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| Hiking | 6.34 Miles |
3,406 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.34 Miles | | | |
| 3,406 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | 
This is an absolutely exceptional hike and should be added to the list for anybody who likes ascending desert peaks.
After seeing my Newman triplog last month, Randy contacted me to tell me about a route up the west side he had done years ago. Intrigued by his assurance of easy access and an old trail, I was sold. The weather forecast made me think this might not happen as planned, but Sunday was almost as good of a day as we could expect. Mostly sunny and cool, with some nice breezes up top.
I was amazed at the trail we found! Whoever built it did a fantastic job, because while it is now overgrown and some sections disappear, there is some really nice construction still visible.
We took a leisurely pace to the summit, stopping at the old mine, and taking breaks along the steep ascent. The crossover on the ridge to South Newman is a fun and generally easy scramble. The last little hill before dropping to the saddle should be bypassed below on the west side or else many will be uncomfortable with the climbing required to descend.
Kelly, John, and I headed up to South Newman while Randy got a head start on the hike back down. I gotta say, I think South Newman is a better destination than Newman itself. I don't think it qualifies under whatever prominence rules peak baggers use, so it is rarely visited. It's not littered with communications equipment, and the views are amazing.
The route down was much more moderate and I was pleasantly surprised to find a cairned route. It was easy enough that you didn't really have to follow the cairns though. We all went our own pace and got a bit spread out. I got buzzed by a rattler that retreated under a rock I had just stepped on. I couldn't see it and decided it had taken refuge enough to not be a threat to Kelly and Randy who were still to pass.
Back at the truck, we enjoyed a beverage before heading our separate ways.
Thanks again to Randy for all the info on this and showing us the way. Good to hike with Kelly and John.
I can get to this TH in just about an hour, and will certainly be back.
Short video of some of trip: youtu.be/9B5uZkECpls |
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