Deer Tanks Trail • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Guides 27
Routes 669
Photos 12,096
Triplogs 856

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 09 2025
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	5.63 Miles	797 AEG

Hiking	5.63 Miles	3 Hrs 18 Mns	1.72 mph
	797 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

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no linked trail guides

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no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Later start Sunday morning hike. Did the FR10/Deer Tanks/Wolverine Pass loop counter clockwise. Before getting on Wolverine Pass I headed up into the canyon north of Idaho Road that has the big rock spire in it. There's a trail I spotted on aerials that goes around the east side of the spire and dead ends at a cliff. Along the way up the canyon there is a junction with another trail that goes to the ridge on the other side of the canyon. I decided not to explore that, but if I had, it looks like it might meet up with the service road to the towers there. maybe another day. Short hike, but still nearly got 1000' AEG in and explored a new area to me.

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Jan 31 2025

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Javelina Willow Springs Crossover

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	14.00 Miles	1,440 AEG

Hiking	14.00 Miles	6 Hrs 14 Mns	2.25 mph
	1,440 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Willow Springs Basin Trail

Rough N Ready - Willow Springs Crossover

Rough N Ready Canyon

Three Lesser Peaks Trail

Hope is Lost Trail - Goldfields

Rock House Trail

Partners

partners

Tortoise_Hiker

Denny and I had talked about a shuttle hike in the Goldfields from the Willow Spring trailhead to the Meridian trailhead years ago. I thought we could break it up into two or three hikes but Denny went all in like he was holding a pair of aces. I had a route with an option to hike over a ridge but the passes were about a mile farther north because of a second ridge we'd need to hike around so we opted for the southern route which was all on trail. We connection parts of 11 trails in 14 miles to make the trek. Part of the trails were roads and part were washes and sometimes the track we had used a wash but a trail was there. In the Goldfields most of the trails are not marked and some are marked occasionally so a having a track is very helpful. The weather cooperated and Denny keep going so we finished the entire route (included an extra mile looking for a pass) in good time. There is some interesting geology in the Goldfields so I guess they're okay. Thanks for the hike Denny.

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1 archive

Jan 31 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 148
Photos 9,924
Triplogs 3,652

63 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Javelina Willow Springs Crossover

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,652

Hiking	14.00 Miles	1,440 AEG

Hiking	14.00 Miles	6 Hrs 14 Mns	2.25 mph
	1,440 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Willow Springs Basin Trail

Rough N Ready - Willow Springs Crossover

Rough N Ready Canyon

Three Lesser Peaks Trail

Hope is Lost Trail - Goldfields

Rock House Trail

Partners

partners

wallyfrack

Wally and I dropped a car off at Meridian trail head and drove over to Willow to start our hike. Wally was nice enough to draw us up a route and some options. Hit the trail about 7:30. 1 shirt and shorts would have been good but I wore pants for some exploring.

Lots of cool rock formations and stuff to see. Only saw a hand full of people all day!
Weather and route were great and most trails were in good shape. Thanks for making it go so smoothly Wally. Like HAZ, you rock!!

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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

Jan 28 2025

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 28 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	5.60 Miles	506 AEG

Hiking	5.60 Miles	1 Hour 51 Mns	3.03 mph
	506 ft AEG

no routes

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no linked trail guides

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no partners

Another hike to connect the dots for our through hike. There was a crowd out by the water catchment and SRP was putting guy wires on some new poles. Two Helicopters were go over and back. One had what looked like water/cargo on a tether the other had two guys on a tether. Looked like fun but probably intense as well. Connected trail 306 with trail 308 so we won't miss a turn. The east side of 306 gets confusing with the OHV roads but easy to just cut through if needed. One helicopter landed out there as I was hiking. The second came in as I was hiking away. Interesting to see all the activity out there today. Nice weather to be out in.

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1 archive

Jan 25 2025

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 25 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	4.80 Miles	679 AEG

Hiking	4.80 Miles	1 Hour 56 Mns	2.48 mph
	679 ft AEG

no routes

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A hike to check out the options over the ridge. I found an easy route to the ridge just below peak 3125. Not sure Denny would want to use this but it's possible. Only saw two other hikers out. The weather was great with clouds and no breeze.

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2 archives

Jan 17 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 148
Photos 9,924
Triplogs 3,652

63 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 17 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,652

Hiking	5.10 Miles	516 AEG

Hiking	5.10 Miles	1 Hour 59 Mns	2.57 mph
	516 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

wallyfrack

Wally and I hit another variation of the Deer Tanks Trail. Starting around 8am. Another fun morning exploring the area. Great temps, trail and company.
Thanks Wally! Like HAZ, you rock!!

