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| Hiking | 10.88 Miles |
3,337 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.88 Miles | | | |
| 3,337 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | With my ankle injury getting just about back to normal, I decided to do a rougher hike to see how it feels. I saw someone post some pictures of La Barge Box and I thought it would be good to go out and see this amazing place before the water dried up.
We started out from Canyon Lake Marina parking lot at about 615am and up Boulder Canyon Trail we went. A very mild sunrise and the usual epic views from the two overlooks along this trail.
Once we started down to the creek, you could really see the impact of the heavy rains on the trail. Some sections were washed out and others were pretty eroded. I was on this trail last in the spring and it was in really good shape.
We followed Boulder Canyon Trail down and across La Barge Creek, and then bushwhacked back over to the creek when we got close to Battleship.
There was a lot of evidence of water passing through the lower part. About 1/3 of the way up, we came across some nice pools. Not much running, but lots of mud and water from that point on. It was the usual boulder hopping fun making our way to the pool at the beginning of “the box”. The water was running a little the closer you got to the box.
Once we arrived, the pool was really full. We were able to skirt along the edge and make it to the “S” curve area. So many pools and running water in there. It was “reflection” friendly for photos. The sun was still being blocked by the canyon walls so it was very pleasant.
I love this area of the Superstitions. This place has to be in my top 5 places to see visit in the wilderness area.
A little snack, lots of pictures and we started back. Once we set out of the pool area, the sun made an appearance. The temps were getting up there too. We made pretty good time boulder hopping back down to the bottom of the hill.
When we started going back up the hill on the Boulder Canyon Trail, I started have some difficulty. I am not sure if it was the heat, the difficulty of the hike, my lack of food or a combination of those factors, but I really struggled going up the hill. I had to stop a bunch of times as my heart rate was hitting uncomfortable levels. My hiking partners stayed back with me and we finally made it to the top of the hill. I was ok going down from that point. Moving slower than my usual slow. The hike took about 2 hours longer than I planned. Part of that was all the time we spend at the box, but most of it was the hard time I had coming back up.
My ankle did well with no swelling or pain before, during or after. My problems going up concern me as I have never had my body just shut down like that before. I better do some tune hikes and work on my strength and endurance before I attempt another hard one.
Even with the stuff at the end, this hike was awesome. I was able to take some friends to an amazing place and we were treated to some excellent scenery. |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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