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| Thumb Butte to Sierra Prieta Loop, AZ | |
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| | Thumb Butte to Sierra Prieta Loop, AZ | | | |
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Thumb Butte to Sierra Prieta Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 13.30 Miles |
2,269 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.30 Miles | | | |
| 2,269 ft AEG | 15 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | I have not been to Prescott in November in a while. I first started coming here in the 1980s and have many fond memories. I usually leave before dawn, and hit the trail early. Today I, decided to do something different and take an afternoon/evening hike.
It was a great afternoon under the pines. My original goal was to catch the Sierra Prieta “Sunset Overlook” at sunset. I slept in after HW festivities and hit the road from Phoenix around noon. There was very little midday traffic at the Thumb Butte Rec. lot, which was a plus. The fee is $5 a day unless you have a pass. Thumb Butte is a quick shot in the arm of elevation right out of the gate. There is a nice memorial to the Granite Mountain heroes right at the Butte saddle. I heard birds, saw very little wildlife overall, a few insects, a few more spiders and a mule deer that quickly disappeared. The forest is still recovering after recent fire. There were a few fall colors, mainly oaks turning to yellow. The forest has a maze of cross trails so best to plan a route.
After taking a few connector roads, I soon realized I’d get to the overlook before actual sunset. Sierra Prieta has great views. At the overlook, there was a fair size crowd of young partiers, loud music and off road vehicles. The wonderful sound of motorized vehicles revving their engines and laughter permeated the air. It looked like a lot of fun, but the old guy with four wheel drive feet had other plans. I decided to bag nearby peak 7035. That was a great choice and sitting at the very top, I had a snack and recharged for the trip back. In retrospect, it would have been a lot easier to hit Peak 7035 on the way up. I headed off trail to scramble back to Thumb Butte Rd. I rethought my wisdom while clinging to roots as I descended the steep bank by the road. Please do not follow my route here!
The rest of the way back was cake - all downhill. Once off the thumb trail I only encountered two senior backpackers that wished to be alone, and a friendly biker that slowed to chat for a while. I captured some awesome pictures and of course finished up in the dark. Miller Creek was dry without water and the forest in the dark reminded me of something from long ago. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Gambel Oak turning to yellow |
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