Lookout Trail - MSP • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Guides 100
Routes 1,607
Photos 16,655
Triplogs 1,500

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Golden Thumb Lasso, AZ

Hiking		Feb 16 2026
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,500

Hiking	17.79 Miles	3,390 AEG

Hiking	17.79 Miles	8 Hrs 39 Mns	2.19 mph
	3,390 ft AEG	31 Mns Break

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8 linked trail guides

Thompson Peak Rd - MSP

[ checklist ] Fountain Lake Superstition Mountains - Ridgeline Weavers Needle

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I did this lasso loop hike starting from the Golden Eagle TH to the Toms Thumb Trail. Instead of going to Toms Thumb I went to the Overlook so as to enjoy the views from there.

I did the loop portion CCW by ascending on the East End Trail and coming back down on the Toms Thumb Trail.

It was a nice day for a long hike -- cloudy and a bit breezy with comfortable temperatures.

Route Scout flatlined several times, so I used stats from Garmin.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro Scorpionweed

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Honey Bee

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cairn Old Rusty Stuff

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sunrise

Wildflowers Observation Light
There was a nice variety of flowers, including some that I have not yet seen this spring: desert chicory, wiry lotus, and owl clover.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

229446

Jan 27 2026

Guides 42
Routes 1,771
Photos 15,433
Triplogs 2,898

70 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Thumb n East End Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 27 2026
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,898

Hiking	12.25 Miles	2,328 AEG

Hiking	12.25 Miles	4 Hrs 34 Mns		2.74 mph
	2,328 ft AEG	6 Mns Break	4 LBS Pack

Linked

Marcus Landslide Trail - MSP

Pemberton Trail - MMRP

Boulder Trail - MMRP

Caballo Trail - MSP

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I did a similar version of this hike 10 years ago starting from the Tom's Thumb trailhead.

The weather was perfect for this one, with a nice breeze keeping things comfy.

About 85% of the people I saw were on the popular Tom's Thumb Trail. This trail starts climbing right out of the parking lot, but begins in earnest about a quarter-mile in. Brittlebush, poppies, and lupine were the stars of the show on the Thumb, Lookout, and the top of the East End trails.

I had the East End, Windmill, and Coachwhip trails all to myself. There was nothing particularly exciting on these stretches, but the lush greenscape and cranking up the earbuds made them very palatable.

I saw my first biker as I hit the Pemberton and Boulder trails. The Marcus Landslide is always a little gem toward the end of the loop, and I ran into a smattering of hikers before finishing up.

The big surprise of the day was the quantity of blooming flora.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Chuparosa Coulter's Lupine Desert Marigold Mexican Gold Poppy

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Quite a few bloomining wildflowers. Brittlebush, Lupine, Poppies, Fiddleneck, Fairy Duster, Chuperosa, London Rocket and Desert Marigold

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

229015

Nov 28 2025

Jackluminous

Guides 2
Routes 303
Photos 1,077
Triplogs 307

51 male

Joined Mar 24 2021
Tucson, AZ

Toms Thumb Windgate Pass lolly, AZ

Hiking		Nov 28 2025
		Jackluminous • Triplogs 307

Hiking	13.72 Miles	3,788 AEG

Hiking	13.72 Miles	6 Hrs 32 Mns	2.46 mph
	3,788 ft AEG	58 Mns Break

no photosets

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linked

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Felt like a good climb and a few miles might help counteract the less pleasant effects of Turkey Day indulgences.

A fair amount of other people had similar notions. Even some of the more remote and less used trails had people on them.

Had the Lookout to myself for about five minutes. It was still a peaceful spot to have lunch and watch the fountain start and stop.

East End and most of the return hike was exposed and sunny. Even though the afternoon high was in the low 70s I still felt cooked. I sucked down almost all my 3-1/2 liters of water.

I noticed on my last couple hikes that Route Scout has taken to calling me a stud muffin.

