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Ranger Trail - South Mountain - 40 members in 358 triplogs have rated this an average 3 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 18  Next
358 triplogs
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Aug 10 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking20.28 Miles 4,525 AEG
Hiking20.28 Miles   9 Hrs   23 Mns   2.44 mph
4,525 ft AEG   1 Hour   5 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Prehydrated: 38 oz
Carried: 174 oz (124 frozen)

When I arrived, a large group of about 16-24 people was getting ready to head out. I thought they were runners, later realized they were mixed ages and backgrounds. I started a half furlong behind them. I passed them and then never saw them again, concentrating on transitioning from Grillz to My Way. Guessing they turned on Desert Classic.

This was my first time on the west side of Bursera. More people out here than expected. Teenage girl, three guys (Kurt Sedler types), then two guys who could be star quarterbacks or excellent car salesmen. The geology is more reminiscent of Estrella/Piestewa.

This is one of those rare hikes where you're hiking away from looking at the sun or without staring at the sun on the drive, either.

The West end of Gila is undoubtedly loved by no one. It skirts the bajada, dipping in and out of a few ravines. Whereas the Bursera across the ravine has nicer alluvial geology to glide over.

The steepest grade on Prospector was in full sun, but I got a nice breeze.

Generally, I avoid Goat Hill, since it's illegal. The pre-planned hike was under 20 mi and under 5K. So I figured I'd hit a few little peaks along the way.

Two rangers at the bottom of the Ranger Trail with a funky couple behind me. Luckily, I'd recently tackled these nondescript multi-use trails scattered about the actual trail and sailed through.

I needed to rearrange a lot of water bottles and such, so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to tackle a sliver of Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail and utilize the Ramada for a few minutes. Whoo doggy, the rubberized grate bench in the shade was comfy. What are the chances two families came off-trail directly down the hill and stopped at the Ramada... lol C'est la vie, probably best to keep moving anyway.

Dec 23rd 2024, KingLeonidas posted a clue via RS where the temporary or new trail routes. It worked out great. Just be sure to verify which days are legal, cuz I'm no angel. From previous hikes, I had a lunch spot in mind. Only partially shady, but it worked out. I ate half of a dry WinCo ham and cheese on a pretzel hoagie, cuz there needs to be something other than water and electrolytes in the mix.

Realized I only had 36 oz of water left. So I nixed two side trips to push it over 5K in favor of life. Since it was later in the day vs recent previous trips, a few more shade options were opening up. I took a 6-minute break at one, but just wanted to finish the hike.

40 oz more water would have been better, but it all worked out.

Android stats in airplane mode start to finish, 2,983 points, used 25% battery.
iPhone 20.15 mi / 4483 AEG | 3,228 points, never in airplane mode, used 35% battery.
2 bug fixes for RS 7.2.4 in dev worked, perhaps out in a few days.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 03 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 03 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking15.16 Miles 3,400 AEG
Hiking15.16 Miles   6 Hrs   39 Mns   2.44 mph
3,400 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The third ascent of this loop two days ago was rough. I knew why from an eight-lap blur on Camelback long ago, and wanted to make key adjustments.

Several out early, heading up, but nothing like that first week of back to school, which was oddly the busiest weekend of the year. A few clicky groups you won't see at Piestewa. Most of which would be dead if I saw them on the trail later on in the day.

The few impressive athletes were a runner and two mountain bikers in the outback.

There were no construction workers on the Holbert trailhead project, so I decided to hike through. Coming across three guys who could undoubtedly explain how to split an atom, wanted to know how to get up to Dobbins Lookout.

Overwhelmed by a hind thot of why on earth are you fine people wasting your time going to Dobbins mid-day in August. One guy was showing me his app, which I couldn't see without glasses or squinting in the sun.

Not to be rude, but the spring chickens couldn't have been parked too far away, and I needed to get moving, so I pointed right and went left.

I never encountered a stay out sign or any signage for that matter, but the old trail from the parking lot is gone. They wasted more time sourcing boulders that didn't belong than putting up a single sign for anyone coming across their trails that they haven't updated in eons on their website. ie: Pyramid is still on the static and interactive maps.

Disturbing wildlife in the middle of a city with a huge construction project yards away weighed heavily on my mind. A boulder hop from wherever the new trail was, I carried on.

In the old roundup area, I expected to see Team 4.0 giggling equations with their handy dandy app guiding them.

The old trail that went across and hooked up to the road by the water tower has been obscured. From the road up, it's the same old same old. Apparently, you hook into the road lower or further north now; I have no clue.

On the bright side, I felt much better than 2 days ago. Took a break at a semi-shady spot in a ravine crossing, thinking I might spot the trio, but they never surfaced.

My favorite part of National Trail was once again the last step, but the hike across didn't drag on today.

