DESTINATION Mount Thomas - Mount Baldy Wilderness 1 Photoset
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| Hiking | 15.00 Miles |
2,341 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.00 Miles | 5 Hrs 48 Mns | | 2.80 mph |
| 2,341 ft AEG | 26 Mns Break | | | |
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[ show ]
| no partners | | I was gonna do the full loop but ended up with the opportunity for a shuttle so figured why not?
We did the full group hike up to the overlook which was the plan. The girls turned back at that point and Ryan and I continued on up. The wind was ... insane. The overlook was the worst spot on the day. It was impossible to stay standing and even crouched in a crawl it was a serious struggle. The gauge on the 260 near Pole Knoll registered 55mph, and I don't doubt that it was +20 up on the overlook.
The wind made any thought of hitting Baldy a silly proposition, so we opted for the more tree-sheltered Tom, which turned out to be a great choice. We took the ridge up, rather than the perpendicular approach. Seems logical to opt for the lowest grade slope, even if it's a few extra steps in distance. No sign of a summit marker. No cairns, register, or other indication of the actual high point. Where are my geotrash friends!? 
Headed west off the summit back to the 95 at the saddle. It got a little dense, but no trouble threading a route through. Loud crashes of trees coming down and snapping snags kept our eyes peeled upward most of the day. Nothing too close though, so that was nice. Must've been the few minute detour to MtTom where we missed seeing Pam on the real trail.
Downhill on 94 was pleasant as always. I always forget how long those last 23 miles along the creek at the bottom are. We were both done before we were done. An hour later I remembered what an enjoyable hike this was.
Several dozen downed trees with little sign of recent clearing. Hopefully next spring they get out there with the saws. The overs get annoying after a while, but it's the unders that really hurt after a few crouches, scoots, and rolls. ](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall") |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
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| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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Route Editor
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