| | -
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
2 |
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
2 |
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 5.50 Miles |
1,450 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.50 Miles | 2 Hrs 43 Mns | | 2.02 mph |
| 1,450 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Parked near the mailbox on 17th Ave and Thunderhill. I crossed the wash immediately and hopped on Pyramid Trail, then left on Lost Ranch. I headed up and to the east on Eliminator Trail -- surprised to see this trail not in Traildex already. Can't comment on it much as it was still dark out. My plan of getting every last bit of juice out of my headlamp batteries backfired when I found the replacements in my pack were also dead. My phone worked fine as a backup, supplying both light and a steady stream of The O'Jays.
Topped out with a beautiful sunrise and cool breeze on Goat Hill. My South Mountain hikes are usually in the dark so it's nice to appreciate the southern view - Picacho and Lemmon were nice and clear in the morning light. Switched to Franki Valli and the Four Seasons on the way down.
The views coming down Lost Ranch were much better than I had anticipated. Both trails were a less maintained than what I've grown to expect at SOMO - no complaints, just an observation. A rattler buzzed me near the mines. Looked like a speckled.
Made my final turn onto the lower stretch of Lost Ranch and encountered another snake, a docile little fella lying right on the trail. It seemed patient enough so I got in closer for pictures. After slithering an inch or two it full on went into attack mode and lunged at me! I quickly moved out of the way and by the time I was on my feet, the snake had slithered through a nearby creosote. Not quite the adrenaline rush I was looking for this morning.  That's what I get for letting my guard down around reptiles. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
