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| Hiking | 11.30 Miles |
1,560 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.30 Miles | 6 Hrs 15 Mns | | 2.05 mph |
| 1,560 ft AEG | 45 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | | It was a picture perfect day for a long hike. Decided on Boulder Canyon loop from First Water TH. Perfect temps and the desert was as green as I've ever seen it. The hike was fairly uneventful until hitting the water at the end of Second Water Trail. Boulder canyon trail was slow moving due to roughly 20 water crossings and some over growth. The slow moving made for a fun puzzle when figuring the best route across the water without getting my feet wet. I managed some narrow escapes and kept my feet dry all day. The payoff view is well worth it once you finish Boulder Canyon trail. There is an amazing view of Black Top Mesa and Weaver's Needle. We stopped for a short lunch near the intersection with Dutchman trail before making our way back to First Water Trail Head. The trip back to the trail head from here was fairly uneventful. Just great views and perfect weather. No major animal sightings and the start of seasonal flowers throughout the whole trip. Aside from a group of boy scouts at the end of Second Water, there wasn't a whole lot of traffic out there. Surprising for the last weekend in February with perfect hiking weather. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
THe cactus and the sage are not yet blooming. |
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| Hiking | 3.30 Miles |
960 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.30 Miles | | | |
| 960 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Another great hike. The beginning of the trail was more difficult to find this time. The barbed wire fence has been repaired and the cairns in the beginning seem to have been knocked over.
Some portions of the trail were difficult to follow in the middle section of the hike. once past that area it was smooth sailing. No wildlife sightings aside from a copious amount of lizards and insects.
I did not take the loop trail. Next time I might attempt it. Round trip was 2 hours and 15 mins with a 15 min break at the top and some slow moving through portions that were tough to navigate. |
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| Hiking | 3.30 Miles |
960 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.30 Miles | | | |
| 960 ft AEG | | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | NOT A GOOD HIKE FOR DOGS
This is an awesome trail. The trail was easy to find and navigate. There were some glorious views as far as the eye can see and there was a large amount of blooming cacti.
The major downside was that I had brought my K9 friend and there was Bear Cholla EVERYWHERE. Within roughly 1/8th of a mile she had a large barbed ball of needles in the paw. Luckily I grabbed my Leatherman right before we left the house because it was the only salvation for my dog. After pulling a few barbs from her foot she kicked in pain and I got five barbs in my finger. They don't feel to good coming out, that's for certain. We walked on about another quarter mile before she stepped on an even bigger ball of barbed thorns. This time I pulled them out of her leg, foot and nose. We turned around and headed back to the car. I didn't want to put her through the pain of stepping on another cholla so I carried her most of the way back.
All in all the trail was awesome and I am most definitely going to go back there next week without the K9 friend. |
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average hiking speed 2.05 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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