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| Algonquin - Horsethief - Twin Peaks, AZ | |
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| | Algonquin - Horsethief - Twin Peaks, AZ | | | |
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Algonquin - Horsethief - Twin Peaks, AZ
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| Hiking | 18.38 Miles |
4,191 AEG |
| | Hiking | 18.38 Miles | 9 Hrs 53 Mns | | 2.35 mph |
| 4,191 ft AEG | 2 Hrs 3 Mns Break | 14 LBS Pack | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | After the enjoyable 25 mile drive in on FR59 (aka Crown King Road), we parked at the Poulan Viewpoint which is the northern TH for the Algonquin #225. The Algonquin Trail has seen some minor clipping, but Joe still describes it as scratchy.
The stretch from Poulan Creek, turning up Horsethief Canyon/Creek and extending to the old Mining structure is one of my favorites. I saw my first rattler of the year here. It was all curled up and never made a noise. Even when Joe walked 6" from it. Once you are at the intersection where the Algonquin heads up hill and Horsethief Trail continues on up canyon, the recent trimming is quiet evident. (And much appreciated).
We were never more than a few miles from water all day. Horsethief Creek was running and or had clear pools the entire way. Even where it crossed the Twin Peaks Trail.
On the climb towards Twin Peaks off of the Senator Highway, Eagle Pond had plenty to filter from also.
At the intersection with Twin Peaks, Joe headed to the peaks to tackle them. I'd done them 11 years ago, so I took a break.
A bit concerned after an hour, I had not seen him, so I headed that way. I was lucky enough to run into him just as he was finishing the off trail portion of his excursion.
Twin Peaks Trail back to the Horsethief Trail, was in good shape. There are a couple of pockets of ponderosa and a few pools of water that I used to soak my neck gator.
Back down at Hrsethief Creek, I picked up the lemon aide I had cached at the creek for the final stretch. We had to be careful where we stepped, to avoid the pockets of bright green oily poison ivy.
A light covering of clouds, breezy conditions and the ability to cool off in the water, kept the temperatures decent on the day.
Always good getting back to the Castle Creek Wilderness. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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