Three Sisters • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Vashti

A fantastic way to start the new year....a place I haven't visited before, despite hiking all over the superstitions. Beautiful views, few other hikers encountered, and a special visit from a herd of bighorn.

The hike up the Carney Springs trail is very steep, requiring a bit of scrambling in some places. Mostly easy to follow with a few braided trails as you near the saddle. Definitely enjoyed the views of the hoodoos as well as looking down canyon and further out in the distance during my numerous rest stops on the way up.

Once past the saddle, the ridgeline trail is fairly easy to follow - though it can be a bit challenging in the burned regions in the west boulder canyon drainage. Views continue to impress even in the burned areas with interesting rock features all around.

The summit of the three sisters yields solitude and incredible views of weavers needle and other distant reaches of the superstitions. After enjoying the view, return the way you came...or as close to it as you can manage

My knees and ankles were not appreciative of my efforts, though a dose of ibuprofen and acetaminophen and a good nights rest seem to have recovered them both fairly well.

_____________________

Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually

Jan 01 2025

Vashti

Guides 17
Routes 297
Photos 1,808
Triplogs 276

female

Joined Mar 11 2002
Gilbert, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 01 2025
		Vashti • Triplogs 276

Hiking	8.23 Miles	2,654 AEG

Hiking	8.23 Miles	7 Hrs 38 Mns	1.43 mph
	2,654 ft AEG	1 Hour 53 Mns Break

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linked

Superstition Peak 5057 Loop via Hiero

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DesertNymph

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Beautiful day to be outside hiking!

I had forgotten how steep the carney springs trail is. Yikes!

I had not been up to three sisters before. I enjoyed it immensely! So beautiful up there, even despite the moonscape due to the fire.

Not too many people on the trail. We had the three sisters to ourselves except for one other hiker. We saw a few people on the Ridgeline and a few on Carney springs. After passing the junction with wave cave, it was like being at the mall. It is unreal the number of people.

Saw 6 bighorn sheep munching and hanging out halfway down the carney springs trail. What a treat!

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bighorn Sheep

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Shaka Cave Weavers Needle

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2 archives

Dec 28 2023

John10s

Guides 25
Routes 376
Photos 5,897
Triplogs 346

40 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Hieroglyphic - 5057 - 3 Sisters - Shaka Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 28 2023
		John10s • Triplogs 346

Hiking	15.25 Miles	3,889 AEG

Hiking	15.25 Miles	10 Hrs 41 Mns	1.73 mph
	3,889 ft AEG	1 Hour 53 Mns Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

Superstition Peak 5057 via Hiero

[ checklist ] Battleship Mountain Boulder Creek Origin - Ridgeline Route Golden Dome- 3185ft Pivot Rock - Hiero Shaka Cave Superstition Mountain 5057 Three Sisters - Superstition Wilderness Tortilla Mountain Turks Head - Superstition Boundary Upper Hieroglyphic Canyon Wave Cave - Superstition Wilderness Weavers Needle West Boulder Saddle - 3683ft

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partners

ishamod

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Schedules finally aligned to get a hike in with ishamod before the end of the year. I usually try to avoid repeats, but I hadn't been to 5057 in almost four years, so when he voted for this one, I was in. We started just before sunrise from Hieroglyphic Trailhead with a few vehicles arriving just as we pulled up. Two hikers were already heading back as we approached the petroglyphs, so we had that area to ourselves, and there were some small pools but no flowing water.

I'd forgotten how well-defined the route is up Hieroglyphic Canyon--there was practically a trail much of the way and a nice path cut through some of the brushier spots. There was a little water in the bottom of the canyon and a few trickles in places, and the spires and scenery were great on the way up. We were finally in sunshine once we got up on the ridgeline and worked our way over to 5057.

