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| Hiking | 26.00 Miles |
5,700 AEG |
| | Hiking | 26.00 Miles | 14 Hrs 50 Mns | | 1.90 mph |
| 5,700 ft AEG | 1 Hour 8 Mns Break | 17 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This hike began a couple minutes after 5am at the Douglas Springs trailhead. Typically I’m alone on the trail until well after sunrise. But that day a trail runner passed me in the first mile. I set a pace and tried not to stop too often to take photos. I got a late start and knew the gains above Cowhead Saddle would really slow me down. There were some secluded pools below Bridal Wreath Falls but the pools right next to Douglas Springs Campground were all but dry.
As I reached Canyon del piño I saw two deep pools but otherwise the trip to Manning Camp was dry. I ran into a wonderful NPS worker pick-axing catclaw bushes out by the roots to help keep the trail clear. Blessings to her because my legs are permanently scarred from those pricks!
Continuing up to Manning Camp after mile 11 is always a magical experience. The Turkey Tom’s were strutting and gobbling and the deer were active and visible. Once I got to the campground I filtered a liter of water and turned back with a heavy heart… it’s always so hard to leave paradise.
The decent down was windy and chilly but was absolutely perfect for a massive day hike. I stopped again to chat with the NPS worker and accidentally ended up with an hour of stopped time but it was well worth it.
I made it back to the trailhead at 8pm with some amazing pictures of the sunset. I saw deer, rabbits, a snake, a gecko, a millipede, and tons of really cool spiders on this trip. |
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