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Bursera Trail - South Mountain - 38 members in 507 triplogs have rated this an average 3.2 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 26  Next
507 triplogs
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Sep 02 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 - Bursera Canyon loop, AZ 
Gila - Bursera Canyon loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 02 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.02 Miles 1,364 AEG
Hiking7.02 Miles   2 Hrs   57 Mns   2.42 mph
1,364 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Unfortunately, I’m back in AZ for a couple of weeks. I don’t like warm temps. I don’t like the high overhead angle of the sun. I don’t like cactus or thorns. I don’t like brown or dusty dirt. I don’t like arid climates. So I decided to go do a hike in all of those things.

Started around 0515 and headed west on Gila. Back east on National and Bursera. Finished up on Bursera Canyon. Only saw one other person. Heard some owls.
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunrise
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
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Aug 20 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 20 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.60 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking10.60 Miles   3 Hrs   16 Mns   3.26 mph
2,300 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
0530 start up pyramid
national with a stop at goat hill, bursera
had to chug our na beers after :lol:
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
Aug 20 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 20 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.60 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking10.60 Miles   3 Hrs   16 Mns   3.26 mph
2,300 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 no routes
Early start. Warm but not oppressive. Good workout. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 10 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking20.28 Miles 4,525 AEG
Hiking20.28 Miles   9 Hrs   23 Mns   2.44 mph
4,525 ft AEG   1 Hour   5 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Prehydrated: 38 oz
Carried: 174 oz (124 frozen)

When I arrived, a large group of about 16-24 people was getting ready to head out. I thought they were runners, later realized they were mixed ages and backgrounds. I started a half furlong behind them. I passed them and then never saw them again, concentrating on transitioning from Grillz to My Way. Guessing they turned on Desert Classic.

This was my first time on the west side of Bursera. More people out here than expected. Teenage girl, three guys (Kurt Sedler types), then two guys who could be star quarterbacks or excellent car salesmen. The geology is more reminiscent of Estrella/Piestewa.

This is one of those rare hikes where you're hiking away from looking at the sun or without staring at the sun on the drive, either.

The West end of Gila is undoubtedly loved by no one. It skirts the bajada, dipping in and out of a few ravines. Whereas the Bursera across the ravine has nicer alluvial geology to glide over.

The steepest grade on Prospector was in full sun, but I got a nice breeze.

Generally, I avoid Goat Hill, since it's illegal. The pre-planned hike was under 20 mi and under 5K. So I figured I'd hit a few little peaks along the way.

Two rangers at the bottom of the Ranger Trail with a funky couple behind me. Luckily, I'd recently tackled these nondescript multi-use trails scattered about the actual trail and sailed through.

I needed to rearrange a lot of water bottles and such, so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to tackle a sliver of Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail and utilize the Ramada for a few minutes. Whoo doggy, the rubberized grate bench in the shade was comfy. What are the chances two families came off-trail directly down the hill and stopped at the Ramada... lol C'est la vie, probably best to keep moving anyway.

Dec 23rd 2024, KingLeonidas posted a clue via RS where the temporary or new trail routes. It worked out great. Just be sure to verify which days are legal, cuz I'm no angel. From previous hikes, I had a lunch spot in mind. Only partially shady, but it worked out. I ate half of a dry WinCo ham and cheese on a pretzel hoagie, cuz there needs to be something other than water and electrolytes in the mix.

Realized I only had 36 oz of water left. So I nixed two side trips to push it over 5K in favor of life. Since it was later in the day vs recent previous trips, a few more shade options were opening up. I took a 6-minute break at one, but just wanted to finish the hike.

40 oz more water would have been better, but it all worked out.

Android stats in airplane mode start to finish, 2,983 points, used 25% battery.
iPhone 20.15 mi / 4483 AEG | 3,228 points, never in airplane mode, used 35% battery.
2 bug fixes for RS 7.2.4 in dev worked, perhaps out in a few days.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 07 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 07 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking11.52 Miles 2,813 AEG
Hiking11.52 Miles   5 Hrs   14 Mns   2.43 mph
2,813 ft AEG      29 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
It was supposed to be warmer today, but that fizzled out. Gusty winds for the first three miles.

It's easier to drink from water bottles, yet too cumbersome without a pack. So I ditched the water bladder and the hot hose.

