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| Hiking | 7.93 Miles |
1,427 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.93 Miles | | | |
| 1,427 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Took a mental health day from work today and headed out to the western Superstitions for a nice break. Started off at the Peralta TH and headed up the Bluff Spring Trail. Cardiac Hill kicks my pumpkin every time as you get zero chance to get warmed up before you start climbing. Headed down into Barks Canyon, up and over past the Terrapin junction and down into Bluff Spring. Just before the hike down into Barks Canyon the fire damage starts. I would say it's roughly a 50% mortality rate for the saguaro in Barks Canyon, but the grass, holly and catclaw are plentiful. The hike up just before the Terrapin Junction is now even more steep and slippery as the trail has eroded in some parts. Once you get next to Bluff Spring Mountain the holly and catclaw get even worse. Most is right off the trail but it will jump out and grab you multiple times, trust me I have proof. The saddest part of the day came once I got to the Bluff Spring Area. 90% mortality rate for everything there. I camped at a fantastic spot in this area back in March of 2020 under a huge shaded canopy of Sugar Sumac trees, which are nearly all gone except for a couple that are half way burnt. It was really a sad sight to see. Spent a few minutes looking for the trail to Bluff Spring but was I unable to find it so I'm not sure what the status is of the spring. Hung out at the campsite for a bit before making my way back to Peralta. A bit warm on the way out, slowed me down a little but eventually made it back. The western half always remind me how rocky they are everytime I hike them.  |
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Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.  |
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