227701

Mar 02 2025

astrobrewer

Guides 1
Routes 236
Photos 1,331
Triplogs 223

male

Joined Mar 14 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 02 2025
		astrobrewer • Triplogs 223

Hiking	13.40 Miles	3,049 AEG

Hiking	13.40 Miles	5 Hrs 53 Mns	2.47 mph
	3,049 ft AEG	27 Mns Break

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Good sunny day for a hike. Did this trail last year and decided to do it again. There were a few people out but it wasn't really crowded. Once we got to the top we headed to the Lookout where we took a break for lunch. Felt good and strong despite having not hiked in a few weeks. Last year the Lookout was crowded, but this time we had the place to ourselves which was great. Enjoyed the panoramic views even though it was pretty hazy from strong winds the day before. Ate a peaceful lunch, then headed back towards the main trail. We passed several groups of people heading to the Lookout, so we timed it perfectly. Very glad we didn't get to the Lookout a little later because it would have been a crowd again.

East End trail wasn't bad. My first time on that trail I was slipping and sliding on loose rocks the whole way, but this time it was much better. That climb up to Bell Pass was challenging. Had to rest and recover at the top.

Once again a very enjoyable hike.

_____________________

221837

Feb 03 2024

astrobrewer

Guides 1
Routes 236
Photos 1,331
Triplogs 223

male

Joined Mar 14 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 03 2024
		astrobrewer • Triplogs 223

Hiking	14.05 Miles	3,288 AEG

Hiking	14.05 Miles	6 Hrs 51 Mns	2.28 mph
	3,288 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Hiked this area two years ago and really enjoyed it. Last time I followed the HAZ official route. This time on the return leg decided to take Bell's Pass Trail to make it more of a loop instead of a lollipop. My brain likes loop hikes and doesn't like retracing my path. This was a pleasing route. The hike up the saddle of Bell's Pass was a bit of a climb, but it avoided retracing steps for the last couple of miles on a trail that is always crowded.

Last time I hiked here I somehow managed to miss the spur trail to the Lookout. I guess I was so excited to be near Tom's Thumb and didn't even notice the turnoff. I only realized it after the hike and regretted not going. This time I made sure to visit the Lookout and it was totally worth it! Amazing views! Great spot to watch the Fountain Hills fountain. Great spot for lunch. There are even some nice and comfortable (for rocks) rocks to sit on while eating. Totally worth the little extra time and effort.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Barrel Cactus

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ - Selfie

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Tom's Thumb

_____________________

212974

Dec 14 2023

Guides 100
Routes 1,607
Photos 16,655
Triplogs 1,500

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Dixie Mine - Toms Thumb LO Lasso Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 14 2023
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,500

Hiking	18.07 Miles	3,069 AEG

Hiking	18.07 Miles	8 Hrs 1 Min	2.56 mph
	3,069 ft AEG	57 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Partners

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no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

This is a version of this hike that I do once or twice a year.

I started from the Golden Eagle TH in Fountain Hills, started on the Dixie Mine Trail once I left the Eagle's Nest subdivision, and made my way over to the Tom's Thumb LO. I did the loop clockwise, so I went up on the Tom's Thumb Trail and descended on the East End Trail.

This is a decent hike to get some distance and elevation gain when the weather is cooler. It would have been nicer to have some shade and perhaps some cooler temperatures, but it wasn't hot by any means.

The trails are fairly rocky out there, and the East End Trail is very slippery when descending it.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

3 archives

211665

Oct 14 2023

Guides 42
Routes 1,771
Photos 15,433
Triplogs 2,898

70 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Tom Lookout at the Eclipse, AZ

Hiking		Oct 14 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,898

Hiking	6.19 Miles	1,520 AEG

Hiking	6.19 Miles	2 Hrs 53 Mns		2.34 mph
	1,520 ft AEG	14 Mns Break	5 LBS Pack

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partners

Tortoise_Hiker

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Denny got me out of the house for a hike up to Tom's Thumb. We had the added treat of the Annular Solar Eclipse. Going up, the crowds were not too bad. A stop at the Thumb and then over to the Lookout.

