| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
-
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 5.69 Miles |
2,064 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.69 Miles | 5 Hrs 3 Mns | | 1.30 mph |
| 2,064 ft AEG | 41 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | Getting into the park was almost as much of an adventure as the hike itself. Some middle aged whiny pumpkin manbaby was losing his mind behind me at the entrance. I was almost done filling out the self pay envelope when he pulled up and became unhinged at having to wait behind me for thirty seconds. Of course, I was a smart pumpkin back and he could not handle that. After some back and forth, he said “I hope you’re happy with yourself”, to which I replied “I’ll be really happy if I don’t have to see your stupid face on my hike.” He slammed his vehicle into reverse and drove into the park thru the exit and tried to cut me off as I was driving in. Little did he know, I have zero emotional attachment to my vehicles, and if he wants to drive a 4Runner into the side of an F-250, then be my guest. He stopped at the last second as I gave him a one finger wave while driving past. Behind me, he made a u-turn and sped back out of the park. I think his hike ended before it even started.
At the parking area, I met up with Matt and we got started. It was chilly for about 5 minutes. Then we left the main trail and began following a faint trail uphill. It was mostly easy to follow as it got steeper and steeper. Early morning shade was much appreciated. Saw three deer near 4223.
Poked around Buster Spring for a minute, then continued up to the saddle below Buster. The route became more faint, but the saddle remained in view and was easy to aim for. At the saddle, we took a break. Matt loaned me his gaiters, because some plant was sticking like glue to my pant legs. I was also extremely allergic to some plant in the area—constant sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat. Whatever it was, was brutal.
From the saddle, the route was easy to follow up to the summit. Great views. Going this direction, the descent was steeper than the ascent. Heavily cairned, so generally easy to stay on track. One downclimb, which wasn’t too bad. Several slippery areas of loose dirt or gravel. Tedious descent, but nothing terrible. Grippy shoes are a plus. It was nice to finally reach flat ground though.
Challenging little loop, but fun. Would have liked it several degrees cooler. Good to see Matt again, and I’ll have to hike with him again soon, because I accidentally brought his gaiters back to Ahwatukee with me. Oops. |
| _____________________
| Stop crying and just go do the hike. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