The summit register that was there a few years ago is gone, but I did notice one of the reference marks I hadn't spotted last time, kind of oddly placed on top of a rounded boulder. We got there just in time to have the peak to ourselves for a while and eat at the top, then a group of three was heading up from the Balanced Rock route, and another solo hiker beat them to the top as we were about to start down. As we got back on the ridgeline route, we saw another solo hiker heading up toward 5057. [ youtube video ]

We detoured over to Three Sisters on the way down and enjoyed the views. There must've been 20+ vehicles at the Wave Cave lot, even on a weekday. On the way back to the ridgeline we passed a group of four approaching Three Sisters, then saw two more hikers down near the Boulder Creek origin, where there were some larger pools.

After hiking down Carney Spring and detoured over to Shaka Cave before finishing off the loop. We'd seen quite a few hikers all day--probably 10+ groups or individuals along the loop--but it was relatively quiet around the Wave Cave, and we managed to complete that final stretch without anyone asking us for directions to the cave. That might be the first time I've set foot anywhere near that trail and not been asked at least once...I think we should win a prize. Over the last mile or two, five or six powered paragliders were flying around.

We kept a pretty leisurely pace all day and took a lot of breaks at various spots along the way, so we finished just before sunset, but it was nice getting back up to 5057 after a few years and great catching up with ishmod again and getting one more hike in before the end of the year.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Paraglider Reference Mark

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

	Boulder Creek Origin - Ridgeline Route	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Small pools in the creek bed

Dec 02 2023

MAP

Routes 137
Photos 1
Triplogs 105

44 female

Joined Oct 21 2016
Tempe, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 02 2023
		MAP • Triplogs 105

Hiking	7.94 Miles	2,667 AEG

Hiking	7.94 Miles	5 Hrs 57 Mns	1.55 mph
	2,667 ft AEG	49 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Nice cold morning (45°), after rain the previous day, that turned into a lovely 65°. Perfect hiking weather. We passed 2 large groups of people hiking up & met another group at the summit. Clouds were surrounding peak 5057 and making everything look extra magical! The views are spectacular up there.

The guy who asks if we’ve “seen any snakes lately” was in his vehicle at the TH when we started. He rolled down his window in a hurry & asked if we were “planning to see any snakes today”. I’m wondering if anyone else has had a creepy experience with him. This was the first time I’ve seen him outside of Pie but apparently he gets around. I can’t be the only one he creeps out?

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Nov 18 2023

ddgrunning

Guides 3
Routes 632
Photos 8,235
Triplogs 604

54 male

Joined Apr 13 2011
Gilbert, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 18 2023
		ddgrunning • Triplogs 604

Hiking	8.22 Miles	2,690 AEG

Hiking	8.22 Miles	4 Hrs 56 Mns	1.94 mph
	2,690 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Headed out to Carney Springs TH with the goal of heading over to Robber's Roost. But after starting on the trail, I remembered that I'd never been out to the Three Sisters, but had wanted to do so during previous Ridgeline and 5057 hikes. So, I switched destinations last minute and texted my wife about my change of plans.

After the Wave Cave turnoff, I only crossed two descending early morning hikers on the way to the Sisters' summit. On the far side of Boulder Creek drainage, the clouds descended for some brief rainfall, and I wondered if there would be any visibility on the summit.

The rain was short lived, but the summit was mostly socked in when I arrived. But, while taking a lunch break, the clouds blew over and several windows opened up with fairly expansive views.

After lunch and enjoying the views, I hit the return. Above the Wave Cave canyon is a use trail that I thought might lead to a nice overlook. It petered out quickly without any amazing views, so I just returned to the main trail.

Lots of false trails or options on the section between the Boulder creek crossing and the exit down to Carney Spring. While all of them no doubt work eventually, some are better than others, and cairns are generally helpful.

Below the Carney saddle, the rain let loose for another 15-20 minutes. I crossed a couple of hikers on their way up that were not prepared with any rain protection--but the temps were fine and they didn't seem bothered by the moisture.

