| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 6.02 Miles |
1,390 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.02 Miles | 4 Hrs 28 Mns | | 1.78 mph |
| 1,390 ft AEG | 1 Hour 5 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | This was part one of a Gila Bend Mountains doubleheader we had planned today. We met at 5:30AM and navigated a few road closures on the way in, then started a little after 7AM from the road ~3 miles west of Signal Mountain, which sounded like the tougher of the two hikes. The early approach was easy hiking across open desert and a few shallow washes, then following some small hilltops and ridges on the way to the more exciting part.
We stayed on the south side of the big yellow rock fin and had to skirt around a few obstacles on the way up. That stretch is very steep, with plenty of cholla and loose gravel on the slope, so plenty of slow, careful steps. [ youtube video ] The footing improved a little as we continued along the east side of the summit block, then we tackled the final scramble up the south side. There were a few tough spots, and we were both very happy when the ridge leveled off before it got any sketchier.
The summit register had a few HAZ names and a surprising number of out of state entries...not sure how this relatively obscure peak became a tourist destination. In general, there were more entries than I would've expected...someone was there the day after DixieFlyer's 12/25 hike. We had great views of the Eagletails, Woolsey, Saddle Mountain, and more. Not too hazy, though there was a column of dark smoke to the north that had started to spread--maybe something burning on I-10. Linda managed to spot a fairly vocal bighorn down below on the west side of the peak...I've never heard one make so much noise.
We took our time on the descent, with more careful steps (and butt-scooting) down off the summit and then the steep, loose rock. It felt great to finally have flatter and more stable ground underfoot, and we finished off the easy part and were back at the Jeep a little before noon. Fun start to the day--with the loose ground and final scramble up to the peak, this one felt more challenging than the 6 miles/1,400' AEG would suggest. Then on to our second stop, Woolsey. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 