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Parker Pass - 28 members in 103 triplogs have rated this an average 3.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next
103 triplogs
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Mar 25 2024
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 Routes 17
 Photos 485
 Triplogs 510

77 male
 Joined Jan 07 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Boulder Canyon Loop from First Water THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 25 2024
Mike_FelsTriplogs 510
Hiking14.37 Miles 2,001 AEG
Hiking14.37 Miles   6 Hrs   4 Mns   2.64 mph
2,001 ft AEG      38 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Pretty good day for a hike. I got on the trail before 7:00 AM. Very few other people on the trails before almost noon. Then it picked up a bit. Boulder creek was flowing very nicely. After the first couple crossings, I just started walking through the stream.

I squeezed in a trip to Lower La Barge box. Figured it might be my last visit. It was pretty well flooded. And the smooth bottom of the pools were as slippery as ice. But it was still great to see.

The hedgehog cactus is starting to bloom. Beautiful purple flowers.
_____________________
 
Jan 25 2024
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,485
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,375

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Peak 2900 Recon, AZ 
Peak 2900 Recon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 25 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,375
Hiking13.98 Miles 2,002 AEG
Hiking13.98 Miles   6 Hrs   42 Mns   2.30 mph
2,002 ft AEG      37 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
My intention on this hike was to hike to Peak 2900, which is a bit northwest of Marsh Valley. From the First Water TH, my plan was to take the Dutchman Trail to the Bull Pass Trail to the Dutchman Trail (again) to the Cavalry Trail. After hiking north on the Cavalry Trail for a bit I would then go off-trail to the west to the peak.
However, I got a late start and several sections of the Dutchman Trail and Bull Pass Trail were in terrible shape, which slowed me down. By the time I was ready to start going off-trail up to the peak, it was later than i wanted so I decided to cut my losses and head back.

So this wound up being an out-and-back hike on some heavily eroded sections of trail. At times it was more like hiking in a ditch instead of a trail, and there were sections with lots of loose, rubbly rock.

The trails were in such poor shape that I didn't care for this hike very much. I think that I will use my time and energy for something other than hiking up to Peak 2900.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Dec 27 2023
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Old West Boulder Canyon RidgePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 27 2023
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking12.01 Miles 2,904 AEG
Hiking12.01 Miles   5 Hrs   56 Mns   2.14 mph
2,904 ft AEG      20 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Peregrine Falcon
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Natural Arch

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max First Water Creek - Upper Turnoff Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
Skunky!


dry O'Grady Canyon Dry Dry

dry O'Grady Creek Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Old West Boulder Canyon Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout
  2 archives
Jun 17 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 447
 Photos 4,407
 Triplogs 938

68 male
 Joined Mar 09 2012
 Gilbert, AZ
Parker PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 17 2023
rayhustonTriplogs 938
Hiking4.60 Miles 475 AEG
Hiking4.60 Miles   1 Hour   45 Mns   2.63 mph
475 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Trailhead duty this morning. Saw Wally after he finished his BM Loop. We chatted for a few. Good to see you!
Hiked out to Parker Pass and back after I finished my chores. Gorgeous morning, interrupted only briefly when a sunbathing diamondback scared the crap out of me. Thank you, thank you for doing nothing more than that.
Only a handful of cars in the three lots. Didn’t see anyone on the trail.
_____________________
  1 archive
Mar 11 2023
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Superstition Wilderness - GET #1Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 11 2023
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking31.26 Miles 5,620 AEG
Hiking31.26 Miles   10 Hrs   37 Mns   3.09 mph
5,620 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
RouteScout started acting stupid once I reached Charlebois, so I suspect the recorded AEG for this hike isn't correct. At one point, it announced I hiked a nine and then three minute mile. Whatever. Starting at First Water TH, I made it to Tortilla Pass in eight hours and Angel Basin in nine. The Hoolie Bacon and JF sections are uninspiring, burnt nothingness. The rugged, beautiful, enchanting highlights are definitely the La Barge Box and Rogers Canyon. Most dangerous part of this trip was the motorcycle ride home, but lane-splitting the Ren Fest traffic was a bonus.

