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| Hiking | 2.25 Miles |
1,211 AEG |
| | Hiking | 2.25 Miles | 3 Hrs 36 Mns | | 0.92 mph |
| 1,211 ft AEG | 1 Hour 10 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | 2-12-2022 Beyond Crystal Cliff
A couple of weeks ago I thought I saw a window way up on a ridge and today I chose to find it.
Never did but it was a most excellent hike.
120 foot drop into the canyon and then straight across to the other side and up…. UP.
A little over 800 feet and after that there was a lot of up and downs along the ridge.
Altogether I'm putting elevation gains at a little over 1200 feet
My plan was to beeline to the bluish rocks on top of the ridge. As I got closer it became obvious that my plan would not work. I took a risk and headed up what I hoped was a break in the cliffs that would lead to the top. Most of the time if there is greenery in a cliffy section then there is a way to the top. This rule held true today. The way through the cliffs was like a chute and narrowed and steepend toward the top. Lots of ledges and walls to go over.
There are lots of columns and small shelter caves along the way. Above the cliffs it was just a matter of finding a way East. Pretty easy going up there. If I had known how much elevation loss there was from where I went up to across the saddle to my goal I would have probably hiked down the canyon more and headed up that way.
The original plan was to follow the ridge all the way to the end at Bobby Tank and then head back up the canyon. It got hot so I decided to get off the ridge into the canyon for shade.
It was the best choice.
Easy going back on the canyon. Checked out what I thought were tailings. I’m still not sure.
The way back was easy till the hike out of the canyon. Dry grass up the saddle is slippery.
Stats:
9:02 left the truck and headed down into canyon. This time I crossed the creek and headed up the other side.
9: 24 found a fence headed my way. Passed two columns. One over 8 feet tall.
9:49 base of the cliffs - at pass
10:05 top of cliffs
10:43 blue rock and shade
11:01 looking for a short way down
11:14 half way down and 30 in rest in shade
11:44 in the canyon floor
11:57 found the troughs
12:38 at the truck 84 degrees
4 quarts of water and used 2
Might go back again to check out the canyon on the other side of the ridge. It ends at Bobby tank.
Glad to finally have time to hike on my own and push it a little.
I’m glad the way up through the cliffs worked out. It was a tough dangerous climb. Similar to the two ways up the Atascosa Lookout that are off trail. Those also follow breaks in the cliffs.
Not even one piece of trash anywhere today. Not even a mayo jar. |
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