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| Rincon Valley - AZT #8 Arizona, AZ | | -
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| | Rincon Valley - AZT #8 Arizona, AZ | | | |
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Rincon Valley - AZT #8 Arizona, AZ
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| Hiking | 17.36 Miles |
1,239 AEG |
| | Hiking | 17.36 Miles | 6 Hrs 51 Mns | | 2.99 mph |
| 1,239 ft AEG | 1 Hour 3 Mns Break | | | |
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| Partners |
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[ show ]
| partners | | Chris resumed his quest for the Holy Grail, oops, I mean completing the AZT and invited me to finish off the Rincon Valley section that he and Wally started the week before.
We left Gilbert about 5am and made it to the Loma Alta Trailhead just inside Saguaro NP East. Chris worked up an out and back route that connected to AZT #8 right were AZT #9h begins via Hope Camp Trail. From there, we hiked down the point on AZT #8 that he and Wally ended their southern hike last week.
We arrived just before sunrise to a mostly empty trailhead and started off. The weather was pleasant and the skies mostly cloudy. This part of the trail had a little up and down and is close to Mica Mountain ridgeline. Lots of large saguaros and wide, but empty washes.
After the little roller coaster hiking on Hope Camp and meeting up with AZT #8, the trail settled into gentle rolling hills with little elevation changes. The further from the moutain, the less saguaros and more shrubs and prickly-pear, with the occasional barrel cacti and yucca. The trail is very well maintained.
We made it to the 8.6 mile mark where Chris and Wally turned around the week before and had a little lunch before heading back.
This part of the AZT seems to be a mountain bike haven. We encountered many groups and some solo riders between the turn around and the Quilter Trail junction. After that, it was more casual hikers coming from the Loma Vista TH.
This part of the trail is not the most scenic, but the Rincon's provide a constant horizon. The weather really cooperated. Mr Sun stayed behind the cloudy skies for most of the hike. That kept the heat level down to a minimum.
I tried to keep up with Wally the Roadrunner, but as usual, he left me in the dust. I wanted to keep a steady pace and think I did fairly well in that department. The trailhead was over-flowing when we got back. Hikers mostly and a group of kids with ebikes. They did stay out very long.
Thanks for the invite Chris. It's always nice hiking with you and Wally. |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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