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12 triplogs
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May 14 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Goldmine Trail - San Tan MRPPhoenix, AZ
Goldmine Trail - San Tan MRP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 14 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking2.50 Miles 693 AEG
Hiking2.50 Miles
693 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Quick afternoon trip up and over Goldmine Mountain and back. Didn't hike the whole thing but started at Goldmine TH, went over the mountain and turned around to return. Probably ~4 miles round trip.

No off-leash dogs and no bags of dog poop by the trail today which is more than I can say most days on Goldmine :-( Don't mind off-leash in larger areas but not so much in busy county parks...
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May 09 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Flatiron Hike - SuperstitionsPhoenix, AZ
Flatiron Hike - Superstitions
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 09 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking5.85 Miles 3,048 AEG
Hiking5.85 Miles
3,048 ft AEG5 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
After conquering Picacho, Picketpost, Brown's (Four Peaks), and Pass Mtn Ridgeline (Usery Park) this year, I decided I was ready for my first Flatiron attempt. The weather was supposed to be perfect this weekend and I was planning to try this in the fall, after the summer, but with the temperature only supposed to be in the mid-70's, I made a late-week decision to give this one a try before it got too hot. I left the house at about 5:00 a.m. and I have to admit that seeing the Superstitions looming larger and larger in my field of view as I headed down the 60 freeway was making me more and more nervous. I committed to giving it my best shot and if things got hairy, chalking it up to experience and turn around, if necessary.
I got to Mining Camp at about 5:30 a.m. and was the sixth car there. I was alone until just north of the (dry) waterfall where I ran into a couple of other small groups. I was starting to gas out early so I really didn't think I was going to make it. I continued on and just pushed as much as I could until I needed a break. I reached the top of Flatiron at 8:00 a.m. and shared the view with about 5-6 other fellow hikers and a few over-nighters. :y:
I seem to have a true gift for picking the wrong path to the top. I must've taken the wrong option at a particular fork in the trail because I found myself in steep, loose rocks with very little stability. I've done this same thing now at Picketpost AND Four Peaks... and now again. ](*,) I was able to get to the top but it definitely slowed me down some.
After a brief rest (and some peanut butter!!) at the top, I felt energized so I decided to take the short trip up to 5024. I reached 5024 but not gracefully as I must've lost the trail and ended up bushwhacking up the backside of it. I was hoping to find the crash site but despite looking around, I didn't find it. Next time, I'll load it in my GPS before heading up.
With few nice weekends left in the Valley before summer, I'm really glad I gave this a try. I've been working my pumpkin off since January to get into shape and being able to reach Flatiron (and 5024 :)) validates all the work I've put in.
On the way down, I passed what must have been 50 hikers.. lots of "social" hikers chatting loudly and more than a few with radios openly playing. The way up was a nice, natural experience while the way down felt like I was walking through a party!
GOOD TIMES!!!

LOST: Red and black shirt, men's large... kinda sweaty and smelly :-)
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  1 archive
Apr 23 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
San Tan MRP - Rock Peak Circumference, AZ 
San Tan MRP - Rock Peak Circumference, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 23 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking2.94 Miles 100 AEG
Hiking2.94 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   1.96 mph
100 ft AEG5 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Quick brunch hike with Amy this morning. I've been feeling a little worn out so I wanted to avoid the strenuousness of Goldmine but still wanted to get out and stretch the legs a bit. We decided on a loop around Rock Peak at the back (southern) end of the park. We started at Rock Peak trail head and followed Rock Peak Wash Trail to San Tan Trail. We took the San Tan Trail west and followed it until right before it met up with the Malpais Trail. We turned south and followed an unmarked trail/wash (marked on maps as a service road) south to the southern border of the park. We had to hop a fence at the park border and we checked for "no trespassing" signs. There were none and we were in a wash so we continued following the wash all the way south until it met up with Olberg Road. From there we completed the loop via neighborhood streets on Olberg and Brenner Pass Rd back to the trail head. I've spent a good deal of time in San Tan Park and in my opinion, this southern section is the most beautiful and untouched. Once you get off San Tan/Malpais onto the service road, you get fairly close to the Malpais hills and the rugged cliffs within. This visit, I saw a canyon I had never noticed before behind the Malpais Hills and it has definitely piqued by interest. I think I know where I'll be exploring next time I come to San Tan.
