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| Hiking | 3.00 Miles |
500 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.00 Miles | | | |
| 500 ft AEG | 35 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Three weeks ago I took an exploratory, solo hike to scout out Geronimo Head Mt. I began from the correct parking area just east of Tortilla Flat. I followed a trail southeast of Mesquite Creek. I ended up in Peter's Canyon after hiking about a mile. That was enough hiking for the day. The weather was warming and I expended enough energy for one day.
Fast forward to today, Thursday, August 25, 2016. Two hiking friends, Monica and Ruth, willingly accompanied me on a second attempt. We arrived at the designated parking area, AZ 88 east of Tortilla Flat, and began the hike at 7:30 A.M.
We crossed over the dry Mesquite Creek and headed up a steep but short-lived incline to a faint east-west trail. The landmark Chimney Rock Formation was looming to the west. On my previous hike I headed east to make a wide turn past the chimney. It was too wide. This time, we followed the trail southwest to skirt the chimney. Our hike in a southwest direction was back and forth, sometimes a trail, sometimes not.
Our intention was to stay out of the ravine. We followed it on the right bank south past the chimney rock. Up to the southwest we spotted the Hike Arizona's description for the "first destination" - Fragile Arch Saddle. I believe we were at an elevation of 2,200 feet. As I determined later, the saddle is at an elevation of 2,450 feet. We tried to follow the contour that offered the fewest obstacles. Onward and upward. I had to stop and catch my breath a couple of times. We reached the arch saddle by 9:30 A.M. My GPS registered one mile. I think it was more than that. https://youtu.be/-0 ... FCzE.
The temperature was probably in the 90's, we were tired, the elevation gain to this point was about 500 feet, and there would be an additional gain of 1,000 feet to reach the top of Geronimo Head. We decided to rest, take photos, and turn back. My GPS coordinates at the "fragile" arch saddle are - N 33 31.233, S 111 23.255.
This was an exploratory hike. The territory was new to all of us. The temperatures were rising. Geronimo Head will have to wait for another day. My photos show an eastern and western ascent. I am unsure as to which one to take. Perhaps, you, the reader can enlighten me.
Heading back was easier for two reasons. It was downhill, and we could see our starting point ahead of us. I said easIER, not easY. The terrain had loose shale and soft dirt. Slipping was definitely a possibility. Plus, we had to dodge pesky stag horn and other cacti. Even with the use of hiking poles, I was forced to butt slide on the hill heading down to the Mesquite Creek. The trail was leading us that direction.
We got back to the car at 11:00 A.M., thereby avoiding the hottest temperatures of the afternoon. We were eager to enjoy the car's air conditioning. A stop in Tortilla Flat for more air conditioning and a cold beverage was also a good idea.
I was pleased with what we were able to accomplish! We ascended the steep hill south of the creek, skirted the Chimney Rock by a reasonable margin, and found the trail description's first destination - "Fragile" Arch Saddle. None of us were injured but with the heat, humidity, and rugged terrain did take a toll.
I look forward to the next stage of my quest to reach to top of Geronimo Head Mt.! I wonder which of my hiking buddies will accompany me? |
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