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| | | Granite Mtn 7185 & 7626 via Williamson Valley, AZ | | | |
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Granite Mtn 7185 & 7626 via Williamson Valley, AZ
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| Hiking | 21.56 Miles |
3,563 AEG |
| | Hiking | 21.56 Miles | 10 Hrs 16 Mns | | 2.52 mph |
| 3,563 ft AEG | 1 Hour 43 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | On the way to meet Ray and until the sun began to rise, the Blood Moon was the focal point in the sky. Quite a ghostly red glow.
I did the Granite Mountain Trail and 7626 a few years back with the Turtle, but didn't get to see much through the rain and at times, zero visibility. I wanted to see what I missed the first time, plus add some other trails I'd never been on before.
We started from the Williamson Valley Parkway TH on the Willow Trail #347. The eastern most portion of this trail is just a means to get to the better stuff and allowed us to cruise and warm up from the 36 degree starting temperature. It starts getting a bit roller coastery after you pass the Mint Wash Traill. We took a short side trip to check out the large set of ruins on top of a mound, next to the trail. It had some pretty tall walls in areas. The Willow Trail led us to, Chimbley Water Trail #348 and then to the West Water Trail #351, that took us to the Granite Basin Area. Both of these trail were in great shape and were in tall pines for the most part.
The Granite Mountain Trail #261 follows one of the flowing small creeks that feeds the Granite Basin for 1.5 miles to Blair Pass. The burn from 2 years ago becomes visible just before here. The burn extends to the West, North and East up Granite Mountain.
The climb starts at Blair Pass. We took #261 to it's end and enjoyed the views to the South.
Next it was off trail up to Peak 7626'. We found a cairned route that took us up a little more direct than the last time. It worked out quite well. We passed a group of 4 that were on their way down from 7626. We checked the top for Fliver Disks and the Peak Register. We found one triangulation marker and 2? triangle peak markers, 30' apart. The wind was blowing 40+ mph , so we signed the Register and started down.
The Mint Wash Trail #345 was another pleasant surprise. This trail starts right behind the Granite Basin Dam and follows a pretty little flowing creek until you meet back up with the Willow Trail intersection. It then climbs out of the creek area and gives you some great views of the riparian area below.
A fun day with some perfect weather (after it warmed up).
Thanks for joining me and driving Ray!
Granite Mountain Views  https://youtube.com ... A7Ng |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Alkali Spring |
Dripping |
Dripping |
| | | Water in the area, but no spring in the Topo location. |
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Granite Basin Lake |
76-100% full |
76-100% full |
| | | Lots-o-water. But there's faucets available to fill from |
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Mint Spring |
Gallon per minute |
Gallon per minute |
| | | Nothing at the spring location, but Mint Creek flowing all the way. | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
We encountered a few mountain bikers and 3 folks on horses. Otherwise it was a quiet trail.
