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| | | Phoenix Mountain Preserve Loop, AZ | | | |
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Phoenix Mountain Preserve Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 7.46 Miles |
1,376 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.46 Miles | 3 Hrs 1 Min | | 2.51 mph |
| 1,376 ft AEG | 3 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Well that certainly wasn't my intent. Sometimes me and my bright ideas. Oh well, it ended up being a good hike for me so I'm glad of that. I had a route in mind but once my hip started acting up, I went to a Plan B.
From 38th St I hiked my usual route counterclockwise around Happy Hour Ridgeline. First things I saw was a stunning blooming Hedgehog and then a nice big piece of quartz I must have not really noticed before. But then, I noticed the desert garden that was to the south had been torn up  . I can't tell what they are up to yet. It was breezy as I hiked westbound and rode the roller coaster hills around to the west side and to the 100 before heading up the hill to VOAZ. Nope, my hip said no more climbing. Little did I know...
So I headed over toward Irregualar C and decided since it was an easy grade, I would at least hike to the first saddle. There were some nice blooming flora next to the trails; must have been enough of a distraction that my hip didn't bother me. I eyed where the next saddle was and kept on. I spoke to a couple that said I didn't have far to go to the top, which of course I knew. At the top I gave thought to hiking down the 302 and crossing over toward the Dreamy Draw area. It was a short thought as 30 seconds later I was on my way.
There were lots of Brittlebushes in the crevices of the mountains including at the Junction of Trail 302. I headed westbound hoping to see a crossover trail to the north. It's a pretty trail and has its ups and downs for sure. I soon realized that the trail that I thot would take me to the northside was the one that petered out at the bottom of the second saddle of the Irregular C where I ran into the 2 Chic Filet folks from GA. They remarked the last part was pretty difficult. As I hiked further I could see that so I opted to continue on the 302.
I had forgotten I was last on this trail in May 2021 and of course, my bad ending hike here in Feb 2016 (found someone to give me a ride back to Dreamy Draw TH). Believe it or not, I also didn't remember how steep and slippery some of the down can be. I ran into a couple hikers who were fixing up one of the bigger drops where a rock had come out; he was a biker. I finally got to the bench I could see further up and this is also where you can take the other trail down to the Basin. I realized at this point that your basically mountained in and to get to the north, it requires going over a mountain  .
Throughout the hike I took picutres of the beautiful blooming Hedgehogs. They really are stunning when they bloom all at once. I finaly made it over to the saddle that provides a nice view of the city and is the junction for Perl Charles 1a which I did the whole of several years ago (can't find the triplog). I do remember it circles wide to the west from Dreamy Draw and I hated the freeway noise.
Now it's about a mile before the hike up the renovated Summit trail from the west. I remember this part as not being easy and even though the trail is pristine now, I hate steps, even beautiful ones. The trail is actually lovely and it had enough flora and squirrels to distract me as I slowly made my way up. I never know if it's good that you can seen your final destination.
Whoo hoo, I finally got to the saddle. Quite frankly, after coming down the Summit Trail on the east side, I'd almost rather would have gone back the way I came. I forget how much I hate this trail.. and remember, I hate steps. So kudos to the folks that do this often; it's sure not my cup of tea, more like poison  . There were, of course, lots of folks coming and going. I was very glad to reach the bottom, but I knew I had another big hill to climb. BUT, it wasn't the hill I thought.
As I got past the ramada area, I found a nice level rock and chilled for a few minutes. The trail is rocky here and there and I don't like that either but I understand why they pile those rocks on it. I was in the shade now continuing north. I encountered a couple people I had seen on the other side. They must hike like rockets, sheesh. I had not been on the full 302 Freedom Trail (couldn't help but think of our USA hostages for some reason), and today was the day. I guess I forgot this part of the trail was even here as I have never been on it before. It's not bad at all.
And now I was in familiar territory and had one goal in mind. Get back to Tonto 3 and on my way to In N Out as I was thirsty and hungry. I was finally back in the sunshine with the sun at my back as I returned on part of the 1a and 8 to miscellaneous trails. I didn't encounter any other hikers the rest of the way; but then again, it was 5:30ish. I had thot to be done around 5 with my initial plans. I was still doing well though, so I was happy about that. My hip didn't hurt too bad but now my back (bulging disc) was hurting; probably from one of the jump downs on the bumpy part of the trail. It still hurts today.
WATCH 6.99 mi, 2:50-6:07PM burning 1365 calories, 1281-1783 elevation. 135 avg bpm/169 max with 17% Zone 4 (149-167) Anaerobic, 45% Zone 3 (131-148) Aerobic, Zone 2 (112-130) Weight Control
Temp a lovely 62.9 and sunny, 23% humidity, breezy at times.
Headin' for Texas (Katy and San Antonio) tomorrow for a first girl-cousins visit. Don't think I'll get any hiking in, but it will give me a chance to see if my hip feels better after a week's rest. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
Since I'd be on my own, decided to keep it close. Yet, still wanted to knock out some AEG. 
Moved down quickly to limit my time amongst the masses.
. Finally I would see the trail ahead of me that would end at the saddle of the 304/8. Well that was fun. This is the third time this year (two of them in this Preserve) that I've found unmarked trails to follow.
Definitely opportune if you live close by, but it won't be added to my regulars. 
