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57 triplogs
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Nov 08 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Thimble PeakTucson, AZ
Thimble Peak
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 08 2020
jladderud
Hiking15.00 Miles 4,700 AEG
Hiking15.00 Miles   7 Hrs      2.54 mph
4,700 ft AEG   1 Hour   6 Mns Break
 
Linked linked
Blacketts Ridge
Partners none no partners
I hiked Blacketts a few weeks ago and North Saddleback Peak caught my eye. I got it in my head that I should try for a link up of Blacketts to Thimble, with North Saddleback in between. I found some victims... (ahem), friends willing to make the bush whack with me, unsure of if the route even went. Smooth sailing up Blacketts (there's a trail, after all). Then an hour of bush whacking to North Saddleback. The crux there was descending off Blacketts. Then another 2.5 hours of contouring "fun" to get up to Thimble. There's no ladder on Thimble these days; but one of my friends and I were able to free solo the south summit. Not recommended without previous climbing experience as the exposure and consequences of falling are both great. We returned to the Sabino parking lot via Bear Canyon. GPS route should be linked. Definite class 3 moves required (and class 5 moves if summitting the Thimble).
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3 archives
Oct 14 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Picketpost Mountain SummitGlobe, AZ
Picketpost Mountain Summit
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 14 2020
jladderud
Hiking4.40 Miles 2,029 AEG
Hiking4.40 Miles   1 Hour   40 Mns   2.87 mph
2,029 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I had just enough time to hike this on my way home from field work. A burner of a workout! The painted arrows have been supplemented with some flagging tape and cairns. I slipped a few times—and I generally have good balance. Be careful with this one!
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2 archives
Aug 19 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Agua Caliente HillTucson, AZ
Agua Caliente Hill
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 19 2020
jladderud
Hiking9.00 Miles 3,015 AEG
Hiking9.00 Miles   2 Hrs   22 Mns   3.88 mph
3,015 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice that my body is still letting me get out during this heat wave. A "cool" 89 degrees at the summit. Saw a whip snake but no rattlers to be heard.
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Aug 11 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Ida Peak Trail #274Tucson, AZ
Ida Peak Trail #274
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 11 2020
jladderud
Hiking3.67 Miles 700 AEG
Hiking3.67 Miles   2 Hrs   15 Mns   2.14 mph
700 ft AEG      32 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked the Ida Peak trail from Barfoot Park to the Ida Saddle. Then I bush whacked to Ida Peak. The trail was tough to follow and the bush whack was heinous. I would not recommend! The redeeming moment came on the return when I saw a twin-spotted rattlesnake cross the trail. Something I'd been wanting to see for a while!
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May 31 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Pete MountainTucson, AZ
Pete Mountain
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 31 2020
jladderud
Hiking9.00 Miles 3,187 AEG
Hiking9.00 Miles   5 Hrs   30 Mns   2.18 mph
3,187 ft AEG   1 Hour   22 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The social trail from AC Saddle to Pete Mountain is fairly clear and well cairned. On the summit I was treated to the largest congregation of ladybugs that I've ever seen! There must have been millions. Dozens of bushes absolutely coated in them. Not something I'll soon forget.
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May 24 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Old Baldy Trail #372 to Wrightson SummitTucson, AZ
Old Baldy Trail #372 to Wrightson Summit
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 24 2020
jladderud
Hiking27.70 Miles 10,043 AEG
Hiking27.70 Miles   9 Hrs   35 Mns   2.89 mph
10,043 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I did 2.5 laps on Wrightson via Old Baldy with the goal of getting 10k of vertical. It was nice to have pizza and beer waiting for me afterwards!
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May 03 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Rose Peak Pima County, AZ 
Rose Peak Pima County, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 03 2020
jladderud
Hiking6.30 Miles 600 AEG
Hiking6.30 Miles   4 Hrs   20 Mns   1.70 mph
600 ft AEG      37 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
There was nice birding along the road to Rose Canyon Lake (since it's closed to cars thanks to COVID). The "trail" to Rose Peak is almost non-existent and has a lot of bush whacking. Not something I'd do again.
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May 02 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Upper Lemmon Canyon & PoolsTucson, AZ
Upper Lemmon Canyon & Pools
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2020
jladderud
Hiking8.40 Miles 1,600 AEG
Hiking8.40 Miles   3 Hrs   7 Mns   3.05 mph
1,600 ft AEG      22 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Another evening hike to avoid the COVID crowds. Still a few folks at the pools, though. It was fun jumping in from up high.
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May 01 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Mormon Canyon Trail #352Tucson, AZ
Mormon Canyon Trail #352
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 01 2020
jladderud
Hiking9.40 Miles 3,431 AEG
Hiking9.40 Miles   3 Hrs   3 Mns   3.15 mph
3,431 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Did this in the evening for a quick peak bag before sunset as I was already in the area for birding. The trail is not in great shape. Lots of deadfall and loose terrain thanks to the burn scar. I fear for what the Mt Lemmon trails will be like post-Bighorn Fire.