EDIT
KingLeonidas clued us all in Dec 2024
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 01 2025
avatar

 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 01 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking15.55 Miles 3,561 AEG
Hiking15.55 Miles   6 Hrs   57 Mns   2.42 mph
3,561 ft AEG      32 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The faucet at the tables trailhead had a slow flow of screaming hot water perfect for tea or ramen.

The gate doors on the ranger trailhead restrooms appeared open from 20 yards out. The junior sized cattle tank had a light flow, clear and therapeutically warm.

Approaching Holbert, I realized it's under renovation. Construction workers galore and unaware if it was open for that or extreme advisory, I elected for an old pioneer route to bridge the gap. Minutes on the Holbert, a jogger passed me heading down, apparently it's open... Lol
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 28 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Tukee Prospector Luv Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Tukee Prospector Luv Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 28 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking11.12 Miles 2,702 AEG
Hiking11.12 Miles   4 Hrs   49 Mns   2.46 mph
2,702 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I prehydrated 32 oz on the way over. Carrying 84 oz of water might be the creative limit without a pack. What started as a one-handed juggling act felt like hauling an elephant nearing the pass.

Prospector Sans Ranch
A little earlier netted a solid 4 minutes of shade on everyone's favorite miracle mile.

Ranger
1 minute stretch of shade

LL
The dance floor was quiet, so I self-entertained. The always locked restrooms are overflowing out the gate door, creating the origin of a moat. Saw a coyote in the wash waiting for me to leave to get water.

Kiwanis
A ranger was twiddling his thumbs and left slowly when I popped outta the wash into the lot.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 04 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 04 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.85 Miles 2,407 AEG
Hiking10.85 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   3.16 mph
2,407 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
john and i set off from pyramid at 0500
we usually go up pyramid then decide on a combo
i wanted to hit las lomitas in celebration of july 4th, we we did a loop with kiwanis and ranger
a stop at goat hill and finish on ruins
quite a few people out early
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Jul 04 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 04 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.85 Miles 2,407 AEG
Hiking10.85 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   3.16 mph
2,407 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
Kelly had a strong yearning for Las Lomitas, so there is no saying no. Nice to have a little change of pace. Good workout hike. Moist. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
May 02 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking9.39 Miles 2,037 AEG
Hiking9.39 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   2.78 mph
2,037 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Met John at Telegraph at 0630 and got started. Up Telegraph, then west on National. Went out to the old lookout off the east end of Goat Hill. It’s been a couple of years since I was out there, but the abandoned trail is still pretty clear. From there, we headed up to Goat Hill, then looked at the old mines near the top. Headed back east, then down Ranger. The occasional morning shade was nice. Then east on the gem of South Mountain, which left John speechless, most likely with awe. Headed over to Piedras Grandes, which is supposedly closed for “construction” so we didn’t stick around too long. From there, it was a warm hike up Kiwanis, then all downhill on Telegraph. Good workout. Didn’t see many hikers other than on Telegraph. Some new trails for John.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
May 02 2025
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 Guides 25
 Routes 376
 Photos 5,897
 Triplogs 346

40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2025
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking9.66 Miles 2,075 AEG
Hiking9.66 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   2.77 mph
2,075 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Linda and I met at 6:30AM and headed up to Telegraph Pass, then turned left on National as I continue to expand my SoMo horizons west beyond the Pima Canyon area. We left the trail to check out a nice overlook, then went up Goat Hill and dropped down the east side to look at a few mine shafts. Unfortunately, no chupacabras home today.

Back down to National, then down Ranger to Las Lomiatas, where the crown jewel of SoMo took my breath away, with visions of imaginary poppies dancing in my head. We did a quick pass of Piedras Grandes, where the ramadas are allegedly closed for construction, though there was no sign of construction beyond some dirt piles. We hiked back up Kiwanis and then down Telegraph Pass to finish it off as it started to warm up. Fun way to start the day, and nice to see a few new areas and hike a couple new SoMo trails.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill
 
Apr 14 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 14 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking9.80 Miles 2,120 AEG
Hiking9.80 Miles   2 Hrs   36 Mns   3.82 mph
2,120 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
First car in the lot. Days are getting longer fast!
The usual counterclockwise route.
Nice hiking weather with the cloudy skies. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Apr 08 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking9.80 Miles 2,120 AEG
Hiking9.80 Miles   2 Hrs   30 Mns   3.97 mph
2,120 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
Got an early start. Only one other car in the lot. Saw four people all morning, three near the trailhead. The other one kidnapped Linda's dog. Pleasant temps. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Mar 30 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.88 Miles 2,604 AEG
Hiking10.88 Miles   3 Hrs   19 Mns   3.35 mph
2,604 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
met john at 0600 at pyramid
did this combo for the third time - double digits
decent elevation gain, might be a bit high
saw a few people
good temps, nice breeze
refreshments after
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Mar 30 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.88 Miles 2,604 AEG
Hiking10.88 Miles   3 Hrs   19 Mns   3.40 mph
2,604 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 no routes
Clockwise loop from Pyramid trailhead. Not many early risers anymore. Not sure why. Parking overflowing when we finished.
Great hiking temps. Fun morning. Thanks Kelly! :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Mar 29 2025
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 Routes 189
 Photos 7,236
 Triplogs 1,740

