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| Hiking | 6.00 Miles |
2,862 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.00 Miles | | | |
| 2,862 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Back to this area again for me. I wanted to hit this one before it got too hot. I last did this complete loop 3 years ago. I really like this area. It's hyper-scenic and usually empty and offers a wide variety of views/flora & fauna/terrain.
I started later than I wanted, but I headed out from the parking area and made my way up to the saddle below Black Cross Butte. This trail is becoming more and more defined and very easy to follow. Once I got to the saddle, I started down towards the Peak.
Once you get past the trail for the Chalcedony Cave, the path becomes less clear. Usually, you need to stick as close to the canyon edge on the way. I opted to explore the area of the drainage north of the usual path. I ran into a very nice falls area, but opted to not make my way down there this time around. I hiked back up and then down to the typical path. I saw my only other human sighting along here, a fellow hiker making his way back.
When I got to the point below the Peak, I took a hard look at the steep drainage that goes directly to the peak saddle, but opted for the drainage on the west side. This path is not exactly clear or easy either. Very scenic for sure. Such amazing geology along here.
I came across my first rattler of the year in this area. A young one that was not happy to see me. Other than that, I saw the usual lizards, a few bunnies, lots of turkey vultures. I saw lots of traces of sheep and deer, but none appeared this time around. I have seen sheep up in this area.
I went out to edge of the cliffs to get a view of the river and canyon below the peak saddle. Such an amazing view. I stopped at the little "castle" on the saddle and had my lunch in the shadows there. The hike up to the peak is short but steep. It's a nasty little bushwhack for sure.
Once on top, there's three little "peaks", all offering a different view of the area, and all amazing. I stayed up top for a while and then started down again.
On the way back, I opted to drop into Crucifix Canyon to complete the loop. The drainage going down is as rough as ever, but it gets you down to the canyon fairly quickly. The canyon was the usual geologic wonderland. I really like this canyon. I saw, but opted to not go up to see the double arches.
A long day out in the wilderness, but very enjoyable. I am definitely going back again and I was really looking at the canyon on the opposite side - Blue Tank Canyon and the Hell's Hip Pocket area. That canyon looks amazing. Anyone ever venture into those spots? |
| _____________________
"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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