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Santa Rita Peak 5761 - 1 member in 1 triplog has rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Jan 29 2024
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53 male
 Joined Dec 30 2005
 Tucson, AZ
Santa Rita Peak 5761Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 29 2024
Mike_WTriplogs 528
Hiking3.57 Miles 1,242 AEG
Hiking3.57 Miles   2 Hrs   30 Mns   1.43 mph
1,242 ft AEG
 
1st trip
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I drove 2/3 of a mile up FS 144 which got quite rocky at times but I've been on much worse roads. I did activate my 4x4 on this one because I felt that I needed it. After driving about 2/3 mile, I decided to park on the side of the road and walk the rest of the way. From here, I walked about 1/4 mile North on FS 144 and turned left to get off the road. Then, I started going up the ridgeline. There were some animal trails crossing and mostly going around the mountain it seemed but I was able to zig-zag and use some of these trails. I had to go around sections of ocotillo and walk around some thorned plants. There was a lot of dry dead grass on this hillside, but the brush was not thick and there were many ways to go. This is why I would consider this hike to be an open Country hike, rather than a bushwhack. After walking less than a mile I got to a false summit where I saw a barbed wire fence. I found a place to step over this fence, then continued. Up ahead was a rocky hill and I could not see behind it. This was false summit #2 I suppose. I tried to go around this hill at first then realized it was easier just to hike to the top, which I did. From there I could see the high point was not too much further. Along the way, I saw some oak, yucca, agave, rainbow cactus, and a few barrel cactus, and a lot of dry dead-looking grass. There were not too many obstacles to go around; overall this was an open Country hike.

I kept going up the ridgeline and noticed there were really 2 high points with the official peak being the Northern peak and that's where the registry was. The topo map labeled the peak as the Southern-most peak and I didn't see anything there. At the peak where the registry was, there were a few oak trees and evidence that cattle have been way up there. They really are great climbers, those cattle... On the way down, I decided to follow a different ridgeline going East/Southeast and heard some cattle noises in the distance. When I got lower I saw an area with free range cattle behind a gated area. I walked into the gated area just to check it out. I saw a stream with some flowing water and a tank in this area. There were many cows and calves. Most of them walked away from me and I heard some noises in the distance that sounded like the bulls were quite angry at me. Maybe they were being protective of the females and the calves. Anyway, I didn't stay long and walked FS 144 back to where I parked.

Stats:
--------
Distance (round trip) = 3.57 miles
AEG = 1,242 feet
Strava moving time = 2 hrs 13 mins
Strava elapsed time = 3 hrs 39 mins
_____________________
Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
Image
 
average hiking speed 1.43 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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