| |
|
| | |
|
| Backpack | 19.78 Miles |
5,305 AEG |
| | Backpack | 19.78 Miles | 1 Day 3 Hrs 7 Mns | | |
| 5,305 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | I'd never hiked Sunnyside 117 so I figured it would be a fun way to get up into the chookas to enjoy the abundant wildflowers this range provides after monsoon rains. We figured it would be a good one to make an overnight and camp near the crest. The forecast called for some good chances of rain and we dodged a few drops on both Saturday and Sunday along with some robust lightning and breezes, but the major cells avoided us.
The lower part of 117 was a pleasant streamside walk, with plenty of flowing water and beautiful shaded oak forest. From the old mine site at Rattlesnake Spring, the trail is a steep and brutal climb that ended up breaking us all. Except for cheating and driving up to the reef, there is simply no trail that gets to the top of this range that isn't an aggressive climb. Carrying an overnight pack makes it tougher.
Just before the crest, I got buzzed by a twinspotted. It's the 2nd one I've seen, and I do really like them ... they're so small! After a couple miles of traversing along the crest we finally found a spot and set up camp and took an extended break. The planned trip over to Miller was replaced with some much-earned do-absolutely-nothing time! But after a storm cleared the area we found some energy and headed over to Carr under beautiful late afternoon light ... where I encountered another twinspotted on the trail! 
We settled in front of a warm fire on a pleasant evening that didn't drop below 50. After a lazy and slow morning we began to pack up camp. Again we decided against a trip out to Miller and instead began the 8 mile descent back down the hill. After discussion we opted to skip making a lasso loop with the Eureka trail in favor of the pleasant creekside hike in Sunnyside.
On the way down, we encountered Belinda and crew on their way up and chatted for a bit. As we crossed the wilderness boundary we encountered a gaggle of AZT hikers who had passed by camp the night before. They were in better spirits today but may have been a bit jealous our hike was ending at the 117 trailhead and not the 5 extra miles to Parker. Besides a couple of trail runners Sunday morning, they were the only other hikers we saw.
On the drive home we stopped in Sonoita for a bit to enjoy the Santa Cruz county fair with a quick spin on the ferris wheel. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Dozens of varieties, as summer rains always provide here. |
|
| _____________________
| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
