| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 5.00 Miles |
2,100 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.00 Miles | 3 Hrs | | 1.67 mph |
| 2,100 ft AEG | | 15 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Wow...my first time on this trail and I was very impressed. By far, a favorite Sedona hike. It's a bit too bad it's an out an back; some kind of loop through Fay Canyon would be pretty incredible!
I was visiting my GF in Cottonwood and had some time to hike while she worked.
I got a later start since I wanted to beat the heat; around 4pm - good decision. I started up the trail with little to no information about this hike (a bad habit of mine, that I need to correct). Thinking this 2.5 mile O/B would be rather easy, I started upwards thinking that the end of the trail was simply at the top of the first plateau. Thus, I finished the switchback section, then conveniently lost the trail wandering to views out the western cliffs. I was pretty (physically) satisfied that I had completed the entire hike, but kept curiously looking at the two looming peaks to the north and wondered..."maybe that's really the top of Bear Mountain". So I investigated further.
I headed off-trail across the plateau discovering faint trials and carins as I went...I eventually made it to the eastern side and found "the beaten path". Realizing I still had quite a hike in front of me (yet plenty of water), off I went towards the peaks.
About every 10-20 yeards, there are white painted diamonds on the sandstone. These made staying on the trail much easier.
I saw a (false) summit up head and was happy with the decision I made earlier to continue to these peaks; however, this trail was becoming increasingly tougher. I climbed to the top of this 1st summit, then saw yet another peak rearing it's ugly head.
I was completely alone on the trail until I hit the final summit. There I met a nice man named William and we chatted for a bit. (he mentioned the painted diamonds are new, maybe 6 months or so). He then showed me a curious discovery he made. On the tip of the southern outcropping over a steep edge, in the pockets of limestone looked what seemed to be ashes of some sorts (see photos). Perhaps a person or pet's ashes were spread here???
Made it back easily before dark. With steady difficulty and steepness of this trail, it really seemed more than 5 miles! They were hard earned miles for sure.
Overall, this is a fantastic hike. I highly recommend. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