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  3 archives
Apr 19 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Pass Mountain Ridgeline
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 19 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking6.90 Miles 1,700 AEG
Hiking6.90 Miles   4 Hrs   5 Mns   1.88 mph
1,700 ft AEG      25 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked this one using the official HikeArizona track, counter-clockwise direction. This was my first ridge line / off-trail hike and it was great. There was definitely more backtracking here than on a trail hike but the GPS track kept me relatively on-course, although there were times when I felt I was more zig-zagging across the general vicinity of the track rather than necessarily "on" the right track. As the description states, any semblance of an actual trail quickly disappears after passing the 'hike-at-your-own-risk" sign just past Wind Cave. BTW, while not my primary destination, I found Wind Cave to be a huge letdown.. it wasn't windy and it wasn't a cave. The real fun starts past Wind Cave and this is where the solitude starts, as well. I started at the trailhead at 6:00 a.m. sharp and there were already hikers ahead of me and a few behind me. Once I exited the main trail, I didn't see another hiker until I rejoined the Pass Mountain trail beyond the north end of the ridge line.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Some prickly pears blooming at the north end as well as palo verde trees with yellow flowers.
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  2 archives
Apr 11 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Brown's PeakPhoenix, AZ
Brown's Peak
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 11 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking5.20 Miles 2,064 AEG
Hiking5.20 Miles
2,064 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Arrived at Lone Pine Trailhead around 8:15 a.m to two other cars in the lot. The ATV's were out in force early this morning along the forest road but all greeted me with friendly waves. This was my second trip to Four Peaks but my first time hiking/climbing all the way to the top of Brown's Peak. The last time I was at Four Peaks was five years ago and I was 60 pounds heavier then. On that occasion, we (my son and I) had hiked to the saddle, enjoyed the view of the peaks, and turned back. This time I had no intentions of turning around.
The trail begins picking up elevation right away and I found myself sucking in air fairly early in the hike. After making good progress to the scree chute, I stopped about 1/3 of the way up the chute to replenish with some yummy, sweet dates (thanks, Dateland, AZ :)
I found the chute to be a little less physically taxing than the uphill climb at Picketpost but more technical as there are a couple of sizable boulders and spots where you are all in with both arms and both legs. Almost to the top, I passed two hikers who warned me of the cacti growing between the rocks near the top but within 10 minutes, I'd managed to grab onto one of them. The cactus gave me a stern reminder that I was in his (her?) house and to please be more careful next time... I was happy to oblige.
I reached the top about 2 hours into the hike and for ten minutes, I was the tallest point in Maricopa County. I gave my wife a call from the summit as the cell signal was pretty strong. The sky was hazy so the views, while excellent, were not as far as I would have liked. I was able to identify Superstition, the San Tans (near my house), Camelback/Piestewa, Ord (not very far away), Aztec Peak, Pinal Mtn, and a few others. On the way down, I managed to miss the right turn from the scree chute back to the main trail and ended up on a nasty little section of loose rock with zero footing. I ended up falling twice and wound up with a golfball sized lump on my leg :( I finally met up with the Amethyst Trail and took it back around to Brown.
This hike reminds me of what I love most about Arizona and that is the ability to go from desert floor and its saguaros to pine trees and mountain summits and still be home in time to have dinner with your wife!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Mar 22 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Calavera Preserve TrailSan Diego, CA
Calavera Preserve Trail
San Diego, CA
Hiking avatar Mar 22 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking2.40 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
1,000 ft AEG5 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Had a chance to hit the Calavera Preserve during a weekend trip to San Diego. We were staying in North County and i didn't want to be gone too late as we had plans with the kids later that day so I wanted to stay close by. I started out on the trailhead at the back of Oak Riparian Park on Lake Blvd and headed southwest through the trees towards the hill. The centerpiece of the preserve is a 22 million year-old volcanic plug that rises a couple hundred feet above the man-made Lake Calavera. This is apparently one of only three volcanic plugs in all of California (assuming the display sign is telling the truth). There are a couple of established trails in the preserve but there are so many crisscross paths throughout that I actually found it hard to follow any official route. The upside is that you can "roll your own" hike to set your own distance and elevation. I set out straight for the plug/mountain/hill and after about a mile or so, including a steeper final 300 or so feet, reached the top. The 360 views were nice but as this is "city" preserve, it is hemmed in completely by homes, though you can see to the ocean which is only 4-5 miles to the west.
