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| Hiking | 12.80 Miles |
1,782 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.80 Miles | 6 Hrs 17 Mns | | 2.15 mph |
| 1,782 ft AEG | 20 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | The first hike of my 50s. I didn't get a chance to do an epic memorable last hike of my 40s like I did 10 years ago for my 30s. so I decided to make the first hike of my 50s a nice one. I've been hiking locally in Phoenix the last few months since I got burned out doing long drives. I did a lot of hikes in July, but they were mostly kind of urban hikes in PA. It was beyond time to get in the car and take a road trip. Wally was in as well.
We started out on the Margs Draw Trail, and did a few others, but the main feature of this hike was the Hangover Trail without a doubt. The views along this trail are the best. There are a few steep sections, but they're pretty short. Just enough effort to make it a respectable hike. How this trail isn't considered one of the better hikes to do in Sedona is beyond me. At least I haven't heard many people mention it, or seen enough posts on HAZ.
Starting from so far south was mainly to add some mileage. After Margs Draw we took the Munds Wagon Trail and intended to do the Hangover/Cowpie loop. I looked at the topo and it seemed like getting the climb out of the way early was a good option, so we did the loop clockwise. the big climbs are on the west end of the loop, and they give some of the best views. The trail is mainly marked by spray painted chevrons, so there's that. Some sections of the trail are level while the ground is at a steep slope, which isn't great for middle aged ankles. Which is why there is ibuprofen. Vitamin IB.
the Hangover Trail heads over a saddle between two buttes, and then continues eastward. At some point this apparently becomes the Cowpies Trail, but I didn't the sign which stated this transition. We stopped for lunch along this section and saw a mountain biker coming the other way. we still wonder how he made it down the steep slick rock section of the western end of the loop. The last time I was in this area was in 2005 when I did a shuttle hike on the Jacks Canyon Trail with my friend Ted. It was nice to be able to recognize the area from then and remembering everything very well. doesn't seem like I did that hike 14 years ago.
Once we were back on the Munds Wagon Trail, it was pretty easy. Had some shade and a gradual downhill grade. There were some sections of potato sized rocks to negotiate, but it wasn't too bad. by the time we finished it was a bit toasty, but not as bad as its been in the valley lately.
Saw more jeeps and 4x4s along Schnebly Hill Road than we saw hikers on the trail. also saw more helicopters flying around the buttes and mountains than I would have preferred, but crowds and money will do that. Noticed the helicopters more when we were up at the top.
Nice to get out for a day/road trip. Sedona rarely disappoints. |
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