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| Hiking | 3.41 Miles |
661 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.41 Miles | 1 Hour 21 Mns | | 2.76 mph |
| 661 ft AEG | 7 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Decided to explore some more in the Pinalenos. Sorry, no dashcam video or facebook-esque personal drama about not hiking  .
Skipped this one last fall after checking out the damage in Ash Creek. I opted to climb via the old road from Soldier Creek figuring it would be easier to attempt to find the single-track while descending on the way back. Turned out to be a good plan. I wouldn't recommend trying to go up from either end of the 345 trail right now. And descending the north half will make you fight to find the way up Ash Creek, which I also don't recommend. In a couple of years, I expect they will clear these trails, but for now, it's work to find the tread.
I didn't remember if the tower was still standing or if they had taken it down after it had been hit by fire. So I was pleased to see the metal remains, though all the wood has burned out, including the floor of the cab. All the windows had blown out from the heat, and the area around the tower was strewn with broken glass.
A clap of thunder signaled my time to leave, and the adventure of route-finding on the way back to the Ash Creek TH began. It's not impossible, but takes a steady eye. The regrowth of aspens is really the issue now, as the tread is usually findable somewhere under there. The growth is generally 3-4 feet high. Of course you have to keep your ears tuned to cracking wood as the standing trees are falling by the day. Windy weather here is not your friend right now.
Finally at the bottom, I looped back to my truck. The trailhead area is open again, and FS is collecting fees for camping there.
Big changes from pre-fire, but still a pleasant quick loop, if you don't mind a little puzzle on your hikes. |
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| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
