Saddle Mountain - Tonopah • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Apr 06 2025
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,895

Hiking	3.20 Miles	1,628 AEG

Hiking	3.20 Miles	3 Hrs 23 Mns	1.21 mph
	1,628 ft AEG	44 Mns Break

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none

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partners

John10s

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

Antsy about doing this hike from the previous experience. Glad I did it, now I'm absolutely sure that I never want to do it again. It's a gem, just too risky for myself.

_____________________

- joe

Apr 06 2025

John10s

Guides 25
Routes 377
Photos 5,927
Triplogs 347

40 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

[ checklist ] Big Horn Mountains Courthouse Rock DAVIS 1880 Eagletail Mountains Kofa Mountains Saddle Mountain, Tonopah Signal Mountain Woolsey Peak

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Apr 06 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 347

Hiking	3.37 Miles	1,698 AEG

Hiking	3.37 Miles	3 Hrs 18 Mns	1.32 mph
	1,698 ft AEG	45 Mns Break

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none

no linked trail guides

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partners

joebartels

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

After a nerve-wracking morning chasing ghosts and crossing fingers that we'd remain among the living to see Monday, it was on to Saddle Mountain, a new one for me and a repeat for Joe. I'd had this one on my list for a while but hadn't justified the drive for a three-mile hike, so I was happy to finally get out here.

There was a shirtless guy leaving the trailhead and getting started when we pulled up, but he was the only other hiker we saw today. The use trail is easy to follow and well-cairned, and it's efficient...pretty much unrelenting "up" from bottom to top. Very steep and loose especially closer to the top, then a brief stretch of flattish, grassy meadow before approaching the peak along an impressively sheer cliff.

We ran into shirtless guy again at the summit, who took off soon after we arrived. Great views from the top and clear enough to see some of the Kofa landmarks on the western horizon along with views of the Eagletails, Big Horns, Estrellas, Woolsey, Signal, etc. Lots of power generation going on all around, both solar and nuclear. It's a beautiful area, and I'm tempted to come back and hike South Saddle.

After a snack and a short break, we headed down and enjoyed some shade on the descent. Many lessons learned today, including how much eagles value chronology when viewing photos

. It was great to see Joe again and to finally have a stress-free hike with him. One out of three ain't bad--a .333 average gets you into the Hall of Fame!

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Teva

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Reference Mark

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Nov 28 2024

AZLOT69

Guides 177
Routes 249
Photos 10,213
Triplogs 2,215

74 male

Joined Feb 12 2002
Gold Canyon, AZ

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Nov 28 2024
		AZLOT69 • Triplogs 2,215

Hiking	2.90 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	2.90 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

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none

no partners

Great day to wander west on a day with less traffic. Perfect plan, no delays, had the mountain to ourselves, found some nice petroglyphs, great temps.

_____________________

It's best for a man to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open his mouth and remove all doubt.
--Mark Twain

Apr 26 2023

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,248
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,602

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Apr 26 2023
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,602

Hiking	2.85 Miles	1,614 AEG

Hiking	2.85 Miles	4 Hrs 47 Mns	0.88 mph
	1,614 ft AEG	1 Hour 32 Mns Break

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none

no linked trail guides

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none

no partners

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

Opted to hike Saddle Mtn with Celina. Started later than planned (not my fault), the hike itself took about 90 minutes longer than anticipated (not my fault), then hit traffic on the way back home due to running late (not my fault). Trail is fairly distinct/cairned, even on the scramble above the saddle. Seems like two separate routes have formed in places above the saddle, but neither one is necessarily better than the other. Great views along the rim, which is my favorite part of the hike. Very warm, no clouds, occasional nice breeze. Wildflowers must have been nice a few weeks ago, but today was mostly foxtails. Saw nobody else except for a sketchy guy who was parked at the trailhead when we arrived. He looked annoyed at our presence and moved his truck a few hundred feet down the road, was still sitting in his truck when we finished. Strange.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

Dec 11 2022

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 842
Photos 22,068
Triplogs 1,994

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Dec 11 2022
		chumley • Triplogs 1,994

Hiking	3.10 Miles	1,711 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles	2 Hrs 12 Mns	1.69 mph
	1,711 ft AEG	22 Mns Break

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none

no linked trail guides

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partners

John9L

patrickakabird

For some reason, 9L hadn't ever done this little adventure west of town, so we met up with pfox at the avondale pnr for the short trip beyond the fission plant.

