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| Hiking | 8.00 Miles |
2,000 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.00 Miles | 8 Hrs 40 Mns | | 0.92 mph |
| 2,000 ft AEG | | 20 LBS Pack | | |
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[ show ]
| no partners | | It had been a week and a half since I took my exploratory hike up Parker Creek Trail. Armed with more information and a reckless sense of adventure I set out for my second try to reach Aztec Peak.
I left home two hours earlier than the last time and arrived at the trailhead at 6:00 A.M. I was not alone! Two campers, a mother, Grace, and her son had gotten there the night before. She and I had some conversation before I began hiking at about 6:15 A.M.
Knowing the terrain for the first mile or so I purposely limited my photo and video taking to allow for more distance.
As I passed my last hike's turn around point I noticed more obstacles along the trail. Many felled trees crossed my path, the incline degree increased, and a plethora of young saplings obliterated the trail. I had a twig clipper in my pack so I put it to use on a 15-20 section. Before and after photos are provided. It took a few minutes. I would encounter several more overgrowth spots which I left untouched; I needed time for hiking, plus we all need some impediments to add to the fun.
There was at least one creek crossing; problematic in the rainy season; several rock/gravel slope crossings, and more downed trees before I finally gained enough altitude to see sunlight through the trees. I still had not reached the Rim Trail junction. But, I was getting close!
I came to a clearing with a wide drainage west to east; Aztec Peak, with its lookout tower in view. Unfortunately, I would need to lose and regain altitude. On the way down I came across a beautiful blossoming Manzanita. Further down the hill, the trail met the northwest terminus of the Rim Trail #139. Three and a half hours from the trailhead, I had hiked 3.5-4.0 miles; not sure. I looked at my topo map, had a snack, and hiked a portion of the Rim Trail before continuing east on Parker Creek Trail.
The rest and refreshments invigorated me for the final push to FR487. Remember, I hiked down from the west, but now had to hike up to the east. It would take about 40 minutes for that 1/2 mile. Closing in on the junction with the road was a pleasant walk on a dirt/grassy trail through the pines. A vehicle drove south just before I reached the road; I was unseen.
By the time I ate, drank, stretched out on the ground, and rested my head on the backpack for a siesta, I was awoken by the sound of vehicles returning from the lookout tower. The clock showed the time to be 11:15 A.M. As I was rising, the first vehicle slowly passed by, glancing, but not stopping, at the sight of a tired old man out in the middle of nowhere. Then shortly thereafter, a second vehicle came by; surely they would stop and inquire as to my situation. No! The driver, with an open window, looked, but said nothing, then continued on. Interesting!
I assessed my situation. I knew the Abbey's Way Trail was 1.80 miles, and the road to the trail was maybe 1/2 mile or less. The math equated to at least 4 more miles of hiking plus time spent at the peak. Common sense prevailed and I decided to return to the trailhead on AZ 288. I appreciate those of you with the stamina to have been able to hike up to the peak and back all in one day.
The elevation gain on the way up drained some of my strength. The good thing was that the hike back was mostly downhill; easier for me. The bad thing was that my legs felt like rubber.
I got back to the trailhead at 2:30 P.M. and home by 5:00 P.M. I only had one snake encounter on the hike. On the way back a black snake with white or yellow rings was slithering along the trail beside me. It disappeared into the grass; no harm done.
I recommend this hike to anyone who wants solitude and change of scenery from the Sonoran desert.
Sometime soon, I hope to finish the hike to Aztec Peak. I will drive FR 487, park at the P.C.T. turn around, and hike up the road to Abbey's Way Trail, and up to Aztec Peak; I will either double back or hike the road to finish a loop. TBD. |
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