Bursera was new for me. The whole southwest corner of South Mountain is better than I ever gave credit. It's a series of ridges, which are a bazillion times more exciting than anything flat.

Prehydrated 40 oz on the drive over, then consumed 107 out of 108 oz carried. When I did five laps on Piestewa several times in August, I would consume 24 to 48 oz between laps and carry 24 oz on each lap.

Stats are RS Android airplane mode start to finish because it's the only way to force the GPS radio. Carried in the upper back portion of my pack. Used 15% battery, 1697 points.
iPhone RS 11.43 mi / 2,785 AEG, Used 23% battery not in airplane mode, 1,829 points.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 19 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 Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 19 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking6.45 Miles 1,449 AEG
Hiking6.45 Miles   3 Hrs   4 Mns   2.22 mph
1,449 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Short loop with Jill this morning. Got started about 0510. West on Gila, up the end of Bursera. East on National, down Ruins. Warm, but a decent breeze at times.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Jul 13 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pyramid Ruins, AZ 
Pyramid Ruins, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 13 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking8.25 Miles 1,776 AEG
Hiking8.25 Miles   2 Hrs   33 Mns   3.28 mph
1,776 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
pyramid, national, ruins
stop at goat hill of course
decent morning
more people out than usual
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Jul 13 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Ruins, AZ 
Pyramid Ruins, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 13 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking8.25 Miles 1,776 AEG
Hiking8.25 Miles   2 Hrs   33 Mns   3.28 mph
1,776 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
Senior tour continues. Nice little breeze. Good hike. Thanks Kelly. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
May 20 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 - Bursera loop, AZ 
Gila - Bursera loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 20 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.24 Miles 978 AEG
Hiking5.24 Miles   2 Hrs   1 Min   2.64 mph
978 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
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Tortoise_Hiker
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Met Denny at the Bursera trailhad at 0530. We made our way over to Gila, then west. Back east on Bursera, then finished on Bursera Canyon. Good workout loop, with a decent amount of early morning shade. Zero breeze though. Good to get a hike in with Denny, and always fun conversation!
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
May 20 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Gila - Bursera loop, AZ 
Gila - Bursera loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 20 2025
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking5.24 Miles 978 AEG
Hiking5.24 Miles   2 Hrs   1 Min   2.64 mph
978 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners partners
LindaAnn
Linda was good with an early start so we hit the trail at 530! I wouldn’t want to start much later as me and heat don’t get along! 😜 Nice hike with a fair amount of shade on the climb is always welcome! Pretty quiet out there except for us chatting away!! 😁 Nice 5 miler before 8!
Thanks Linda!! Like HAZ, you rock!!
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
May 11 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 11 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking11.51 Miles 2,398 AEG
Hiking11.51 Miles   3 Hrs   18 Mns   3.54 mph
2,398 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
Clockwise starting up Bursera.
High clouds and a breeze made it very comfortable most of the hike.
Ran into JJ at the top of Pyramid. Call your mom! :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Apr 28 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 - Bursera loop, AZ 
Gila - Bursera loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 28 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.00 Miles 1,354 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles   2 Hrs   24 Mns   2.96 mph
1,354 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Chumley and I got started from the Bursera trailhead at 1800 and opted for a fairly easy figure 8 at the west end of the preserve. Late afternoon offered an abundance of shade as we made our way to Gila Trail and headed west. My main reason for choosing this route was to see the recently completed reroute of the west end of Gila—it’s nice.

From there, we headed east on National, then east on Bursera. Breaking the climbing into three separate sections was kind of nice, and nothing was particularly steep, so I could usually breathe. The top of Bursera Canyon is a steep descent, but who cares when you’re going downhill? Easy final mile back to the parking lot. Perfect temps made for a good workout hike. Thanks, Chumley, for joining me on this one.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Apr 28 2025
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Gila - Bursera Loop, AZ 
Gila - Bursera Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 28 2025
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking7.18 Miles 1,298 AEG
Hiking7.18 Miles   2 Hrs   24 Mns   2.99 mph
1,298 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linda wanted to check out the new alignment of the Gila Trail. It's currently pristine. Made my first descent on the Bursera Canyon trail. Steep but nice tread. Perfect temps and a scenic sliver moon after sunset.
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
  2 archives
Apr 27 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 209
 Photos 1,231
 Triplogs 196

