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| Hiking | 14.57 Miles |
3,584 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.57 Miles | 7 Hrs 40 Mns | | 2.02 mph |
| 3,584 ft AEG | 28 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Kelly and I got started at 0800 just as the rain and low clouds were clearing out—perfect timing. Headed up Peralta, carefully picking our way over the wet rocks. Saw where one good sized boulder recently rolled onto the trail at about 1.75 miles. Lots of running water covering the trail on the north side of Fremont Saddle.
Headed east on Dutchman, enjoying the sights of the healthy saguaros on the slopes of Black Top Mesa. Again, more water.
Headed south up Terrapin. There were a couple of tricky creek crossings, and I took my shoes off for one to walk directly across since it seemed easier than trying to dodge catclaw. Steep climb in a few places, and some loose rock, but most of the vegetation has been recently cleared from the edges of the trail.
As we reached the turn for the Crosscut, dark clouds had suddenly formed. Rain seemed possible, but held off, although the clouds were dramatic. The Crosscut was fun, and generally easy to follow until the far western end. Just enough catclaw to where I was glad I wore pants rather than shorts.
Once heading back south on Peralta, we chatted with a few hikers who weren’t quite sure of where they were going. At Fremont Saddle, we headed over to Cave Trail. Wet rocks in several places added to the fun. Quick stop at the cave, then a careful descent through the steepest spots. After that, it was mostly smooth sailing down to Bluff Springs Trail, which we took back to the trailhead.
Great day, and great views for the entire hike. Thanks for putting this loop together, Kelly. |
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| Stop crying and just go do the hike. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
The crosscut trail was super easy to find and is well defined the entire length from terrapin to Peralta. Follow the cairns when descending to Peralta and also use 
. Started up my always favorite Cardiac Hill and made our way down to Barks Canyon. There were a couple of smaller pools there and that would be the only water we would see all day, everything else was dried up. I have never seen so much grass in Barks. The Foxtails and Buffel grass at times were chest high and without gaiters, were a real pain for my shoes and socks. We headed up Terrapin and made the turn up to the first saddle on the Crosscut. While a little rocky and steep this section of the trail was in great shape and easy to follow. Once in the canyon past the first saddle the trail became hit and miss with the grass hiding a good amount of it. Once at the top of the second saddle we took a break which gave me a chance to clean the foxtails out of my shoes and socks. Once past the second saddle, it was steep and slippery but carins directed us down to East Boulder Canyon. We came upon our first person of the day as we neared the Peralta Trail junction. A solo hiker looking for a way to get closer to Weavers Needle. We directed her to the carins marking the way up for the climbers and she continued on. Once we were in East Boulder Canyon the winds picked up which made for a nicer climb up to Freemont Saddle. The hike from the saddle was long and hot, it seemed to drag on for forever. Saw a couple of people up on the saddle and a couple others coming up but the crowd was much thinner with the hotter temps. Thanks Andy for the invite to this one.
