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Aug 29 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Manning Camp via Reddington Road, AZ 
Manning Camp via Reddington Road, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 29 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking24.48 Miles 5,954 AEG
Hiking24.48 Miles   11 Hrs   8 Mns   2.46 mph
5,954 ft AEG   1 Hour   10 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
End of payment Drive to TH
After a minute of washboard, it's a series of corkscrew turns to gain elevation. After miles of wavy rock road, it turns into moguls. Finally, a sense of sanity for a mile or two passing Bellota Ranch, and you're at the trailhead.

Italian Spring Trail #95
The first 5.25 mi won't excite most. I think it's pretty cool on the edge of the Sonoran Desert with a different vegetation feel versus the outskirts of Phoenix.

Reached a creek crossing at about 5.1 miles, there's well over a hundred gallons of water. A larger pool in an unnamed tributary just 0.15 mi further to the next ravine. 7.2 mi up, you start getting shade and sanity if it's a hot day.

0.25 mi to the NPS gate, I noticed mica often on the trail.

Ferns were waist-high at Italian Spring. It started to sprinkle with calm waves of light rain to follow.

North Slope Trail - Saguaro NP
Only on this for its upper 0.5 mi. Satellite shows the east is torched. At least four fires, but it seemed trivial to me; most of this stretch is pine-covered.

Fire Loop Trail - Mica
Only on this for 0.35 mi. Notable for this out-and-back because the top is the high point at ~8607 ft.

Mica Mountain Trail
Have always taken this trail because it's the shortest distance to Manning Camp. It's not as nice as Jacinto or Big Bear, but seems as nice as Mount Baldy IMO.

Return
Expecting to see people at Manning Camp, I turned the sound off on RS earlier on Fire Loop, figuring I knew the rest of the hike by memory. Realized I was off-trail 0.2 mi up Cow Head Saddle Trail. Instead of heading back, I cut through the forest over a small rise.

Noticed evidence of large bears that ate large seeds. Perhaps hackberry seeds, as one was loaded with berries in various ripening stages.

It rained very lightly for maybe an hour total. Luckily, it was all in the pines and diffused because I ditched the umbrella. Only a couple of claps of thunder.

The Catalinas got pounded with squalls throughout the afternoon.

It was a light rain for the last couple of miles, so the hottest part of the hike never surfaced.

Synopsis
Furthest I've ventured solo since May 2020. This is one of my favorite hikes in Arizona. 2 months shy of 10 years since the good ol' days ended.

Almost in shape for lion season...
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Banana Yucca

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Carolyn's Creek Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout About 50 gallons, super clear with just a trickle of water

I didn't notice this on the hike up, even though I heard it through Route Scout.

On the return Route Scout mentioned it again. I looked and saw rain hitting the pool of water.

dry Italian Spring Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout I could not find any pooled water or any trickling water where the seep is notched out of the mountain, as MacEwen describes.

The only moisture in the area was from a recent sprinkle.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 26 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph to 26 Post, AZ 
Telegraph to 26 Post, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 26 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking3.93 Miles 992 AEG
Hiking3.93 Miles   1 Hour   27 Mns   2.71 mph
992 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Breezeless, muggy blah after yesterday's late afternoon storm. Continued past the CCC Hut to Post 26 to mimic 1k.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 25 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Mingus Mini Dingus, AZ 
Mingus Mini Dingus, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 25 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking14.37 Miles 3,177 AEG
Hiking14.37 Miles   7 Hrs      2.34 mph
3,177 ft AEG      52 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Mescal Trail #547
We tap into this trail via an 0.25 mi use-trail* from a parking space we've used many times across the highway from #503A. *perhaps the continuation of #503A. It might be wise to park on the side of the road for your leaving direction, as it's a busy blind hairpin corner. Then we descended the forgettable 0.25 mi of #547 to #105.

North Mingus Trail #105
The lower end starts as either a trail or the distance a vehicle can be driven in from the highway double track. After the 3 Graves(crossless rock piles now), it continues as a nice walk to about 3 mi on our loop.

The next mile gains over 650 ft to #105A.

Mingus Trail #105A
0.7mi slightly descending drew zero complaints.

View Point Trail #106
This trail contours the steep east side of Mingus. I like it because it cruises above the in and outs of ravines just below.

On top of Mingus, we walk the road over to the hang glider launch. After a short session of posing on the launch pad and ignoring each other, we get back onto #105. It's a steep but short descent back to where we split off earlier. We enjoyed a lunch break along that stretch, too.

Bug Hollow Trail #548
After retracing our steps on #105, Bruce had a plan to hook into #548. We only tackled the middle third of this, which happens to be one of my favorite autumn trails. Oughta be sweet in about a month, unless you're a maple/aspen snob.

We completed the upper end of #547 to complete the double tooth lasso loop.

Synopsis
Miles of drizzle and light sprinkles pitter-pattered on numerous umbrella stretches. It was not hot; cool breezes for long stretches were nice.

