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| Peak 6652 - Whetstones, AZ | |
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| | Peak 6652 - Whetstones, AZ | | | |
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Peak 6652 - Whetstones, AZ
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| Hiking | 7.62 Miles |
1,966 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.62 Miles | 5 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.39 mph |
| 1,966 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Note: According to the registry, this peak is also known as Mercury peak.
I've had this peak on my radar for quite some time, along with the Cape. The road is pretty rough immediately off AZ-90. I drove about 1.3 miles and parked near the Forest Service Boundary. I could have driven further but since I was only averaging about 5 MPH, I decided I could hike nearly as fast!
Within the first mile or so, I saw some cattle hanging out near the road and drinking from a trough. Some of them ran away from me. After walking the road for 1.3 miles, there was a junction. It doesn't matter which way you go here because the roads meet up again after another 0.2 miles. I kept walking and saw a few campsites near the end of the road, after walking a total of 1.65 miles. There was a steep section of road here that I wasn't sure I could get my 4x4 truck up if I was here. Maybe I will try it one day, but even if you drive up the ramp, the road only continues for 0.15 miles (total of 1.8 miles from the gate), there's another campsite at the end and that's as far as you can drive.
I walked a total of 1.77 miles and turned right when I saw a cattle trail leading up and out of the canyon. This is where I started my ascent of Peak 6652. I followed various cattle trails, hiking a total of 2.05 miles to get to the middle of the ridgeline. Once on the ridgeline I was able to stay in the center of it and head up to the first numbered peak (6235). Along the way, there were larger rocks and a few huge rock slabs. Most of the rocks were solid and embedded into the ground. In a few areas, I needed to zig-zag around trees, ocotillo, agave, and a few rough rocky areas. It was quite windy in this area and it was time for lunch. I took a lunch break here and admired the views. From this point I could see the East facing cliffs and the summit which was only about 2/3 of a mile away.
I continued following the ridgeline up to the summit. At the high point there were several trees (pine, oak, and some cactus). I found 3 jars at the high point buried in a rock pile. I decided to consolidate the registry into 2 jars instead of 3. I'll use the 3rd jar on another peak. I walked to the Northwest side of Peak 6652 where there was a clearing and I had a better view of The Cape. I got a few photos of the Cape, the summit, etc. I signed the registry and took photos of the other entries. Then, started to head down using a similar route that I walked on the way up. Near the bottom, I decided to continue straight down into French Joe canyon just to explore it a bit. Near the very bottom I found a barbed wire fence that crossed into the canyon, but in the canyon there were a few breaks in the fence which made it easy to walk around. I walked about 600 feet North in French Joe canyon, exited the canyon to get some better views of The Cape, and looked West toward French Joe peak. French Joe peak was far in the background and I could not tell which high point it was. But, from where I was, I believe it was 1.7 miles away as the crow flies. Someday I will hike to The Cape and French Joe peak, probably not on the same day, since it could be quite a long and difficult hike.
French Joe canyon was pretty wide open and easy to walk through, at least for the section that I was at. I found a wilderness camera in one area of the canyon. I didn't see any water in the canyon since it has been so dry lately with very little rain fall.
Stats:
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Distance (round trip): 7.62 miles
AEG: 1,966 feet
Strava moving time: 4 hrs 22 mins
Strava elapsed time: 6 hrs 32 mins
Directions:
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Take I-10 East of Tucson toward Benson.
When close to Benson, take exit 302 for AZ-90 E toward Ft Huachuca/Sierra Vista.
Continue on AZ-90 for 10.3 miles.
Turn right on French Joe Rd.
(Need high clearance from this point, 4x4 would be better)
Continue West for 0.8 miles.
Turn left at the unmarked junction.
Continue Southwest for another 0.5 miles.
You will see a gate marking the start of Forest Service Land.
You can either park here or continue through the gate and drive another 1.65 miles and park at a camp site.
The road is quite rough and even though I had my HC 4x4, I decided to park at the gate. |
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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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