It got steadily chillier as we approached the hayla valley, settling at 36 for the start. A couple had set up camp at the trailhead and their dogs were vociferously unhappy with our nearby parking spot and stroll through camp to access the trail.

Morning shadows kept us fully shaded until reaching the saddle, but the temp moderated as we gained elevation, as did exertion levels.

The winter cloud of particulates settled in the lowest elevations and reflected in the morning sun like fog in a valley after rain. We'll just pretend that's what it was, because air quality here seems to be a thing that nobody is willing to talk about or even acknowledge as a problem. Too bad so gross can look so cool sometimes.

Nobody else on trail today. Always an enjoyable mountain to visit. There's an open act in Congress to designate it as part of a new "Ringtail Wilderness" area, but it's a highly partisan effort with a predicted 1% chance of being enacted. So it's status will probably just stay as the same little gem it is now.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Summit Register Log

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Dec 02 2022

GeeEss

Guides 1
Routes 23
Photos 579
Triplogs 45

male

Joined Jan 10 2014
Fountain Hills,

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Dec 02 2022
		GeeEss • Triplogs 45

Hiking	3.10 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG	4 Hrs Break

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none

no linked trail guides

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none

no partners

Another trip to one of my favorite destinations in west-central Arizona. Saddle Mountain is still pristine, despite the constant human presence below, with spectacular plants and equally spectacular views. I did notice that someone or some group has been busy here. Trails below are well-marked as never before, with small basalt boulders lining trails in some spots. Also, an increasingly visible trail is now forming on top beyond the intermediate saddle. This seems a result of large numbers of cairns, directing hikers toward the summit. With most hikers now following cairns, visible trails are forming. Whether a good thing or a bad thing is entirely subjective, I suppose, but I'll give it two thumbs up. Down below, I came upon a couple of petroglyph sites I had been previously unaware of, so a good day all around.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

_____________________

Jan 01 2021

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,248
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,602

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2021
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,602

Hiking	3.02 Miles	1,602 AEG

Hiking	3.02 Miles	4 Hrs 25 Mns	0.86 mph
	1,602 ft AEG	55 Mns Break

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

realm09

watermelonW

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

The kids’ first adventure on Saddle Mountain. Got started late morning, but temps were still cool, no breeze. First half mile is easy, then gets progressively steeper. Kids did fine, even through the steep, loose part just below the saddle. Short break at the saddle, then time for the scramble up the rocks. One kid was a little scared, but didn’t have any problems. We ended up a little to the right of the best track, so there was a short steep section to get back on course. The kids liked the walk along the rim to the top, although I kept them further away from the edge.

Nice break at the top, then we headed back down, staying on the best path through the steep parts and scramble. Saw two other hikers below the saddle, but nobody else for the day. Lots of bighorn evidence, but no sightings. Fun day, and the kids liked the mountain.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

Feb 29 2020

Nate_F

Routes 215
Photos 1,337
Triplogs 124

53 male

Joined May 26 2017
Phoenix, AZ

[ checklist ] Brittlebush Mexican Gold Poppy Pincushion Cactus Silverstem Lupine

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Feb 29 2020
		Nate_F • Triplogs 124

Hiking	4.48 Miles	2,316 AEG

Hiking	4.48 Miles	5 Hrs 40 Mns	1.05 mph
	2,316 ft AEG	1 Hour 24 Mns Break

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none

no linked trail guides

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partners

caragruey

Beautiful day out hiking in the Saddle Mountains! Tough hike, but doable. I compare it to Picket Post and Picacho combined, with a little Vulture Peak thrown in. Thought I'd get this one in before it got hotter than Hell out here. More to explore in the area!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Reference Mark

