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| Rucker Cyn to Sage Peak, AZ | | -
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| | Rucker Cyn to Sage Peak, AZ | | | |
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Rucker Cyn to Sage Peak, AZ
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| Hiking | 10.80 Miles |
1,650 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.80 Miles | | | |
| 1,650 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I haven't been to the Chiricahuas much of late and decided the stormy weekend forecast perfect to get a hike in. I drove in on Sat evening to car camp near Rucker Canyon, and hiked up it to Sage Peak the next day. I have an aversion to campgrounds so camped near a corral just past the turnoff to Rucker. I ended up walking around that evening and the "back" way into old Camp Rucker. Some nice old buildings made with adobe, in a grassy setting. The little trails between the building remains were quite overgrown, lending that "lost" and abandoned feel to the place.
It rained a little and was quite windy most of the night. The next morning I slept in and started my hike a little later than usual. No other cars or people at the canyon campsites; think the weather drove them off. I enjoyed the light play of clouds and sun and the trek along the little stream in colorful rock. When the trail climbed out of the canyon, soon the great views of the glowing rock walls festooned with bright green lichens opened up. The trail was good for the most part, with the usual tree fall here and there and some erosion. Past the overhang I made the turn to Sage Peak via the Red Rock canyon trail. I missed the trail, got on a ridge, found the trail as I cut back down, then followed it overlooking Rucker Canyon. As with a lot of trails off the Crest, it was in very poor shape to follow in spots. I crawled under and over some big tree fall.
Nice views and a little cold in the wind. Sage Peak is an easy walkup right off the trail, but the views from there are not easy as it is crowded with pines. I got on top of one rock and had a bit of a view.
Now the clouds lowered and were darker, and the winds high so I reversed my trip. I ate lunch under the overhang, then on back down the trail. Why is it seemingly so much shorter on the return?? A couple of cars were at the camp area when I returned. The drive back to Tucson was quite nice, as the sun slowly lowered. Next for this area-- climb up to the Raspberry Ridge and fire lookout. Maybe the loop. Pics are still in my camera, so will get to them when I can. |
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