As always, the descent is a bit tricky--and made more so by the slick rocks. I managed to get down and back without incident. By the time I got to my car, the sun was mostly out and the main sister was viewable, cloaked in some cool cloud formations.

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Jan 27 2023

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Hiero-Ridgeline-Sisters Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 27 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	15.31 Miles	3,906 AEG

Hiking	15.31 Miles	9 Hrs 44 Mns		1.88 mph
	3,906 ft AEG	1 Hour 35 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Lost Goldmine Trail - Cloudview to LG TH

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partners

joebartels

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

We started around 8am with just a few other cars in the lot. It was chilly, but we were in the sun to start. After the small waterfall and Petroglyphs, we made the mistake of of staying in the drainage and boulder hopping. The actual use trail is just east of here. That made for some slow going.

Once we made the turn to the NE in the canyon, we found the very well defined trail and it was a simple (yet very steep) route to the top.

At the divide trail, the climbing was not yet over. We made our way past 5057 (been there, done that) and off to lunch with the 3 sisters. At we approached the end, there was a young lady that was just packing up and leaving. Much to our surprise in was HAZ's @Pickles ! Good to finally meet you.... We chatted for awhile and then she went on her way back down. [ youtube video ]

From here the Ridgeline Trail steeply descends to the West Boulder Saddle. Next up (actually down), my least favorite trail in the Supes. We made a stop at Shaka Cave, since neither of us had been there before. It was actually nicer than expected.

Back on the main trail, headed to the Lost Goldmine Trail, we started getting questions from the afternoon crowds going to the Wave Cave.

We were both tired and just wanted the hike to be over, but we still had to traverse over to our starting point. The Lost Goldmine trail drags on, but it was made a bit more tolerable by all the greenery and reaching the TH as the sun was setting in the golden hour.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Jan 27 2023

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Hiero Sisters Shaka Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 27 2023
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	14.29 Miles	3,694 AEG

Hiking	14.29 Miles	9 Hrs 44 Mns	1.74 mph
	3,694 ft AEG	1 Hour 31 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Lost Goldmine Trail - Cloudview to LG TH

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partners

The_Eagle

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Glyphs n Snags
Chilly to start. At the waterfall, we bought two tickets to the easy lure of canyon travel. I know the route is creekside upper-right. Back on track is remarkable off-trail trail maintenance including a slot tunnel through Jojoba. The ascent is butter.

Ridgeline to Sisters
Enjoyed a long lunch at the rock cathedral. En route, we crossed paths with @Pickles, exchanged smiles, and the secret RS passphrase.

Over to West Boulder
Fun chatting with a fit grandpa having a field day. Heading out of the origin of Boulder Creek we managed to hike in a circle due to a cairned shortcut. Then hiked a slightly lower route than desired.

Large pools of water down in West Boulder Creek out towards Willow Spring. The yellow daycite tide rolled in surfing ankle busters down to Carney.

Cave Explorers - Ground Zero
Apps, arrows, flags, and runway lights will never help. Folks in new or uneasy circumstances get chatty. Bring a lawn chair, direct traffic, and socialize to your heart's desire.

A classic 3:30 p.m. "Good morning!". You put out a vibe to 30 million chicks, something is going to happen.

Chaka Khan
The route to Shaka Cave is pretty spectacular in the afternoon light on the saguaros and the cliff walls.

1,000 Crursed Ravines
Along Lost Goldmine Trail is semi-pleasant in the afternoon shade of Turk's Head. The desert scenery, saguaro's and all is prime now all greened up. The ankle busters and washboard ravines fade out to the largest ravine crossed up to Hieroglyphic Trailhead.

