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Lost Ranch Mine Trail - 27 members in 362 triplogs have rated this an average 3.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 19  Next
362 triplogs
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Sep 05 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost - Gila loop, AZ 
Lost - Gila loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.65 Miles 1,635 AEG
Hiking7.65 Miles   3 Hrs   20 Mns   2.34 mph
1,635 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
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One of my usual workout loops. Got started around 0715. Very muggy. Very little breeze. Headed up Lost Ranch Mine, which has occasional shade. Most of the time, I didn’t know if I was crying from the misery, or if it was just sweat pouring down my face. Muddy in a few places.

Went up to Goat Hill, but the summit was swarmed by thousands of flying ant looking bugs. Turned around immediately. Continued east on National, then down Gila/Pyramid. Crossed paths with JJ near the top of Pyramid. Had a few patches of shade from clouds on the descent, which was quite nice.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
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May 16 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Prospector Loop - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 16 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.70 Miles 1,500 AEG
Hiking5.70 Miles   2 Hrs   25 Mns   2.43 mph
1,500 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Quick workout hike near home. Up Lost Mine, enjoyed the occasional shade. Saw one harmless snake. Over to Goat Hill. Down Lost Ranch Mine. Quiet out there today. Very dry.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill Cocktus
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
May 06 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Gila - Lost loop, AZ 
Gila - Lost loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 06 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.69 Miles 1,618 AEG
Hiking7.69 Miles   2 Hrs   53 Mns   2.71 mph
1,618 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
no photosets
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Workout hike with Daniela. Gorgeous weather. If it was always like this, I wouldn’t complain all the time. Or I’d at least have to find other things to complain about. Up Pyramid/Gila, west on National, side trip to Goat Hill, then down Lost Ranch Mine. Didn’t see many other hikers.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Apr 23 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 23 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.03 Miles 1,271 AEG
Hiking5.03 Miles   1 Hour   58 Mns   2.58 mph
1,271 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Partners none no partners
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Another day, another workout hike. Got started around 0800. Once again, school/practice schedules limited my hiking time. Headed up Lost Ranch Mine. Hot. Didn’t feel as tired as Monday morning. West on National, then down Ruins. Quite a few cars in the lot, but I didn’t see many people.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Apr 12 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost - Gila loop, AZ 
Lost - Gila loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 12 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.90 Miles 1,622 AEG
Hiking7.90 Miles   3 Hrs   33 Mns   2.29 mph
1,622 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Jill and I got started from the Bursera TH a little before 0630. Lot was full, so we had to park on the road, which has a bunch of new No Parking signs that have gone up in the last few weeks.

It was already warm as we headed up Lost Ranch Mine. Occasional shade helped. East on National. Jill was not interested in Goat Hill, so we skipped the side trip. Came down Gila/Pyramid. Very warm by the time we finished around 1000. Nice to get some halfway decent mileage.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Apr 04 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 04 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.13 Miles 1,284 AEG
Hiking5.13 Miles   2 Hrs   2 Mns   2.57 mph
1,284 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
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Had time for a short loop this morning. Got started around 0800 and headed up Mine Drop. Up and over 2484, then west on National. Came down Ruins. Warm, but not terrible, some breeze along Natl. Didn’t see many people.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
  1 archive
Mar 22 2025
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 22 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking10.85 Miles 2,509 AEG
Hiking10.85 Miles   5 Hrs   28 Mns   2.00 mph
2,509 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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I haven't done the Prospector Loop, Lost Ranch or Gila Trails in 14 years (back when one was called Bees Knees). once I found the new trailhead, I started on the Bursera to the Gila, then up Lost Ranch, down the west trail of the Prospector Loop, then immediately back up the east trail of the Prospector Loop, then west on the National Trail and took the Gila Trail back to the trailhead.

The two ascents early on made for a nice workout. On the way up Lost Ranch it was starting to feel hot already, but then up on the National the breezes cooled me off very quickly. Taking the east part of the Prospector loop gave me a little more shade with the sun still kind of low. By the time I was done, it was getting a little warm.

Lots of prospects and abandoned mine shafts along the way. I discovered a new one that looks pretty dangerous. It's still cool to see these, but I'm always surprised there aren't more injuries from curious hikers.

Only saw a few people on those steep trail, most were on the National or Gila. the last mile before the trailhead had the most foot traffic. This one took a little longer with the elevation gain, but made for a nice workout hike.
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Feb 27 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost - Gila loop, AZ 
Lost - Gila loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 27 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.49 Miles 1,451 AEG
Hiking7.49 Miles   3 Hrs   13 Mns   2.57 mph
1,451 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Finally got away from the house for a hike. Started from Bursera TH before 0800. Up Lost Ranch Mine, then east on National to Goat Hill. Very breezy, which I liked. Too much sunlight, which I didn’t like. From the top of Goat Hill, I dropped off the east side and went over to the chupacabra cave. No monsters today.

