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| | | Pass the Wind Cave Loop, AZ | | | |
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Pass the Wind Cave Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 13.18 Miles |
2,638 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.18 Miles | 7 Hrs | | 1.92 mph |
| 2,638 ft AEG | 8 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Checking out the Useries...arrived at the Meridian TH a bit before 8am, finding it full (not surprising), with a couple other cars parked along the street already. Gathered my things and started hiking up, opting to hit the Cactus Wren/Meridian Interpretive trail in lieu of the lower section of the Bulldog Saddle Trail. There were a few nice signs placed along the way describing the geology of the area.
The trail was well worn, with evidence of both horse and hiker use...didn't see much wear that would indicate mountain bikes in this area. The trail climbed up to bulldog saddle, then descends to the east of peak 3004 with views of the Goldfields and the Four Peaks in the distance. This north-facing trail was more green and lush, and definitely sees a lot less use than the trail up to the saddle (though it's still plenty clear) - I saw several folk heading down from the saddle as I was on my way up, so I suspect people routinely run up to the saddle and back down for a workout, rather than continuing down the other side. Views to the north were definitely more beautiful than the sprawling views of urban development to the south.
The trail dropped back down to the foothills while circumnavigating 3004 before climbing back up towards Pass Mountain, joining the Pass Mountain loop trail just past a saddle. There were plenty of people hiking along the loop trail. Additionally saw one mountain biker, who surprised me by yielding. Cruised along the pass mountain trail, surprised by the abundant poppies blooming on the eastern side. As I passed what I surmised was the trail heading to the summit, I contemplated taking it and then hiking the ridgeline over to the wind cave trail and back down, but decided instead to stay along the low desert since the logs I'd read about the ridgeline didn't make it sound terribly enticing while travelling solo.
As I closed in on the parking area for the regional park, I was stopped by someone looking for help finding their trail (they were not intending to hike along the pass mountain loop nor were they intending to hike up to the wind cave). Unfortunately, while I was getting them sorted, an extremely large party started heading up the Wind Cave Trail. Once I sent them on their way, I trailed behind the long train of folks with their hand held water bottles. Eventually, as their group started spreading further out, I began lapping the slower ones. Made it up to the wind "cave" area, where it looked to be at capacity, so I continued onward, eventually making the ridgeline and local summit where I stopped briefly to enjoy the solitude and the views before heading back down.
The wind cave area had cleared somewhat by the time I made my way back. I had a quick wander of the alcove, was approached by some tiny beggars hoping for some snacks, and saw a couple of adorably round birbs (unfortunately, they didn't hold still long enough for a photo, and I was unsuccessful in identifying them from my memory) before heading back down and continuing my loop back to my car. The walking was easy, but the day was quite warm, and the last mile or so really seemed to drag.
While I enjoyed the area more than south mountain, I'm not sure I'd seek it out as a hiking destination again when the goldfields and the superstitions are not that much further away. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually  |
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Route Editor
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Route 
With a late start (9:30ish) we decided to park at the C&D parking and go clockwise. We just planned on doing a few miles out and back. I figured this is the smoothest section of the Loop and JJ said there were Poppies spotted in the area(thanks). Sure enough we got to do some rehab, hike the smoother section, avoid the rockiest section, and see a nice amount of Poppies and a few Lupine! Started this late we saw the most hikers I've seen on this one in awhile! one group had 20 hikers in it! 
Temps were ok and we made it without a fall! 
The ridgeline hike is so much fun navigating over all the rocks & breaking it up with a few fun climby spots! Coming down that northwest trail suuuucks though. It’s so loose & gravelly & slowed us down quite a bit. I remember going down a drainage to the northeast before…definitely going to try to find that again for next time. We didn’t see a single other person across the entire ridgeline. It’s beautiful up there!
. When we got back to Desert Arroyo Park, there were some folks flying a few different model airplanes, so we got to enjoy that before we headed to our respective homes across the Valley. 
