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| Weaver's Loop w/Aylor's Arch, AZ | | -
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| | Weaver's Loop w/Aylor's Arch, AZ | | | |
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Weaver's Loop w/Aylor's Arch, AZ
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| Hiking | 17.05 Miles |
3,676 AEG |
| | Hiking | 17.05 Miles | 8 Hrs 33 Mns | | 2.41 mph |
| 3,676 ft AEG | 1 Hour 29 Mns Break | 20 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Weaver’s Loop w/Aylor’s Arch
The First Water approach is much easier vs. Weaver’s Loop, but I felt like doing the loop for more ‘interesting’ mileage. I used Fritzski’s route as reference along with advice from adilling.
Aylor's Arch is located along the ‘main’ or E spine atop Palomino Mountain (W of BTM). Arch reportedly named after Charles & Peg Aylor - fortune hunters, established camp ("Caballo Camp") N of Palomino in the 1940's.
To get to Palomino first hike from First Water to the (Little Boulder Creek) wash near the LD104/Boulder103 junction, just beyond LD104/BM241 junction, turn R and boulder hop or hug the wash for a bit until you pass through a V-shaped ‘gateway’ (~0.45 miles) described by Fritzski as “a narrow opening in the craggy ridge ahead”. OR... hike from from Peralta 102/LD 104 to the LD104/Boulder103 junction and turn L into the wash (~8 miles in).
Note: There is a crested saguaro heading to Palomino from Peralta 102/LD 104 junction near the base of BTM.
Just after passing through the ‘gateway’, you come across an old exploratory mine shaft on L. Shortly after passing through the ‘gateway’ and after the mine shaft you’ll clearly see the ravine to take up the Palomino summit. Look for a set of cairns on the L of the wash marking a recently well worn use trail.
The the climb up the ravine has a few brushy (bushwhacking) spots and a steep grade often w/scree (loose rock, difficult footing), but took less time than I expected. You’re basically navigating around enormous boulders that ‘choke’ the ravine much of the time (noticed on my way back down). The arch will come into view fairly quick (motivation) and be visible motivation when view isn’t obscured by an obstacle.
Once at the top of the ravine, you’ll arrive at a flat area surrounded by vertical fins/spines that generally run N/S. To the R (S) are a fun group of spines to explore w/phenomenal views and some flat areas. To the L (N/NW) are two main spines. Sticking with Fritzski’s notes we’ll call them Middle (closest to you) and E (largest or spine with the arch).
For the arch, trend N, curving NW along the Middle spine for a place to descend to a flat area where you’re facing the beginning of the E spine. Trend L (NW, b/t Middle and E) for a great shot of the arch (from below) and solid lunch and summit brew spot. To get on top of (I wouldn’t - it’s maybe 2ft wide over the arch w/extreme exposure) or super close to the arch start walking across the E spine (think Battleship) up, then down until you see the top of Aylor’s. If at the photo/lunch spot, backtrack to near your descent of the Middle spine to locate E spine approach.
When done exploring, head back to ascend Middle spine at the same spot as descent and curve S to the top of the ravine. The scree is worse going down than up, so take sure steps and retrace your ascent back to the wash and then LD104/Boulder103 junction.
-Mave1878 |
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