Edit: Joe was kind enough to point out that this hike was about 6491' AEG total. Thanks for doing that, you won't get that type of service from AllFails or OnX. I'll keep it posted as 5620' AEG, so that Joe can catch up with his bum knee!?! : wink :
  15 archives
Dec 21 2022
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Aylors Arch Loop, AZ 
Aylors Arch Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 21 2022
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking11.42 Miles 1,810 AEG
Hiking11.42 Miles   5 Hrs   33 Mns   2.33 mph
1,810 ft AEG      39 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Partners partners
Bobzilla
joebartels
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I had this on the calendar for 2 weeks ago, but the timing did not work out.

Joe joined Rob and I on this one. CW direction, the Dutchman, Second Water and Black Mesa Trails were all in their typical decent condition. Pools of water can be found along this loop currently.

The off trail was to only real slightly tight portion of the day and really only in Boulder Canyon until the turn going up Palomino Mountain. The up climb up is loose in spots, but better than I'd remembered.

Once up top Rob and I did a bit-o-esplorin' and the we took a break for lunch.

The Dutchman Trail has never excited me, but it gives you a chance to peer around Supes geology

Temps were absolutely perfect the entire day.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max First Water Creek at Second Water Trail #236 Pools to trickle Pools to trickle

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Little Boulder Canyon Creek Pools to trickle Pools to trickle

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max West Boulder - Dutchman Crossing Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Nov 07 2022
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Willow Springs from First Water THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 07 2022
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking12.37 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking12.37 Miles   5 Hrs   13 Mns   2.43 mph
1,800 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Beautiful and gritty!
  3 archives
Apr 12 2022
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Boulder Canyon Loop from First Water THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 12 2022
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking14.57 Miles 2,350 AEG
Hiking14.57 Miles   4 Hrs   52 Mns   3.16 mph
2,350 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 
no photosets
  3 archives
Mar 19 2022
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Black Top MesaPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 19 2022
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking12.41 Miles 2,200 AEG
Hiking12.41 Miles   6 Hrs   30 Mns   2.05 mph
2,200 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
My somewhat inexperienced hiking friend (who’s actually a pretty good hiker) was wanting something to fill out the entire morning. I suggested Black Top Mesa & Loop, with the option of shortening the hike to just the loop. Got started around 0630 and headed out on Second Water trail. South on Black Mesa trail, where there was one group of campers.

Another group of campers at the Black Mesa/Dutchman jct, where we headed east, then up Bull Pass, then up to Black Top Mesa. Lots of grass along the trail up there, where right on cue, a rattler surprised us. It was well hidden in the grass right on the side of the trail, a little too close for comfort. While Jill was deciding whether to faint or run, I took some pics and poked at it with a pole to encourage it to move away from the trail so we wouldn’t have to deal with it on our way back out. After I assured Jill she would survive, we took a break at the top and enjoyed the views.

Once back down, we headed back on Dutchman. By far the most boring part of the loop, as usual. Saw some hikers, but not as many as I thought there might be on a Saturday. Warm the last couple of miles. Nice day for this one, but I’m glad it wasn’t any warmer.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ - Selfie
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Feb 17 2022
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,485
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,375

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Superstitions Superfecta, AZ 
Superstitions Superfecta, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 17 2022
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,375
Hiking13.72 Miles 2,771 AEG
Hiking13.72 Miles   8 Hrs   28 Mns   1.91 mph
2,771 ft AEG   1 Hour   16 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I have been wanting to try this hike for a while, and today turned out to be the day to do it. I got the idea for this from a hike that @azhiker456 did last fall.

This was basically the Black Mesa Loop with sidetrips to four peaks along the way:
1) Hackberry Mesa
2) Black Mesa 2850
3) Peak 3097
4) Yellow Peak

From the First Water TH, I went to the horse lot, and then took the Hackberry Spring Trail. Once I got close to Hackberry Mesa, I went off-trail up the SW side of the mesa. It was a bit steep in places, but not bad. I enjoyed the views on the mesa, and then descended SE at first and then more south to go through Garden Valley down to the Second Water Trail My descent was easier than the ascent.

