2 |
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
|
| | Thunderbird H1/H2/H3 Loop, AZ | | | |
|
|
Thunderbird H1/H2/H3 Loop, AZ
| | |
|
| Hiking | 5.60 Miles |
1,096 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.60 Miles | 1 Hour 45 Mns | | 3.20 mph |
| 1,096 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Thought I would check on the flag on Peak 1862' for Memorial Day, so I arrived before dawn to get the first parking spot. Headed out on H1 to the H2 Trailhead, and up the switchbacks to the eastern plateau, where the sun slowly rose through the pink and salmon clouds. I stopped by the notch at the eastern end where the huge Saguaro always stood, hoping to get a sunrise shot, only to find it blown to pieces and beginning the vivid process of decay. I'm guessing a lightning strike  - that must have been a sight to see happen.
The summit arrived and the flag was in great condition, though the solar landscape lighting system was in need of repair. I'm torn between proper flag display and litter in our parks, and not sure if it should be there at all, but when I see a weathered flag, I remove it.
From there I bopped down the eastern ridge to the lesser summit, and then on down to the ramadas that mark the end of H2. Taking the new bridge that spans Pinnacle Peak, I then jumped on H3 in a clockwise direction, winding around the back and up the summit ridgeline, where I came across a saguaro beginning to bloom! The sun stayed out just long enough for a few shots, then the clouds moved in and I headed to the summit and on down. At this point, the parking lot was just across the road, but I decided to take H1 north back to the bridge and return on H1 south so I would have a complete loop for both peaks. I haven't had time to hike much lately, but it felt good to knock the rust off the hinges. |
| _____________________
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
