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| | | Dutchman-Black Mesa-2nd Water Loop, AZ | | | |
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Dutchman-Black Mesa-2nd Water Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 9.30 Miles |
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| | Hiking | 9.30 Miles | 3 Hrs 45 Mns | | 2.48 mph |
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| no partners | | Superstitions Hike (Dutchman-Black Mesa-2nd Water Loop) Nov 18, 2011 @ 9:30am
Awesome 9.3 mile loop starting at 1st Water trailhead near Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction AZ - near Phoenix)!! It took me a little less than 4 hrs.After walking a short distance to the Dutchman-2nd Water split, I veered right on Dutchman trail for about 3 miles where I reached the Black Mesa trail. Elevation at start of hike is 2270 ft and is 2290 ft when you connect to Black Mesa trail. Lots of up and down though with great views of Weavers Needle and the beautiful Superstitions mountain desert. Max elevation along this part of Dutchman trail is 2645 ft and it took me less than 2 hours to reach Black Mesa trail.
Taking a left on Black Mesa trail takes you up a fairly steep ridge to the top of the Mesa in less than a mile where the views are spectacular and your elevation is up to 2585. After a few more miles you connect to the 2nd Water trail where you have descended to 2410 ft. Max elevation along Black Mesa trail is 2745 ft.
Taking a left on 2nd Water trail completes the 9.3 mile loop. Total distance on 2nd Water was just under 2 miles.
The weather was perfect as I criss-crossed at least 20 times over several dry creek beds. I have hiked parts of this trail before when there was water in the creeks and that makes the experience even more special. Much of the hike is very remote as I saw only about a dozen hikers or so. I would recommend this hike to any avid hikers out there!! The total ascent reported by my garmin was 1198 ft. |
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| | | Bursera-National-Pyramid Loop, AZ | | | |
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Bursera-National-Pyramid Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 9.50 Miles |
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| | Hiking | 9.50 Miles | 4 Hrs | | 2.38 mph |
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| no partners | | South Mountain Park Hike (Bursera-National-Pyramid Loop)
Awesome 9.5 mile loop starting at new trailhead off of 18th avenue and west chandler blvd (Phoenix AZ 85045)!! It took me 4 hrs including 40 minutes of break time.
Bursera trail is about 3 miles and connects to the National trail. Elevation at start of hike is 1280 ft and is 1550 ft when you connect to National trail. Lots of up and down with views of mines and a ruin in the distance. I have seen these areas called ruin trail and mine trails before. I have hiked those unmarked trails as well and they also connect to the National trail. Max elevation along Bursera trail is 1840 ft.
Heading east on National trail takes you by mines and great views of Ahwatukee to the south and Phoenix to the north. After 4 miles you connect to the Pyramid trail (where you can see the brick shelter just above the well known Telegraph Pass trail). Along the way you pass the trail heads to the unmarked ruin and mine trails which can be used as shortcuts back to your starting point. You also pass by the Ranger trail head which takes you down to the South Mountain Park race track and visitor center areas to the north. Max elevation along this stretch of the National trail is 2410 ft.
Heading southwest on Pyramid trail completes the loop 2.5 miles later. It is a very steep down. There used to be a rock pyramid at the peak just before the big down but park folks dismantled it and placed a sign there essentially saying don't build rock pyramids. Elevation at this old "pyramid peak" area is 2210 ft.
I went through every bit of 60 oz of water and had a protein bar. I feel great now and would recommend this fairly aggressive hike to any of you real hikers out there!! The total ascent reported by my garmin was 2330 ft. Lots of up and down!! |
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average hiking speed 2.43 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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