5 to 10 minutes of spotty sunshine near the end. I carried a little too much water for this sub-70-degree August hike. Any hike on Mingus is a winner for oak connoisseurs. A few moments seemed impossibly perfect for August.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mescal Spring
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation None
It's not autumn but there were large stretches with a lot of green oak leaves on trail.

dry Mescal Spring Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Moist from recent rain, otherwise appears dry
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 18 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Kendrick - Pumpkin - Bull Basin Loop, AZ 
Kendrick - Pumpkin - Bull Basin Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 18 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking18.20 Miles 4,928 AEG
Hiking18.20 Miles   9 Hrs   13 Mns   2.26 mph
4,928 ft AEG   1 Hour   9 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Kendrick Peak Trail #22
The bottom third of #22 is a wide, ultra-flat pummeled scoria tread. Bruce put the fear of god about potential overgrowth on the connector trail to ponder en route. One deadfall, easy to avoid, and a few knee-high plants had me sweating buckets.

Pumpkin Trail #39
Albeit temporary, views descending this path magically reduce stress. Route finding doesn't draw Bruce hissyfits like #80 because gravity completes him. The short aspen section in the lower third has gained refreshing shade height/density.

Connector Trail #80
Scattered low vegetation will draw blood if not careful. I netted three insignificant scratches, six tops. About a quarter-mile on the west end is a cairn hunt; I checked RS 2 or 3 times for guidance. Nearby pine shade looks refreshing. Clockwise works well to continue along the increasing lure to lunch at the junction with #40.

Bull Basin Trail #40
Fantastic, like any trail that is a walk in the park and makes Bruce whine. The course is the most interesting of the triangular lasso loop. There is enough spaced shade and an easier overall grade vs Pumpkin to entice clockwise votes. Per usual, as much obsidian as I've seen anywhere.

Synopsis
Bruce sent his 4-year-old grandson off in a side-by-side with a chainsaw to bake cookies in the woods so we could hike. Deadfall and thorn encounters overall are forgettable. 18mi/5k at elevation in pleasant weather is tougher for myself than roasting 20mi/5k. Great to hike a quintessential Arizona summer hike with Bruce.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Point
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Low-lying Wood's Rose galore is not blooming much. Beware the scratch factor and admire the hips.

No time to id the lupine, penstemon, yellows.

dry Bull Spring Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout No water or the signature cowpatty waft associated with the spring on this trip
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 17 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 17 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.38 Miles 2,334 AEG
Hiking9.38 Miles   4 Hrs   33 Mns   2.29 mph
2,334 ft AEG      27 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
In the wash, approaching Prospector, I hiked along with a group of quail that was having quite the conversation. They scurried to and fro as if I was little threat. Some of the sounds they were making were like a drop of water landing in a pool of water.

Several still heading up at 11:30. Probably because Autumn is now just two weeks away and everybody's getting into the mood.

Edit
The two sounds the covey of quail made were a series of waa waa or wha wha, which is used to reunite the group after separation. The water drop sound I mentioned it's called pit-pit to warn of potential danger or a nearby predator. Guess I got lucky, fleeing the potential danger!
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 15 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph Pass Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Aug 15 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
 Hiking3.36 Miles 758 AEG
 Hiking3.36 Miles   1 Hour   17 Mns   2.62 mph
758 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Looks like the Telegraph River crested at low tide last night.

Tested RS 7.2.5 after a few days working with GPT-5 and added logic to stop the double recording issue on Android. Possibly iOS, I just had not experienced it myself. Then, notably for Android, added fast reload. You can now cold boot and get hiking right away without waiting. Also, fixed a bug in the initial background to load the offline maps.

Simplicity has its advantages. Soon after I started the hike, it would be over. No fretting miles 17 and up.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 13 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 13 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.26 Miles 2,400 AEG
Hiking9.26 Miles   3 Hrs   44 Mns   2.67 mph
2,400 ft AEG      16 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Headed down into Bursera bathroom wash, and there was a mountain biker gasping/grinding like he was going up Prospector to get out of the 3% grade wash. Exiting the flip side I heard the wiz of another biker. I stepped aside. This was the steeper side and he could have bunny hopped over me going up. I don't think they were together... Lol

Tested the Dixie RS recipe for disaster, and it worked like a charm. I haven't had time to go over the debug logs, but I'm wondering if it might be Android-related. I need to test the sequence thoroughly on an iPhone. Just know that I had to bump up the Android version a couple of weeks ago. There was also an OS update to the phones last month. One of the core plugins that RS uses does not yet support 16 KB page size, so that might make it crash if not always in or out of airplane mode.

Absolutely no breeze early on was a little muggy. Always get a nice breeze coming up along goat ridge. Hints of Autumn in the breeze.
_____________________
- joe
 
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 08 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Aug 08 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
 Hiking3.00 Miles 1,233 AEG
 Hiking3.00 Miles   1 Hour   52 Mns   2.00 mph
1,233 ft AEG      22 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Warning to Android RS users. RS needs plenty of time to boot and plenty of time to process any change to the Follow route.
Nobody wants to drive to a hike and then wait. Working on it. In the meantime, have it loaded at home with whatever hike you intend to hike as the Follow. If you absolutely must import or change the Follow, wait for the import or change to complete... as in nothing happens on the home screen for 45-seconds screen-on

Forcing map tiles at the beginning of the hike creates issues. To get all the mapping in place from a cold start involves a massive amount of processing. Android simply isn't quick enough for the way I redesigned in 8 weeks of free time with AI that thinks we all have lightning bolt threaded processors. For reference, it takes the near fastest Android on the market minutes to process what the cheapest iPhone conquers in seconds. The side-by-side tests are essentially a tricycle vs a Tesla.