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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

Jan 17 2025

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Dome Mountain 3381 - Goldfield Mtns

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 17 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	5.10 Miles	516 AEG

Hiking	5.10 Miles	1 Hour 59 Mns	2.57 mph
	516 ft AEG

no routes

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Partners

partners

Tortoise_Hiker

A hike with Denny to find the eastern part of trail #306 in the Goldfields. We were on trail until we weren't. There are several spur trails so easy to get off track. I'll go back and hike in the opposite direction to find out where we lost the trail. Too many OHV tracks to know which to follow. Nice morning for a hike. Thanks for coming out Denny.

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1 archive

Jan 11 2025

pseudalpine

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

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Dome Mountain 3381 - Goldfield Mtns

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 11 2025
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking

Hiking
		41 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Peak 3269 - Goldfield Mountains

Idaho Trailhead to Cyclops

Partners

none

no partners

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Four Peaks Golden Dome- 3185ft

3 archives

Jan 10 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 148
Photos 9,924
Triplogs 3,652

63 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 10 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,652

Hiking	4.60 Miles	600 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	2 Hrs 6 Mns	2.19 mph
	600 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

wallyfrack

Wally and I hit the trail around 8am. We did some variant of the Deer Tanks Loop. We saw some cool rock formations, an arch or two, a water catchment or two, some Christmas decor, some workers in a wash, and some cool temps! It all made for an enjoyable outing! Thanks Wally! Like HAZ, you rock!

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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

Jan 10 2025

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 10 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	4.60 Miles	600 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	2 Hrs 6 Mns	2.19 mph
	600 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

Tortoise_Hiker

Told Denny about a new trailhead so we went back to explore some more. The area is interesting for the Goldfields. There are some nice peaks, a few water catchments, a few small arches and a neat little canyon along the way. We will be back to explore again. Thanks for the hike Denny.

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2 archives

Jan 05 2025

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 05 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	3.10 Miles	823 AEG

Hiking	3.10 Miles	1 Hour 20 Mns	2.33 mph
	823 ft AEG

no routes

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no linked trail guides

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A quick hike exploring a new area for an area without the crowd. Lots of parking and not too busy. A different area of the Goldfields that I haven't explored.

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2 archives

Mar 10 2024

Guides 27
Routes 669
Photos 12,096
Triplogs 856

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 10 2024
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	7.41 Miles	915 AEG

Hiking	7.41 Miles	3 Hrs 17 Mns	2.26 mph
	915 ft AEG

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Shorter Sunday morning hike close to home. Started from the Wolverine Pass gate at the south end of FR10 and did a clockwise loop on Wolverine Pass and Deer Tanks Trails with a spur up the 303 trail to the saddle to get some additional AEG. Cooler and windy early but never chilly, perfect weather all morning. Saw one other hiker on the service road for the power lines once I got off of FR10 on the way back. Found a few more horse trail sections I hadn't hiked before. Not much 4x4 activity this day, or much of any other activity for that matter. Surprising considering how nice the weather is.

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Feb 25 2022

Yoder

Guides 8
Routes 70
Photos 3,208
Triplogs 273

59 male

Joined Oct 07 2017
Chandler, AZ

Greevers Needle - AKA Coyote Rock

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 25 2022
		Yoder • Triplogs 273

Hiking	10.10 Miles	1,700 AEG

Hiking	10.10 Miles	4 Hrs 11 Mns		2.68 mph
	1,700 ft AEG	25 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

no routes

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We started off at the Medicine Wheel trailhead and took the trail heading east. Have not been able to find the name of this trail on HAZ, but I did notice the Topo on this site list it as Goldlink. This goes 2.9 miles east until it intersects with the Deer Tanks Trail.

This trail quality is exceptional considering that this is not a high traffic area. It's a shame it is bordering private land, so the south view is just of the city. Deer Tanks Trail has some good views and starts getting into the Goldfields. Hanvent had a chance to check out the hikes in the Deer Tanks area of the Goldfields, my GPS Topo maps don't show much(Including Deer Tanks), but I noticed the HAZ topos have this and other identified, so I'll investigate these soon.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Emorys Rock Daisy

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cactus Wren

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J. Yoder

1 archive

Jan 08 2022

Booneman

Guides 9
Routes 33
Photos 780
Triplogs 4,634

44 male

Joined Nov 25 2008
Scottsdale, AZ

Greevers Needle - AKA Coyote Rock

Phoenix, AZ

Hike & Climb		Jan 08 2022
		Booneman • Triplogs 4,634

Hike & Climb	1.00 Miles	357 AEG

Hike & Climb	1.00 Miles	2 Hrs 30 Mns	0.40 mph
	357 ft AEG

• Trad • 5.4 • 3 Pitches

no routes

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Matt and I found out about this climb last summer and have been waiting for a good time to attempt it. We hiked in this afternoon and made it a 3 pitch mixed route - sport/trad to reach the summit. Pretty easy and really fun!

