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Pass Mountain Ridgeline - 36 members in 110 triplogs have rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
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110 triplogs
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Nov 29 2024
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 29 2024
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking8.38 Miles 1,899 AEG
Hiking8.38 Miles   4 Hrs   38 Mns   1.93 mph
1,899 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
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Got started with Jill from one of the Bulldog lots just before 0730. Saw seven mule deer on our way over to the loop trail. Made our way south on Pass Mtn Loop, then up Wind Cave trail. Less people than I had anticipated. Saw nobody once we passed the cave, and it stayed that way for the rest of the hike.

Went to the south summit first, then we made our north on the ridgeline. Very breezy. Short break at the summit. Managed to stay upright on the gravel on the steep descent. Easy walk back to the truck. Saw one snake just before we finished. Jill was not happy with me when I touched it to get it away from the trail so she would walk past it. I always like the ridgeline in cooler temps, good choice for today.
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Jul 27 2024
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54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Pass Mountain Loop Trail #282Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 27 2024
ddgrunningTriplogs 604
Hiking12.47 Miles 2,103 AEG
Hiking12.47 Miles   4 Hrs   32 Mns   2.83 mph
2,103 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
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Expected the heat and humidity to be more brutal, but it turned out not to be that bad.

Started at Meridian. Made it to the saddle mostly in the shade.

Headed up to the wind cave on the west side, and then did a small loop up to the ridge line and summit.

A huge hive (?) of flying ants were patrolling the summit, basically preventing anyone from passing.

By the time I finished descending the wind cave, I had drunk all three liters in my camelback. I added a liter of insurance for the final 2+ miles.
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Jun 01 2024
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54 male
 Joined Feb 19 2015
 Phoenix
Pass Mountain Summit 3127Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 01 2024
bjonsonTriplogs 261
Hiking11.93 Miles 2,213 AEG
Hiking11.93 Miles   4 Hrs   26 Mns   2.76 mph
2,213 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 
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1st trip
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May 18 2024
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56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 18 2024
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking8.61 Miles 2,069 AEG
Hiking8.61 Miles   5 Hrs   48 Mns   1.57 mph
2,069 ft AEG      19 Mns Break
 
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I last hiked the ridgeline 6 years ago with Andy for the time. For the most part it's not too bad except for the last descent before you get above the Wind Cave if you're heading southbound. That part is pretty steep and rocky with some loose scree sprinkled in. A little bit of exposure here and there but nothing real bad if you're slow and careful. It was likely a product of the more difficult hikes I've been making a point of doing lately, but this time the worst sections of the ridgeline didn't seem as daunting as they were 6 years ago.

I started from the Bulldog ATV TH off of Ellsworth and took the Maricopa Trail spur up to the Pass Mt Loop Trail, which is exactly where the ridgeline trail starts. Its kind of funny how at that intersection the very beginning of the ridgeline trail is very wide and inviting, and in almost no time it gets very steep and narrow with sketchy footing and loose rock.

There was one spot on the ascent that's pretty tricky because of the vertical climb. There's a way to do it with minimal exposure, but it can be like a puzzle at times figuring out what that route it looking from below. There were 2 other trails going around the outcropping at the base of the short cliff, but it didn't seem like either one would get to the ridge. Once i was below later on looking up, I though I could see where they might get there.

Started just after 5:30am. the gun range opened promptly at 7am, which started the constant sound of gunshots which eventually faded into the background like white noise. At 8am, the gnats woke up and hung around every time the shade from the clouds took over. Their absence in the heat of the sun made that more bearable. hit the peak before descending to the Wind Cave, got there by 9:30 to an empty cave.

