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1,045 AEG |
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| 1,045 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | Noticed Bigelow Peak (6731') while looking at the USGS maps off Spruce & Bald Mountains. I drive by it all the time, its north and east prominence displays itself along Walker Road between mile posts 3 and 5. Its a peak, its on the map, it needs to be bagged and tagged.
Further research revealed there is no trail to summit, no previous triplogs, no hike descriptions, all the more reason. We parked right on Walker Road about 1/3 mile south of Milepost 3 (just after the Hilltop Camground Road). The plan was to enter just before Smith Ravine but the actual was entering off Benjamin Gulch. Down then up from Benjamin Gulch, crossed an unknown trail that was along the Gulch and got on Bigelow's north ridgeline. Route scout showed 5908' on the map and looked for a USGS marker but to no avail. From here much of the forest was cleared by the Forest service within the past 2 years, I think from eliminating a grove infected by the bark beetle. I remember numerous "controlled burns" or I guess "prescribed burns" to be politically correct (prescribed because "controlled" does not always stay controlled) for the area.
On the climb up its northface the views to Lynx Lake just kept getting better and better. You could say that this peak is Lynx Lake Observation deck. On the upward assalt we noted a large granite outcropping ideal for a little climb, but we meandered more easterly on the ascent. Figured we would take in the rocky portion on the way down. Clumps of snow were noted in shady areas which the dog loved.
View from summit:
https://youtube.com ... tlfo
Great views to Granite Mountain; Glassford Hill; Sun Devil Peak; Bear Down Mountain; Mount Elliot; Bald Mountain; Spruce Mountain; Mount Davis; Union Tower; Mount Tritle.
Definitely worthy of future trips. Right before Mile Post 4, there is a small clearing on the side of Walker Road that 3 cars can park, this location is almost perfectly 3 o clock of the summit and would be the shortest approach to its summit. |
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"Before there was a trail..... there was no trail" |
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