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
SoMo Ranger Kiwanis Loop, AZ 
SoMo Ranger Kiwanis Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 29 2025
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,740
Hiking4.10 Miles 1,060 AEG
Hiking4.10 Miles   2 Hrs   10 Mns   2.32 mph
1,060 ft AEG      24 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
South Mountain shuttle hike with the Harem (Carey, Christina, Yolanda) this morning. We had planned on parking at Piedras Grandes Picnic Ground, but the entrance gate to that area was closed/locked. I managed to snag a spot at the Ranger trailhead, but Carey and Christina were not so lucky. Yolanda and I jumped in car with Carey and Christina and found plenty of parking over at the Ranger trailhead. So, our planned loop turned into a shuttle, no problem! Up Ranger, across National, and back down Kiwanis to the Mystery Machine. Lots of people on the trails, especially Kiwanis. Saw 2 bikers. Perfect day morning for a hike. A few idiot car parkers had a present waiting for them under their windshield.
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Mar 23 2025
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 Guides 69
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 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Ranger Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 23 2025
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking6.12 Miles 1,303 AEG
Hiking6.12 Miles   2 Hrs   27 Mns   2.50 mph
1,303 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Picked the wrong day to hike the Ranger Trail. I had forgotten that today was “Silent Sunday” and the Central entry point was closed off as soon as you entered the park. Ended up parking near the visitor center and using what is now Los Lomitas and the Crosscut Trails to get to the beginning of the Ranger Trail. That added about 1.5 miles to the hike. Took the Ranger Trail up to Goat Hill and returned the way I came.

Started around 6am, so I had nice temps for the duration of the hike. The air was incredibly clear, especially to the south. Very pristine views. “Silent Sunday” was very nice, except for the airplanes flying overhead and the “crack” of firearms that started after 7. Only saw 2 hikers for most of the hike, until I neared the visitor center. The area around the Judith Tunnell trail was very busy! Most likely because everyone had to park there to access the park.
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Mar 19 2025
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 Guides 59
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 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Goat Hill via Ranger TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 19 2025
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking
Hiking
 no routesno photosets
Partners none no partners
  1 archive
Mar 09 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 09 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking12.94 Miles 2,759 AEG
Hiking12.94 Miles   3 Hrs   34 Mns   3.70 mph
2,759 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routes
Added Ranger to a hike Kelly and I did in January. Nice and cool. No dust after the rain!
Some new trail has been constructed rerouting part of the Gila trail to remain inside the park boundaries, according to a sign on the trail. About a third of a mile of new trail has been built.
Saw a beautiful rust colored coyote near the trailhead. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Mar 02 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 02 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking9.80 Miles 2,120 AEG
Hiking9.80 Miles   2 Hrs   35 Mns   3.89 mph
2,120 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routes
Only six cars in the lot when I arrived. Packed when I departed.
Chance of rain last night didn't materialize.
Good workout. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Feb 20 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 20 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking9.80 Miles 2,120 AEG
Hiking9.80 Miles   2 Hrs   43 Mns   3.65 mph
2,120 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
New Altra shoes. Jury is still out. Light and nimble. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Feb 14 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 14 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking9.80 Miles 2,120 AEG
Hiking9.80 Miles   2 Hrs   46 Mns   3.61 mph
2,120 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
There was enough rain yesterday to knock down most of the dust. Two light showers during the hike. Cloudy most of the morning. Very few people out today. Saw two coyotes, one gimpy. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Feb 03 2025
avatar

 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 03 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.90 Miles 1,782 AEG
Hiking7.90 Miles   3 Hrs   17 Mns   2.48 mph
1,782 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I was jealous Kelly & John hiked Las Lomitas over the weekend, so I had to find a way to include it in today’s hike. Started on Telegraph around 0745. For February, it was already as hot as the devil’s pumpkin crack. Passed plenty of the Tukee crowd on the way uphill.

Continued west on National over to Goat Hill. Very breezy along National, which kept me alive. Very clear air made for some nice views.

After Goat Hill, I headed down Ranger, which had a few moments of shade. East on on Las Lomitas. It’s a real gem. Lots of dead saguaros.

Up Kiwanis, which looks to have received some recent maintenance. Finished up on Telegraph again. Good workout, but ridiculously warm.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ - Selfie
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
average hiking speed 2.51 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 18  Next

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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