From the peak to the where I got off on the Pass Mt LoopTrail was all the traffic I saw. Early on I had some shade due to the approach on the west side and then there were some nice breezes early on the ridgeline. The heat kicked in on the hike back up on the Pass Mt Loop Trail. Ray was hiking the other way on Pass Mt Loop and we stopped and talked for a few minutes, nice to run into someone you know while doing a local hike.
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Apr 03 2024
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53 male
 Joined Dec 30 2005
 Tucson, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2024
Mike_WTriplogs 528
Hiking4.74 Miles 1,335 AEG
Hiking4.74 Miles   3 Hrs   10 Mns   1.50 mph
1,335 ft AEG
 
1st trip
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NOTE: This was a hike to Pass Mountain high point (elevation 3312)

Great trail except for one or two confusing parts that I missed.

After hiking about 1.5 miles up toward Pass mountain from Usery pass, you will see the start of some rocky cliffs. At this point, there's a trail going left and a trail going right.

NOTE: At the time I didn't realize this but the correct way to proceed is to climb UP!

I explored the trail going left, it wrapped around the cliff side, and it seemed to dead end and there wasn't a good way to get up because it got rather brushy and there were cliffs. I then took the trail going to the right. It went a long way and followed the cliff face. The GPS route that I was following showed the track as being 50-100 feet East of where I was but at the time I figured it was just GPS error. After hiking roughly 0.5 miles from the junction, the trail I was on seemed to fade. I knew I had to go up at this point, so I just went up from this point toward the high point above me. It wasn't a cliff here, but probably Class 2+ hiking. After continuing up, I reached the top of the ridgeline and within a few minutes I saw what looked like a trinchera. In the entrance of the trinchera were 2 sticks forming a cross. Somewhere in this area I found a trail that continued along the ridgeline and to the summit.

At the summit, there were some nice views all the way around. I searched very thoroughly but did not find a registry of any kind. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring an empty jar to start a new one although I had 2 jars in my truck for this purpose. I took the same trail down thinking that I would find a better route down. The trail was maintained well, it continued along the high ridgeline and eventually took me to a cairn on the edge of a rocky area. When I looked down, I saw the trail that I came up about 30 feet below me. I then realized, this was the area that I missed earlier. The climb down was all class 2+. I just took my time and weaved my way down to get down below the rock formation. From this point, I took the same trail down that I took up.

While on the way down, I met another hiker who said he was going to the Wind Cave area. I told him that I lost the trail and which way I went but made it to the summit anymore. He asked if I saw the grave site. I didn't know anything about a grave site but he said the rock enclosure which looked like a trinchera was really someone's dog that was buried there. That rock structure could have fooled me. He said it was recent and wasn't there a year ago.

Near the bottom, I saw a few rabbits jumping around off the side of the trail. I went back to my truck and had enough time to stop by BK to get a $3 whopper. The sun was setting so I decided to head back to my campsite which was 1.4 miles East of Usery Pass in Bulldog canyon. I had a few snacks, got some night photos, and checked my messages. I only had 1 bar out there but it was a good enough signal to do some basic messaging. I slept good that night.

Stats:
-------
Distance (round trip) = 4.74 miles
AEG = 1,335 feet
Strava moving time = 2 hrs 26 mins
Strava elapsed time = 3 hrs 43 mins
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Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
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Mar 30 2024
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 Routes 48
 Photos 59
 Triplogs 6

50 male
 Joined Apr 12 2017
 Gilbert, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2024
Mave1878Triplogs 6
Hiking7.38 Miles 1,714 AEG
Hiking7.38 Miles   4 Hrs   3 Mns   2.12 mph
1,714 ft AEG      34 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
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Got an early start as parking limited. Everything is so green right now (late March) and all the flowers are on the verge of blooming. Saw a few people on the Talon trail and a few more until Wind Cave. Once on the ridge we saw a handful at either end but nobody traversing the ridge. The well worn path goes below some high points but otherwise fairly true to the line. Fantastic views of distant city and especially different ranges. Will be 100% be back.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Wildflowers are starting to bloom and amongst the very green cacti, trees and chaparral.
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Dec 29 2023
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 Guides 59
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 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 29 2023
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking12.97 Miles 2,249 AEG
Hiking12.97 Miles   4 Hrs   39 Mns   2.97 mph
2,249 ft AEG      17 Mns Break
 
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1st trip
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If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all.
Thumper
  7 archives
Dec 03 2023
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 03 2023
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking8.92 Miles 1,969 AEG
Hiking8.92 Miles   4 Hrs   16 Mns   2.33 mph
1,969 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Chris and I got started from the Bulldog parking area on Usery Rd around 0700. Headed over to the start of Wind Cave Trail. It’s a little annoying to have the first 3+ miles of hiking be so dull, but at least that part is out of the way on the front end of the hike.