_____________________

Jan 29 2020

DixieFlyer

Guides 99
Routes 1,487
Photos 16,077
Triplogs 1,377

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Big Horn Peak and Saddle Mountain, AZ

Hiking		Jan 29 2020
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,377

Hiking	11.00 Miles	3,809 AEG

Hiking	11.00 Miles
	3,809 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Big Horn Peak

[ checklist ] Benchmark HAZ - Hike HAZard Intrepid Back Shot Mining Equipment Old Rusty Stuff Post Hike Grub Reference Mark Summit Register Log Trash Hauled Out

Partners

partners

SecretMtnLover

Saddle Mountain-Tonopah has been on my radar screen for a while but I didn't want to drive all the way out there just to hike 3 miles. I managed to convince Tracie the Intrepid, my favorite hiking partner, to go along. Tracie had never done Big Horn Peak, and I have only done it once so we decided to also do it while we were out there. Our friend Elizabeth was off work so we got her to come along as well.

We did Big Horn Peak first, which was a good idea I think. We got there just as it was getting light enough to see. I did this hike earlier this month with @trekkin_gecko and @johnlp, and the route was still somewhat fresh on my mind. Even so, I looked at my GPS a number of times to make sure that we were on track. It was a fun scramble up to the summit, notwithstanding all of the cholla that we had to navigate around and through.

After getting back to our vehicle, we drove about 30 minutes to get to the TH for Saddle Mountain. Even though the Saddle Mountain hike is only 3 miles, it is not your grandma's garden variety 3 mile hike -- it is very steep and slippery, especially the section leading up to the saddle. Route finding was much easier than I thought it would be -- there is an easy-to-follow trail up to the saddle, and even past the saddle the route is mostly easy to follow. I downloaded the track that @LindaAnn posted about 10 days ago, and I looked at it a couple of times to make sure that I was not off track. I did manage to avoid the scenic detour that @LindaAnn and @trekkin_gecko took!...lol...I also used the track for the drive-in ato the TH that @chumley posted; the turn off of Courthouse Rd isn't completely obvious, so this track was helpful.

The views on both peaks are great, although we liked the view on Saddle Mountain better.

After the hike we had some post-hike grub at Hodori Korean Restaurant in Mesa -- the pork belly that I had was excellent!

Stats for the 2 summits are:
Big Horn Peak: 7.9 miles and an AEG of 2,205'
Saddle Mountain: 3.1 miles and an AEG of 1,604'

The distance and elevation gain above are the sum of the two.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Pincushion Cactus Teddy-bear Cholla

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Natural Arch

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Big Horn Peak Courthouse Rock Eagletail Peak Saddle Mountain, Tonopah

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Inversion Layer Sunrise

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
On the hike to Big Horn, we saw one poppy blooming and a few brittlebush blooming; on the hike to Saddle Mountain, there were a few lupine and brittlebush blooming.

_____________________

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

3 archives

Jan 12 2020

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,248
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,602

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Jan 12 2020
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,602

Hiking	3.01 Miles	1,612 AEG

Hiking	3.01 Miles	2 Hrs 24 Mns	1.40 mph
	1,612 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

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partners

trekkin_gecko

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

First peak of the day was Saddle Mtn. 32 degrees at the start, only one of us was happy, but I never heard any complaining. It felt a lot warmer as soon as we got started uphill. The use trail was well defined most of the way. We got off it a little at the start due to more talking and less paying attention, but one back on track it was smooth sailing. Steep, but nothing terrible. Great views, and walking along the edge near the top was a lot of fun. Lots of green out there right now. I think my kids could do this one without much issue, so I need to keep this one in mind for them.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saddle Mountain, Tonopah

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

1 archive

Jan 12 2020

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 673
Photos 7,281
Triplogs 4,660

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Saddle Mountain & Woolsey Peak, AZ