Going down, the crowds thickened. We were lucky enough to run into people with glasses to look at the eclipse. We met them at the right time as the eclipse peaked. I tried unsuccessfully to take a photo through their glasses. I pointed out to Denny how you could see the status of the eclipse in the shadows and using your hands.

The other interesting thing about the eclipse is how the temperature dropped during the event. It was 78 degrees before, and just after the peak, it got down to 69 degrees.

It's good to stretch out with the turtle again.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

210048

Oct 14 2023

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 149
Photos 10,155
Triplogs 3,790

64 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Tom Lookout at the Eclipse, AZ

Hiking		Oct 14 2023
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790

Hiking	6.19 Miles	1,520 AEG

Hiking	6.19 Miles	2 Hrs 53 Mns	2.34 mph
	1,520 ft AEG	14 Mns Break

no routes

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The_Eagle

Bruce and I got out for a morning adventure. It’s been awhile since I’ve done this one. Nice workout.
The eclipse was cool as well! A lot of people on the way down.
Great temps, hike, and company!
Thanks Bruce! Like HAZ, you rock!

_____________________

Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

210054

Sep 22 2023

pseudalpine

Guides 72
Routes 1,190
Photos 1,493
Triplogs 1,544

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Maricopa Trail - Scottsdale/Gateway

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 22 2023
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,544

Hiking	13.91 Miles	3,224 AEG

Hiking	13.91 Miles	4 Hrs 38 Mns	3.14 mph
	3,224 ft AEG	12 Mns Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

Inspiration Point via Windgate

Horseshoe Trail - MSP

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apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black-tailed Rattlesnake

2 archives

209507

Apr 02 2023

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 700
Photos 7,591
Triplogs 4,843

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 02 2023
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,843

Hiking	12.50 Miles	2,989 AEG

Hiking	12.50 Miles
	2,989 ft AEG

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linked

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partners

johnlp

john suggested an up & back on tom's thumb trail
got going around 0600
gateway loop, windgate, tom's thumb
decided to hit the lookout, then went a little ways north to check out a nice poppy field
headed back down tom's thumb
john wanted to see if we could find the water source for mountain spring
we took a use trail above the old spring area, and found water coming from a pipe
looked around a bit, then continued on a use trail southeast almost to windgate pass
finished up on windgate pass and gateway trails
lots of brittlebush at the lower elevations
lupine, poppies, chuparosa and a few globemallow up higher
a lot of people out hiking
fun doing some exploring
thanks john, good choice

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Banana Yucca

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mountain Spring

_____________________

hazhole

205272

Apr 02 2023

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,285
Triplogs 5,261

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 02 2023
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,261

Hiking	12.84 Miles	3,140 AEG

Hiking	12.84 Miles
	3,140 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

trekkin_gecko

Kelly wanted to hike in the McDowells which sounded good to me. We decided to do Tom's Thumb trail instead of Bell/Windgate.
Lots of brittlebush blooming in the lower elevations and a plethora of wildflowers throughout the hike.
On the way back we went up to look for the reason Mountain Spring was no longer flowing near the trail. Kelly located the flowing pipe which appeared to be dismantled rather than broken.
We continued on a use trail which headed towards Windgate Pass, then hiked back on the Windgate trail.
From the Gateway intersection to the trailhead is 1.5 miles. We counted over 200 hikers!
Fun day. Thanks Kelly.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Broad-Leaved Gilia Desert Chicory Scarlet Bugler

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mountain Spring

Wildflowers Observation Substantial

_____________________

“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

205282

Mar 19 2023

Guides 100
Routes 1,607
Photos 16,655
Triplogs 1,500

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Dixie Mine - Toms Thumb Lasso, AZ

Hiking		Mar 19 2023
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,500

Hiking	18.56 Miles	3,291 AEG

Hiking	18.56 Miles	7 Hrs 31 Mns	2.70 mph
	3,291 ft AEG	38 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides

[ checklist ] Dichelostemma capitatum Chuparosa Coulter's Lupine Desert Chicory Fairy Duster Fiddleneck Mexican Gold Poppy Owl Clover Scorpionweed

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Today I decided to do a lasso loop hike from the Golden Eagle TH in Fountain Hills. I went on the Dixie Mine Trail to the Toms Thumb Trail, doing the lasso loop CW. I did not go to Toms Thumb, but I had lunch at the "The Lookout" near Toms Thumb.

