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| Hiking | 3.17 Miles |
1,384 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.17 Miles | 2 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.27 mph |
| 1,384 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Brian and I decided to go out to the Dragoons to hike Sheepshead which was an Emblem peak. It was only supposed to be 3.5 miles RT. Since the drive was fairly long (2 hrs each way), we decided it would be a waste to drive all this distance for such a short hike so we decided we needed something to pair with it. This hike seemed to be a good choice at only 3 mi RT.
After taking a short break after doing Sheepshead, we drove over to Middlemarch pass and parked. Near where we parked we saw a cross near a tree which simply said "Dad". Whose Dad? Not sure why they couldn't put the person's name there.
Anyway, we walked back across the cattleguard and saw that the ridgeline was to the South. We did an open Country hike at an angle up and across to the main ridgeline. Near the ridgeline we saw a use trail, which was pretty well defined. This was not just an animal trail, but perhaps made by hikers or over a long period of time. The trail generally stayed on the left side of the ridgeline going up. It was quite steep for most of it and there really weren't many flat areas, only a few along the way. The trail led all the way to the summit. I got off trail only a few times but found the trail again within minutes. The trail was a bit rocky but I suppose it was better than just hiking up a ridgeline that didn't have a trail.
We found 2 registries at the top. One newer and one older. We signed the newer registry. The older registry looked like it had sun/water damage so we didn't even open the jar. There was also a 10 foot metal pole at the high point. Not sure what it was used for. Nearby was also a US survey marker that simply said "Sala" and was placed there in 1952.
On the way down, we followed the ridge trail to a lower point and then found some cattle trails / animal trails heading in the direction of the pass. These trails were not quite as steep and probably a better way to go, both up and down. On the lower part of the ridge we found some interesting rocks which were very black, that I thought were flint, but not sure.
This would make a great workout hike because it's a continual uphill along a ridgeline that just goes up and keeps going. We thought it was a good choice to pair with Sheepshead. We finished before dark and had plenty of time for water breaks, snacks and to examine some interesting rocks along the way. We also saw a few areas near the ridgeline that appeared to have been mined with some tailings nearby.
Stats:
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Distance (round trip) = 3.17 miles
AEG = 1,384 feet
Strava moving time = 2 hrs 18 mins
Strava elapsed time = 3 hrs 18 mins
Directions:
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From Tucson/Phx take I-10 East toward Benson, AZ.
Follow I-10 E to AZ-80 E/W 4th St in Benson. Take exit 303 from I-10 E.
Continue onto AZ-80 E/W 4th St and continue for 1.8 mi.
Keep right to continue on AZ-80 E and continue for 21.8 mi.
Turn left onto N Middlemarch Rd and continue for 13.7 mi.
Once you cross a cattleguard, look for a parking space on the right side.
Walk back across the cattleguard and start your hike left of the barbed wire fence.
High clearance vehicle is recommended, but a passenger car SHOULD be sufficient enough to make it. The road is graded pretty well 95% of the way. |
| _____________________
Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
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