Headed up Wind Cave which had plenty of people. Then continued past it up to the ridgeline. Headed to the south summit first, then headed north. Two guys we chatted with who weren’t sure of the ridgeline route tailed behind us by several hundred feet the entire way. There’s really only a spot or two where it gets vague these days. Chris liked the scrambling and the views, especially to the east.

Once off the ridge and down the ball-bearing slope, it was a quick walk back to the parking lot. The old RVs that have set up residence in the lot need to go away soon. Nice weather all day, the cool temps felt good.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Oct 24 2023
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 24 2023
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking8.42 Miles 2,006 AEG
Hiking8.42 Miles   4 Hrs   25 Mns   2.14 mph
2,006 ft AEG      29 Mns Break
 
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danielac
trekkin_gecko
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I am nowhere near acclimated to the heat right now, but was wanting to do something other than SoMo that would fit into a schoolday. Daniela & I met Kelly at the Bulldog parking lot and got started around 0815. Took the spur over to Pass Mtn Loop, then south.

Up Wind Cave, which had a handful of other hikers. The sections of shade were much appreciated. After that, we made our way up to the ridgeline. Hit the south summit first, then headed north. Fun, easy scrambling, not too much brush. Distinct route much of the way, but did lose it for a few minutes somewhere near the middle. Good breeze at times. I was griping about forgetting electrolytes this morning.

Nice break on the summit of Pass Mtn, then the slippery descent of the northwest side of the ridge. Everybody managed to stay upright. Finished up a little after 1230, so no kids were abandoned at school this afternoon, made it back with plenty of time to spare. Good to hike with Kelly and Daniela again.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Oct 24 2023
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 24 2023
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking8.37 Miles 1,906 AEG
Hiking8.37 Miles   4 Hrs   25 Mns   2.12 mph
1,906 ft AEG      28 Mns Break
 
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linda planned a pass mountain ridgeline hike
met the girls at bulldog at 0815
made our way over to pass mountain loop, then up wind cave trail
hit the south summit, then went along the ridgeline on mostly obvious use trail
took a break at the summit, then down to the northwest via the ledges and scree slopes
a few clouds on the descent, not much wind
saw a few people, but no one after wind cave
fun to revisit this one, and nice to hike with daniela again
thanks for setting it up, linda
_____________________
hazhole
 
Mar 02 2023
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Pass Mountain Summit 3127Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 02 2023
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking4.16 Miles 1,385 AEG
Hiking4.16 Miles   2 Hrs   4 Mns   2.27 mph
1,385 ft AEG      14 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
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I abandoned plans to snowshoe since ADOT's new default is to simply close any road that might lead toward snow, even if it is completely snow free.

Instead I opted for a quick hike before work. It seems the stream-your-hike-live-online crowd headed for the Stits, but I opted for this one as it was clear that the snow level had dropped to 1500 or so with lasting accumulations above 2500.

What a delightful morning :y:

I was hoping for more sunrise light and better views with fewer low clouds, but these things can't be predicted ahead of time and I made the best of a great weather day before turning around and heading to the office.
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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Feb 05 2023
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 Guides 4
 Routes 93
 Photos 302
 Triplogs 697