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- joe

Dec 17 2022

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 17 2022
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	13.17 Miles	4,670 AEG

Hiking	13.17 Miles	10 Hrs 43 Mns	1.40 mph
	4,670 ft AEG	1 Hour 18 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

linked

Superstition Peak 5024 - Siphon Draw

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

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Dec 13 2022

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Snowy Supes Slip Slide, AZ

Hiking		Dec 13 2022
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	13.87 Miles	5,672 AEG

Hiking	13.87 Miles	7 Hrs 45 Mns	1.93 mph
	5,672 ft AEG	34 Mns Break

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Superstition Peak 5057 - Carney

Carney Springs Waterfall from LGM East

Partners

none

no partners

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Weavers Needle

2 archives

Nov 22 2022

Nate_F

Routes 215
Photos 1,337
Triplogs 124

53 male

Joined May 26 2017
Phoenix, AZ

Wave Cave &amp3 Sisters, AZ

Hiking		Nov 22 2022
		Nate_F • Triplogs 124

Hiking	8.60 Miles	3,187 AEG

Hiking	8.60 Miles	6 Hrs 18 Mns	1.37 mph
	3,187 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

linked

Wave Cave

Partners

none

no partners

Beautiful hike to Wave Cave and beyond. Shame, when I got to the cave, no one was there to take my picture. I continued up to the Ridgeline and over to Three Sisters where I lunched and took some pictures. Then back to Ridgeline and over to Carney and down. Nice day;

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Tansyleaf Spine Aster

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Oct 27 2022

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Three Sisters et al., AZ

Hiking		Oct 27 2022
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	13.56 Miles	6,234 AEG

Hiking	13.56 Miles	7 Hrs 25 Mns	1.99 mph
	6,234 ft AEG	37 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

8 linked trail guides

Superstition Peak 5057 - Balanced Rock Loop

Wave Cave

Superstition Peak 5057 - Carney

Partners

none

no partners

From the Three Sisters massif, we descended the steep climbers gully that splits the Fire & Ice Wall (center) and the Acropolis (west), working our way over to the Wave Cave.

8 archives

Dec 26 2021

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 26 2021
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Hiking	7.19 Miles	2,688 AEG

Hiking	7.19 Miles	7 Hrs 28 Mns	1.32 mph
	2,688 ft AEG	2 Hrs 1 Min Break

Linked

linked

Wave Cave

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

It’s been at least a year since I have climbed up Carney Springs Trail. I wanted to hike up the Three Sisters Peaks and soak in the views.

I ran into a friend and his dog at the trailhead and we started up. I was a slow mover on the climb up to the false saddle. The weather was cloudy, humid and surprisingly not cold. We made to the Carney Saddle and started up the Ridgeline.

There was a little water running in West Boulder and the entire trail was muddy/damp all the way. I remembered how steep Carney Springs was, but I guess my mind forgot how steep the Ridgeline Trail is climbing out of the West Boulder saddle area. I was slow poke going up that too.

But, turtle-speed aside, we made it up to the Three Sisters. The views and geology up here are so unique. The stacked rocks and spires are so beautiful. This formation is amazing, from the base or top.

We went out to the peaks as far as my respect for the Law of Gravity allows. Sister 1 & 2. We skipped Sister 3.
I started down and my friend and his mountain dog decided they would hit 5057. Climbing back down the Ridgeline, it’s clear how bad the fire was up here. Parts of this trail was like a jungle as the shrubbery was so thick. But, it’s all grassy now, with many, many tree skeletons spread about. There was some serious water erosion in this area as well. The little drainages had some water going down. Parts of the Ridgeline Trail were just erased.

I made it to near the West Boulder Saddle and decided to explore a little at the chutes going to down the Wave Cave area. I have climbed up one of them in the past, but that was brutal. I found a “doable” route along the ridge opposite the cave and made my way down to the drainage. It was steep, but I was able to make it down without any issues. I traversed over to the Wave Cave to meet the masses and have a little snack and rest. Lots of people out, but not as many as I thought there would be. After snacking/resting, I hiked down to the trailhead.

