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| Hiking | 4.08 Miles |
1,117 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.08 Miles | 2 Hrs 17 Mns | | 1.88 mph |
| 1,117 ft AEG | 7 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | The desert was in full bloom when I pulled off of Castle Hot Springs looking for a trail that I'd only seen a routescout line for. The trailhead, off the roadway, over a couple wire fences, and off an access road wasn't any more identifiable, although the trail could soon be followed as it narrowly snaked between chollas. Despite engravings at the top dating to 1920 the way up isn't all clear (the middle third or so is tough to follow) so bring the RS or some friends. Following the trail down is natural though.
It's more rugged towards the top, although the intimacy with lush (I know we're still in a desert;)) vegetation makes the trail a winner, winding through botanical gardens of plants and views that opened up to the Lake, hieroglyphics and hells canyon to the north and the rest of the valley. It's peak right now with the sunflowers, ocotillos, and cacti in bloom.
The return back down was swift, only slowed by the minefield of cholla pricks that managed to penetrate my shoe, and the occasional stopping to add a few cairns where needed. This is a winner if you wanna see the lake but not people. However, for real solitude go during the week - despite being the only ones up there it sounded like Call of Duty was on blast below us with nearby Cowtown paintball in full force. |
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Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Sunflowers, ocotillo, strawberry hedgehog, pincushion, staghorn chollas, |
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Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.
Evan Hardin
Footloose adventures are documented instagram @afrankie8. |
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