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| Hiking | 4.10 Miles |
761 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.10 Miles | 2 Hrs 10 Mns | | 1.89 mph |
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| 761 ft AEG | | | |
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| no partners | | I arrived at the locked gate to the Deem Hills Trailhead at 5:34 am, just as the City of Phoenix guy pulled up with his key. Perfect timing. The rain was light, and the only bolt lightning was probably 30-40 miles away and seemed to be fading. I decided to park at the trailhead lot to be safe, the end of 51st Ave is about a mile closer to Pyramid, and there aren't any No Parking signs, but a few No Trespassing and State Trust Land ones made it look dicey.
I made a beeline for the canal bridge and crossed over to the empty desert. Following the numerous ATV trails among the huge granite boulder piles, the sky was just beginning to lighten. I decided on the southern direct approach, having done this one from the east and west as well. All three are steep scrambles(45 degree'ish)- the west is brushy but shaded all morning, the east is the lowest angle and the least loose, but the southern is the quickest.
About three quarters of the way up, I heard my least favorite sound, the hum of a hive, and slowly changed course, deciding to return a different way. 
The rain was still light as I topped out on the windy rockpile. Someone had tried to erect a flag upon which they had spray painted "I shaved my  's for this", but it had fallen over and I packed it up for removal. I guess some peoples summit rituals require such things, who knew. 
I copped a seat in the awesome notch to the north of the top, enjoying the weather for a while before heading down the east drainage, where I spooked myself spooking an Owl in its perch.
Saw 1 mountain biker on my way out, numerous Velvet Mites, and a big Gray Bird Grasshopper, who was quite docile and camera friendly, though it did poop on my hand.
My favorite peak close to home - great approach, cool summit, plenty of comfy seating up top and nice 360 degree views. 
http://youtu.be/-hDOnt9Tc6Q |
| _____________________
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