Once on the Second Water Trail, I went to the Black Mesa Trail, and took it up to Black Mesa 2850. This is the highest point on topo maps of Black Mesa, but it looks to me like the highpoint of the mesa is on the west side.

I then descended from Black Mesa, and went up to Peak 3097. It was a gentle grade up to Peak 3097, but there was knee high grass (or higher in some places) with ankle busting rocks underneath, so the going was fairly slow. Views were nice atop Peak 3097, and I had a lunch break there.

I descended back to the Black Mesa Trail and then busted up the south slopes of Yellow Peak. This was the most challenging of the four peaks, but it was a fun climb up. I enjoyed the views at the summit, and then went back down to the Black Mesa Trail. From there, I made my way to the Dutchman Trail, which I took back to the First Water TH.

I enjoyed hiking to these peaks -- Black Mesa was my least favorite, and it would be hard to say which of the other 3 that I liked the best.

The hike back on the Dutchman Trail was a bit of a death march, and was my least favorite part of the hike.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Summit Register Log
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
I saw a few fairy dusters, but that was about it.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Jan 16 2022
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 Guides 17
 Routes 297
 Photos 1,808
 Triplogs 276

female
 Joined Mar 11 2002
 Gilbert, AZ
Black Mesa Loop - Superstition MtnsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 16 2022
VashtiTriplogs 276
Hiking9.37 Miles 1,360 AEG
Hiking9.37 Miles   4 Hrs   56 Mns   2.28 mph
1,360 ft AEG      49 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Amazing day for a hike in the superstitions! Not too chilly of a start at 8a with 43F. It was 71F when we got off the trail around 1p. We took the last parking spot at first water Trailhead. There was plenty of spaces at the horse lot though.

There was SO MUCH WATER EVERYWHERE!! Love it! Lots of backpackers out, understandably. Saw quite a few tents at the Junction of black mesa and dutchman. We saw only 3 couples on black mesa, but saw lots of people on dutchman.

I was hoping to do aylors arch or yellow peak, but my friends weren't game. Next time! ;)

A beautiful day for a hike! 😁

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max First Water Creek - Upper Turnoff Medium flow Medium flow
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Lots of water. Good flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max West Boulder - Dutchman Crossing Medium flow Medium flow
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Tons of water in pools, 1 ft deep and flowing
_____________________
:D
  1 archive
Dec 25 2021
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 Routes 93
 Photos 7,758
 Triplogs 1,691

64 male
 Joined Mar 11 2003
 AZ
Parker PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 25 2021
wallyfrackTriplogs 1,691
Hiking10.10 Miles 1,215 AEG
Hiking10.10 Miles   3 Hrs   42 Mns   2.73 mph
1,215 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
On trail, off trail out and back loop from Needle Vista to Parker Pass. The off trail was easy going with good traction and no dust. The Dutchman trail was muddy in a few spots but easy to work around. There were several hikers out but not too many. The air was damp but the temperature was perfect. No critters out but a good stroll.
_____________________
  3 archives
Apr 03 2021
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Boulder Canyon Loop from First Water THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2021
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking14.47 Miles 2,298 AEG
Hiking14.47 Miles   5 Hrs   40 Mns   2.85 mph
2,298 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 
no photosets
  1 archive
Jan 03 2021
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,485
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,375

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Aylors Arch and Black Top Mesa, AZ 
Aylors Arch and Black Top Mesa, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 03 2021
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,375
Hiking14.00 Miles 2,810 AEG
Hiking14.00 Miles   6 Hrs   25 Mns   2.79 mph
2,810 ft AEG   1 Hour   24 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
I enjoy this hike so I decided to head to the Supes today.

From the First Water TH, we took the Dutchman Trail to Little Boulder Canyon, and then followed the wash for about 1/2 mile; then we followed a use trail up to Aylors Arch and Palomino Mountain. It is always nice being up on top of the arch -- well not right on top of it, but right next to it.

Then we went back the way we came to the Dutchman Trail and took it to the Bull Pass Trail, which we followed to a spur trail that went up to the top of Black Top Mesa. We hung out there for a while and then took the Bull Pass Trail back to the Dutchman Trail, which took us back to the TH.

