Route Editor
Route Scout
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DESTINATION Big Dipper - Castle Creek Wilderness 25 Photosets 2020-11-14 2020-05-23 2020-05-23 2018-04-06 2017-04-27 2016-03-01 2015-09-12 2015-09-06 2015-03-27 2013-09-02 2013-04-20 2012-04-21 2011-03-23 2010-04-18 2010-04-10 2010-01-11 2009-05-02 2007-11-29 2006-05-13 2005-05-21
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| HAZ Member MountainMatt's 528 Photosets 2016-05-15 2016-05-09 2016-05-07 2016-05-01 2016-04-27 2016-04-26 2016-04-22 2016-04-17 2016-04-11 2016-04-11 2016-04-04 2016-03-30 2016-03-27 2016-03-20 2016-03-16 2016-03-14 2016-03-10 2016-03-06 2016-03-01 2016-02-26
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I'm still blown away how easy it to access such a nice place so close to the I-17. Along the switchbacks I could see snow at the top of the mountain which was a nice sight to see since I wanted a strong flowing waterfall, and the recent scaring of the Gladiator fire gave the whole area such a unique look. Anyway the only part I was somewhat not excited about was the "the wall to wall narrows" that everyone put in their hike descriptions. Well when it came to that portion I almost didn't even notice because I just simply walked right down the middle of it in soft mushy sand, the creek still running strong pitched to the right of the narrow instead of filling it like a pool. The Big Dipper itself was flowing like a champ and I took photos from a scenic rock vista and proceed to down scramble around to get some photos from the base which turned into nap on a perfect rock throne I found. The bottom pool was bigger than I've seen in most photos but what confused me is why the narrows section upstream was not completely filled with water. 
I got in the water intentionally to test it out and although the hit temps outside the water was still almost too cold to even comfortable have your feet in. Before I left I proceeded to take final photos along the edge of the pool and then got to comfortable because the edge of the muddy brim gave way and I plunged waist deep into the pool. 
Luckily managed to knee my arms above my head with my phone clenched in hand, the dip in the pool was actually a good thing because the hike out was a hot one due to the lack of shade and beaming setting sun. All in all a fantastic day and can't wait to come back during the summer! 
