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| Peak 5512 - Catalinas, AZ | |
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| | Peak 5512 - Catalinas, AZ | | | |
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Peak 5512 - Catalinas, AZ
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1 AEG |
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| 1 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I did this peak as a loop in conjunction with Peak 5471. See my other triplog for all stats.
Note: I did this hike in conjunction with Peak 5471. Please see my trip report there for the combined stats.
This hike is about 2.3 miles each way, or 4.6 miles round trip, starting from the free parking area on Gordon Hirayabashi campground.
The AZT is very well maintained from the campground to Shreve saddle. Shreve saddle is the place where you will see a gate and a concrete slab to sit down on. It's a good place to take a water break or rest.
Take the faint trail heading North up the steep slope. The first 600 feet are pretty steep and the first "hill" feels like it's own little summit. Keep following a use trail up the ridgeline. There are a few areas where the trail goes around rock formations. When in doubt, stay in the middle of the ridgeline. This hike does not involve any rough bushwhacking or heavy scrambling. The use trails seem to go 95% of the way to the high point. Near the end, I needed to drop down to the left side of the high point because it was easier going that way as compared to through/over the rocky areas.
At the high point, I saw 2 quartz-like rocks. At first I didn't see a registry but after looking for carefully I found it. The registry is not where I expected it to be, but rather slightly hidden in a crack on the South side of a rock formation. I placed a few small rocks forming an arrow which points to this location. The most obvious location would be in the upper area, but I believe the registry was put down below to prevent/minimize sun damage, which is a big problem in Southern AZ.
There's a decent sized flat area at the summit. Looking North & East I could see the highway down below. Looking North, I could see Mt Bigelow and Mt Lemmon in the distance.
This was a very pleasant hike without much difficulty. A beginner hiker looking for something off the beaten path may enjoy this hike.
Directions:
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From Tucson, take Grant Rd. East to Tanque Verde.
Turn left on Tanque Verde.
Continue for 3.2 miles and turn left on Catalina Highway.
Continue for 11.9 miles on Catalina Highway.
Look for signs for Gordon Hirayabashi Campground.
Turn left from Catalina Highway.
Note: There is free parking for roughly the first 300 feet.
After that, it's a paid area.
Campsites are normally $20; half price for seniors and military vets.
The camping area here closes on May 1st, because of the excessive heat and high temps. |
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Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
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