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| Hiking | 5.00 Miles |
1,600 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.00 Miles | | | |
| 1,600 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Headed up to Roger's Trough to hike up West Pinto trail. I've hiked the section of West Pinto up to Iron Mountain Saddle last year but today I was looking to add to that. Quick quarter mile hike on Reavis Ranch Trail then made the turn up West Pinto. Stopped by the old corral and water trough and continued the climb up. catclaw forest to start but once I got to Roger's Spring it went away. Trail was overgrown a bit through the spring area and up to the saddle but not horrible, but that was about to change. Took a quick break after the climb up the saddle and continued on. On the backside of Iron Mountain the trail was heavily eroded away and was intentionally trying to throw me down the steep cliffside. A little before Iron Mountain Spring I completely lost the trail and started to bushwhack down. It was pretty steep and the soil was loose due to all the rain, which caused me to take a couple minor falls. Finally made it down to Iron Mountain Spring, which is a beautiful riparian area with tons of water flowing, untouched by fire. Hung out there for a bit and continued on. From the spring the trail begins a 300 foot climb up to another saddle, which normally would be a piece of cake, however, this was the most overgrown section I've ever come across in the Superstitions. Holly-check, Manzanita-check, Scrub Oak-check, all overgrown on the trail-check. I consider myself an above average router finder but I lost the trail multiple times through this section. Made it up to the top of the ridge and called it a day, as it was a ton of work just to get to this point. On the way back down from the saddle took a pretty good spill on some loose rocks. Laid there for a minute or two to collect myself, thinking that crap REALLY hurt!  Got out some antibacterial wipes to clean up the cuts and continued back to the trailhead. I would not even recommend this section of trail to my worst enemy, it is that bad! Without some serious trail maintenance, stick a fork in West Pinto it is done! Did see my first pack of Javelina up near Roger's Trough and a Bobcat, however it was deceased. Is always good to hit up my favorite wilderness but today was a battle. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.  |
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