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Apr 18 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
San Cayetano PeakTucson, AZ
San Cayetano Peak
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 18 2020
jladderud
Hiking3.28 Miles 2,006 AEG
Hiking3.28 Miles   4 Hrs   10 Mns   1.07 mph
2,006 ft AEG   1 Hour   6 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The quest for socially distant hikes continues. Thanks to Peakbagger for bringing this one to my attention. Took my friend on his first AZ bush whack and he did great! We opted to go up the main ridge and through a couloir-like gulley between two rock ribs on the summit block. My friend didn't want to go back down that way so we went north a bit before catching the next rib down the drainage. Contouring to the top of that ridge was a bit tedious due to the steep slope; but the vegetation surprisingly wasn't an issue for any of this hike! We half expected to see a snake in all the tall grass; but thankfully that wasn't the case. I'm all for seeing snakes in the wild; but I like to have plenty of visibility to know I'm approaching them.
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Apr 05 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Cave Canyon Trail #149Tucson, AZ
Cave Canyon Trail #149
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 05 2020
jladderud
Hiking12.80 Miles 3,600 AEG
Hiking12.80 Miles   6 Hrs   26 Mns   2.42 mph
3,600 ft AEG   1 Hour   8 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
As the effort to find trails where people ain't continues, I headed to the east side of the Santa Ritas. I was very pleased with the Cave Canyon Trail. The Crest Trail and I are old friends, so no discovering happening there; but it was time to find some snow. The Gardner Canyon Trail was admittedly nothing special, except for some very charming streams. It was also nice to bag a new peak: Florida Peak.
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2 archives
Apr 04 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Molino Agua Caliente RidgeTucson, AZ
Molino Agua Caliente Ridge
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 04 2020
jladderud
Hiking5.60 Miles 1,400 AEG
Hiking5.60 Miles   5 Hrs   30 Mns   1.32 mph
1,400 ft AEG   1 Hour   15 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I've been looking for more obscure routes in this age of social distancing, and this one fit the bill. Kudos to whomever realized there was an old road/trail/pipeline connecting the climbing area to the AZT. I never would have thought to piece this loop together.
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Mar 29 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Agua Caliente HillTucson, AZ
Agua Caliente Hill
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 29 2020
jladderud
Hiking13.20 Miles 3,500 AEG
Hiking13.20 Miles   6 Hrs   26 Mns   2.39 mph
3,500 ft AEG      54 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I made it up to the ACH summit quickly enough. With much of the day still ahead of me, I pulled up my Peakbagger app and noticed Point 5005 in the near skyline. After a couple of minutes of hemming and hawing, I decided to go for it and gingerly made my way downhill through the sea of shin daggers. Pro-tip: the best way to navigate shin daggers is to step right on top of them. It took me about 90 minutes to reach the peak. As expected, I didn't see a soul. But I did find a cellophane balloon (those things are everywhere!) and hear the incessant reverberations of people celebrating freedom (#Murica). Today's famous summit log name was Teresa Gergen--the 13er Queen (yesterday's was John and Alyson Kirk). I retraced my track to get back to the ACH trail, contacting more shin daggers in my fatigue. I contoured around the ACH summit rather than going back up and over--would not recommend as the northwest slopes of ACH are very steep and vegetated.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
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Mar 28 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Coyote Peak - Coyote MountainsTucson, AZ
Coyote Peak - Coyote Mountains
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 28 2020
jladderud
Hiking10.30 Miles 4,200 AEG
Hiking10.30 Miles   6 Hrs   44 Mns   1.69 mph
4,200 ft AEG      38 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This one didn't start wearing on me until the second half. Even then, the GPS track provided in the guide was spot on! The trail cut is indeed impressive, helpful, and sporadic. As others note, be prepared for pokey things. Pro-tip: the best way to navigate shin daggers and catclaw are to step right on top of them. Highlights included seeing a crested saguaro, seeing a Crested Caracara, finding some neat amphibolite, and signing the summit register opposite Alyson and John Kirk (of listofjohn (pay $ite) fame). A note about accessing the "trailhead"--I was able to get there fine in my RAV4 using the directions posted in this guide. I would not want to do so if the road was muddy. A car with less clearance would probably still be alright, though there was one or two ruts that may be problematic. Taking the first right off of Hayhook Ranch Road (at the "cow town" sign) seems to offer better road conditions than heading west on Dills Best Rd.
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1 archive
Mar 21 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Weaver's Needle SummitPhoenix, AZ
Weaver's Needle Summit
Phoenix, AZ
Hike & Climb avatar Mar 21 2020
jladderud
Hike & Climb10.80 Miles 3,414 AEG
Hike & Climb10.80 Miles   6 Hrs   22 Mns   2.22 mph
3,414 ft AEG   1 Hour   30 Mns Break
Solo I  • Trad • 5.2
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I've been eyeing this one for a while. I did it solo via the West Chimney, using a 70m rope to rappel down. If I were to do this again, I would still take a helmet and shoes; but leave the rope at home. It made for a heavier pack and more awkward climbing. The rope was nice; but I'd be willing to trade the exposed down-climbing in exchange for the lighter pack. I'm a 5.10 lead climber, so take the previous sentences with that in mind. This was my first time in the Superstitions, and golly are they beautiful! I will say, at the risk of calling the kettle black, that there were tons of people out hiking--not all of them socially distanced. I counted at least 100 cars at the Peralta TH and estimate that 95% of those hikers were on the Peralta Trail between the TH and the Fremont Saddle. I didn't see anybody after the Freemont Saddle until I came down from the summit. I took the Terrapin and Bluff Springs Trails back and found them to be much less crowded. I also noticed a peregrine falcon flying around the southern spire of the Needle. We're coming into nesting season, so be mindful to not disturb the falcons.
