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| Hiking | 9.86 Miles |
2,332 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.86 Miles | 7 Hrs 7 Mns | | 1.54 mph |
| 2,332 ft AEG | 44 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | I’ve long wanted to do the Big Loop at this amazing place, and I finally found some people crazy (i.e. stupid) enough to do this as a day hike.
My son and I met my friend at the Love’s near Wild Horse Pass in Chandler at 4am and off we went.
The weather was showing lows in the 30’s and highs in the 50’s. What I didn’t read was there was some snow the night before. We drove up Bonita Canyon Road and we confronted with a locked gate about 2 miles short of the trailhead at 745am. “CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC (including hikers). There was snow on the ground and some ice/snow on the road. We drove back to the visitor center and contemplated doing the hike up Rhyolite Canyon, but we found a ranger that told us the road would open up shortly.
They opened up the road right after 9am and we finally got on the trail about 915am. That was 2 hours later than we originally planned.
The sun was up and the snow was fast melting, but there was enough to cover most of the trail and the north-facing areas. It was very beautiful and a real treat to see the rocks, trees, hillsides covered in the white stuff.
My only hiking experience at this monument was part of the Echo Canyon Loop back in the 1990’s when I lived in Tucson. I had taken my young sons here in the past, but we just went to the view points. So, I kinda knew what to expect, but this place really blew me away.
We opted for a CCW loop going down Echo Canyon connecting to Sarah Deming Trail/Balancing Rock Trail and down/up Rhyolite Canyon. We made detours at the Heart of Rocks and Inspiration Point.
This trail is simply phenomenal. One of the best trails I have been lucky to hike lately. Well-constructed, maintained and signed all along the way. The elevation was broken up into nice little sections, with no crazy climbing required.
The areas that weave through the hoodoos are the best parts. The canyons are pretty, but the rocks are the star. The Heart of Rock was especially beautiful. That little detour was a little rougher than expected, but you cannot beat the scenery. Inspiration Point is also worth the 1 mile r/t. The best view in the entire monument.
We didn’t break any speed records, as I took my time taking pictures and enjoying. The snow was a total surprise and wonderful bonus too. The crazy hoodoos and epic views are the star.
We finally arrived home in Mesa about 830pm. A very long day, but so worth it. This loop get’s my full-hearted recommendation, DO IT, you will not be disappointed. |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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