We hardly saw anyone in the morning, but in the afternoon there were a few people on the Dutchman Trail, but it wasn't too crowded.

It was a great day to be out in the Superstitions!
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Natural Arch
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Summit Register Log

dry Little Boulder Canyon Creek Dry Dry
The creek was as dry as a bone.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Jan 04 2020
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,485
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,375

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Aylor's Arch and Black Top Mesa, AZ 
Aylor's Arch and Black Top Mesa, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 04 2020
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,375
Hiking13.70 Miles 2,920 AEG
Hiking13.70 Miles   6 Hrs   47 Mns   2.58 mph
2,920 ft AEG   1 Hour   28 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
For the third year in a row I went to the First Water TH in early January and did an out-and-back hike to Aylor's Arch and Black Top Mesa. We took the Dutchman Trail about 4.5 miles to Little Boulder Canyon, and then went up the wash in the canyon about a half mile or so to a use trail that went up to Palomino Mountain and Aylor's Arch. I did not stand directly on top of the arch, but I got next to the top. It is fun going along the bridge up to the top of the arch, although if you have a fear of heights you might not want to do all the way to the arch. The views up there are worth it though. After going back to the Dutchman Trail we went to Bull Pass and then up to Black Top Mesa. There are some really nice views of the Supes on the mesa.

It was a lot of fun going up Little Boulder Canyon today -- there was enough water in the wash to make hiking fun, but not so much water that you couldn't keep your feet mostly dry.
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Natural Arch
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Risky

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Little Boulder Canyon Creek Light flow Light flow
There was a good bit of water in the creek, including a few pools; but with care you can mostly keep your feet dry.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive
Sep 12 2019
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 Routes 154
 Photos 1,505
 Triplogs 266

31 male
 Joined Jun 02 2019
 Phoenix, AZ
Battleship Mountain - SuperstitionsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 12 2019
LJWTriplogs 266
Hiking18.83 Miles 4,056 AEG
Hiking18.83 Miles   6 Hrs   49 Mns   2.98 mph
4,056 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
With the Superstitions opened back up, I wanted to get back on Battleship Mountain and decided to make it a longer loop. From First Water I went clockwise to Battleship and then to Black Top Mesa with a stop at the LaBarge Box, before taking Dutchman back to the trailhead.

Started at 5:20am and was the second car in the lot. Used a headlamp for a mile or two. Was in the dark or shade until I climbed up onto Battleship's back end. Saw a small tarantula on the connector trail between Boulder and LaBarge Canyons. The giant cairns that used to mark where that trail leaves Boulder Canyon are gone.

Only person I saw all day was on the summit. Climbed down and stopped at the LaBarge Box before heading back to Boulder and up to Dutchman. Lots of frogs and soon-to-be frogs in the first few pools in the box.

Took Dutchman to Bull Pass and climbed up to the trail for Black Top Mesa. The spur to the top was in as good condition as any on the day. Summit was breezy, which was a blessing with temperatures rising to around body temperature.

Had to take care to apportion my water on Dutchman. Just about ran out and felt pretty dehydrated. Temps approached 100, but there was a solid breeze the whole trip down Dutchman. Saw a diamondback about two miles from the trailhead that charged at me while I tried to take pictures.

No water in any of the creeks except in Second Water Canyon and the LaBarge Box. Not sure any of it'd be good to drink when filtered.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max La Barge Box Pools to trickle Pools to trickle

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Second Water Canyon Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
  1 archive
Aug 10 2019
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 Guides 2
 Routes 267
 Photos 9,816
 Triplogs 402

62 male
 Joined Dec 02 2014
 Mesa, AZ
Parker PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2019
adillingTriplogs 402
Hiking6.20 Miles 791 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles
791 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I am slowly getting back on the trails. I needed an easy one to test my ankle strength and opted for the always wonderful Dutchman Trail up Parker Pass from First Water.