51 male
 Joined Jul 05 2008
 Gilbert, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 05 2023
adeniumTriplogs 697
Hiking5.82 Miles 1,525 AEG
Hiking5.82 Miles   3 Hrs   32 Mns   1.65 mph
1,525 ft AEG
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I hadn't been up on top of Pass Mountain from the south end in a long time. Today seemed like as good a day as any to correct that. I decided to make the full transit of the ridgeline for once. I think I'm getting to old for some of that terrain... At least that's what my knees are telling me. Crossed paths with a YouTuber narating their hike. He was saying something about the solitude on top and how he was the only one up there. :lol: I'm standing there 20 feet from him.
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Dec 10 2022
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 Guides 110
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 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 10 2022
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.46 Miles 1,657 AEG
Hiking7.46 Miles   4 Hrs   20 Mns   2.03 mph
1,657 ft AEG      39 Mns Break
 
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realm09
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Started on the Talon Trail from Usery Rd. Nice new trail, but seems to meander a bit more than necessary. The girls (Reagan and her friend, Hannah) led the way. Headed south on Pass Mtn Loop, then up Wind Cave. Less hikers on that portion than I was expecting, saw nobody else beyond the cave. After Wind Cave, we headed up to the ridgeline. I was slightly concerned about finishing before dark, so we skipped the south summit and I tried to keep everyone moving. Everyone enjoyed the scramble across the ridgeline, with a short break at the summit. The descent off the cliff bands on the north end was tedious as usual on the gravel, but nobody slipped. Finished up just after sunset.
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunburst
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Aug 14 2022
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2022
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking10.02 Miles 2,628 AEG
Hiking10.02 Miles   4 Hrs   51 Mns   2.39 mph
2,628 ft AEG      39 Mns Break
 
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chumley
johnlp
trekkin_gecko
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Got started at 0500 from the west Bulldog parking area. Headed south on the Maricopa Trail, using a light for the first 35 minutes or so. Saw a tarantula, a gecko, and a nightsnake, and no, those are not nicknames for my hiking partners.

Took the west side of the Pass Mountain Loop trail south to the Wind Cave trailhead. The desert vegetation looked nice and green along the trail. Up Wind Cave Trail, which was far less busy than I expected, so that was a nice surprise. Picked up a tagalong on our way to the south summit, a nice young woman in town for a few days. Lots of flying insects, but clouds and a cool breeze were much appreciated.

After parting ways with the extra hiker, we headed north on the ridgeline. Fun hiking through and over the rocks as we made our way to the summit. Took a break up there, enjoyed the still cool weather, then continued north. Dropping off the ledges is fun, the steep ball-bearing slope below them is not so fun. Tedious descent, but we survived. Lots of erosion from the recent weather.

Headed over to Lone Mtn/EJ Peak on a mish mash of social trails/old roads and made our way up to the summit. Only saw a couple of other hikers on that mountain. After a nice break at the summit, headed back down to the parking area, finishing up just before 1000.

Great weather for an August hike in the desert. As always, good to see Kelly, Chumley, and John again.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Night Snake
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Aug 14 2022
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2022
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.02 Miles 2,628 AEG
Hiking10.02 Miles   4 Hrs   51 Mns   2.39 mph
2,628 ft AEG      39 Mns Break
 
linda put together a nice combo to cover pass mountain ridgeline and lone mountain from bulldog trailhead
we all met up at 0500 and set off for pass mountain trail
up to wind cave, then hit the south summit with a visitor from washington
north along the ridgeline
it's been a few years since i've been up here
took a break at the high point, then down the ledges and ball bearing slopes
cut over to the lone mountain trail and up to the summit where we took another break
downhill to bulldog
lots of green out there, along with some erosion on the trails
linda found a few critters for us: a tarantula, a gecko and a nightsnake
overcast the entire hike
great views of the goldfields and superstitions from any high point
a few showers to the east
nice to revisit these trails with good company - hadn't hiked with chums in awhile
thanks for organizing, linda :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
Aug 14 2022
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2022
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.02 Miles 2,628 AEG
Hiking10.02 Miles   4 Hrs   51 Mns   2.39 mph
2,628 ft AEG      39 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners partners
chumley
LindaAnn
trekkin_gecko
I joined Linda, Kelly, and Todd for a Pass Mountain/Lone Mountain hike. We got an early start under cloudy skies, which thankfully lasted the entire hike. Between the clouds and a breeze it was pretty comfortable for August though we all were glistening at times.
Not too many people out hiking, surprising us. The Wind Cave trail is usually very busy. We met a gal from WA who followed us up to the ridgeline. She wants to hike the PCT next year.
The ridgeline was fun and the descent a little tedious per usual as it's kinda steep and loose.
Next we headed over to EJ Peak/Lone Mountain. A sweat fest heading up, but really nice conditions and views on top.
Fun hike. Nice to see Linda, Todd, and Kelly again. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Four o'clock trailing and some yellow ones
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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 14 2022
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Pass Wind, AZ 
Pass Wind, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2022
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking10.19 Miles 2,719 AEG
Hiking10.19 Miles   4 Hrs   50 Mns   2.34 mph
2,719 ft AEG      29 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
I spent the morning checking off some new uniques with some familiar faces. I think it's funny that somebody sometime decided to call it a cave -- and it stuck!

