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13 triplogs
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Nov 27 2004
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Vulture PeakSouthwest, AZ
Vulture Peak
Southwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 27 2004
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking1.50 Miles 1,180 AEG
Hiking1.50 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   1.00 mph
1,180 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Boy, they weren't kidding when they said 4WD road. It's 1.3 miles of nasty ruts, hills, and rocks. Took the GPS and measured the trip. It's only 0.75 miles to the summit from the 4x4 parking area and 2.1 miles total from the first trailhead.

Classic Sonoran desert scenery. It was very lush and green when I hiked it due to recent rains. The hike to the saddle is challenging and fun. The scramble to the top is even more fun, and the views from the summit are spectacular. Great hike. If it was only a bit closer to town...
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Apr 17 2004
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Superstition RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Superstition Ridgeline
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 17 2004
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking9.50 Miles 2,820 AEG
Hiking9.50 Miles   7 Hrs      1.36 mph
2,820 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was my second ridgeline hike. The first was done in early March just after a storm. There were waterfalls everywhere, snow on Four Peaks, and a stream running on top of the Superstitions. This trip is a bit different. Hotter, drier, and a lot more blooming wildflowers and cacti.

I got a late start (11:45 am). The day started out as nice, but it was very windy once I reached the ridge. I estimate 30-40 mph steady winds the whole way, with even bigger gusts. I almost got blown off the trail a couple of times. No kidding, it blew a contact lens right out of my eye!! (You can imagine how hard the wind was blowing considering my Asian eyes aren't that big to begin with!)

Saw a gila monster scooting along the ridge about half way across. Pretty cool. This was also about the time we realized that the key to our shuttle car in Lost Dutchman was left in the car at the Carney Springs trailhead. Doh!

Descended Siphon Draw and reached the trailhead around 7 pm.
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Aug 16 2003
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Ash Creek Trail #307Tucson, AZ
Ash Creek Trail #307
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 16 2003
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking16.50 Miles 5,200 AEG
Hiking16.50 Miles   9 Hrs      1.83 mph
5,200 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked this trail from the top down to the bottom (where it met up with the 4x4 dirt road) and back up. Long day, but well worth it. The forest on top is amazing, with lush greens and fields of wildflowers. The air was moist and we saw tons of exotic mushrooms including one the size of a volleyball and one "nuclear" orange with polka dots.

The upper half of the trail was easy to follow and well signed. I think most people hike down to the falls or to Oak Flat and turn around. The bottom half is more wild and overgrown, but also well worth it. Lots of lush plants and wildlife. We saw an entire family of coatimundi and some cougars on the next hill. We didn't see any bears but there were very fresh droppings everywhere. The trail is a bit tricky to follow below Oak Flat and zigzags down a steep loose hill, but it eventually levels out a bit and opens up into a more desert riparian terrain. Live oaks, manzanita, and other desert plants. As you go further down, you end up with the typical cacti, agaves, and creosote bushes.

Hiking back up is a real chore though. The part from Oak Flat to the top of the falls was killer. I think it was about 1.5 miles of relentlessly steep uphill. Got my heartrate up in a hurry.

Warning to hikers: One of us got quite a poison ivy rash from this hike. You might want to bring long pants for this, especially if you want to venture below Oak Flat.

Also, I called the ranger station and they said this trail is the only one spared by the fires of 2004. I'm going to hike this trail again in a couple of weeks to check it out.
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Apr 12 2003
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Harquahala SummitSouthwest, AZ
Harquahala Summit
Southwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 12 2003
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking10.20 Miles 3,353 AEG
Hiking10.20 Miles   3 Hrs   40 Mns   2.78 mph
3,353 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We found the right palm tree between MM 70 and 71, and the dirt road is right across the street. There were no other hikers, and the weather was awesome. Our group of 5 thoroughly enjoyed the solitude and unspoiled desert. It seemed to me just about everything was in bloom. We saw lots of ocotillo, purple, yellow and red cactus flowers, orange buttercups, golden poppies, purple lupin, marigolds, and many others we couldn't recognize.

