|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 4.30 Miles |
1,277 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.30 Miles | 2 Hrs | | 2.15 mph |
| 1,277 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Second hike of the day (after Court House loop). Got to the TH around 6am. Wanted to hit Steamboat first so I took Wilson Canyon to the Jim Thompson juncture and then took TH JT up to a user trail that tackles Steamboat from the east side. I expected this user trail to be a little further along, but it occurred as soon as I finished the initial ascent up the JT. The user trail is well established and easy to follow. I thought it was going to be an easy, direct scramble to the first deck, but just prior to reaching it, there was a 10 foot section of vertical elevation. There were indentations and holds at this spot and it was obvious that more physically fit individuals had gone straight up. I opted to swing north to find a more comfortable approach. After swinging around this one spot it was a very easy climb to reach the first deck. The views were awesome. Since I was on a time schedule, I didnt play around too much on top. I eye-balled the approach to the second deck, but didn't investigate too closely. From what I've read, it sounds as if it may be outside my comfort zone, but I will have to find out some other day. Going down was not as easy as I thought it would be. I had an idea of going down the north side and hitting Wilson Canyon from the back end to make a loop. The slopes on the sandstone are deceptive. It looks as if it will be a smooth descent until you hit a section that is a little too vertical. With time, I might have been able to make a north side descent, but I was on a time crunch so I gradually made my way back to the east side where I made my climb. I hit the JT trail and took that back to Wilson Canyon which I then proceeded to do. Doing this trail seems like an afterthought, but it is a nice trail and worth the effort. This is a well shaded trail so it is ideal year round. There are a multiple dry creek crossings (though I did see water trickling in a few spots). The trail is well established and easy to follow. You will know when you reach the end because there will be a sign that says "end of trail".
Over all a very nice day of hiking with some beautiful views! |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}
It was nice that we were able to park the vehicle at Midgley Bridge and use it as the hub for basically 3 hikes. We were able to resupply, so we didn't have to carry as much weight. 
Walking through 3-foot-deep snow and deep mud in low-cuts is not an experience I ever want to repeat.
