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| Hiking | 10.06 Miles |
2,016 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.06 Miles | 3 Hrs 20 Mns | | 3.02 mph |
| 2,016 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Belated post. Last day in Flagstaff allowed for one last early morning hike. Love summer for that reason. At the TH a little after 5.00 with the pre-morning light already illuminating the road. I didn’t need too much light, because the trail was a road all the way to the top. You start off flat or even losing some elevation before the trail starts to climb. Pretty gradual for the first 3.6 miles, but at that time you reach a saddle and pass through an open road gate and the road starts ramp up the incline. Views were nice as I was climbing, but I wished I had started earlier so I could catch the “morning blush” of the San Francisco Peaks. Nearing the top, there is a metal track to help vehicles gain traction on the last ascent. Very disappointed in the views. The view to Sunset Crater was ok, but not overly revealing. I had really enjoyed my drive from Sunset to Wupatki the previous day and was looking forward to the southern view from the top of O’Leary. However, the previous day there had been a controlled burn around Mormon Lake and the smoke from the fire had created a haze that blanketed the southern desert. Really unfortunate, because I’m sure that view could be fantastic. There was a vehicle and a (I assume) a Ranger at the lookout, but they are on “duty for visitors” from 8-5pm so I didn’t get chance to climb the tower.
Views weren’t as spectacular as I had hoped, but it was a good hike for wildlife. Saw 6 deer and 3 coyotes  Encountered 1 trail runner as I headed down  and three hikers just as I got back to my vehicle. |
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Route Editor
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