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Gila Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 27 2025
astrobrewerTriplogs 196
Hiking21.04 Miles 4,012 AEG
Hiking21.04 Miles   8 Hrs   4 Mns   2.82 mph
4,012 ft AEG      36 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Forecast was for another cool-ish weekend day, so I took advantage of it. Did the same 20 mile loop trail as last weekend, but this time did it counter-clockwise which should have been easier. The route started at Bursera trailhead heading toward Lost Ranch. Took the Gila Trail eastward this time to where it meets National Trail. Took National east down the hill, then Kiwanis Trail. Then Las Lomitas to Max Delta.

After a short rest and a snack at the Bike Hub at the "Y". Then up and over the Alta Trail. On Alta I started noticing that my brand new boots that I was breaking in didn't fit as well as I thought they would in the store. Not great. Still another 15 miles to go. Hopefully it won't be too bad (my feet were in pain for the last 5 or 6 miles :( - not fun). Ate my lunch at the San Juan lookout, then headed north to Ma Ha Tuak Perimeter trail. There was a nice breeze that kept it cool and comfortable. As the trail got closer to the 202 freeway that breeze turned into a stiff headwind that tried to take my hat. All day there were times with no wind when it was hot, and strong wind when it felt cold. On average it was pretty comfortable.

From the Perimeter Trail to National Trail to Gila Trail and then back. This time I hiked the entire length of the Gila Trail starting from the middle to the east end, and from the west end back to the middle. There are shorter ways to hike Gila end to end, but none of then are real short since neither end of the trail is at a trailhead.
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  2 archives
Apr 09 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Ruins National Pyramid, AZ 
Ruins National Pyramid, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 09 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking8.34 Miles 1,750 AEG
Hiking8.34 Miles   2 Hrs   42 Mns   3.34 mph
1,750 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
chums suggested a hike from pyramid this morning
john10s joined in too
we got going close to 0615
ruins, national, goat hill, pyramid
john hadn't been on any of these trails :o
nice hiking with both john and todd again
thanks, guys!
_____________________
hazhole
 
Apr 09 2025
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Ruins National Pyramid, AZ 
Ruins National Pyramid, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 09 2025
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking8.48 Miles 1,692 AEG
Hiking8.48 Miles   2 Hrs   42 Mns   3.20 mph
1,692 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Morning loop on Pyramid which I haven't done in ages. Low inversion to the south. A little warm. Stupid steep climb. Goat Hill! Yay.
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
  1 archive
Apr 09 2025
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 Guides 25
 Routes 376
 Photos 5,897
 Triplogs 346

40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Ruins National Pyramid, AZ 
Ruins National Pyramid, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 09 2025
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking8.45 Miles 1,752 AEG
Hiking8.45 Miles   2 Hrs   42 Mns   3.40 mph
1,752 ft AEG      13 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I joined Chumley and trekkin_gecko for a morning hike on the side of SoMo I never visit. This was my first time starting from Bursera and all new trails for me other than National. We stopped by the Lost Ranch ruins, then made the steep climb up to National and over to Goat Hill before looping back on Pyramid/Gila. Warm but not crazy hot by the time we finished, and it was a nice way to start the day and to see a different part of South Mountain. And great to once again trek with the gecko and get chummy with Chumley.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill  Goat Hill Cocktus
 
Mar 30 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.88 Miles 2,604 AEG
Hiking10.88 Miles   3 Hrs   19 Mns   3.35 mph
2,604 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
met john at 0600 at pyramid
did this combo for the third time - double digits
decent elevation gain, might be a bit high
saw a few people
good temps, nice breeze
refreshments after
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Mar 22 2025
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 Guides 27
 Routes 670
 Photos 12,111
 Triplogs 857

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Camp LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 22 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 857
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
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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.
_____________________
 
Mar 16 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking11.51 Miles 2,648 AEG
Hiking11.51 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   3.40 mph
2,648 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
met john at 0615 at bursera trailhead
we did a variation on the goat hill loop
bursera, gila, national, goat hill, pyramid
a nice reroute done on the west end of gila
not many people out for a sunday
good hike, thanks john
refreshments after :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
average hiking speed 2.56 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 26  Next

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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