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| Hiking | 17.73 Miles |
2,620 AEG |
| | Hiking | 17.73 Miles | 7 Hrs 49 Mns | | 2.61 mph |
| 2,620 ft AEG | 1 Hour 1 Min Break | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | It had been eight years since I’d been up on Black Top Mesa, so it was definitely time for a return trip. We had a couple of loop options in mind and decided on the Marsh Valley loop after descending from the Mesa. The temperatures were pleasant throughout the day, with filtered clouds fending off the sun's stronger rays for the majority of our hike.
Dutchman Trail #104
This section of the Dutchman has never been a favorite of mine, but with all the greenery and flowers, it was actually quite nice. Passing East Boulder Canyon, you get some great views of Weaver’s Needle.
Bull Pass Trail #129
This climb really gets the heart beating! It’s short and feels like more than a 300-foot climb, but you get a bit of a break once you reach the Bull Pass Saddle.
Black Top Mesa
It’s another 600-foot gain to the top at the south end of Black Top Mesa. We checked out the petroglyphs and other assorted carvings. The views from this spot are easily some of the best in the Supes. After taking a break and enjoying the breeze, we headed down. The path across the mesa is much more defined now than it was on my last trip.
Cavalry Trail #239
We started seeing water along the Cavalry Trail, along with more evidence of previous fires. You need to pay attention along here, as the trail gets thin in spots.
Boulder Canyon Trail #103
More burn area along here, but the geology in the colored cliff bands is beautiful. We had lunch in one of the few shady spots available. As we continued, views of The Battleship’s stern came into sight.
Second Water Trail #236
This was our last "earnest" climb of the day. We also encountered our first fellow hikers here; most were backpackers on their way into the wilderness.
It was great to get back out to the Supes and hike with Kelly and Linda again. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Poppies, Blue Richards, Owl Clover, Brittlebush, Indian Paintbrush, Fairy Duster and stinkweed to name just a few. They were substantial in pockets. |
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Second Water Canyon |
Pools to trickle |
Pools to trickle |
| | | Did not check out the spring, but it's thick, green and moist in the canyon. | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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