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| Shovel Saddle via Rogers Rock, AZ | | -
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| | Shovel Saddle via Rogers Rock, AZ | | | |
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Shovel Saddle via Rogers Rock, AZ
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| Hiking | 6.88 Miles |
2,626 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.88 Miles | 5 Hrs 20 Mns | | 1.79 mph |
| 2,626 ft AEG | 1 Hour 29 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Hadn't been feeling well all week; finally got out but it was a late start. Headed to the Santa Ritas to see what things were like at Shovel Saddle. The drive out was super windy, but the winds were coming from ENE so I hoped Madera Canyon would be sheltered.
Sure enough there was little to no wind at the parking lot, which had patchy snow. Proceeded up Super to Pipeline. Not far up Pipeline the trail was covered in several inches of powder, and no tracks except mine and lots of wildlife. Pretty sure the tracks were deer, rabbits, possibly a fox or bobcat, and definitely a healthy mountain lion. Paw prints the size of my foot!
The entire way to Roger's Rock was a winter wonderland with lots of water in the creeks, crystal clear. Roger's Rock was festooned with icicles.
The ridge up to Four Springs was dicey and steep in the snow. It was very slow going.
By the time I made it onto Four Springs I was getting tired and the snow was at least 6" deep in places. The higher I got the deeper the snow was, and the wind was progressively more noticeable. I had a long debate about whether it was worth it to get to Shovel Saddle, which was likely very windy, but decided my reticence was a lack of calories talking. I put my emergency blanket down on the snow right on the trail, set up my chair and stove, donned my puffy, and cooked myself a hot lunch and warm tea. After rest and fortitude I felt much better, and made the saddle no problem.
Four Springs trail was clear of deadfall and very easy to follow. Shovel Saddle was very windy but surprisingly it didn't freeze me out. The snowdrifts were pretty deep. I took some pictures before heading back down to the car.
Progress downhill was much faster. I did slip on the off-trail ridge segment once, but didn't get even a scratch. I filtered some water in the creek above the intersection with Pipeline, and man was it good!
Another set of human tracks were on Pipeline on my return, headed down. Otherwise the only people I saw were at the parking lot, and a gentleman with his grandson on Super a hundred feet or so from the trailhead. It was a tough hike up (until I ate something) but well worth the effort. |
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Madera Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| | | Creek full of crystal clear water all the way. Yum! | | | |
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