| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 8.18 Miles |
3,257 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.18 Miles | | | |
| 3,257 ft AEG | 8 Hrs 45 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | A few years ago, I hiked up Hieroglyphic Canyon to the ridgeline after a good amount of rain, and there were waterfalls around every turn. All the sights and sounds of the water were magnificent. With all the recent rain, I thought there would be a good chance to see that again. And yes indeed, the water is flowing nicely throughout the canyon.
I started at 8:20am, and even though it was a Monday, the parking lot was filling up. It was a nice 44 degrees with full sun and no wind.
The trail started getting muddy when approaching the pool and petroglyph area. Just a short distance after the pools, a section of the trail had enough flowing water that it became a small creek  . Strategically placed rocks helped keep my hiking boots dry. It was a short distance after this section that I met a very pleasant hiker who was taking a break on a boulder next to the trail. He was also heading up to peak 5057, and we ended up hiking together. He was very good company, and we traded many stories of various hikes in the Superstitions.
Getting up closer to the ridgeline, there was plenty of snow and ice in shaded areas. After reaching the ridgeline, Weavers Needle and the snow-covered Four Peaks could be seen to the northeast. We headed east on the ridgeline trail and took extra care in the few sloping areas where snow and ice could not be avoided.
We made our way up "the crack" - a tall, narrow gap that has given pause to a few hikers. I hiked the Superstition Ridgeline Trail many years ago, and this was the spot that I remembered as being the trickiest.
Next it was frequent blurts of "Wow!" while walking through the incredible, tall rock pillars just below the summit. This automatically happens no matter how many times you see these hoodoos 
Once we reached the summit, the views were spectacular. There was no wind and the temperature was perfect. About eight members of a hiking group were sitting on the summit boulders, having arrived just before us. They had hiked up from Carney.
This is a strenuous hike with incredible payoffs. The water, scenery and views are just amazing. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
