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| Hiking | 9.30 Miles |
1,800 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.30 Miles | 3 Hrs 39 Mns | | 2.55 mph |
| 1,800 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Today was my 14th counter-clockwise segment of the Maricopa Trail. It is 6 miles, 1700 AEG from Bajada Trailhead to Telegraph Pass. Because it was not quite yet the first full weekend of February, I started from the San Juan Rd. triangle, where a new trailhead is under construction in the intersection's southwest quadrant. Bajada Trail was moapa bladderpod central.
National Trail makes a small climb to a low saddle overlooking a canyon I explored many times while doing my Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway survey hikes, between 2015-2019 [ photoset ] . It was the only area I heard freeway noise. Occasionally a jet on approach to Sky Harbor would fly over and, later near Goat Hill, shooting at the Phoenix PD academy is audible. Otherwise, it was quiet.
The trail splits at the top of the low saddle: Gila Trail right, National Trail left (east).
I remember the 14th Maricopa Trail segment as being a series of steep 250 ft. climbs, with short level respites in between. But the route's elevation profile shows it as one long two mile climb. The steepest part is the first mile after the short saddle, 650 ft. in a mile. Even at midday, there was spot shade in the unnamed east-west canyon.
After the climb, National Trail generally follows the military crest of the Gila Range and Guadelupe Range. (Telegraph Pass separates the two ranges.) That is, National Trail does not go right over the tops of the ranges’ hills, but rather winds to the south or north of each rise, alternating views north across Phoenix with views south across Ahwatukee and Gila River Indian Reservation.
There’s at least six prospects / collapsed mines along National Trail, only one of which is penetrable, and then only for about 20 ft. Take care near the mines, as none have safety covers or fences. I skipped right by them as my mine exploring days [ photoset ] are over. 
The only hiker I saw before Telegraph Pass was on Lost Ranch Mine Trail. I saw no mountain bikes on National Trail: That would be a tough ride.
As I have on every other previous occasion, I walked right past the Goat Hill summit trail. (It’s a bit hidden behind a palo verde.) For such a small "peak", Goat Hill has great views -- despite the pollution over Phoenix. I could hear shooting at the Phoenix PD Academy. At least I hope it was the academy ...
I could have used my hiking poles on the climbs, but I was glad to be carrying a Camelbak in lieu of my full pack. Especially over the seemingly endless final two Maricopa Trail miles to Telegraph Pass. I’m still working my way back into post-illness shape. Plus, I was getting hotspots or blisters on my right foot.
I’ve now completed 133 out of ~240 miles of the Maricopa Trail.
Hike Video: https://vimeo.com/796021915 |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Large swathes of moapa bladderpod along Bajada Trail. Scattering of Mexican gold poppy, brittlebush, notch-leaved phacelia, and one each lonely Emory's rockdaisy and Coulter's loupine. |
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| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
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