| | -
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
-
-
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 10.00 Miles |
1,500 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.00 Miles | | | |
| 1,500 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | I was privileged to be invited on a Goldfields summit trip by a tough group of fast hikers. We arrived just before dawn to witness an amazing sunrise over Bulldog Canyon at Wolverine Gate. The usual ATV off-road gang had not arrived yet, so we began a dust-free morning with temperatures around 50 degrees. Our first target was the summit of Weeks Benchmark, locally known as Top Hat Hill. The nickname is fitting as it indeed resembles a top hat when approached. We expected some sort of lollipop or barbell loop back.
I had not been to either summit before. We took more-or-less the official Top Hat route, a clockwise loop from the west. There is a 1958 USCGS summit benchmark there, without an elevation mark, but it seems to be around 2520 feet. Some of us signed the summit register, grabbed some photos, and then quickly headed off in a northerly direction. Afterward, we took a short trip to “Palo Verde Arch,” which is also known as “Pedestal Arch” or “Picture Arch”—we weren't sure of the exact name. It's a beautiful arch with a small window at the bottom. Looks great from both sides. We made our way down the northern slope towards our next target, an obscure peak at 2531 feet.
The Goldfields have many similar peaks, making it a challenge to log them all, but it would be a big accomplishment to bag them all. Most of the terrain was grassy, not too overgrown, mostly stable, moderately sloped, and composed of volcanic tuff. No injuries or falls for the day, which was awesome. I did get a little turned around, so I need to spend more time there. Summit 2531 is less prominent than Top Hat but has a similar elevation. We had a snack, took more photos, and enjoyed some social time before the road walk back.
We crossed paths with one hiker and a slew of OHV enthusiasts. We made quick time over the well-maintained roads. It was somewhat dusty on the way back due to the vehicles, as expected. We went over the mountain on the way up and around it on the return. We walked up to the lot around noon, 10 miles later and slight 1500 ft. gains. The lot was packed, and trucks lined the road out. There was even a FS truck monitoring the entrance. It was another good day with a tight group and cool people. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
