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| Hiking | 4.41 Miles |
1,418 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.41 Miles | 2 Hrs 47 Mns | | 2.04 mph |
| 1,418 ft AEG | 37 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Last trip to Tucson for the year, time enough for one more peak...last week I had done the other peak 3263 to the south, and I had been thinking about this one ever since. Actually, I have been thinking about this one ever since I climbed Safford and Panther last summer. I followed a track similar to what Sirena had described in her trip last year. I parked at the first turnoff after Contzen Pass, and headed northeast along the gravel wash. I followed this around to the east side of the mountain, and then headed north a bit until I found a cross country spot that looked promising. From here on, it was straight bushwhack and trying to avoid spiky things.There is abundant cholla and cactus of all sorts out here, but the footing was at least pretty good, lots of rock slabs and small bouldering. Continued on up to the summit, had a look around and then headed for the southern edge of the top. Enjoyed a nice break here, and then started working my way down. I thought I would try to turn this into a loop to keep things interesting and it worked out well. I dropped down off the eastern edge, always trying to angle for the saddle I had seen from where I parked. There were a few interesting moments, but nothing too spicy in the end. This section had more vegitation, but less cholla so that was a win in my book. Followed my way back around to the van having seen no one on this hike. Such a 180 from the #300 trail I did yesterday, completely off-trail and no people, that is OK by me. Just for kicks (and what the hey, one more peak) I made a side trip to the Hayden Butte Summit as I got back into Phoenix. It was about 6:30 by the time I found a parking spot, and then I headed up in the darkness. For a short trail, I will say this one packs a nice punch, there is effort to be expended. No need for a headlamp, there was enough ambient light from the city to find my way. They did have some holiday displays up top, kind of need to see the big wise men signs and a half lit Menorah. First time up this one, figured I had to do it at some point just to strut my Wildcat swagger...  Two hiking firsts on the HBS trail surprisingly: first time I have hiked without any water, and the first time I have encountered a stogie on-trail. I could understand around the campfire, but on-trail? Seriously? It is Tempe I guess...four peaks in two days (3 new ones) = Booyah! |
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