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| no partners | | Ran into many newbies backpacking the baldy loop during my 3 days on the mountain. Both trailhead lots were full+ but not that many on the trails--did not check the overflow east baldy lot at the really cool & nearby Gabaldon Horse Campground which has some interesting paths as well as connection to the east baldy trail.
I've only seen 1 bear in the past 25 years hiking baldy and that was off trail near the east trail a couple years ago. On day 2 someone asked me about having to worry about baldy bears and I laughed!
HOWEVER, on day 3 a couple lost their pack with the fob to their honda accord as a bear ran off with it. The couple explained they were camped off the crossover within sight of Lee Valley Reservoir on Sunday when the guy awoke to a crash and found his gal missing and bear with her stuff. He yelled at the bear which dropped the pack but then it ran off with the goods as he grew concerned about his lady. Appears she was nearby viewing the lake and saw it all. Note to self as they said they couldn't find a large enough tree nearby and maybe the vicinity of the lake was a problem?
Not sure how they were able start their car as they were going to call AAA ft to get her apartment keys from the car before returning to Phx for her extra fob? drawbacks of keyless starting cars with fobs I guess? Maybe they had car towed as it was gone at 3pm when I returned.
Baldy East trail is in good shape regarding deadfall but trail crew timed out and had to leave 15 trees between miles 4-5 which are easy to navigate. Some reports I heard said West Baldy trail was completely free of deadfall as of Saturday but I wonder if they also ran out of time there too and had to leave some deadfall?
Bugs were not a problem at all on Friday but I started getting bit on Sat & Sunday so be prepared.
Weather was horrible as I missed out on hiking in 110F in Phx and instead had to suffer with afternoon TH temps of about 75F each day. No rain but drizzles nearby since monsoons haven't hit baldy yet. |
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Alta Loop 202 Walkabout, AZ
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| Hiking | 12.50 Miles |
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| no partners | | Decided to checkout the new South Mtn Freeway and the easier access to Alta from Chandler. Chose to hike Alta from Estrella clockwise too the highpoint and over with a detour on the way back to get a closeup birds-eye view of the ridge cut closest to the casino. Followed the fence-line from the high perch along nearly the shoulder of the freeway all the way to the Maricopa Trail Jct at Ray & the 202.
Been following the freeway progress up-close and posted my pics from today as well as from 12 months ago.
For the most part I doubt many inside the typical hiking area of South Mtn park will be able to hear much too much noise yet as freeway is typically more than 3/4 of a mile away from but Google Earth shows some of those $750k homes are 250 ft from the freeway!
Saw nearly no one the entire day except a couple mountain bikers who both talked of a new spur off Maricopa Trail near Ray that they say runs 5 miles to the 19 Ave lot and possibly points beyond? New trail parallels Alta on the north side of the range but at nearly road level. |
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| Hiking | 6.00 Miles |
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| no partners | | | 3 mile very quiet walkabout in the fresh powder with only a stuck Forerunner to report. |
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| no partners | | The price of progress is already impacting South Mountain with this new development finally moving quite fast.
Appears it did not go as fast as discussed in this 2014 story.
http://www.ahwatukee.com/community_focu ... 963f4.html
The area was so beautiful & is only 1/2 mile off Bursera & western most junction with the Gila.
The above story and locals confirm some homes will be only 150 feet from the freeway--that's way too close.
The Gila tribe is already upset as some of their sacred/special sites have already been disturbed--ran into a tribal photographer today who was heading that way to document things.
Builder has already carved a hole in the mountain for their road which like many in the area could be gated as otherwise the area would provide easy access to the many trails in the area. Portions of the Gila appear on google maps to travel directly through the development???
Appears everyone was out early enjoying the wonderful clouds and nice temps as parking lots in the area were overflowing. Went up Pyramid to National from Chandler Blvd and did the loop returning on Bursera--saw very few people once I reached the top of Pyramid except for the crowded first couple of miles on Pyramid. The afternoon mostly cloudy 75F heat must of scared off people from the usually busy Bursera--it certainly was very busy earlier on Sunday. |
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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.
Route Editor
Route Scout
