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| Hiking | 4.40 Miles |
1,200 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.40 Miles | 4 Hrs 7 Mns | | 1.26 mph |
| 1,200 ft AEG | 37 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | It's been a while since I have hiked up the cliffs near Black Cross Butte and I decided to head out to some
"recon" along the cliff edges overlooking Canyon Lake.
I arrived at the usual parking spot on FS80 only to discover a big pile of dirt where I used to park. I accidentally drove up (repeatedly) on the pile until there was magically a place to park. I wonder what pencil pusher with the forest service or SRP has decided to discourage parking at this spot. Oh well, they will have to do better than a pile of dirt.
The weather was perfect as I hiked up the ridge. No clouds, so the sunrise was nothing special, but it's still always a treat to see the sun rise over the desert.
The trail is about the same as I remember. Mostly defined and a little rough in a couple spots. The views along this cliffside are really nice. This area of the desert is truly beautiful. I made it up to the saddle where the trail meets the junction of the BCB trail. I was very ambitious at the start, thinking I would go all the way to the Peak 3042 and maybe even BCB on the way back, but I decided to go see the cave and then see if I could hike around the butte.
The cave is not much of a cave, but it provides nice photo ops. I noticed a trail skirting the butte and started following it. It took me around the butte with great views all along the way. I made it to back side and I am guessing this is how you can access the summit of the butte as it looked like an easy climb up from there. I was looking at the other direction, towards the lake.
I made my way to the edge and was very happy I did. I have seen this view from the top of BCB, but it was really nice looking down on the lake. There's a nice horseshoe type bend with Four Peaks in the background. Terrible light with full sun and the shadows of the surrounding peaks, but still amazing. I will be back to that spot with better light/shadow conditions for sure.
I made my way down a little further and decided to head back up to the saddle.
I didn't break any speed records, but I stopped alot of check things out. Took alot of pictures. I made it back down to the trail and headed to the truck.
I did not see another soul all day. It was nice. Once I hit the Apache Trail it was another story. Lots of motorcycles zooming around, speedy cars, and the usual touristas. Canyon Lake was busy and it took a little waiting at both single lane bridges. Most of the traffic was heading up to the lake. Not much going back to AJ.
A nice day is a great area. I will be back for more. The views up on this saddle/ridge are spectacular. |
| _____________________
"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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