The weather cooperated all morning, with a cool overcast and some nearby sprinkles. The ridgeline was a really enjoyable stretch, ruined only by the steep and loose descent down the north slope.

Given the nice conditions, we decided to tag on EJ, which ended up being hotter, sweatier, steeper, and longer than it looked when we made the choice to do it! But it's a worthwhile little peak.

Back to the trailhead and we parted ways after a solid 10 before 10.
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Mar 08 2022
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 08 2022
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking8.25 Miles 1,882 AEG
Hiking8.25 Miles   5 Hrs   29 Mns   1.68 mph
1,882 ft AEG      34 Mns Break
 
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Spring break for the kids = plenty of hikes to keep them tired. Parked at Bulldog and headed south. Continued south on Pass Mtn Loop. Quite a few people on the trail.

Took a quick break at Wind Cave trailhead to refill our water. Headed up Wind Cave, which was super busy. I told the kids not to stop as we headed uphill, the downhill hikers would just have to deal with it on the narrow spots. The kids took one glance at the cave without even slowing down, filled with at least thirty people, announced loudly “that’s not even a real cave, it’s lame” and kept going. Once past the cave, we saw zero people for the entire rest of the day.

We made our way up to the south summit, where we took another quick break. One kid was a little whiny, tried to claim his stomach was hurting, but got zero sympathy from me. He had four cheeseburgers yesterday, three of which were double patty cheeseburgers from Five Guys, so any misery was self-inflicted.

After the south summit, we headed north along the ridgeline. The kids loved scrambling through and over all the rocks—definitely their favorite part of the day. I pulled a muscle in my left bicep on Saturday (BamKazam in Scottsdale is dangerous for anyone under 25!), which is still very tender, so I had to be careful in a few places. Took a another break at the summit, then began our downhill journey.

Tedious coming off the northwest side of the ridge, but the kids did fine. Poles were helpful. Once back down to the desert floor, it was a quick hike back to the trailhead.

Nice breeze and temps today. Quite a few wildflowers along parts of this loop.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Lots of poppies and other flowers along the upper half of Wind Cave. Tons of poppies while coming down off the north end of the ridge. Handful of other flowers in various places. The best showing I’ve seen so far this spring.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Feb 11 2022
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 Guides 187
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 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Wind Cave Pass Mountain Ridge Loop, AZ 
Wind Cave Pass Mountain Ridge Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 11 2022
markthurman53Triplogs 864
Hiking10.35 Miles 2,058 AEG
Hiking10.35 Miles   6 Hrs   42 Mns   1.74 mph
2,058 ft AEG      45 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Around the mountain and along the crest

I’m up in the Phoenix area again this time to drop Ginny off at the airport (she is visiting family) so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to do some hiking in the area. I actually will hike in the Usery and Goldfield Mountains on a few more aggressive hikes that I wouldn’t put Ginny through. The first hike of the day was to wind Cave in the Usery Mountains. I have never been to this mountain although it looks to be just a western extension of the Goldfields.

