|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 3.02 Miles |
1,628 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.02 Miles | 6 Hrs 58 Mns | | 1.73 mph |
| 1,628 ft AEG | 5 Hrs 13 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Sevenmile Peak (Peak 2948) is the highest point on Sevenmile Mountain.
‘This’ Sevenmile Mountain is between the Sierra Estrella Mountains to the east, and Rainbow Valley to the west. (There are a few other Sevenmile Mtns in Arizona).
The mountain has a very narrow ridgeline that runs NW to SE, and Peak 2948 is just about in the center of the seven miles. I hiked up to the east, from Rainbow Valley and basically went straight up to Pk 2948.
When done locating a USGS benchmark (and summit Log) on the high point, I wandered SE on the ridgeline for awhile before dropping down to a spur ridgeline, on my way back to my trailhead. (I was looking for another benchmark on that spur, but had no luck).
Going directly up to the high point entails a very steep climb, with no trails. It was just over a mile to the top, with over 1,500 Feet of elevation gain. I had to dodge all the normal cactus, loose rock, and scree along the way. I wore gloves, in order to get a better grip on anything I trusted, like boulders and palo verde limbs.
I guess if you start from one end of the range, the steepness would be partially substituted by 3 1/2 miles of ‘narrow-ridge, boulder-hopping’, to get to the high point. Take your pick.
I had to contact the USGS for the benchmark’s datasheet, since the info wasn’t available online.
They set the benchmark up there in 1949, but did not set any reference marks. (Current TOPO maps do not have a BM symbol on the peak. I knew about the BM from other sources).
Locating the disk was easy, as the Height of Light (and its wires) was still in place, directly over the BM. All I had to do was remove a huge rock cairn that was helping the Height of Light stay upright. After some photos, I reassembled everything again, and then located the summit log, which dates back to 1990.
I did this hike on a very clear day, and spent alot of time on top, just taking in the views in all directions. I actually would have stayed longer, but all of a sudden I had a gnat attack.
Zillions of gnats joined me on the peak, and their main agenda was to take roost on my arms, hands, and face. I took my hat off to swat at them and discovered there had to be at least 50 or 60 gnats perched on the hat. I should have brought along a few Black Tailed Gnatcatchers.
When I left the peak for the ridgeline the gnats did not follow. Good for me.
This mountain range is tiny, compared to its neighbor, the Sierra Estrellas, but still very worthy.
Hiking the entire seven mile ridgeline would be a fun trek.
I enjoyed this hike alot. It was challenging, a good little workout, and a successful benchmark find. (well, the one I was really looking for, anyway). Plus, it was nice seeing the Height of Light still standing, 67 years after the surveyors put it up there.
If you take away the gnats, I’d give the hike a 10. |
| _____________________
Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
J.R.R.TOLKIEN |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
Tamales are more Christmassy and at least tacos have vegetables, like cabbage or lettuce instead of just greasy cheese and sloppy sauce. I also don't like shuttling vehicles for hikes, so I just completed this squirmy ridgeline as a large loop. Going across, there are plenty of bail off points, if you can't make it all the way across this practically never-ending 
That HAZ_Hikebot official route of this hike also proves that AI will never entirely take over. W to E +893 AEG, whatever!?! 