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Sep 25 2021

Guides 27
Routes 669
Photos 12,096
Triplogs 856

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 25 2021
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	8.07 Miles	1,231 AEG

Hiking	8.07 Miles	4 Hrs 1 Min	2.01 mph
	1,231 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Picked the Goldfields again because it's close to home and I had various chores to get done. Started at the Bulldog Canyon area and headed west on the Wolverine Pass Trail. I missed the trail along the road, but then I found trail number 303 and took that, which then junctions with Wolverine Pass. Headed further east and went out about 2 miles on the Meridian Mystery Trail and came back, then finished a loop of Deer Tanks and FR10 back to the parking area. Slower going since the trails here are rockier than the park trails I've got a little too used to, so I only got 8 miles in. Cloudy and drizzly at the start with threatening looking clouds to the east, then sunny by the end. Saw 2 trail runners, 2 hikers, and some 4 wheelers and dirt bikers on the roads. Temps are much more comfortable, and no humidity that soaks you after a half hour.

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Feb 13 2021

ddgrunning

Guides 3
Routes 632
Photos 8,235
Triplogs 604

54 male

Joined Apr 13 2011
Gilbert, AZ

Goldfield explore, AZ

Hiking		Feb 13 2021
		ddgrunning • Triplogs 604

Hiking	5.69 Miles	809 AEG

Hiking	5.69 Miles	1 Hour 54 Mns	3.22 mph
	809 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Idaho Trailhead to Cyclops

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none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Skipped my usual weekend trail running haunts to do a little exploring in the Goldfields, off Idaho Road. 4-5 other cars parked at the TH when I arrived at 8:30 am.

I immediately got distracted by the caves and summit just east of the trailhead, which I climbed and scouted for good climbing/rappelling options. I was aware of Greaver’s Needle, but didn’t wander up that way.

The rest of the jaunt was just heading out to see what I could in the time allotted.

Temps were nice with the cloud cover. Lots of solitude to be had. Only came across 3 other people.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro

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Dec 13 2020

Guides 27
Routes 669
Photos 12,096
Triplogs 856

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 13 2020
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	4.90 Miles	553 AEG

Hiking	4.90 Miles	2 Hrs 24 Mns	2.06 mph
	553 ft AEG	1 Min Break

Linked

linked

Bulldog Cyn to Salt River

Partners

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no partners

Finally got a chance to take the family out for a hike in the nicer weather. This one is very close by and I hadn't got a chance to hike the Wolverine Pass Trail. We did a loop, starting on Wolverine Pass, headed north on the Bulldog Canyon Road and returned on the Deer Tanks Trail. Looks like we just missed Brian, who started hiking before us and hiked out and back to The Mask. We didn't see all the wildlife he did, either. Once we got back to the trailhead, we took the unmapped trails up into the rock formations and a little closer look at some of those. Short and uneventful hike, but very nice to get out in the morning and do an easy hike with the family. Weather was cool and breezy the entire time.

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Dec 05 2020

Guides 27
Routes 669
Photos 12,096
Triplogs 856

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 05 2020
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	7.50 Miles	1,304 AEG

Hiking	7.50 Miles	3 Hrs 59 Mns	1.89 mph
	1,304 ft AEG	1 Min Break

Linked

linked

Dome Mountain 3381 - Goldfield Mtns

Partners

none

no partners

I didn't feel like driving far for a hike, but I still wanted to find some trails that I still haven't done. I decided to check this area out and I'm glad I did. Looked like two options to hike the Deer Tanks and Wolverine Pass Trails from the same trailhead. and Deer Tanks looked like it wasn't too far from the Meridian Mystery Trail, which I had done some of back in April 2019 and noticed some trails that looked like they headed towards this trailhead.

I started on Deer Tanks just as sunrise. It was a bit chilly, but I was glad to feel that after a pretty brutal summer. Once it Deer Tanks north to follow the wash towards Bulldog Canyon, I saw a spur for a trail that headed east. I could already see the trail head up the hill to a pass. I took that and continued east bound. I passed the end of where the official Meridian Mystery Trail track is but didn't see a trail there. I did see a junction just north of that, though. I continued to head east until I connected with the Meridian Mystery Trail, then headed back to the Deer Tanks Trail, hitting another section of the unmarked trail south of Meridian Mystery.

