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| Hiking | 4.81 Miles |
1,199 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.81 Miles | 3 Hrs 22 Mns | | 1.80 mph |
| 1,199 ft AEG | 42 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Even if you reach the TH and it's freezing temps with gusts of 30mph+, the drive in is worth it alone! Luckily, being familiar with Arizona's bi-polar weather, we had planned/packed accordingly and layered up for a nice huff to the top.
Very heavy, dark, ominous clouds taunted us, making us question our decision to go up. Well, for once forecasters were right and the rain heavy masses rolled east and the sky opened up blue and sunny as we neared the "off trail" portion.
We didn't quite go to the tippy top since 2 of the 40-50 mph gusts at the saddle/overlook blew me down to all fours. We chose safety and called it about 200 ft from summit. With frozen fingers we cheersed a toast to an excellent hike that gives and gives and gives. The views don't quit on this one. Even with the devastation of a long ago forest fire, the views from Bartlett to Roosevelt, the Rim to Foutain Hills just awed us.
Trail is easy to follow. If you're unsteady, trekking poles are good for a couple of narrow cliff side passes, especially with snow/ice present. The off trail section is well cairned. Allow time for lunch up top. You won't regret it.
On our way out, on the road, we passed hunters who told us they spotted a mom lion with her baby! Definitely smacks of cat country up there and piggie evidence was everywhere. |
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| "Cover the earth before it covers you"~Runes |
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