| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 4.29 Miles |
1,440 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.29 Miles | | | |
| 1,440 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Well, I had always wanted to try this hike in the afternoon for a few reasons: 1) The light, since the views downhill tend to be right into the sun in the morning, and 2) because it seems like EVERYONE and their out of town guests hike this in the morning.
I was not disappointed on either count. Now, it was 94 degrees but I regularly hike after work in Central Phoenix at 530-6pm all summer, so I wasn't too worried about me. I found 3 cars at the trailhead and passed two couples coming down, and one couple headed up. I had Fremont Saddle completely to myself.
Frankly, I really should have had a larger lunch as I did flag a bit going uphill. I did have cookies and peanuts with me, so they did the trick.
The rains this year have done a number on parts of the trail, where lots of loose rock gets in the way. Also, many very narrow spots because of major brush growth! I can't say I minded much, just had to make sure I didn't scratch myself up pushing through foliage in some places.
It was mercifully cloudy in the mid portion of my hike up, and then I got to where I was shaded anyway by the canyon wall. Weaver's Needle looked outstanding as always, and I enjoyed the different afternoon light...and shadows from the clouds. I was originally going to walk out to the lone pinyon pine, but honestly I was happy to get just to the saddle. Like I said earlier, more carbs first next time. I had a faint data signal (on Verizon) at the saddle and that's where I got the dust storm warning...hmmm.
Hiking back down was very pleasant, if not a bit choppy due to the erosion. I really had to pay attention to where my feet landed! About halfway down I could see the dust storm move into the area near the Peralta trailhead. It never came up the canyon.
A very nice hike as always...especially without the crowds!
I posted a GPS to show the current trail track. I could see some shortcuts recently blocked off, and a few places routed slightly differently than I last remembered. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