Once back on National, I continued east, then down Gila/Pyramid. Chatted with a friendly Canadian couple for a while. The husband had worked in the petroleum industry, which I picked up on pretty quickly, so we had a nice conversation about midstream and downstream operations.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill Cocktus
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Feb 08 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 08 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.09 Miles 1,256 AEG
Hiking5.09 Miles   2 Hrs   38 Mns   2.04 mph
1,256 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
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Got started a little after 1630. Trailhead wasn’t too full. Some kids were upset I wouldn’t let them pet Harlow. She doesn’t like for strangers to pet her, and for some reason, she doesn’t care for blond people. I have no idea why. Then a lady didn’t like my shirt. She must not appreciate a good ribeye. Passed an acquaintance from when our kids were younger, but she didn’t say hi. I didn’t see anyone else after that.

Hot as we ascended Ruins. Nice breeze on National as we headed east. A bit of a nice sunset, but the color was brief. Came down Lost Ranch Mine. Peeked into one of the big mines to see if the bats were flying around. First, I had looked at the ground to make sure there were no rattling surprises, and when I looked up, there were a bunch of bats flying straight at ne. I screamed like a wimp and jumped back, but got a picture of one of them. Easy walk back to the truck after that, but still warm.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Bat
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunset
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Jan 29 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 29 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.08 Miles 1,232 AEG
Hiking5.08 Miles   2 Hrs   18 Mns   2.26 mph
1,232 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Partners partners
Tortoise_Hiker
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This morning was the best weather we’ve had in probably close to a year. If we had days like this a lot more often, I’d have to find other things to complain about, because I absolutely love this kind of weather.

Met Denny at the Bursera trailhead and we got started. Light sprinkle for the first couple of miles. Headed up Lost Ranch Mine. The mines smelled horrible—see? I’m already finding other things to complain about. Some wet rocks, but nothing of concern. Bursera trees are mostly leafed out. Ocotillo look terrible.

West on National, then down Ruins. Ruins has seen some recent maintenance, less loose rock in places. Started sprinkling again for the last mile. Denny recalled hiking off Geronimo Head in the snow once. Wait, I’ve heard this story. Where was this memory of your snowy descent when we could have used it last year? Lol.

Finished up the hike with ten minutes to spare before Denny’s required finish time. Good hike, as always!
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Jan 29 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 29 2025
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking5.08 Miles 1,232 AEG
Hiking5.08 Miles   2 Hrs   18 Mns   2.26 mph
1,232 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners partners
LindaAnn
Linda and I had heard about this rain ☔️ thing but weren’t buying it. A drop here and there but nothing to fret about.Petrichor was :y: Temps were great and 2 shirts and shorts fit the bill! We went Counter clockwise. Step climb and a little rocky. After that National and Ruins were in pretty good shape!
Bursera trees looked better then I thought they would and barrel cactus were red faced with anticipation!
Enjoyable outing and always enjoy chitchatting with Linda! Like HAZ, she rocks!
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Jan 24 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Lost Ranch Ruins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 24 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking13.10 Miles 3,971 AEG
Hiking13.10 Miles   3 Hrs   58 Mns   3.34 mph
3,971 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
I have been thinking of doing this hike for a couple years. Good winter hike.
Up Lost Ranch Ruins, down Lost Ranch Mine, up Lost Mine, down Ruins, up Lost Ranch Mine, east to Goat Hill, down and up Ranger, and down Lost Mine.
Reminded me of the old days when I hiked Ruins regularly.
Only a few people on the trails. Bursera trees are leafing out in anticipation of rain! Good day. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
  1 archive
Jan 23 2025
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 Routes 43
 Photos 2,120
 Triplogs 81

female
 Joined Dec 09 2024
 
Lost Ranch Ruins Loop, AZ 
Lost Ranch Ruins Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 23 2025
DesertNymphTriplogs 81
Hiking5.52 Miles 1,377 AEG
Hiking5.52 Miles   3 Hrs   23 Mns   1.63 mph
1,377 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Surprisingly full parking lot for a weekday as in no spaces to be had on arrival...though several groups were on their way out so spaces appeared quickly.

Saw several folk while doing the loop and a couple of pups, but I wouldn't consider the trails crowded with a steady stream of individuals.

The walk up to the ranch ruins goes by quickly with gently graded elevation - immediately after the ranch ruins, the trail climbs aggressively to attain the ridge and junction with the National Trail/Maricopa Trail. The winds were blowing strongly up on the ridge, with surprisingly good visibility all around.

