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| Pack Trail 157 - Sierra Ancha, AZ | | -
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| | Pack Trail 157 - Sierra Ancha, AZ | | | |
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Pack Trail 157 - Sierra Ancha, AZ
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| Hiking | 10.00 Miles |
2,070 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.00 Miles | 5 Hrs 23 Mns | | 1.92 mph |
| 2,070 ft AEG | 10 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | After a cold (34°) and breezy night we were a bit sluggish so rather than an immediate ascent of Pine Mountain from our camp site we decided we'd do an out-and-back hike along old Pack Trail 157. I had it mapped all the way across to the point on FR 486 where we turned around yesterday due to loose rock and severe erosion on a steep downhill.
(I wouldn't have given it a second thought with the Cherokee, but not having driven the full length of FR 486 in 5 years we didn't want to chance it.)
We began the hike from our campsite at the southern end of Pack Trail 157, heading northwest along the ridge. For the most part the trail was in good shape so we were making pretty good time. At one point where the trail passed through the middle of what appeared to be an old ruin site we wandered around, finding nothing but barely visible low rock walls so we continued.
Near the high-point of the trail we decided to take a short side-trip to what would prove to be the highest peak along the ridge and were surprised to find a damaged old US Geological Survey marker, which isn't marked on recent maps. After some photos and a quick snack break we continued on.
In the midst of the anticipated longest descent I felt the beginning of a hot spot on the ball of my left foot... the result of forgetting to swap insoles. So rather than continue on for an expected 15-mile round-trip we decided to turn around early. I doffed my boots to give my feet a few minutes to recover then began the climb back up. With a bit of care to avoid the ball of my foot it wasn't long before it felt ok.
Actually it felt good enough that on the return leg we turned off the trail and dropped down onto the remnants of a long-defunct Forest Road, which according to an old map would curve back to FR 609. Thankfully it did just that while adding another loop onto the end of the hike.
By time we got back to camp my feet still felt fine and I still had energy so we decided to take a short break before an ascent of Pine Mountain, right across the road. |
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Route Editor
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