Even as an Android user, I damn near swore it off. I have an iPhone. It does a few things very nicely, the battery has a charge like a nuclear reactor, and it's ridiculously fast. The side buttons are designed for a left-handed person, the camera assumes you have two good hands, the screen in sunlight with sunglasses is like looking at a mirror, it's too damn tiny, I'm old, cranky, and I hate it... Lol


It was hot, humid, and horrible for half a lap ascending, then less horrible. The top furlong to halfway down was refreshing tropical island breezes!
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 07 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 07 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking11.52 Miles 2,813 AEG
Hiking11.52 Miles   5 Hrs   14 Mns   2.43 mph
2,813 ft AEG      29 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
It was supposed to be warmer today, but that fizzled out. Gusty winds for the first three miles.

It's easier to drink from water bottles, yet too cumbersome without a pack. So I ditched the water bladder and the hot hose.

Bursera was new for me. The whole southwest corner of South Mountain is better than I ever gave credit. It's a series of ridges, which are a bazillion times more exciting than anything flat.

Prehydrated 40 oz on the drive over, then consumed 107 out of 108 oz carried. When I did five laps on Piestewa several times in August, I would consume 24 to 48 oz between laps and carry 24 oz on each lap.

Stats are RS Android airplane mode start to finish because it's the only way to force the GPS radio. Carried in the upper back portion of my pack. Used 15% battery, 1697 points.
iPhone RS 11.43 mi / 2,785 AEG, Used 23% battery not in airplane mode, 1,829 points.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 05 2025
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 05 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.20 Miles 2,272 AEG
Hiking9.20 Miles   3 Hrs   51 Mns   2.41 mph
2,272 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Above the road, just after 7am, I passed three high school guys. A few minutes later at the Gila junction was a naked native dude.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 04 2025
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Aug 04 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
 Hiking5.09 Miles 1,905 AEG
 Hiking5.09 Miles   2 Hrs   41 Mns   2.02 mph
1,905 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Home for a round. Passed up a small group with spanking new Doc Martens. Fine on this little hike, but the swank individual statement would wear off quickly on anything much longer.

The backside of the pie casserole is nice in the morning shade.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 03 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 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 31 2025
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 31 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.20 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking9.20 Miles   3 Hrs   49 Mns   2.50 mph
2,300 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Not many people out taking advantage of the opportunity to sweat like a pig.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 29 2025
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.16 Miles 2,290 AEG
Hiking9.16 Miles   3 Hrs   40 Mns   2.54 mph
2,290 ft AEG      4 Mns Break18 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Took a pack to evaluate differences. Gleaned good info.

With a later start I was surprised there was still a 40 yard stretch of shade crawling up Prospector.

The pack is certainly warmer but it's nice to have everything in place without constantly shifting weight. Used a third less water.
_____________________
- 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 27 2025
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 27 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.26 Miles 2,365 AEG
Hiking9.26 Miles   3 Hrs   36 Mns   2.60 mph
2,365 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Tried a ZenToes Gel Separator to keep the second piggy in place, worked better than anticipated. Not a cure, but hiking less was having worse effects.

8:53 am scraggly coyote. Seemed suspect at first, but he just happened to crest near me on a ridge portion and moved away.

Cessna mode to get device elevation stats.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 26 2025
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 26 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.27 Miles 2,680 AEG
Hiking9.27 Miles   3 Hrs   38 Mns   2.59 mph
2,680 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Days ago when I first did this loop I envisioned calling it 9x9 Loop starting at 6:00 a.m.

That rainbow thought was an illusion...

Only gained 5 minutes. Think I'd have to carry a pack to move the needle.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 25 2025
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Canyon Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Canyon Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 25 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking8.11 Miles 2,292 AEG
Hiking8.11 Miles   3 Hrs   44 Mns   2.23 mph
2,292 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Heading back on National yesterday, I saw a hint of a trail below. 5 to 10 minutes later, I passed a sign that they should obliterate for multiple reasons.

Decades ago, before I carried a GPS receiver, I hiked all the canyons and ridges, but not often in the west.

The canyon is what I've called bathroom wash for the past five or so years because the nearby trailhead has no restroom. One small green rock that seemed out of place and several huge pink rocks. When I reached the dry falls, it dawned on me that I had done this in reverse. It's a cool little canyon, but I doubt I would hit it often, and I would more likely just continue up.

I passed two-phrase on the final furlong. It doesn't matter what you say or if you say nothing at all. She says the same two phrases with a pause. I think she has earbuds or such. She's pleasant, just odd as hell the first round or two.
_____________________
- joe
 
average hiking speed 2.42 mph
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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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