It was a nice day to do this hike -- the high temperature was in the upper 60's which is warmer than I like, but cloudy skies and breezy conditions made it seem cooler than it was.

The wildflowers were really nice, which made for an enjoyable hike.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Honey Bee

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
There was an impressive display of wildflowers throughout this hike. Desert Hyacinth, aka Blue Richards, were the champion wildflowers on this day. Fiddlenecks also made an impressive showing. There were lots of other wildflowers also.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

204886

Feb 01 2023

Black Mountain - Cave Creek

Guides 42
Routes 1,771
Photos 15,433
Triplogs 2,898

70 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Toms Black Thumb - Search for Bob, AZ

Hiking		Feb 01 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,898

Hiking	8.75 Miles	2,782 AEG

Hiking	8.75 Miles	3 Hrs 28 Mns		2.63 mph
	2,782 ft AEG	8 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I went looking for @Bobp.
I checked out his 2 favorite haunts with no luck.

Perfect hiking weather. Both places were busy for a weekday.

It'll be awhile before I go back to the Toms Thumb TH. Construction has traffic totally buggered up on Happy Valley Road east of Scottsdale Road

Black Mountain 2.38 Miles, 1222 AEG
Toms Thumb/Lookout 6.37 Miles, 1560 AEG

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

203508

Jan 30 2023

Guides 100
Routes 1,607
Photos 16,655
Triplogs 1,500

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Dixie Mine Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 30 2023
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,500

Hiking	18.27 Miles	3,579 AEG

Hiking	18.27 Miles	7 Hrs 45 Mns	2.67 mph
	3,579 ft AEG	55 Mns Break

Linked

Thompson Peak Rd - MSP

Prospector Trail - MSP

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no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I decided to stay close to home today and get some miles in. The cloudy, cool weather was perfect for a hike like this.

I had done this lasso loop once before, and as before I did the loop clockwise. I enjoy the views at the Tom's Thumb Lookout, so I stopped there for a lunch break.

There weren't very many people out today - I saw about 7-8 people the entire day.

Wildflowers Observation None
I saw no wildflowers blooming at all.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

1 archive

203471

Nov 04 2022

Guides 100
Routes 1,607
Photos 16,655
Triplogs 1,500

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Dixie Mine Crazy 8 Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 04 2022
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,500

Hiking	18.49 Miles	3,224 AEG

Hiking	18.49 Miles	8 Hrs 19 Mns	2.53 mph
	3,224 ft AEG	1 Hour Break

Linked

[ checklist ] Fountain Lake Superstition Mountains - Ridgeline Thompson Peak Weavers Needle

Prospector Trail - MSP

Thompson Peak Rd - MSP

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I decided to stay close to home today and with the cooler weather I did a longer than normal hike.

I guess that you'd call this one a figure 8 lasso loop. I started from the Golden Eagle Trailhead in Fountain Hills and made my way almost to Toms Thumb before coming back. I stopped to take a nice lunch break at the Toms Thumb Overlook, which was the best part of the hike.

