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| GC - Horseshoe Mesa Loop, AZ | | -
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| | GC - Horseshoe Mesa Loop, AZ | | | |
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GC - Horseshoe Mesa Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 13.22 Miles |
4,324 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.22 Miles | 11 Hrs | | 2.20 mph |
| 4,324 ft AEG | 5 Hrs Break | | | |
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none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Wanted to knock some dust off the boots and venture into the Canyon... in July... with minimal heat acclamation this season. Plan was for two hikes, an easy one on Saturday and the hard one on Sunday, and then spent a ton of time strategizing for the hard one. This was the easy one and, yeah, wished I would have thought more about this one before heading down.
Grandview
There were a few people at the trailhead at 7am, some of whom had already wrapping up their morning hikes, and after a few hundred yards the trail was all mine. Views were great and temps were a bit warm/humid but not concerning. Made slow time down the steep switchbacks, knees haven't enjoyed the time away from trail. A few pause-and-look-around sections along the red wall traverse, though that slide from a few years ago was much cleaner now.
Page Spring
Full sun on this one, and it felt like summer. Trail was fine, maybe a bit steeper/looser than desired in sections, and the tunnels & spring were interesting distractions. Last mile really dragged, as I was realizing just how hot the Tonto was going to be and how tired my legs were getting from all the downhill.
Tonto
Really zoned out here. There was an intermittent cool breeze, and the views were great, but I was already falling behind schedule and the heat was hitting hard. Original (overly optimistic) plan was to be back at the top by noon lol. Made it around to the first ascent back to Horseshoe and, since this was the new section of trail I wanted to hike, started up. Really, really should have been more humble and continued onto Cottonwood.
Horseshoe Mesa
The climb back up to Horseshoe was a solid reality check, with the overhead sun glaring disdainfully down on my sweaty trudge. I struggled to keep my breathing under control, stopping every 20' or so. Some clouds showed up about halfway up and saved my bacon from frying out there. Stumbled over the top and headed quickly for the caves -- realized that this was no longer an easy outing and I needed to get out of the sun fast. Reached an alcove next to 'Domes, spread my map to create a groundsheet, and rested for the next three hours, occasionally slipping into mini naps.
Grandview
With 2 of my original 5 liters remaining, I tried to time my return trip up with the weather. The clouds had gathered to create some great shade, yet the temps were still high and all the rain was far to the west. Slipped out and made quick work of (most) of the redwall, then got caught in the sun just as things start to steepen. Took frequent breaks, stretching out along the trail bed to steal the shade, and, just as I hoped, the temps finally dropped at the first switchback. Made quick work of the final 1.5 miles, finally bumping into other hikers above the Coconino Saddle.
Had really thought this lasso was 10 miles and 3000', but even if it had been, starting at 5am would have been much safer. As it was, this is one of the closest times I've been to heat illness, and a solid reminder that bull-headedness doesn't cover for lack of acclimatization. |
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