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| Deer Creek - Peeley - Gold Ridge, AZ | |
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| | Deer Creek - Peeley - Gold Ridge, AZ | | | |
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Deer Creek - Peeley - Gold Ridge, AZ
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| Hiking | 23.34 Miles |
4,341 AEG |
| | Hiking | 23.34 Miles | 8 Hrs 13 Mns | | 3.13 mph |
| 4,341 ft AEG | 45 Mns Break | | | |
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none
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| no partners | | I had heard Deer Creek was worked on recently, so I made my first trip all the way up. Original plan was to take Deer Creek and South Fork in a loop, but on the way up I decided to try to get on top of Peeley. Ended up without enough energy and patience and took Gold Ridge down because I thought it's the easier route.
Started at 8, no one at the trailhead. Deer Creek was as expected in great shape up to entering the creek just past the wilderness boundary. Unexpectedly, apart from about two dozen downed trees the trail was clear and well cairned the whole way beyond that point as well. Very little brush to push through. Gets better as it goes up and enters the pines, especially around and above Gowan Camp. Good flow of water, but not enough to get wet.
Made it to Peeley trailhead and went to pull something to eat out of my pack before the final push to the peak. Realized I had forgotten to pack anything. Lacking energy, I slowly pushed on until I left the trail around the north side of the peak to start my way up. Decided to get a jump start on heading back and finding something to eat instead of getting to the summit 500 feet above. Wanted to salvage any enjoyment the rest of the hike could give me rather than burn out 12 miles from my car, 3,800 feet up in the mountains.
Painful walk back up the 201 to Camp Grasshopper. There's a big tree that has fallen over the road and probably needs some cutting to remove. Took a long break watching the clouds roll in before heading back down. Made it back with little to spare and saw the first people on the day at the trailhead. |
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