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| Spring Valley - Garfias - Governors Peak Loop, AZ | |
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| | Spring Valley - Garfias - Governors Peak Loop, AZ | | | |
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Spring Valley - Garfias - Governors Peak Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 11.88 Miles |
2,139 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.88 Miles | 7 Hrs 38 Mns | | 1.89 mph |
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| 2,139 ft AEG | 1 Hour 21 Mns Break | 4 LBS Pack | |
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| partners | | Here's a little loop Bruce wrote six years ago. That one ended on a sour note with a private property scolding. We hiked a bonafide legal version with Ben four years ago. This nearby gem felt like a good fit for a tight holiday schedule. If you enjoy moderately challenging off trail adventures & live near the Valley you might enjoy exploring.
Spring Valley Trail
The morning light through this desert jungle never disappoints. Per usual I asked myself why I've neglected more visits.
Garfias Wash
Under 3 miles in take a right off trail into Garfias. If it rubs you the wrong way turn back pdq because 5 miles of sand and gravel is looking to scold your feet. 6 miles in on a short out-n-back towards Horse Creek we found slow running water and a good twenty foot diameter pool capped with half inch thick ice. The first two hours of our hike were cold and it's been cold recently in the valley... still seemed unexpected.
I took a break at the pool while Bruce scrambled up creek. Autumn auditioned technicolor magic on a willow and cottonwood. Along with a trickling creek and the warmth of the sun after a chilly start was a real treat.
Unnamed Creek
Not sure if this one is named. We take it NW out of Garfias to the SW side of Governors Peak. There are 2 areas to scramble. No biggie for most. It was just in my range with lots of help from Bruce. I get by fine and adapt on most things one handed. Crumbly rock scrambles without corrective-balance race nightmares through the mind at warp speed.
Governors Peak
The western approach is semi steep and semi loose. Nothing horrible, going up is less prone to accidents and a trail gets you down the South. We lunched with a curious bee Bruce dubbed George. Excellent internet kept lunch social.
Synopis
Great little adventure-hike near the valley with exotic terrain, a smorgasbord of cacti and a hint of water.
Consumed 38 oz water |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
2 days to Christmas, Autumn keeps on giving. Cottonwoods, Willows & Tamarisk looking nice |
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