|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 21.36 Miles |
2,871 AEG |
| | Hiking | 21.36 Miles | 8 Hrs 9 Mns | | 2.81 mph |
| 2,871 ft AEG | 33 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | Enjoyed Bear Canyon last weekend. Decided to hike Bear Canyon this weekend. Dr. Speedyfeet reported nice conditions with plentiful water and colorful flowers a week ago and while it wasn't totally dry and dead, a week definitely makes a difference. The only water was in the main stem of Bear plus West Fork along with the lower stretch of East Fork. Spring weeds were sporadic, many looking like they had fried during the heat last week.
I hadn't done the loop since a Thimble trip ten years ago. While contemplating the option, I saw that 9L hadn't done it since 2014. At the time, @tough_boots made him do it, and there was some poking fun of the number of trails linked. I'm glad I was able to carry on that tradition today.
I've never been to Hutch's Pool so we made the quick out-n-back to check it out. It's a sweet spot, though I can imagine that solitude here is rare. Furthering my lifelong goal, covered some new ground on another segment of the AZT that I strive to never complete. Though this one might actually be worth it.
Parking lot was only half a dozen spots short of full at 8:30 as expected for a nice day in March. I haven't been here since the new creepy crawler started ops, and while there is apparently a half price option for downhill hikers, it doesn't seem to have the freeflowing get on-get off whenever you want thing that the old coal-fired tram had. Though we had no intention of hitching a ride today, it was noticeable that every seat was full, and nobody had any intention of moving. Ever.
Nice day mostly in the 60s with some sporadic cloud cover and an occasional fresh breeze. It got a little bit warmer on the downhill and eventually felt like summer at the bottom with sun temps well into the 90s. Avoided the bottom road with some new tracks along the creek and dam. Much better options than pavement.
I don't often peel off so many miles on a day hike, but I also don't often hike on pristine trails like these, which is weird because it was sorta enjoyable to have a nice groomed track for a change! Perhaps I should do that more lol. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Light
Tons of fairyduster looking like it died this week. Small pockets of poppies higher up. Lots of Dichelostemma capitatum, and a spattering of other common seasonal weeds. |
|
  |
Bear Canyon |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | Dry feet crossings were not a problem. |
|
Sabino Canyon |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | All the road crossings were dry (and not even close to overrunning) but still a chilly fresh flow through the entire canyon. |
|
Sabino Lake |
76-100% full |
76-100% full |
| | | Warmer down here. Swimmable for Karls and kids under 20. |
|
Seven Falls - Catalina |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | Not the best I've seen. For early March, it's tough to imagine it being less than this. | | _____________________
| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
