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| Hiking | 2.92 Miles |
1,141 AEG |
| | Hiking | 2.92 Miles | 3 Hrs 13 Mns | | 1.08 mph |
| 1,141 ft AEG | 31 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | 3-15-25
Thumb Butte
Getting there:
Exit 12 and head west on 39
When you get to the intersection at mile post 10 head Left. (pic)
1.8 miles later you will come to a very sharp turn. Park under the tree on the South side of the road .( pic)
This trip we took the wash up to the saddle. .4 miles to saddle from Road.
From the saddle follow the ridges to the West and make your way to the butte. There is no path but if you keep the butte in your field of vision the way is pretty obvious. I like to use the bare rock to get up the steep hills. The rock grips well and though steep is easily negotiated.
We checked out some of the small windows near the base of the Butte to the East. The view would have been amazing except for the clouds which were right at eye level. Head toward what looks like a rock chute or wall and go up!. There are many hand holds and the rock is solid.
Once you are up the 40-50 foot wall head Northwest along the base and you and the split will come into view. The opening to the cave is below the split and guarded by a spikey plant. I climbed a few feet above it to avoid getting stuck. The passage through the butte is narrow. Barely enough room for me to fit through. It’s not a difficult crawl but it is awkward. There are a few flat places to rest and exploring this small area is a must.
In the recess near the opening there is no wind and in the warmer months is provides shade and a nap.
Views: Castle Rock-Pena Blanca Lake – Muffin Mtn Caves- Mohave Ridge-Atascosa Peak-Ramanote Peak
Features: No trail – Lots of rock scrambling – two sections of class 3 clmbing-Sweeping views.
Times:
7:33 – left the truck 39 degrees and light rain
7:48 – Left the wash by the trees – Rain/slow/Sleet. Ouch
8:01 – Crossed the Barbed wire fence and rested under the tree
8:06 – saddle facing Thumb Butte – clouds were too thick to see it
8:17 – passed single section of fence.
8:56 – in open area to East of butte. Windows are here to East
9:01 – reached STEEP rock wall
9:05 – reached cave opening
9:30 – headed back
10:09 – Single section of fence.
10:22 – left Saddle
10:26 – Barbed Wire Fence
10:45 – Back at truck – (pic)
Distance 1.5 miles to Butte = 3 miles round trip
Elevation gain = 1250 feet
Even with the rough weather this was a good one! |
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