|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 4.00 Miles |
1,957 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.00 Miles | | | |
| 1,957 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | My wife and I have done this hike 6 or 7 times - the time previous to this one was when I asked her to marry me on 8/26/01. This time however, would be her first time to the summit since we were not bringing our dogs. My first pleasant surprise was FR 143. It was a lot easier to drive up. I think we could have driven up in a car - which I couldn't say previously. We had a wonderful hike up to the saddle. There were still patches of snow up on the peak and even some in the chute that we were able to touch! I've been to the top twice before and the "route" was better than ever. I remember being a bit nervous before but this time was much easier. Our biggest disappointment was at the summit. We searched and searched for the log to sign and finally located it.  Someone had shot two holes through the ammo box and a bullet was still lodged in the log! There were at least 20 spent casing that I picked up along with 5 live bullets. I hate idiots with guns. Other than this, the trip was excellent. The view from the summit is spectacular and I think it's one of the few, if not only, places that you can see Saguaro, Roosevelt, Canyon and Apache lakes at once! We returned via the Amethyst and Four Peaks trails. This will always be a special place.  |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
. We had been planning this hike for a while and decided to take a chance and go anyway. As we drove up to Buena Vista from Central, we were stopped at the turnoff for BV Trailhead by a police officer. It turned out that they were filming a car comercial and we could not drive to the trailhead. So now we're really determined. We parked along the road on the way to the radio towers and began hiking back (east) along National Trail to Buena Vista. When we arrived at Buena Vista, we saw the film crew waiting for the weather to clear and trying to keep two beautiful black Chrysler convertibles dry! This is why we couldn't get to the trailhead? Anyway, the hike was spectacular. We've hiked many times on South Mountain but this was the first time we've seen rain. Everything just came to life in the desert and there was NO ONE out on the trails! We got sprinkled on once or twice but nothing significant. Some of the rocks near Fat Man's Pass were a bit slippery but it was a great hike. The views of the valley were nice and clear because of the rain and we could see all the way to Four Peaks. It was our friends first time on the trail and they couldn't believe that they've lived in Phoenix for over 5 years and never ventured up there. It's still one of my favorite urban hikes even though I've done it 20+ times. Every time is different and wonderful.
