| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 1.25 Miles |
712 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.25 Miles | 1 Hour 4 Mns | | 1.42 mph |
| 712 ft AEG | 11 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This has been one of those "Gavilan" type peaks that I have repeatedly looked at while driving by and finally decided to stop and just climb it.
I really didn't know anything about it, but it looks straightforward, and in the aftermath of the burn here obstacles seemed to be minimal.
I guess that didn't take into account flood damage to the road. Oh well. It wasn't too challenging in the taco, but another event that results in surface runoff, and all bets are off. It may or may not be passable, so keep that in mind if you head this way.
I kept driving until I reached the final hill to the saddle where Salt Peak Tank collects the rare gift from nature in these parts. JJ must've been driving the Mercedes when he did it because I drove 3/4 of a mile beyond where he parked.  From here I hoofed up what remains of the road and turned right at the tank and began the climb. The chest-high straw was dried out and crunchy, but provided a clear view to the ground, while the knee-high grass was thick and obscured whatever footing might be below.
I found no route of any kind, save for a few deer beds dotted along the hillside. I traversed easterly at a low slope to reach the ridgeline before cutting back and following it south up to the peak. There was more interesting geology than expected along with some really great views.
At the summit, I found the benchmark and two reference marks and a surprisingly well-represented summit register. One of the entries identified the peak as the high-point of the Salt River Mountains, which I then realized explained the high number of visitors here. Yay, internet list chasers! Thankfully, no geotrash here yet, so no pile of trinkets or other traces left behind. Just good views.
I was lucky to have some clouds from last night's storm lingering and providing some depth to the views along with cool temps and welcome shade. I made quick work of the return trip, though was unable to make any attempt at retracing my steps through the grass and the ankle rollers.
It's not worth the drive just to do this one, but it is definitely worth the effort if you're headed to the lake or the eastern stits. |
| _____________________
| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