The trail is mild for the first couple of miles, then it climbs (but in a manageable steady incline) up some switchbacks and straights to an eventual saddle point. From there, the view to the south opens up and you can see the road coming up the mountain. You can see the observatory from the saddle and it's not that much further to the top.

Once at the top (and also along the way), you'll see lots of plaques with historical notes worth reading. (They are also nice excuses to take a breather or two.) There's a parking area for the drivers and a radio / microwave tower at the summit. Nice picnic table on the former croquet court where you can rest and enjoy a lunch while admiring the view.

Definitely a nice hike for the cooler months. One note: we took I-10 west from Phoenix to the Salome exit and then doubled back via Wenden for about 10 miles. This seemed faster than going through Wickenburg since it's mostly 75 mph freeway. Still a good 1h45m drive though.
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Apr 06 2003
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 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Mount Kimball via Finger RockTucson, AZ
Mount Kimball via Finger Rock
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 06 2003
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking10.00 Miles 4,200 AEG
Hiking10.00 Miles   5 Hrs      2.00 mph
4,200 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Challenging yet doable, this trail is a real find. After the first mile or so, the trail ascends pretty consistently all the way to the top of Kimball. I had a nasty cold on this trip that kept screwing up my rhythm. Had to stop to cough and breathe every 15 seconds. Had I been healthy, I think this would be an awesome work-out type hike. The effort is reminiscent of Mount Wrightson just to the south of Tucson.

I love how well-preserved the trail appeared, and the fact that I didn't see any trash along the way! The views from the ledge (see hike description) are amazing. The way it suddenly opens up reminds me of the view from the top of Wilson Mountain in Sedona. Very impressive.

The trailhead is easily accessible and (gasp) no fees! I'll definitely do this one again. One note: I could swear the trail is longer than 5 miles one way.
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Apr 01 2003
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Vultee Arch Trail #22Sedona, AZ
Vultee Arch Trail #22
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 01 2003
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking3.00 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles   1 Hour      3.00 mph
300 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice relaxing hike. Very easy. Makes for a nice date or a family hike with kids.

Getting to the top of the arch is a bit tricky, but not too bad if you go up the right side of it. Venture out onto the arch if you aren't afraid of heights. It's a great place to sit and relax. When I went, there wasn't another soul on the trail. Amazingly peaceful.
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Mar 22 2003
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Brown's PeakPhoenix, AZ
Brown's Peak
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 22 2003
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking4.00 Miles 1,957 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   4 Hrs      1.00 mph
1,957 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice hike. Took the back road in from the Roosevelt Lake side. Much nicer drive than Four Peaks Road. We got stuck in a lot of snow approaching Brown's Saddle. Apparently we were the first people there in about a week since we made our own tracks. Got our shoes completely soaked. Oh well. Nice hike nonetheless.

Couldn't get to the summit since the steep couloir was filled with snow. Perhaps in a few weeks we'll do another summit push.
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Feb 01 2003
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Thompson Peak from Dixie Mine THPhoenix, AZ
Thompson Peak from Dixie Mine TH
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 01 2003
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking10.20 Miles 2,250 AEG
Hiking10.20 Miles   2 Hrs   30 Mns   4.08 mph
2,250 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Thompson Peak Rd - MSP
Partners none no partners
I love the sign on the fence of the radio tower. "No fishing or swimming." Nice elevation gain, I like the paved steep pitch of this road. If only I didn't have to hike 3 miles to get to it, I'd use it as a daily work-out hike.
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Jan 12 2003
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Flatiron Hike - SuperstitionsPhoenix, AZ
Flatiron Hike - Superstitions
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 12 2003
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking4.80 Miles 2,780 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles   1 Hour   45 Mns   2.74 mph
2,780 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Absolutely the most challenging hike in metro Phoenix area. This is the first time I've made it from trailhead to Flatiron in under 1 hour though. Love the view of the valley from there. I'd like to camp up there one day. I'll bet the night view is awesome.
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Nov 02 2002
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
North Wilson Mountain Trail #123Sedona, AZ
North Wilson Mountain Trail #123
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 02 2002
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking7.60 Miles 2,200 AEG
Hiking7.60 Miles   3 Hrs   30 Mns   2.17 mph
2,200 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
North Wilson is a wonderful trail, with a bit of everything that makes hiking enjoyable. You have the gorgeous scenery of Oak Creek Canyon, the fall leaves, views of the snow covered San Francisco Peaks, deep forest, open plateau. The hike itself has some challenging stretches, some leisurely jaunts, and the trail is in excellent condition. I love this hike, and have been making an annual pilgrimage here in November for a number of years now.