After exploring the plug for a few minutes, I walked back down and circled the lake which is nice for a city lake, but nothing particularly special by AZ standards. After rounding the lake, I headed towards the east end of the park as far as I could go before reaching the neighboring homes' property lines. I then headed north along the property lines back to the riparian park for a total distance of around 2.5 miles.
This one is mildly interesting if you have an hour or two for a quick hike in the north San Diego area or if you are into volcanic geology.
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Mar 15 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Peralta to Fremont SaddlePhoenix, AZ
Peralta to Fremont Saddle
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 15 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking4.90 Miles 1,440 AEG
Hiking4.90 Miles
1,440 ft AEG10 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Arrived at Peralta trailhead at 7 a.m. to a 1/3 full parking lot. The weather was supposed to get close to 90 degrees today so I wanted to get an early jump on the heat. The elevation gain on this trail is pretty consistent from start to finish with only a few slightly steeper sections during the final third of the way up. Followed a small group of hikers up most of the way and even passed a couple of folks already heading back down. My favorite part of this hike, other than the awesome views of Weaver's Needle, are the green, shady riparian areas along the creek that the trail cuts through as it crosses the creek numerous times on the way up. These cooler areas offer plenty of places to stop and take a break, either on the way up or the way back.
I wanted to do the Cave Trail on the way back but I didn't feel like I knew the area well enough to take it on quite yet so I came back down the way I went up. Maybe next time. I did take the short spur over the the lone pine tree and sat out on the highest boulder I could find and ate my lunch. The views of the needle and of the wilderness area from this spur hike are well worth it in my opinion. Plus, it's WAY quieter over there than on Fremont Saddle as the Saddle seems like a constant stream of folks heading in different directions.. and not very quietly. :)
I will definitely be back to explore this area more as I feel like I only scratched the surface today!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Peralta Canyon Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
Couple of pools in the morning but looked like they were drying up on the way back.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Peralta Creek at #102 Crossing Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
Very slight trickle with some pooling. Not sure this one is going to hold out much longer without some rain.
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Mar 12 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Dynamite Trail - San Tan MRPPhoenix, AZ
Dynamite Trail - San Tan MRP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 12 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking4.60 Miles 1,180 AEG
Hiking4.60 Miles   2 Hrs   10 Mns   2.12 mph
1,180 ft AEG15 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Took the clockwise route from Goldmine trail-head. Tested my new backpack and carried along my tent just for the weight... boy, do I need to keep working on the elevation gains with the pack. Hiking with a small day pack versus a full-frame backpack and tent was a huge difference. I had a stop a few times sucking air like a vacuum cleaner.
Wildflowers were fewer than a few weeks ago. The sun hid behind the clouds making the weather very pleasant. Hiked this one with Amy again.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Mar 07 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Picketpost Mountain SummitGlobe, AZ
Picketpost Mountain Summit
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 07 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking4.00 Miles 1,921 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles
1,921 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Arrived at the trail-head around noon. 10-11 cars in the parking lot though I only passed three groups on the way up. I started feeling unusually weary before i even got to the steep section so I sat and ate my apple and some peanut butter before deciding to continue on. I chose the right (vs. the left) path up inadvertently and it was much more of a scramble and climb than I had expected. I hiked up Picacho Peak last week and I found Picketpost to be more of a challenge, both in route finding and in climb difficulty. All along the steep section, I kept looking at the top and it never seemed to get any closer. I came close to turning around a few times but pushed on and finally made it to the mailbox, which i gave a kiss when I finally reached it. ;)

I took the left path down and there are fewer boulders to contend with on that side. Choosing the left vs. right path is really a matter of what challenge you are looking for. If you enjoy scrambling and climbing, take the right path. If you are more of a 'path' person, choose the left (though there are still some steep areas to contend with on the left path and lots of loose and slippery rocks.)

