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| Hiking | 4.80 Miles |
1,064 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.80 Miles | 2 Hrs 22 Mns | | 2.42 mph |
| 1,064 ft AEG | 23 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | | First hike for the second day in the Pinaleno Mountains was up to Heliograph Peak from Shannon Camp Ground. I started at 7:00 with temps in the low 60's. The Arcadia trail starts out contouring the south slope of Marijilda Canyon Through a dense growth of fir trees and a patches of Blackberry (dewberries) and strawberry plants. should be excellent in about a month. Contouring the south slope, the trail enters a ravine that comes down from the ridge that extends Northeast of Heliograph peak. This is a burn area from either the 2004 or 2017 fires with lots of dead fall. The GPS routes show the Arcadia Trail heading up this ravine but I saw no trace of it. If it was here it is very well hidden. The trail continues contouring the slope through this ravine before heading up to the ridge to a small saddle near Eagle Rock. This area is covered in dead fall and the trail is almost non existent but if you watch closely you will see rock cairns every so often to let you know you are still heading in the right direction. Once at the saddle there is a very large tree that has blown over and blocks the trail, Climb over, go around or under what ever it takes to get around it. On the other side partially hidden by the fallen tree is a sign indicating the junction of the Arcadia and Heliograph Peak Trails. At this junction there is definitely a trail that heads down into noon creek that is the continuation of the Arcadia Trail. The Heliograph Trail heads up the east side of the ridge (a little hidden at this point) to another saddle where the GPS routes show the Arcadia Trail Junction. I saw no evidence of the Arcadia Trail here. I will have to do the Arcadia trail from below to see where it crosses this ridge. I think the fires have obscured the trail. The Heliograph Peak trail heads west with a continuous climb to a ridge on the Northwest side of Heliograph Peak and follows this ridge up to the peak. The Heliograph trail is overgrown with new aspen growth but with a vigilant eye and occasional rock cairns you can stay on trail. Once on the peak the views are in all directions although a bit obscured to the south because of the communication towers. I climbed up three flights for a better view but for those more daring it goes up another three or four. After a short break on the peak I headed down the road to the start point to complete the loop. The road down is closed to motor vehicles but makes for a pleasant return trip. I would definitely advise taking the trail up though or you will miss out on some of the most scenic parts of this loop. |
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