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Mar 15 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Soldier CanyonTucson, AZ
Soldier Canyon
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 15 2020
jladderud
Hiking3.40 Miles 1,245 AEG
Hiking3.40 Miles
1,245 ft AEG   5 Hrs   16 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My first time canyoneering! As a long-time rock climber, scrambler, and puddle jumper, I'm not sure why I haven't tried this before. Tons of fun! We set up a car shuttle and took off from Gordon Hirabayashi. We took our time and set up a couple of rappels--one in the middle of a waterfall. We saw (and utilized) some existing webbing rappel anchors that were in usable condition.
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Jan 26 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Waterman PeakTucson, AZ
Waterman Peak
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 26 2020
jladderud
Hiking3.40 Miles 1,540 AEG
Hiking3.40 Miles   2 Hrs   53 Mns   1.39 mph
1,540 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A very straightforward, yet pleasant hike up to the summit. I made it spicier by following the ridge east from the first saddle to point 3243. The ridge proper had some 3rd class, and gaining the summit of 3243 from the west was 4th class (but the east side may be gentler). I was hoping to see some bighorns; but all I saw was scat.
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Jan 04 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
Upper Molino Canyon LoopTucson, AZ
Upper Molino Canyon Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 04 2020
jladderud
Hiking5.20 Miles 1,800 AEG
Hiking5.20 Miles   5 Hrs   53 Mns   1.20 mph
1,800 ft AEG   1 Hour   33 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked linked
Airmen Peak
Partners none no partners
My buddy and I went up Molino Canyon in December with the intent of going up Airman; but we were so captivated by the canyon that we continued up it and bagged Guthrie Peak instead. We returned to check out Airman, Molino Thimble, and West Molino Canyon. The trek up Molino went quickly, with lots of rock hopping amidst a beautiful stream with small waterfalls. Turning West from that the trekking got slower with more snow and flora to navigate. We got to the saddle north of Airmen where it was a "choose your own adventure" to get to the summit. For better or for worse we skirted west of the north ridge.

From there we had eyes on Molino Thimble, a short and straightforward ridge walk away. Gaining the Thimble summit is possible via a deep chimney on its east side. I read two descriptions labeling it as Class 4; but I found it to be 5.easy. Furthermore, the exposure and fall consequence seemed greater than described. Not sure if the landscape of chockstones has changed or if my predecessors were just bolder than me (and I'm often accused of not having an amygdala). Regardless, I eventually made my way up while my partner opted to stay at the base.

From the thimble, we bushwhacked north down to West Molino. This canyon is awesome! Some of the biggest falls I've seen in Southern AZ. More slow going as we navigated Class 3 terrain with very real fall potential. Overall a stunning day in the foothills.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Upper Molino Creek Heavy flow Heavy flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 West Fork Molino Creek Heavy flow Heavy flow
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Jan 01 2020
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
The Window via VentanaTucson, AZ
The Window via Ventana
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 01 2020
jladderud
Hiking12.80 Miles 4,310 AEG
Hiking12.80 Miles   4 Hrs   42 Mns   2.88 mph
4,310 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Linked none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
No snow until 5500'; but I suspect there won't be much snow at all below the final ridge soon enough. The ridge has a few inches of snow but is well tracked to the Window. You'll be post holing if you opt to continue on towards Cathedral. About 20 stream crossings in the first couple miles; but all were manageable with no wet feet required. I may have been the first person up to the Window this decade!
_____________________
Dec 21 2019
jladderud
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 12
 Photos 17
 Triplogs 78

30 male
 Joined Oct 05 2017
 Tucson, AZ
South Newman 4209Tucson, AZ
South Newman 4209
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 21 2019
jladderud
Hiking6.40 Miles 2,362 AEG
Hiking6.40 Miles   5 Hrs   47 Mns   1.32 mph
2,362 ft AEG      55 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked linked
Newman Peak Trail
Partners none no partners
I've been meaning to get up this peak for years. The road to the trailhead seems passable to a mid-size SUV (when dry), though we took a Tacoma. Interesting passing an old swimming pool out in the middle of nowhere with no sign of a former house nearby. The trail up Newman was surprisingly defined and excellently cairned. Even so, GPS tracks were nice to have. The views were impressive. The ridge over to South Newman was pleasantly navigable with minimal plant encounters and no choss. There was a 4th class downclimb before the final saddle; but this could probably be circumvented at class 2 or 3. The trail down from South Newman was less defined but fairly well cairned.
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average hiking speed 2.01 mph
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