My pace for this hike was so slow! But, I was not in a hurry and took my time. The hike up was tough and my little bushwhack adventure was a slow go as well. All of that aside, I achieved my goals – hike up to the Three Sisters, find an alternate route down and get in an "elevation hike".

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

Feb 03 2021

SonoranBorn

Photos 46
Triplogs 3

40 male

Joined Jan 15 2013
Phoenix, AZ

Flatiron Hike - Superstitions

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 03 2021
		SonoranBorn • Triplogs 3

Hiking	12.50 Miles	4,480 AEG

Hiking	12.50 Miles	10 Hrs	1.47 mph
	4,480 ft AEG	1 Hour 30 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Superstition Peak 5024 - Siphon Draw

Boulder Creek Origin - Ridgeline Route

Partners

none

no partners

Camped near the Carney Springs trailhead and started up the mountain around 8am. Water was flowing slowly through west boulder, and the creekbed you cross on the way up to the ridgeline was flowing gently with very clean looking water.

Detoured up to Superstition Peak to enjoy the views. The ridgeline was a fun hike, even though it was fairly strenuous. It was great to see some of my favorite canyons, peaks, buttes, and needles from such a high elevation. I think I’ve gained a better perspective and knowledge of the area.

The trail passes through stretches of burned out areas but it certainly doesn’t detract from the beauty or the experience. Enjoyed passing by the side canyons and the endless beautiful views. An amazing sunset unfolded as we got down to the bottom of siphon draw.

Light flow

Siphon Draw Waterfall

Pools to trickle

Upper Hieroglyphic Canyon

Light flow

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6 archives

Feb 03 2021

Pixie87

Photos 4
Triplogs 4

female

Joined May 25 2017
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 03 2021
		Pixie87 • Triplogs 4

Hiking	7.70 Miles	2,700 AEG

Hiking	7.70 Miles	6 Hrs	1.28 mph
	2,700 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

_____________________

Nov 29 2020

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 29 2020
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	7.70 Miles	2,700 AEG

Hiking	7.70 Miles
	2,700 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

We got my niece and nephew up here, and they did awesome. They seem to do better with longer hikes when it's a little steeper and more scrambly.

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Apr 11 2020

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 11 2020
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	7.70 Miles	2,700 AEG

Hiking	7.70 Miles
	2,700 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

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Mar 21 2020

dswitzer3

Routes 8
Triplogs 8

48 male

Joined Mar 07 2020
MESA

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 21 2020
		dswitzer3 • Triplogs 8

Hiking	8.21 Miles	2,652 AEG

Hiking	8.21 Miles	6 Hrs 45 Mns	1.42 mph
	2,652 ft AEG	57 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

azlaurie

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Mar 21 2020

azlaurie

Routes 181
Photos 901
Triplogs 259

50 female

Joined Mar 09 2010
Chandler, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 21 2020
		azlaurie • Triplogs 259

Hiking	8.21 Miles	3,057 AEG

Hiking	8.21 Miles	6 Hrs 44 Mns		1.36 mph
	3,057 ft AEG	43 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

dswitzer3

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

_____________________

♥ Timing is Everything ♥

2 archives

Dec 01 2019

Pickles

Routes 7
Photos 1,242
Triplogs 61

57 female

Joined Nov 21 2015
Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 01 2019
		Pickles • Triplogs 61

Hiking	7.70 Miles	2,700 AEG

Hiking	7.70 Miles
	2,700 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Te wa and I came up the wash by Wave Cave and then followed a ravine to Three Sisters.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Risky

_____________________

Nov 30 2019

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Hiero - Balanced Rock - 5057 - 3 Sisters Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 30 2019
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	14.16 Miles	3,746 AEG

Hiking	14.16 Miles	9 Hrs 47 Mns		1.63 mph
	3,746 ft AEG	1 Hour 6 Mns Break	18 LBS Pack

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Superstition Peak 5057 - Balanced Rock Loop