One suggestion I have for people hiking in groups is to leave a car at the Midgeley Bridge (start of the Wilson Mountain Trail), shuttle up to Encinoso and ascend the North Wilson Trail to the summit. Then, descend via the Wilson Mountain Trail. This loop route will add an easy downhill mile to the hike but will allow you to experience both the forested North Wilson and the desert wildflowers on the Wilson Mountain Trail.
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Sep 15 2002
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Old Baldy Trail #372 to Wrightson SummitTucson, AZ
Old Baldy Trail #372 to Wrightson Summit
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 15 2002
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking10.80 Miles 4,050 AEG
Hiking10.80 Miles   4 Hrs      2.70 mph
4,050 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Wrightson is a great hike. I like the steady gentle pace. There are only a couple of steep parts where you'll have to slow the pace. Otherwise it's a straight shot to the top. 'Course I did this the week after hiking a bunch of fourteeners in Colorado, so in comparison I thought it was easy. (And I didn't have to run from a storm in the afternoon.) Had I hiked this without training, it would have taken more of a mental toll.

The scrub oak was an interesting setting for me. I've always hiked in either desert climate, deep evergreen forest, or above tree line before. The scenery along the way is awesome. From the top, you can see miles in every direction, even into Mexico. Great way to escape the desert heat.
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Aug 11 2002
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Mount Baldy LoopAlpine, AZ
Mount Baldy Loop
Alpine, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 11 2002
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking18.00 Miles 2,044 AEG
Hiking18.00 Miles   7 Hrs      2.57 mph
2,044 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Did the loop, but in the other direction. Up West Baldy trail, down East Baldy, then the Crosscut trail. It was a little longer since the crosscut trail starts at the East trailhead, but dumps into the West trail about 1.5 miles in.

I liked the trail for its beautiful green forests and the neat rock formations on the East Baldy Trail. However it was a little too flat (in most places) for my liking. There were very few people there, so I didn't get the overcrowding impression. Made it all the way to the top even though I'm not s'posed to. Never saw the sign everyone told me about. That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!

I recommend this hike as a nice get-away for the summer. Sure beats hiking Siphon Draw in August!
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Nov 02 2001
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 1
 Triplogs 13

57 male
 Joined Jul 15 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Havasu Canyon TrailNorthwest, AZ
Havasu Canyon Trail
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 02 2001
madhiker • Triplogs 13
Hiking21.00 Miles 2,496 AEG
Hiking21.00 Miles2 Days         
2,496 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Awesome scenery and definitely the best kept secret in Arizona. I love hiking through the slot canyon and swimming in the turquoise pools. The only complaint I have is the sound of your shoes swishing through the gravel along the hike. You get really sick of that sound after a while.

A couple of memorable moments on our trip: One is huddling around the camp stove at night, trying to listen to Game 6 of the World Series (Diamondbacks vs Yankees) through the static on our portable radio. We had fashioned an antenna out of various foils, cookware, and silverware, but the reception is poor at best. Nevertheless, it was quite a nostalgic baseball experience. Go D-backs!

Another memorable moment is cooking a 4-course gourmet meal of chicken fettucini complete with wine and dessert using camping equipment. Turned out excellent!

Tip: Go check out Navajo Falls. This is the first falls you encounter hiking from the village to the campground (before you get to Havasu Falls). You'll have to cross a long fallen log to get to it, but it's definitely worth the trip. We had the pleasure of enjoying this secluded waterfall all to ourselves. There's another little veil-like waterfall next to Navajo that is completely hidden from the main trail. By far the best swimming hole around.
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average hiking speed 2.11 mph

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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