Hiking		Jan 12 2020
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660

Hiking	6.50 Miles	3,700 AEG

Hiking	6.50 Miles
	3,700 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

linked

Woolsey Peak

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

after hiking big horn last week, suggested saddle and woolsey for linda's peak mission
did both peaks a few years ago
left town early, deciding to start with saddle mountain
easy access, good trail up to the saddle
above the saddle the trail is way more defined than it was in 2015
or else we were actually on the use trail this time
but i remember it being harder
nice to have a pole on the descent
the summit ridge is cool as ever and we spent a few minutes up top enjoying the views
kudos to linda for figuring out the drive between saddle and woolsey, which was more involved than i thought
woolsey is pretty straightforward, just steep

the off trail was not as bad as i remembered it, but still steep
nice broad summit area, again with good views, although it was very hazy
had a snack and took our time coming down
two nice west side peaks, good company, fun to do them again
a full day with the drive and the off trail
thanks for doing the research and driving, linda

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

_____________________

hazhole

Jan 01 2020

GeeEss

Guides 1
Routes 23
Photos 579
Triplogs 45

male

Joined Jan 10 2014
Fountain Hills,

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2020
		GeeEss • Triplogs 45

Hiking	3.10 Miles	1,640 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles	4 Hrs 30 Mns	1.03 mph
	1,640 ft AEG	1 Hour 30 Mns Break

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Another hike up one of my favorite destinations on the planet. Saddle has everything any hiker could ask for, easy access, stunning views and scenery, wildlife, and solitude. It's true there are always a few folks down below, but in four trips I've yet to see another soul on the slopes. I didn't go up the trail toward the left this time, opting to explore the off trail area toward the right, just below some impressive vertical cliffs. A tougher go for sure, but extremely rewarding, and I discovered a stunningly beautiful Dudleya arizonica population, mostly growing high up along the cliffs. Signed the register at the top for the fourth time, then scurried back down along the more familiar trail.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Barrel Cactus - Red Desert agave Dudleya

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Woolsey Peak

_____________________

2 archives

Dec 28 2019

Nightstalker

Routes 189
Photos 7,244
Triplogs 1,742

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Dec 28 2019
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,742

Hiking	3.52 Miles	1,689 AEG

Hiking	3.52 Miles	4 Hrs		1.35 mph
	1,689 ft AEG	1 Hour 24 Mns Break	16 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

Gallydoll

Returned to Saddle Mountain after 2 years. This time with Gallydoll to coax me up the funnel. Scree field below the funnel was super loose and sketchy. Trail across the top was harder to follow than I remember. Crazy windy and cold. No big horn sightings this trip

. Had the entire trail to ourselves.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

Nov 23 2019

Jim

Guides 73
Routes 176
Photos 10,174
Triplogs 2,324

46 male

Joined Sep 08 2006

Southwest, AZ

Hiking		Nov 23 2019
		Jim • Triplogs 2,324

Hiking	2.90 Miles	1,800 AEG

Hiking	2.90 Miles	1 Hour 55 Mns	1.51 mph
	1,800 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

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none

no partners

Flooded roads on my way out to the Eagletail Mountains made what was to be my alternate my primary hike. Not a big deal as it's pretty decent and every time I'm here I see a decent-sized herd of bighorn sheep. Today was no exception and the first one I saw was a large ram casually walking away from me.

_____________________

Jan 01 2018

jochal

Guides 2
Routes 25
Photos 1,890
Triplogs 604

41 male

Joined Sep 13 2009
Mesa, AZ

7th Annual New Year's Day Hike, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2018
		jochal • Triplogs 604

Hiking	2.90 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	2.90 Miles
	1,700 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

9 partners

HAZ - Event

	Jim	joebartels
	Livi-Divvi	Nightstalker
	Oregon_Hiker	outdoor_lover
	SpiderLegs	tdwood
	tibber

Very cool peak. Even though much of the phoenix area was blanketed with smoke/pollution, this area was clear.

First time I've seen bighorn in the wild.

Nice to meet everyone.

