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| Hiking | 9.11 Miles |
944 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.11 Miles | 4 Hrs 22 Mns | | 2.12 mph |
| 944 ft AEG | 4 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Chris invited me to hit the Goldfields for some sort of hike and I always love hiking in there. We had big plans to make a sweeping loop and hit some of the more secluded arches, but we ended up opting to forgo the bushwhacking and elevation required for that and instead made a nice loop back along Willow Springs Canyon. Big hikes out in this area are best in cooler months.
The weather was perfect when we set off along the Willow Spring Crossover Trail, heading towards Rough N Ready Canyon. The views from the first saddle are impressive. The Goldfields are a hidden gem. The tuff, basalt and rhyolite formations show some serious geology going down here in the past.
By the time we hit the Crystal Arroyo area, we had decided to make a less challenging loop. I always love to hike into Rough N Ready Canyon. The geology is really incredible - hidden caves, arches, massive rocks and cool canyon walls. We kinda sorta started up towards Black Glass Canyon, but Chris was not in the mood for the description I provided for the hike into that equally amazing canyon.
We turned back and started down Willow Springs Canyon. We did a slight cut towards Bagley Tank and ended up taking FS12 back down towards the wash. Rather than stay on the road, we continued on Willow Springs towards the actual (dry) Willow Springs. That little slot canyon has some cool spots as well. A little climbing was required to bypass the larger pour over.
We made it back to FS12 and to the trailhead. The heat was getting up by the time we finished. I think if we had made our original loop, it would have been a hot hike back after some brutal bushwhacking and elevation gains. Winter time for that one.
Another awesome day in the Goldfields. |
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"Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee." –Demetri Martin
instagram: @andydilling |
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