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| Hiking | 7.38 Miles |
516 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.38 Miles | 4 Hrs 1 Min | | 1.94 mph |
| 516 ft AEG | 13 Mns Break | | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | Greg asked if I would be interested. Yes, sir. I thot Cathy was coming too but she's still building her strength for a longer hike. On the way, we saw a heck of a car fire. The smoke was initially very grey and the minute the water hit, the smoke turned white. I got a few photos.
We arrived at the TH and took a few pics of the yellow crowned barrel cactus before heading out to the trail. We got up and over the little hill, switchbacked down the other side to creek level. The fire burned through this first section but it was more deserty here anyway. We checked out the various palm trees, some I knew about and now some additional trees along the south creek bed that I don't remember. I'm thinking the fire exposed their position now.
We started hitting some spotty color fairly soon and it would intensify the further in we would get. On the north hillside were some giant saguaros. The fire missed this area as it seemed to have pretty much stopped after about a mile in. And then the water started appearing too which meant reflection time. However, I wasn't pleased with any of the reflection shots I took today. It was a little windy and slightly cold in this middle section but once the color was even more powerful, I kind of forgot about the temperature.
The autumn color was pretty good the rest of the way  . We got to where the trail splits with the sign next to the big chain cholla. I wonder when it will fall over as it's leaning and so top heavy now. I kind of forgot how the rest of this trail goes and where I thot we should have turned to go across the creek to Telegraph was a tad further than I thought. We went through the gate to Telegraph, got the prerequisite picture of Finger Rock before heading back the way we came. We both commented that this is the type of hike you don't mind doing an out and back.
The sun started to come out more aggressively after being somewhat filtered during the first half of our hike. It was just as pretty going back as coming. The wind had died down a tad so I could hear the birds better and we also saw a couple birds including a finch and cardinal. We also noticed an unusual tree and decided to go off trail to check it out. I continued to the creek and we walked down it for a piece before getting back on the main trail. We also saw a window created by two large rocks and a light refraction above a cliff wall. It's always surreal to see those.
We did encounter some trail riders on some very uniquely marked horses and one breed I have never seen in my life. She said the horses were mostly imported from Idaho. I wish they would have stopped so we could have talked longer. The one thing I noticed is the trail seems much sandier in sections than I remember it. We headed up the hill at a pretty decent pace but not without stopping to admire the view; especially toward Picketpost. And, of course, as you come over the hill with the view to the Superstitions featuring Weavers Needle.
We finished our day with lunch at Los Hermanos. I can't remember the last time I've eaten here but it's been many years. I still like their homemade food but they don't use real plates or silverware and no chips and salsa so that was a little disappointing. The margarita was good, however.
I ended up with three videos. I have to say, the movies turned out nice but I'm not as happy with some of my pictures just like the last time I was here in Dec 2020. I just don't like that these Ultra's oversaturate and over sharpen. Nonetheless, I think the videos turned out fine.
Car fire and half way [ youtube video ]
Half way to Telegraph [ youtube video ]
On the way back [ youtube video ]
WATCH: 9:36AM-1:37PM, 6.88 miles, 2399-2636 elevation, avg bpm 115/max 160 burning 1305 calories. Starting temp 55.4 and 25% humidity, partly sunny. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
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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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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
. Amazing while it lasted. I look forward to exploring this area more often to see what and which water is reliable for backpacking trips.
Near the end we took the L.O.S.T. Loop Trail #219 to see the carved steps and return to the lot.
it was a good choice for today because I was hiking with my kids... Who really don't like hiking! 
It wasn't a hard or long trail, so there was no complaining. And really, the trail is beautiful with all the water in the creek (water appeared about 2 miles in from the picketpost trailhead) and all the magnificent cottonwoods!! We also enjoyed the gigantic saguaros and the odd palm trees! I was impressed by how much water was in the creek. Pools, but big ones, and a lot of them. 
as we neared the end of the hike. Capped off a great day with lunch at Porters Saloon. Great day! Thanks guys! 
