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| Arches & Top Hat via Hackamore, AZ | | -
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| | Arches & Top Hat via Hackamore, AZ | | | |
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Arches & Top Hat via Hackamore, AZ
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| Hiking | 12.68 Miles |
2,017 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.68 Miles | 8 Hrs 38 Mns | | 1.64 mph |
| 2,017 ft AEG | 53 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | The more I hike in the Goldfields, the more I like it, so when Kelly and Angela asked me if I wanted to join them on a hike from the Hackamore Trailhead to check out some arches, I didn't hesitate. The objective was Pedestal Arch, but Angela and Kelly added some options, namely Top Hat and Palo Verde arch.
The hike started at the Hackamore trail head. The route is a combination of forest roads, single track trails and some off trail routes to get to the arches and Top Hat. There was nothing along the way that was overly difficult and most of it was just wonderful. It seemed like every time we rounded a bend in the route, we were greeted with gorgeous views of the contrasting colors of the various rock formations and lush greenery that filled in the rest of the landscape.
The route is dotted with rocky formations that seem to beg you to explore further. Top Hat is one such formation. Although the plan was to tackle Top Hat on the way back, it was just too tempting to pass up, so we opted to summit Top Hat while the legs were fresh. We found a route up from the west side that wasn’t bad at all. The Top Hat summit provided outstanding views all around. On the way down, we stopped by the Palo Verde arch and bushwhacked the rest of the way down to rejoin the Pedestal Arch route.
The off trail route we took up to Pedestal Arch was probably the hardest thing we did all day. After checking out the arch and taking a lunch break, we discussed an alternate route down. Angela remembered a conversation with TheCannondale kid about going down the back side. We took that route and found it much more to our liking.
The final leg was a straight shot back, as we would run out of daylight if we opted to add anything else. The sun was now to our west, providing even better color contrasts against a darkening sky to the east. When the Superstition Mountains came into view, the views were outstanding.
We finished the hike just as the sun was setting. Angela provided refreshments back at the trail head. We enjoyed our beverages, chatted up the hike and marveled at the views as the setting sun continually changed the landscape.
This was a great hike on a gorgeous day, and the company was every bit as good. Thanks Kelly and Angela for a great day! |
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