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| Hiking | 16.50 Miles |
5,411 AEG |
| | Hiking | 16.50 Miles | 9 Hrs 57 Mns | | 2.17 mph |
| 5,411 ft AEG | 2 Hrs 21 Mns Break | 20 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This is a trail on the west side of the Catalina Mountains I have never been on and decided it was time. My goal was to hike to Samaniego Ridge Trail 8.5 miles in and return but made it just .4 miles from my goal. My legs would not climb the last 200 feet of the trail and it was 12:30 and time to turn around. I know I did not bring enough food (one energy bar a handful of peanuts a few dried apricots and an apple)because when my legs did not have the energy to climb any more and taking a break didn't help. It is either that or it is all the wimpy hikes I have been doing the last 2 months or I'm getting old. I am not ready to concede yet to the latter.
This is a really steep hike climbing 5000 feet in 8 miles. The trail follows a very rocky jeep trail the first 4 miles and then a trail the last 4. Once on the ridge The trail is a little faint in places but it is well marked with rock cairns and faded red ribbons. Not a whole lot of options on the ridge, either side of the ridge drops off and not likely the trail would do that. There are a lot of new growth pines on the ridge and at times you have to look for the trail markers. The only flat spots on the trail are along this ridge even though they are very short stretches.
The views to the west of Pusch Ridge, Cathedral Peak and Window Rock are the best I've seen. This was the first time I've seen Window Rock from the Northeast side and it is lined up so that you look straight on to the window. Cathedral Peak looks like a cathedral from this side not so much the Tucson side. There are also great and different perspective views of Samaniego Peak to the north. Views out to the west are also good but on this day it was a bit dusty from the prior days wind that you couldn't see clearly that far.
At 12:30 I took a break and had a 20 minute debate with myself about finishing the last .4 miles. My brain won the debate and I decided to push on but after 100 yards my legs refused to agree and if the legs don't work then the brain follows. It seemed a shame to turn around after coming so close but I still had to return and the trail is extremely rocky and plenty of opportunities to trip and fall, I needed my leg's full cooperation. To make matters worse my cell phone died and if anything happened I had no communication. I really liked this hike, it was a real workout. Next time better breakfast and bring more food. There was water in Cargodera Creek but barely running, I had plenty of water so I didn't need to get any here. I will have to finish up the last .4 miles maybe from the Mount Lemmon side. |
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