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Peak 6311 - Santa Ritas - 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
Peak 6311 - Santa RitasTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 29 2024
Mike_WTriplogs 528
Hiking6.13 Miles 1,430 AEG
Hiking6.13 Miles   3 Hrs   30 Mns   1.75 mph
1,430 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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I chose to walk from where I parked on FS 4056, which made the hike longer than if I had driven up FS 231. From where I parked, off FS 4056, in a canyon area, I needed to slide under a barbed wire fence and walk part of a canyon to go in the direction I wanted. Within a few minutes, I found a steep well-defined trail exiting the canyon and going up toward a ridgeline. Once on the ridgeline I kept going higher and after going for a total of 0.2 miles, I ran into the road which was FS 231. I continued on that road until I reached a cul-de-sac and possible parking area. Then continued straight and left downhill and this was apparently FS 4053. After continuing about 1/2 mile I saw FS 4053 A which is where I made my right turn and continued for about 0.3 miles.

Near the end of FS 4053 A I found a 5 foot tall rock enclosure that was probably made by miners who were here. It's hard to tell what this was used for. After this I continued for a few hundred feet and found a trail branching off from the road going West, up the side of the mountain. I found a stake here with a pink ribbon. Be careful in this area because there are a few mining holes. I saw a warning sign in front of one of them, so I would imagine all of the large holes have warning signs.

From here, I followed various animal trails for roughly 1/4 mile to get to the saddle South of Peak 6311. Then, I continued Northwest along the rocky ridgeline to the summit. The last 800 feet getting to the summit was a little slower because it was very rocky with some trees and brush to go around. At the peak, I looked in the most obvious spots for a registry but didn't find one. Luckily, I had a glass jar with me so I started a new registry and secured it under a few rocks.

From the summit, I could see the rocky ridgeline continuing down to the Northwest. Looking Northwest I could see the Helvetia mine which was closer than I expected. Looking to the North, in the distance I could see the Catalinas and the Rincons. Looking South I could see the snow capped Mt Wrightson.

I didn't start my hike until 3:30 pm so I knew I would be pressed for time and I didn't even know if I would finish this or turn around because I wasn't that interested in doing a bushwhack-type hike at night. Luckily, a good portion of this hike was on FS roads and that allowed me to make pretty good time. I was able to get back to the road well before dark but it got dark while I was walking the road and I needed to use a headlamp for about the last mile or so.

Stats:
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Distance (round trip) = 6.13 miles
AEG = 1,430 feet
Strava Moving time = 2 hrs 56 mins
Strava Elapsed time = 3 hrs 55 mins
_____________________
Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
Image
 
average hiking speed 1.75 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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