Thanks for putting this together, Pam, and thanks for bringing the treats.

_____________________

Jan 01 2018

Nightstalker

Routes 189
Photos 7,244
Triplogs 1,742

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

7th Annual New Year's Day Hike, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2018
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,742

Hiking	3.94 Miles	1,678 AEG

Hiking	3.94 Miles	4 Hrs 21 Mns		1.68 mph
	1,678 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break	18 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

HAZ - Event

	jochal	joebartels
	Oregon_Hiker	outdoor_lover
	SpiderLegs	tibber

Joined the HAZ crew for a hike up Saddle Mountain with some delicious New Year's treats!

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

_____________________

Jan 01 2018

SpiderLegs

Guides 2
Routes 10
Photos 42
Triplogs 894

58 male

Joined Jul 12 2012
Oro Valley, AZ

7th Annual New Year's Day Hike, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2018
		SpiderLegs • Triplogs 894

Hiking	2.90 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	2.90 Miles	3 Hrs 45 Mns	0.77 mph
	1,700 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

9 partners

HAZ - Event

	Jim	jochal
	joebartels	Livi-Divvi
	Nightstalker	Oregon_Hiker
	outdoor_lover	tdwood
	tibber

Not really much to add to the other triplogs for this hike. Simply a nice hike and get together for New Year's day.

Was happy to put some faces to names and get a chance to meet some new people. I apologize to Donovan, can't find your name in the search bar though.

Saddle Mountain is one of my favorites, close to town, great views, just challenging enough to keep it interesting and no crowds.

_____________________

See my pics on Instagram @tucsonexplorer

Jan 01 2018

tibber

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

7th Annual New Year's Day Hike, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2018
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	3.12 Miles	1,836 AEG

Hiking	3.12 Miles	4 Hrs 29 Mns	0.89 mph
	1,836 ft AEG	59 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

8 partners

HAZ - Event

	Jim	jochal
	joebartels	Nightstalker
	Oregon_Hiker	outdoor_lover
	SpiderLegs	tdwood

Pam worked hard to get me on this one as the elevation gain freaked me out but I reluctantly agreed knowing that champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and cookies were worthy of the climb up that beautiful mountain.

The drive on the 101 to the south presented with the most incredible smog I have ever seen. My camera was just not in a good position to grab for a quick picture. And when I got out of the car, the smell was more like smoke. Joe and I had a chance to converse in the cold until Pam showed up for our drive out to the TH.

Everyone on the list showed up and Terry and James with a +1. And per usual, a great group of people, most of whom I did not hike with because as per usual, I was bringing up the tail . I somewhat felt bad for those that would have to wait on top for awhile so I was grateful the weather couldn't have been better for that.

The climb was indeed challenging almost the entire way up and the entire way down. But I got 'er done. We did get to see sheep four times so that in and of itself made it an even more rewarding day. The views really are pretty good all the way but from the first saddle up they are spectacular; especially with the inversion layer hanging low to reveal only the tips of mountains to our southeast. The trail choices were a bit of a mystery at times too but I guess that's the fun of it. After the next little flat section you get to do the climb up to the northwest summit. I like those kind of climbs as it's through a rocky area and little ups and downs. It was really cool when I first spotted the group off in the distance.

I had the glasses so I'm sure everyone was glad we finally arrived. Pam's rule is no popping champagne or eating until everyone is aboard. The views were just so spectacular all the way around. And because we got up there late, it didn't seem we got to enjoy it long enough for my tastes. We made sure for everyone to sign the summit log. I took pictures of the log including the entry from @Dude.

And now it was time to get off this mountain but not before we got a view of another sheep before we descended. We were all dreading this and as has been previously mentioned, it wasn't as bad as we thot. Not to say it was a walk in the park as there were some slippery and steep places as well as a discussion before the little saddle on the best route to there from where a few of us had gathered. It was rather comical watching those at the saddle suggesting the best way to come down.

