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| Hiking | 6.50 Miles |
3,008 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.50 Miles | 6 Hrs | | 1.08 mph |
| 3,008 ft AEG | | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | I was looking forward to hiking up to Superstition Peak, and had set a date to go up which was the 1st. As the date became closer, the weather forecast was looking good for a storm to come through. I was excited about that for the prospect of hiking through fresh snow in the Supes. Sure enough, there was a good coating of white as Eric and I headed out there. We had a bit later start this cold morning due to a late New Years Eve, and got to the trail head at about 9:30. Snow covered the ground and brush from the start.
As we climbed higher and higher the snow became more abundant. Reaching the first summit, we gazed up a field of white, as there were 2-3 inches of snow covering every bit of the landscape. Being as late as it was, however, the sun was up and melting away what was left the day before. The sound of water falling in drops from the trees was like hearing a light rain throughout the valley. As we climbed higher, we ran into another hiker coming down, whom I believe was Dennis. We chatted for a bit as he mentioned that the top was like a whole different world.
We reached the top of the saddle and were blown away by what we saw. There was a good 5-6 inches of very soft powder all around us. It was a winter wonderland of snow and ice. At this point, we were unsure of how far we would make it. Trekking through thick snow can be slow, and when it covers an already thin trail, it becomes very tough to follow. We were able to follow footprints for a little ways, but then the prints dissipated. The owners of those prints had sense enough to turn back for the cairns were tough to point out, and you had to be sure with each footstep and the potential something like a cactus could be hiding underneath.
Eric and I pushed onward, stopping at each cairn to find the next one. We made it up to the wash, which happened to be a nice flowing creek, and pushed just a bit further. The large boulders that cairns were resting on disappeared, making it practically impossible to find the trail. At this point we decided it best to turn around. Although we didn't make the peak, we were both quite pleased by the hike.
On the route back, we stopped for a bit to admire the views and build a snowman. It was at this point that I was wishing I had my gloves with me. It is not recommended to play int the snow without a pair.
I know we don't expect to have white Christmas here, but it was great to have a white New Year! And what an awesome way to start out 2015!  |
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