Once I got back to Deer Tanks, I followed that to the north, eventually descending into the slot canyon, then getting out. I stopped just short of the Bulldog Canyon Road, not realizing it because I hadn't paid attention. After that I headed back to the trailhead and called it a day. Got less miles than usual in due to a later start with the late sunrise, and hiking a little slower than usual. Felt like a more laid back hike, discovering new trails that I didn't know were there.

Saw 3 other hikers on the trails with me. At the trailhead I saw someone briefly up on the rocks, looked like they were climbing. Temp was still in the 60s when I finished.

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Mar 05 2020

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 989
Photos 12,068
Triplogs 864

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Dome Mountain Deer Tanks Loop, AZ

Hiking		Mar 05 2020
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 864

Hiking	9.10 Miles	1,701 AEG

Hiking	9.10 Miles	5 Hrs 31 Mns		2.27 mph
	1,701 ft AEG	1 Hour 30 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

no photosets

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On my second day of hiking in the Goldfields I had big plans. Dome Mountain, Three Lesser Peaks and return on Orohai Wash and Blue Ridge. As happens sometimes plans change. My plan changing event was my arch nemesis Dome Mountain. I tried Dome Mountain from the west a couple weeks ago and abandon it because it was too risky for me alone. This time I went up the East end. I made it to Gun sight Saddle but I was ragged mess. My legs were like jello my hands and arms cut up from brush and cactus. Once at the saddle I opted not to go further up to either of the peaks. The saddle would have to do. Besides how much better could the views be from up there I kept telling myself. Looked easy on Google Earth. It was definitely easier than the west approach. Nice views from the saddle. I was actually more concerned with my return trip because going down is usually more hazardous. The trip down wasn't as bad as I thought having made most of the mistakes in route on the way up. I did spend a good portion of it on my rear, it's hard to trip or fall when your on your butt. There are a few cairns toward the top near the saddle but all they really do is tell you some other soul passed this way. The one cairn I found on my return that is a good one to look for is where the route crosses the first big erosion/wash on the upper part of the trail where it turns north. On my way up I went a little too high on the hillside and crossing the wash was a bit tricky but on my return I found an easy crossing and right there in front of me was a cairn, good call wish I'd of seen it on the way up. This hike would be one I need to plan to do just Dome Mountain because it could take a day.

My plans to do Three Lesser Peaks changed because I didn't want to climb another peak no mater how lesser it was. I opted instead to head down from the saddle and head across country to Bull Dog Canyon and visit the Mask Arch. I love cross country in the desert because you can see far enough ahead to plan your route. Made it to Bull Dog Wash with out any issues. Climbing up to the Mask was quite easy. I approached it from the east starting in a small ravine to the east of the hill the Mask is on near the odd looking caves. I got close to the caves but not too close, they looked like a good place for bees to live or something else I didn't want to get to know too well. I crossed low on the south side of the ridge looking for the mask. I finally saw a trail leading up the south slope of the hill and figured the Mask must be close. The Mask Arch is interesting I would of liked to see it when both arches were still intact. The rubble from the failed arch is still there, piled up at the feet of the culprit who probably had a hand in its demise, a saguaro. The scars on the saguaro are evidence that this arch was a constant irritant to the saguaro and probably pushed on the arch till it fell. It appeared to show no remorse.

From the Mask I headed down Bull Dog Canyon to the Deer Tanks trail to Idaho Road. Really nice trail all the way. From the Mask I could see a trail that went south along the east side of hill 2300 that is just across the wash, I was curious as to where this trail went. I continued south on the Deer Tank until I crossed a road that headed east and figured it probably connects up with that trail I saw earlier so I took it. Sure enough it does. So now I am back where I was earlier and once again I take the Deer Tanks Trail to Idaho Road. Deer Tanks had more water in the tanks than was here two weeks ago.

From Idaho Road I take the McDowell Road Trail back to FR 1356 where I started. I did not know this trail was here, I thought I might have to bushwhack it back. Really nice trail. The weather was in the low 80's by the time I finished at 2:00. This may be the last time in the Goldfields this year unless we still have a little winter coming.

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1 archive

May 07 2016

hikerdw

Routes 268
Photos 2,969
Triplogs 541

66 male

Joined Aug 16 2009
Mesa,AZ

Goldfields 050716, AZ

Hiking		May 07 2016
		hikerdw • Triplogs 541

Hiking	12.18 Miles	1,684 AEG

Hiking	12.18 Miles	5 Hrs 27 Mns	2.65 mph
	1,684 ft AEG	51 Mns Break

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