I saw 3 deer on the Windgate Pass Trail, and stood and watched them for 12 minutes according to Route Scout. I don't often see wildlife in this area, so that was a bonus today.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Four-Wing Saltbush

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

200615

Oct 10 2022

pseudalpine

Guides 72
Routes 1,190
Photos 1,493
Triplogs 1,544

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Tom's Thumb Trail South via 104th Street, AZ

Hiking		Oct 10 2022
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,544

Hiking	14.56 Miles	3,380 AEG

Hiking	14.56 Miles	6 Hrs 9 Mns	2.78 mph
	3,380 ft AEG	55 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

8 linked trail guides

104th Street Trail - MSP

Equestrian Bypass Trail - MSP

Saguaro Trail - MSP

Inspiration Point via Windgate

Partners

none

no partners

Excessive jet engine noise, but six star companion.

3 archives

202487

Aug 13 2022

Guides 42
Routes 1,771
Photos 15,433
Triplogs 2,898

70 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Muggy Morning McDowell Meander, AZ

Hiking		Aug 13 2022
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,898

Hiking	6.81 Miles	1,592 AEG

Hiking	6.81 Miles	2 Hrs 32 Mns		2.78 mph
	1,592 ft AEG	5 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

no photosets

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linked

Lost Wall Loop - McDowell Mountains

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Yesterdays storms look like they hit this area pretty good. There were plenty of spots on the way in on Happy Valley Rd where bulldozers had pushed dirt off the pavement. I only had .48 inches 10 miles west of this TH, they had much more. 77 degrees and 77% humidity when I left the house.

I was hoping for a potential @BobP sighting, but it appears he was in Flag. It's August, and the McDowells are unexpectedly green. I lost the clouds and there was no breeze on the climb, so I was glistening just a smidge.

Out to the end of the Lookout Trail to take a quick break to dry off in the light breeze.

I hadn't been out to the Thumb in quite awhile, so I hit that on the way back. Saw a guy on a mountain bike climbing the hill and called him crazy. He replied "Thanks!"

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

198537

May 01 2022

pseudalpine

Guides 72
Routes 1,190
Photos 1,493
Triplogs 1,544

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Lost Wall Loop - McDowell Mountains

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 01 2022
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,544

Hiking	5.05 Miles	1,558 AEG

Hiking	5.05 Miles	2 Hrs 13 Mns	2.44 mph
	1,558 ft AEG	9 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

linked

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none

no partners

presumably took memories and left without a trace...

1 archive

202705

Apr 10 2022

cindyl

Routes 17
Photos 2,773
Triplogs 249

female

Joined May 15 2009
Phoenix and Tucs

Lookout via Tom's Thumb, AZ

Hiking		Apr 10 2022
		cindyl • Triplogs 249

Hiking	5.39 Miles	1,323 AEG

Hiking	5.39 Miles	2 Hrs 49 Mns	2.14 mph
	1,323 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

i got an early start on sunday and i was planning on going to go to the tom's thumb after going to the lookout, but why? there were probably 50 people at the thumb and i liked that i only saw three workout folks up at the lookout, who turned around as soon as they got there. with as many people on the trail when i was ending my hike, it was kind of shocking that there was no one around when i saw that rattlesnake. also, so many people on the trail with headphones or without headphones but clearly thinking they have good taste in music so that everyone needed to listen. i'm glad it was me who heard the snake first, then saw it, rather than one of those people. although part of me thinks that darwin could take care of it. it was only my fourth rattlesnake encounter on the trail ever.

stats are from strava. my watch captured something different: 5.14 miles, and 1430 ft of elevation. average pace 29'20", total calories 909, average heart rate 128 bpm, weather 60 degrees, 27 percent humidity at 6:27 am.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

There are just two switchbacks left. And another half-mile to the destination...

195608

Mar 20 2022

cindyl

Routes 17
Photos 2,773
Triplogs 249

female

Joined May 15 2009
Phoenix and Tucs

Micky D Loop, AZ

Hiking		Mar 20 2022
		cindyl • Triplogs 249

Hiking	13.61 Miles	3,148 AEG

Hiking	13.61 Miles	7 Hrs 18 Mns	2.01 mph
	3,148 ft AEG	31 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

Desert Park Trail - MSP

Horseshoe Trail - MSP

Inspiration Point via Windgate