After a short time to re-group, we finished off the hike except I took one wrong route and ended up coming straight down a scree field and ended up on my tush and broke my nail on my little finger half way down, ouch!; Otherwise a nice soft landing. And a little while later, we got to see the sheep again. What fun!

Soon we finally arrived back at the parking lot. And after forcing several people to try the peanut brittle ale from AZ Wilderness Brewery, well mostly Olivia

, we all went our separate ways. It was a fun day though my knee didn't think so. Hopefully it's just tired.

Thanks again Pam for putting this together and insisting that I come. I am working on the video now and I used some of the pictures other folks took to enhance the quality of the production. The only thing is when I load the pics by time, there are a few pics of the group way ahead so that required additional titling so as not to confuse the viewers. I'll put the links up later this week when they're ready to go. The other thing that takes time of course, is picking the music to go with this foray.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!
Part 1 to the top: [ youtube video ]
Part 2 at the top for festivities and back down: [ youtube video ] more bighorn sheep

_____________________

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.

3 archives

Jan 01 2018

outdoor_lover

Guides 7
Routes 73
Photos 14,456
Triplogs 628

62 female

Joined Aug 19 2011
Scottsdale, AZ

7th Annual New Year's Day Hike, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2018
		outdoor_lover • Triplogs 628

Hiking	3.00 Miles	1,981 AEG

Hiking	3.00 Miles
	1,981 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Partners

9 partners

HAZ - Event

	Jim	jochal
	joebartels	Livi-Divvi
	Nightstalker	Oregon_Hiker
	SpiderLegs	tdwood
	tibber

Another Good One in the Books... Great Way to Kickstart a New Year. Joined by our Fearless Leader, (so good to see you Joe!) and some 4 Legged Friends as well... Awesome to Reconnect with Old Friends and meet a couple of New Ones...

Always a Good Time Partying at the Peak.

I had a little Trepidation about the Steepness of this Hike. It's a way's up in a very short Time. I was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt going both Up and Down. Going Up, I was thinking, ok this isn't so bad, but I was also thinking, crap, we gotta come down this....

Turns out, going down wasn't bad either really, although you certainly didn't want to screw up or you'd be all the way down to the Bottom much sooner, rather than later... Running down like one of the Bighorns we encountered, just didn't seem like an Appealing Option.

The only Reason that single Bighorn was Running was because it was on the Ridgline with us and our Lead Hikers were headed right for it. That Particular Solo Sheep decided to beat them to the Punch and just kept going down the Ravine at a Run... The Rest of the Bighorns we encountered, on the way up and on the way down, just hung out and Posed for all of us... It was a really Sweet Bonus to an already great Hike.

I was absolutely Flabbergasted at the Air Quality in Town... As an Arizona Native and having lived here for 41 Years, it's the Worst I have ever, ever seen and so disheartening... I was sooo Relieved that it was clear around the Mountain, although everything in the Distance was a Haze of what appeared to be a combo of Smoke, Smog and Dust... No Trouble Breathing on our Hike which I knew was a Relief for at least one Member, if not more... I'm glad I picked one so far out this Year.... I have Joe to thank for confirming that this would be a good one for my Annual Event.

It wasn't too bad of a Drive, although Google would have had us in a Drainage. Thank Goodness for Route Scout, and Joe's Navigation, we only Overshot the TH by 100 feet. Joe also helped me learn Route Scout a bit, although I still think he did something that was making my Phone fart at me...

Thanks to Larry for being my Sweeper on this Hike, he did a Great Job!

Thank You Everyone for joining me to Ring in the New Year in Style...

Good Times...

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bighorn Sheep

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

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Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "Wow What a Ride!"

Jan 01 2018

Jim

Guides 73
Routes 176
Photos 10,174
Triplogs 2,324

46 male

Joined Sep 08 2006

7th Annual New Year's Day Hike, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2018
		Jim • Triplogs 2,324

Hiking	2.90 Miles	1,800 AEG

Hiking	2.90 Miles	4 Hrs 25 Mns	0.99 mph
	1,800 ft AEG	1 Hour 30 Mns Break

no routes

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