I torn a couple ligaments in my ankle in March and did not do anything to remedy that situation. In fact, I just kept on hiking in spite of my ankle telling me that was a bad idea. So, I ended up making this upper ankle sprain even worse than it was. Oh well, I did the 6 weeks of the boot and kept off it as much as possible. I am approaching the end of my 8 weeks of rehab. No more swelling and that dull pain I had for all those months is slowing going away. Now, I need to get some strength back.

I arrived at the trailhead about 530am. There were a few vehicles in the lot when I set off. I came across one group coming back up the trail right near the pass. And, on the way back, I passed a few parties heading down. Other than that, I had the place to myself.

I was considering going further and try and reach the area between Black Top Mesa and Palomino, but after 3 miles, I decided to turn back and call it a good day. I can tell my legs are out of shape as well. I averaged about 2mph on this trail, I usually fly on this part of the Dutchman. Oh well, I am out there and will only get stronger. I'll be back doing the harder ones in no time.

Not many critters out on this morning. I saw the usual speedy lizards, a few cardinals, some bunnies and some buzzards. I usually have good luck with the animals on this one. I was surprised I did not see any snakes.

The trail is looking good. A little overgrown in spots, but nothing crazy. I will come back to this one soon and do the Black Mesa Loop.
_____________________
"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling
 
Feb 01 2019
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 Guides 44
 Routes 162
 Photos 24,766
 Triplogs 2,411

75 male
 Joined May 04 2004
 Mesa, AZ
CCW Black Mesa Loop, AZ 
CCW Black Mesa Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 01 2019
CannondaleKidTriplogs 2,411
Hiking9.50 Miles 1,434 AEG
Hiking9.50 Miles   4 Hrs      2.48 mph
1,434 ft AEG      10 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
Partners partners
trixiec
Took our time getting started, leaving First Water TH at 9:17. (Surprised there was only 6 other vehicles in the lot)
Did the loop my favorite direction, CCW and added a bit of extra rambling along the way. We met/passed 22 other hikers in total. Back to First Water at exactly 1:17 pm.

Taking a look at the log book entries, Tracey noticed an entry by a Charles Miller leaving about 15 minutes before us with a group size of 45!? We wondered if it had been a misprint? After all, there were two FS uniformed volunteers at the TH, surely they would have said something.

Oh well, I'm just going to leave it as no further comment and hope others will do as well. :-$
Otherwise, head back over to the Wilderness Group Size Limit thread.
_____________________
CannondaleKid
 
Jan 05 2019
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,485
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,375

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Aylor's Arch and Black Top Mesa, AZ 
Aylor's Arch and Black Top Mesa, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 05 2019
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,375
Hiking13.80 Miles 2,770 AEG
Hiking13.80 Miles   6 Hrs   17 Mns   2.82 mph
2,770 ft AEG   1 Hour   23 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
This is a fun hike and is one of my favorites in the Superstitions.

A group of us went on the hike, which started and ended at the First Water TH. We went on the Dutchman Trail for a little over 4 miles, and then went south through Little Boulder Canyon for about 1/2 mile until we got below Palomino Mountain and Aylor's Arch. From there we took a pretty good use trail up to Aylor's Arch. Most of us went up to the top of Arch, which had some awesome views. If you have a fear of heights you may not want to go up on the walkway that takes you over to the top of the Arch, but the chance of falling was near zero.

After spending some time on the Arch, we retraced our route back to the Dutchman Trail, and took it over to Bull Pass and then took a use trail up to the top of Black Top Mesa. I enjoy the views on top of the Mesa, so we hung out there for a bit. The last time that I was up there I found a geocache container, but could not locate it this time.

There was still some snow on the north side of the Ridgeline.

_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Nov 29 2018
avatar

 Routes 17
 Photos 485
 Triplogs 510

77 male
 Joined Jan 07 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Black Mesa Loop - Superstition MtnsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 29 2018
Mike_FelsTriplogs 510
Hiking14.01 Miles 1,480 AEG
Hiking14.01 Miles   5 Hrs   19 Mns   2.96 mph
1,480 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Partners none no partners
Added a few side treks off trail mostly around Palomino Mtn. Fell on trail once coming down the hill on Black mtn trail, stupid round rock. Lost a little skin but that's about it.
_____________________
 
average hiking speed 2.52 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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