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| | | Tom's Thumb Eastern Loop, AZ | | | |
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Tom's Thumb Eastern Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 9.49 Miles |
1,592 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.49 Miles | 3 Hrs 35 Mns | | 2.72 mph |
| 1,592 ft AEG | 6 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Wanted to hike in a different area. I originally put together the Tom's Thumb Loop from Tom's Thumb TH but realized that's not something I want to do anymore by myself. So I put together this eastern loop that was a little easier. The last two times I was on the Tom's Thumb Trail was in 2014, once for johnr1 Memorial Hike and the other with my niece and Kelly to bag East End Peak.
Believe it or not, it was ten years ago  the last time I was on the East End Trail and believe it or not, the trail tread still sucks... I forgot how bad. I'm still surprised I even did the 13 mile Loop [ photoset ] but then again, I was ten years younger! Got some nice photos back then including lizards and the first time we had our office owls.
I'm still trying to enjoy afternoon hiking so I had a big lunch and then headed to the TH. (FYI: The road into it is torn up in various places.) Starting the hike on Tom's Thumb Trail, the tread is pretty nice the entire way up to the top and over to the East End. I knew it was UP a lot and there were lots of various hikers coming and going. It's one of those where you see all sizes of hikers and I found myself saying if they can get up this elevation, I certainly can  . It has one false summit and I vaguely remembered it. There were still lots of people going both directions as I topped out and headed over to East End Trail. I did see some poppies.
East End Trail, yuk. There is no need to do this one again. For some reason, I thot with all the new hiker traffic maybe they did something about the condition of that trail. Granted, it's not easy to work with so I guess it could be much worse. For the most part you have to pay attention the entire mile and a half down. The views, though, are really great. As I got toward the bottom I encountered a fitness hiker on her way up and wished her luck. Two others passed me coming down and they seemed quite light on their feet. I was very happy to get to the junction and glad that I chose the route I had vs going around the west side.
So east onto the Windmill Trail, which I also had last been on in 2014 going the opposite way. It was a little rocky but not to the level I had just come down. I had forgotten about the dilapidated windmill which doesn't show up in my 2014 photoset [ photoset ] , altho I got a way cool pic of a squirrel and a great fountain picture too. Near the old windmill is a pretty large tree. As I came out of a little valley I saw the fountain was spurting so I did some serious zooming to check it out. It just looks so out of place to see it from here in the desert.
Before hooking up with the Coachwhip Trail there is a bench and a biker was sitting there. I needed to re-tie my shoes tighter so I sat next to him. He is a 5 year retired Southwest pilot and graduate of the Air Force Academy. I told him about Wade, who is also a retired SW pilot. We talked about life in retirement and he said he was forced out as he turned 60 and Southwest required retirement at that age. He loved his job. Anyway, it was nice to visit with him but I told him I was a slow hiker and had to make sure I could get back before they closed the lot. It had taken me longer to get down East End so for about a half hour, I contemplated what I would do if I didn't make it out in time.
The Coachwhip Trail was very nice and now I started hiking to the northeast. The views were great with the glowing golden grasses and I would see a little more flora like Blue Dycks and Fairy Duster and some Rattlesnake Weed. Of course, the views toward the Mazzies and Four Peaks are enjoyable as well as looking back on the mountains to my west. I would also see a lot of flowering Wolfberry too.
As I neared the Pemberton Trail I saw a very nice Ramada and if it had been a little earlier, I might have stopped for a little rest; but since I was in unfamiliar area I pushed onward. The Pemberton Trail was smooth as glass as we headed mostly west now. The desert flora was lovely with an occasional splash of boulders. Next intersection would be with the Boulder Trail which was more of the same. I did encounter a couple bike riders, one coming, one going. I saw about 1/2 dozen rabbits between here and the TH.
I enjoyed this desert scenery with the golden grass, though trying to work with the sun was problematic at times. However, I nailed a shot. I did take quite a few photos. I noticed that my phone really didn't do well on a couple normal shots; not sure what I did wrong so that was disappointing. Anyway, you eventually hook up with Marcus Landslide which took me in and out of shade a few times so I ended up lowering my sleeves. This is a wonderful trail of course, and with the sun falling behind the mountain, I got some great light to work with.
I was getting pretty tired by this time so was glad of the fabulous trail tread as I hiked the miniature rollercoaster trail back to the TH. I saw about 1/2 dozen more hikers and that was it. I saw about four lizards but that was mostly up on the Tom's Thumb/East End Trails.
I had plenty of time to spare so I don't know why I freaked out a little over on the East End that I might not get done in time. I was making all sorts of plans in case that happened, ha! I really enjoyed my Huckleberry Lager as I was pretty thirsty. Wish that East End Trail wasn't such a pain as I'd do the Loop again. Been sneezing a lot since I got home as I got a little chilled; I know, hard to believe. Altho, having a Mountain Dew Freeze probably didn't help that... PS I think it turned into a head (nose) cold.
WATCH 8.99 miles (3,790 high 2,264 low) avg bpm 143 (seems high)/ max 172 bpm (29% Zone 4 anaerobic, 56% Zone 3 aerobic, 14% Zone 2 weight control) burning 1556 calories. Tibberperfect temp 62.5 at start and 12% humidity finishing at 5:08PM |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Poppies, Wolfberry, Blue Dycks, Fairy Duster, Chuparosa, Rattlesnake Weed, Wiry Lotus |
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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