Note(s) to self: don't skip lunch before starting a hike or your body will quickly run out of energy and the hike will be much less enjoyable.
Also, drink plenty of water BEFORE starting a strenuous hike so you don't wind up drinking half your supply in the first mile.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Mar 06 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Dynamite Trail - San Tan MRPPhoenix, AZ
Dynamite Trail - San Tan MRP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 06 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking4.60 Miles 1,180 AEG
Hiking4.60 Miles   2 Hrs   15 Mns   2.04 mph
1,180 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Out for a mid-morning hike with Amy. Counter-clockwise loop starting around 10:30 a.m. Parking lot at Goldmine trail-head was quite full for a weekday and we passed lots of hikers and mountain bikers including a group of ~25 hikers going the other direction. Wildflowers along the Dynamite Trail are starting to bloom, mainly on the northern-exposed hills which stay cooler than the southern exposed hills. I saw Brittlebush, Mexican Gold Poppies, and some isolated purples and oranges. The majority of the Brittlebush are still holding back and I expect them to begin blooming over the next month. Encountered a couple of hikers who almost took a wrong turn at the San Tan-Dynamite intersection who, had they not asked, would have an extra 10+ mile hike to get back to their car.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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Feb 28 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho PeakTucson, AZ
Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho Peak
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 28 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking6.20 Miles 1,985 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles   3 Hrs   50 Mns   1.62 mph
1,985 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Started out around 7:15 a.m. with a cool, but not cold, breeze welcoming me to the trail. The first mile of the trail had some of the best wildflower viewing I've seen in years and definitely the best this year, so far. I'm not an expert in flora but I recognized small golden poppies and lots and lots of brittlebush (I think) covered in yellow flowers. There were also flowers of white, some purple, and oranges, as well, all on a canvas of verdant green grass. If you are waiting for the right time to get out to Picacho for wildflower viewing, go now as things are in full bloom along Sunset Vista.
After the first mile, I found myself trailing a couple of younger guys by a couple hundred feet who seemed to pick up the pace once they noticed a (somewhat) older guy following them. As the trail began climbing upwards towards the rocky peak, there were spots where the switchbacks were somewhat difficult to see so I ended up off-trail slightly a time or two. By the time I got to the first set of cables, I had passed the younger guys and they must have given up because I never did see them again on the trail.
The steel cables add a fun dimension to this hike. Though they can make the hike somewhat daunting for someone afraid of heights as I am, it's clear that very few people would make it to the peak without them as the sections they cover are very steep and on some sections, they are all that are keeping you from falling off a ledge. The view from the top is great and I spent about 30 minutes eating my banana and some peanut butter and taking in the views. I was joined by 6-7 others who made it to the top around the same time.
Coming back down, it was clear that most (75% or so) people start their hikes via the hunter trail, which circles around the peak from the front. Once I got back past the point where the trails come together and was back on the Sunset Vista-only portion of the trail, I passed far fewer people.
For some reason, the last 2 miles back were the most difficult as my back began to complain loudly from what I had just put it through. It felt like it was three times as long coming back as it had been to get there. Maybe it had been the anticipation on the way in!
Great hike, highly recommended!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
_____________________
  2 archives
Feb 23 2015
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 Triplogs 12

51 male
 Joined Feb 17 2015
 Gilbert, AZ
Dynamite Trail - San Tan MRPPhoenix, AZ
Dynamite Trail - San Tan MRP
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 23 2015
BigDon • Triplogs 12
Hiking4.60 Miles 1,180 AEG
Hiking4.60 Miles
1,180 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Early morning hike around Goldmine mountain. Started at 6 am with flashlight in hand and took the counter-clockwise route. Followed Dynamite Trail first, then connected to Goldmine via a short portion of the San Tan Trail. Passed two or three mountain bikers on the Dynamite portion and three small groups coming up over Goldmine Mountain as I made my way up and over. This is quickly becoming my go-to hike when I need a couple-hour hike and need to stay close to home (I live five miles away from the park) .
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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average hiking speed 1.93 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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