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| Hiking | 10.72 Miles |
3,303 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.72 Miles | 5 Hrs 19 Mns | | 2.43 mph |
| 3,303 ft AEG | 54 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | We decided to get an early start to try and beat the heat at lower elevations. Early is relative, and we knew that this is an east-facing route so it wasn't surprising when the late-May sun began to take its toll, even in the morning.
The lower mile has been re-routed, eliminating the steeper direct route and replacing it with more moderate switchbacks. Once the route climbs around to the north side we found much more shade and as we climbed further, more tree cover.
As a trail, this is a fantastic route. The trail cut is masterful and while it hasn't been maintained recently, the overgrown stretches featured leaves and branches made of silk and pillows, a delightful change from most desert hikes.
The climb is steady and lasting. Far more switchbacks present themselves than the initial view at a GPS route might suggest. But eventually we topped out at the peak, enjoying the high point at the old lookout structure.
I also took a few minutes to head across to the benchmark, which featured far better views on the east side than the lookout point provided.
The way down got a bit warm and murderdog's black coat was not on his side so we took a few breaks in the shade to give him a chance to cool off. Eventually the relief of some poofy clouds provided some assistance.
Back down in the valley, I left my bluetooth speaker in a tree near the creek and connected it to a solar panel that also powered the old mp3 player I set to play the trogon call on a loop. The trail cam I set up on an adjacent tree should provide hours of entertainment when I collect the memory card later this year. |
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| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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