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| Stringtown - Pinetop - Apache Creek Loop, AZ | |
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| | Stringtown - Pinetop - Apache Creek Loop, AZ | | | |
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Stringtown - Pinetop - Apache Creek Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 19.72 Miles |
3,498 AEG |
| | Hiking | 19.72 Miles | 10 Hrs 19 Mns | | 2.34 mph |
| 3,498 ft AEG | 1 Hour 54 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Bruce put this loop together in an area that's been on the list. And it happened that Chumley planned HAZfest there as well so after leaving the valley early Saturday morning we rolled into Camp Chumley to find everyone up and about. Took some time to catch up with friends and see if anyone wanted to join on our loop but no takers.
Finally started a bit late after 8am and heading up Stringtown Canyon which was off trail and very cools narrows section about 1 mile from the TH. From there we headed out of Stringtown and linked up with Hyde Mountain Trail. Headed up Hyde Mountain to check out the lookout with great views on top. Spent a few minutes enjoying the views of Juniper Mesa and Humphreys to the north.
The next objective was Pinetop Mountain which required about 1/2 mile bushwhack up steep terrain but turned out to be easier than expected (less Manzanita). Once on top we hiked over to the coolest tank I've ever seen...it has catchment roof system that drains all the water into 6 foot high about 30 foot wide tank. After taking several pics of the area we headed down the road from Pinetop Mountain. The views were better than expected especially looking down into Apache Creek area that we were heading to.
We took roads off Pinetop Mountain but once into Apache Creek it's all off trail. It's not too long before pools of water show up and then some flow to the creek. Soon the best part of the loop develops with nice sections of boulders and narrow slots with small pools. This section continues for about 2 miles but unfortunately for us the thunderstorms rolled in and a downpour ensued. Some of the lightning was very close the last big boom in particular maybe 50 yards away. We smelled burnt pine and sure enough a ponderosa had been struck with pieces of tree lying around. Eventually after more than an hour of hard rain it stopped near the end of the boulder section. There is a nice pool right at the end that we took a swim and a few jumps. Definitely want to do this section again in better weather.
Once out of Apache Creek we hit the trail and then the road for the last 6 miles back to the vehicle. Pretty easy hiking and made it back by 630. Then back to Camp Chumley to socialize and grill some burgers and dogs and share some beverages. Nice to hang out a bit after the hike  |
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