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| Sierra Ancha Off Trail, AZ | |
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| | Sierra Ancha Off Trail, AZ | | | |
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Sierra Ancha Off Trail, AZ
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| no partners | | Hank was kind enough to share some information on a possible ruin area in a part of the Sierra Ancha I had hiked in a few years back; was not aware of or seen the ruins. This was an Eric find, who is remarkably skilled with GE.
I sent Hank the link to the photoset and he indicated where this thing was supposed to be. The one thing I could not remember well was the terrain to access the area.
I had always wanted to go back and camp in the area, an opportunity came up to do so and I could see if my route finding would not send everyone on a wild goose chase. Out of respect for how I came about the information I decided not to post anything until Hank and Larry could do the hike and hopefully succeed.
Got sort of lost on a side road, brutalized the Jeep, then got to the Mesa top I wanted. Drove out on the quad route, parked and walked out to the "patio" areas as I call it, looked around, and set out.
Old cow trails in the area, with plenty of old cow poop. Most fizzle out and you just have to keep away from the cliffs to get off the mesa and into the canyon. Instead of crossing over I boulder hopped down the canyon aways, then found a weird network of possible cattle, deer and maybe Indian trails up to the mesa the ruin was on. It was a strange traverse that worked but was a mess scrambling up through brush and small cliffs at the end of it. I was on the end of the mesa with good views. I walked back the other way, no sign of any ruin. Finally at the other end I saw the walls. The sun was high and photography was not great at this time. Looked around and found a few things. Back down to locate a car camp. I don't think I was on and off these mesas' on the same route twice. I cairned the end of one route I used, but it had some nasty catclaw on it.
I had a great camp with great views as I knew I would. Next day rather than do something else I decided to go back and see if a different route would be better. Down off the side, and up directly through some tall pine forest. While steep and not brush free definitely better. Better lighting and I spend a little more time examining this extensive site and trying to locate a midden area and a few other things.
Back down and over, cut it too close and ended up doing some small crack climbs up the cliffs. Drove home satisfied I could recommend a good way and privileged to see such a nice area. Life is good! Thanks Hank, Eric and Larry! |
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