The National Trail is in great shape, possibly benefitting from the recent National Trail Trek. After cruising a short distance on the ridge, picked up the prospector loop/Lost Ranch Mine trail back down off the ridge (steep, but not too many loose sections). I didn't realize how many abandoned mines/mine shafts are on South Mountain - several of which are right off the trail.

It's probably worth mentioning that the Pyramid Trailhead is now called the Bursera Trailhead. The approach to the Lost Ranch ruins begins with the Bursera Trail out of the parking area (rather than the Pyramid Trail) There is no more signage for the Pyramid Trail, it appears to have been renamed the Gila Trail, though this is not reflected on the maps available from the City of Phoenix.

Not a bad way to spend a few hours midweek!
_____________________
Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually 😆
  4 archives
Jan 06 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost - Gila loop, AZ 
Lost - Gila loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 06 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.66 Miles 1,647 AEG
Hiking7.66 Miles   3 Hrs   8 Mns   2.54 mph
1,647 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
One of my usual workout loops. Up Lost Ranch Mine, east on National, side trip up Goat Hill, then down Pyramid/Gila. Had clouds for the first 2/3 of the hike, which was nice; then full sun for the final couple miles, which was awful. Crossed paths with @juanjaimeiii and @gummo as I was nearing the trailhead.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Jan 03 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 03 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.13 Miles 1,252 AEG
Hiking5.13 Miles   1 Hour   56 Mns   2.68 mph
1,252 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Quick hike around Lost Camp Loop. Up Lost Ranch Mine, west on National, then down Ruins. Looked like some light maintenance on National, peobably in preparation for the Natl Trail Trek in a few weeks. More maintenance on Ruins, a lot of the loose rock has been cleared.

Saw quite a few other hikers, including the New Years resolution crowd. Warm. Forecast said it was supposed to be cloudy, but I guess they consider contrails and smog to be the clouds.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
  1 archive
Oct 22 2024
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost - Gila loop, AZ 
Lost - Gila loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 22 2024
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.66 Miles 1,630 AEG
Hiking7.66 Miles   3 Hrs   24 Mns   2.46 mph
1,630 ft AEG      17 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Started around 0800. Headed towards Lost Ranch Mine. Saw one hiker who has disliked me for about 14 years, and based on his glare today, that hasn’t changed. Chatted with two ladies who had questions about the ruins. Slogged uphill, then east on National. Side trip to Goat Hill. Came down Gila/Pyramid. Saw one lady who looked utterly lost/dazed/confused with the way she was standing there looking around. I asked her if she was okay, and she said she was fine. Obviously not injured or anything like that, but maybe she had never been outside before. I made a mental note of her appearance and clothing and kept going. Ridiculously hot by the time I finished. Every time I come back to AZ, I hate it just a little more.

The rangers put some white reflective tape on JJ’s gate post either Sunday or yesterday. Not as noticeable as colored tape would have been, but an effort was made. Kind of thought it was funny that the homeowner on the corner who has spent the last 15+ years hating hikers (or anything behind his house) has scored a victory in no longer having the trailhead behind his house, but has probably lost in the long run, because now there is going to be a fire station in its place. He will likely discover that hikers are generally quieter than fire engines, especially in the middle of the night.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Oct 09 2024
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 09 2024
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.72 Miles 2,238 AEG
Hiking10.72 Miles   3 Hrs   22 Mns   3.22 mph
2,238 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
met john at pyramid at 0545
the new trailhead is now open
up lost mine, national to goat hill, down and up ranger, down pyramid
we've mentioned checking out cholla flats a few times, so today was the day
uneventful flat trail but good for double digits
different combo, good hike
coffee after, thanks john :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
Oct 09 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 09 2024
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.72 Miles 2,238 AEG
Hiking10.72 Miles   3 Hrs   22 Mns   3.23 mph
2,238 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
New trailhead is open, old one closed for good.
Up Lost Ranch Mine, Goat Hill, Ranger Danger, Down Pyramid, Cholla Flats and back.
Good workout hike. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 18 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid loop, AZ 
Pyramid loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 18 2024
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking7.54 Miles 1,532 AEG
Hiking7.54 Miles   2 Hrs   47 Mns   2.78 mph
1,532 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routes
Hiked up Pyramid on National to Goat Hill and down Lost Ranch Mine after the rain this morning. Windy the first couple miles. Humid of course. Most Bursera are blooming. Good hike. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Bursera in bloom
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Jun 10 2024
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Bees Knees LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 10 2024
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking7.59 Miles 1,964 AEG
Hiking7.59 Miles   2 Hrs   22 Mns   3.21 mph
1,964 ft AEG
 
no photosets
 
average hiking speed 2.38 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 19  Next

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