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| Humphreys Peak B24 Bomber, AZ | |
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| | Humphreys Peak B24 Bomber, AZ | | | |
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Humphreys Peak B24 Bomber, AZ
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| Hiking | 10.87 Miles |
3,804 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.87 Miles | 6 Hrs 1 Min | | 2.23 mph |
| 3,804 ft AEG | 1 Hour 9 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Hit up the summit trail today. Perfect weather. Got an early start from Phoenix in an effort to beat some of the expected crowds on a Labor Day weekend. The parking area was about 75% full when we arrived around 8 am. I expected there to be somewhat of a conga line on the trail, but was pleasantly surprised to the contrary. A number of folks out, to be sure, but not the masses I was expecting. FS rangers were parked at the TH, giving warnings and advice to the novice hikers who may not know what to expect on a hike like this.
What a spectacular day to be out! Nice temps throughout. Sunny skies and only a slight breeze on the summit--with only a manageable number of summit bugs.
On the way down, I finally decided to make the sidetrip to the B24 bomber site--in just a couple of weeks (Sept. 15), it will have been 75 years since the crash. The off-trail wasn't too bad, with some helpful cairns here and there, and some discernable use trails in spots. An amazing amount of wreckage, strewn over quite a debris field. As tragic as the crash was, I can only imagine it was a spectacular sight (which probably no one witnessed, as it occurred shortly after midnight). Some interesting info and more detailed photography of the incident at: https://www.lostflights.com/Other-1/915 ... ted-B-24J/
On the way down, I popped out of the woods at the junction between the 2nd and 3rd switchbacks and just cross-country-ed it down the ski slopes to the parking area. Best decision ever. At that point in the hike, I'm pretty sick and tired of the rocky and tree-root-strewn trail. Saves about .3 to .4 in distance.
Ate at Mama Burger on the way back. The burgers are overrated in my view, but the Oreo shake and tater tots hit the spot! |
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Route Editor
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