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| Hell's Hip Pocket Ridge from Cottonwood Camp, AZ | |
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| | Hell's Hip Pocket Ridge from Cottonwood Camp, AZ | | | |
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Hell's Hip Pocket Ridge from Cottonwood Camp, AZ
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| Hiking | 20.09 Miles |
4,797 AEG |
| | Hiking | 20.09 Miles | 10 Hrs 38 Mns | | 2.09 mph |
| 4,797 ft AEG | 1 Hour 2 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | It was time to walk the talk and take Bruce to hell and back.
Drive to Cottonwood Camp
FR401 is still smoother than FR143 to FR401. While most can get to Cottonwood Camp if dry, beware of the final drop to the creek, it is steep. It is currently in good condition with only minor ruts to cross near the bottom. There is a makeshift pullout spot above the drop. However, it's not flat and a potential hazard in itself. Bruce had no trouble down to Cottonwood Camp in his AWD Subaru. It would be unwise in 2WD if not dry. I've seen deep washouts near the bottom, but not for twenty years. You are committed midway down without 4WD.
Lower Soldier Camp Trail #84
Cairns start just after 1 mile, getting out of the easy travel creekbed. There's a nasty bush right in the middle of the trail right as you start to ascend. The area is toast and washed out but well cairned almost to the top. Knee-high grass in areas.
Top of #84 - FR401 to Cane Spring TH
Per usual, this is one gnarly road. It has been obliterated near the Cane Spring Trail junction before Cane Spring TH.
Alder Creek Trail #82
It's far from enjoyable to follow but it's really not terrible. catclaw to our turnoff was not problematic with awareness. The upper stretch we utilized is not its glory but it was the only level trail we followed with mini hints of relaxation.
Hell's Hip Pocket Ridge
My fourth visit, the last was ten years ago. The furthest point on this hike is eleven miles east of Bush Hwy. Even if it was advertised on a billboard it wouldn't be crowded. Bruce found a horseshoe that I suspect is in my 2004 photoset. While I wouldn't attempt without GPS, it was cool to have a feel for the route in areas with zero preplanning or review. This area will probably burn a few more times in my life. No biggie, the only thing that sucks here is that you will never be able to explore all of the views.
Synopsis
We passed three inspirational adventures and two explorers that primarily post to corporate media. Actually, I've never crossed paths with anyone east of Cottonwood Creek & South of Cottonwood Camp. The wicked geology of this rarely visited southern wilderness is nice, the power of four looming overhead is unmatched. The approach is cursable for long stretches, pants are a must. Gaiters would reduce the painful foxtails. Gusting wind half the day was my toughest obstacle. Unfortunately, all that pain is over. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation None
just red and orange weeds, not what folks seek |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Parish's goldeneye, Brittlebush, New Mexico Thistle, buckwheat, and Bruce shocked me identifying Four O'Clock |
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Cane Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| |  The area smells terrible with cow activity but the water is crystal clear and running | | _____________________
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