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Hiking | 3.00 Miles |
850 AEG |
| Hiking | 3.00 Miles | 2 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.20 mph |
850 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no linked trail guides |
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| no partners | | Craving a small scale adventure, I headed west-southwest from Blackjack Campground, and bushwhacked up a subtle ridge rising from the 6327' point near highway 78. Once on top of the relatively flat mountain, occasional open patches in the snowy juniper-pinyon forest provided some great views to the south and east. Arriving at the summit's basaltic rim, the mountainside fell away to the highway, over 1000 feet below, revealing an outstanding view to the west. I started a register, although I know no one else will ever come up here besides me After enjoying the view, I scouted for a descent route, and gave the south ridge of the mountain a shot. This turned out to be the sweet route, with a few cliffs and views galore to keep things interesting. A large white tailed deer bounded up the rocks as I went down. At the bottom of the ridge, I stumbled onto the old highway alignment, and followed it back, returning to my truck by starlight. With the heater chasing away the high country's January chill, I drove down the highway listening to disturbing folk music (if there is such a thing), while watching a fiery moon rise in my rear view mirror. It was an afternoon and evening well spent. |
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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan |
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