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| | | Gibson Peak via Stewart Ridge, AZ | | | |
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Gibson Peak via Stewart Ridge, AZ
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| Hiking | 10.85 Miles |
1,904 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.85 Miles | 6 Hrs | | 2.00 mph |
| 1,904 ft AEG | 34 Mns Break | | | |
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| Partners |
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| partners | | Checked out some new (to me) territory on the edge of Payson. Bruce pulled together a loop that involved hitting Gibson Peak. We met at the trailhead just before 0730. Bruce was not wearing his usual hiking shoes, but was instead in a more rugged pair. Hmmm, what is this hike going to involve? We'd soon find out.
Made our way up to Stewart Ridge. Cool temps, but no breeze. The west end of our route along the ridge was great--nice views, and some fun boulders to climb through. At the top of one boulder pile was a wood box full of bones (from a larger animal), flower petals, notes/poems, and money. Kind of odd. Eventually, our route along the ridge got brushier as we followed a fence line. Not difficult hiking, but brushy. As we turned towards Gibson Peak, our route was brushy intermixed with some clearer stretches.
The summit was neat, flat red rocks, with nice views in all directions. Had a snack, then looked at a small building made from the brick-like rocks. After relaxing up there, we took a slightly less brushy route back towards the ridge. Then a brushy walk over to the saddle where Bruce had decided we could drop off and return to the real trail.He had a track, which I've learned means almost nothing.
The first 0.20 miles of the drop was very steep. Pretty much a slide down in deep soil and over/around boulders, hanging onto vegetation to control the descent. After that, the steepness mellowed out to a fun walk thru more boulders for about 0.30 miles to the trail. Once back on trail, we completed our loop around Stewart Pocket, relieved to be cruising along at a good pace. The abundance of granite boulders is scenic. Lots of shallow flowing water along the last half of the loop, and since it was warm, I didn't bother with keeping my feet dry.
Fun day, good to hit a few new trails and a new peak, great company and conversation. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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| Stop crying and just go do the hike. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
and found them: 60 at the start, 70 at the end! Not many people in the first 10 miles, saw 5 people and 5 squirrels 
Boulders loop and Monument Peak loop).