I started out along the Maricopa trail on Usery Road just north of the park at just about sunrise, at least sunrise with the Usery Mountains to my east. Well maintained trail looks like it gets a lot of mountain bike use. Hung a right on the Pass Mountain Trail that circles the mountains heading toward Wind Cave. Trail is again in good shape. Just to the west is the mountain pointing to Phoenix and a shooting range that can be heard all along the west side of the Usery Mountains. Ho Hum hike to the Wind Cave Trail but some really healthy looking saguaros to keep you entertained. A couple of hikers along this trail.

Wind Cave Trail is in good condition and gets a lot of use, it is a little steep in sections but trail conditions make it fairly easy. Good views to the west all along this trail and at Wind Cave. Wind cave or as I would call it Wind Indent is nothing much to write home about but is a popular destination probably for those looking to get a little workout. I can tell by the clothes worn by the people up there, they looked like they were going to the local gym. From Wind Cave to the Ridge the trail conditions become worse, almost nonexistent. For those use to looking for nonexistent trails it is pretty easy to follow the route. I made it to the southernmost peak of the Usery Mountains without too much trouble. I did have to do a little bit of rock climbing and scrambling when I got off the route. At one point I wasn’t sure I should be doing this alone. I got this route from HAZ and I thought it was a trail (probably should of read the write up). It was a little more than I should be doing alone, maybe when I was younger and not leery of heights. The thought that kept going through my head as I went along this ridge is that the falls aren’t high enough to kill you; they would just leave you mangled up and stranded. I sure as heck aint going to call 911 or they will consider closing the mountain down because they are tired of rescuing people. I continued on north along the ridge hoping that the route wouldn’t lead to anymore rock climbing. There were a couple spots but slow and steady worked out fine. Made it over to the northern peak, Pass Mountain, along a faint trail. At Pass Mountain my route said to head down the ridge to the east to the Saddle along the Pass Mountain Trail. The faint trail continues on to the north and I believe it leads down to the Maricopa Trail on the north side of the range. (I believe it’s the route LindaAnn posted 2/9/2022) I followed the route I had loaded but there isn’t even the faintest sign of a trail, this is a find your own way route. Unlike the ridge the brush was thick (very little stickery stuff) and toward the lower part before coming to the saddle very slippery on loose rock, I managed to fall on my butt a couple of times. Made it down to the Saddle and headed back along the Pass Mountain Trail in a CCW direction back to my start point. Great hike in an area I have not hiked in before.


My original plan after coming off the ridge was to head south along the Pass Mountain trail and take the Bulldog Saddle trail back to the Pass Mountain Trail and head back to the start point but with only 2 quarts of water, 80 degrees and the beating on the ridge I changed my plans. I still had plenty of daylight left so I would do another hike from the Meridian Trail Head to the Wind Cave Trail Head and back. I finally read the guide for this hike and I’m glad I didn’t read it first I never would of attempted But the other triplogs made it sound like a cake walk, I guess I should be going to the Sponge Bob Weenie bar.
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Feb 09 2022
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45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 09 2022
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.69 Miles 1,693 AEG
Hiking5.69 Miles   4 Hrs   56 Mns   1.36 mph
1,693 ft AEG      45 Mns Break
 
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Headed out to Usery with Celina. Got started just after 0830 and headed up Wind Cave Trail. Warm and breezy. Right behind a group of 26 hikers. I made sure I didn’t have anything related to HAZ visible on my clothing or gear, then boldly passed all 26 of them over the next half mile. No way was I dealing with that.

Stopped at Wind Cave since Celina had never been there, then headed up to the ridgeline. Stopped at the south summit first, then we headed north. Celina enjoyed the easy scrambling and the views. The breeze was nice too. Saw one group of five just south of the summit.

Slow going through the cliff bands off the northwest side of the ridge. Once we reached the Loop trail, the breeze was gone and it was a warm hike as we headed back to the trailhead. Saw the same group of five as we were finishing up.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Saw some poppies and a few other flowers.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
average hiking speed 2.12 mph
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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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