| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
| 2 labels |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
| 1 label |  |
|
1 |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 9.56 Miles |
3,087 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.56 Miles | 4 Hrs 36 Mns | | 2.32 mph |
| 3,087 ft AEG | 29 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | From the Department of Redundancy Department, I'm unsure why this one is titled Mount Ajo Peak? Is that like Mt. Wrightson Peak? Mt. Baldy Peak? 
Despite the summerlike temperatures, we set out to climb this summit within a few miles of the international border.
With minimal research ahead of time, it was a nice surprise to find Hugh Norris quality steps on the initial climb up Bull Pasture, and even more of a surprise to find such a well-defined route all the way to the summit. Except for the slippery stretch up the main drainage, the entire route is first class enjoyment. Especially the section that traverses the upper slopes and the final ridge to the summit.
At the top I was wandering around and checking views from various points when I noticed a coyote approaching from the north. He whistled at me and I waved back in spanish. The pistol he had holstered to his chest made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside as I hurried back to find 9L and practice some of my rudimentary spanish phrases.
Turned out that pistol was a pair of gloves and Neil was just Idaho's version of JJ3. He had ascended from Arch Canyon for the first time in 30 years, when he used to work in the monument. After a lengthy break and some chatting, we started back down, setting a blistering pace with our plus one clearly irritated by our still-leisurely approach to wilderness travel. 
It was warm all day, though occasional breezes really cut into the sweat. On the descent, high clouds filtered the sun and made it a bit more enjoyable. Given the marathon speed attained, we opted for the longer Estes Canyon loop to finish, with plenty of time before sunset to find a nice place to set up camp in the desert.
The geology and the flora here is quite remarkable, and I would absolutely put this on a list to do again. I'd expect that in a winter with some rain, clouds, and cooler temperatures, this area might really pop.
A perfect way to close the door on 24. |
| _____________________
| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
