|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 16.00 Miles |
5,200 AEG |
| | Hiking | 16.00 Miles | 5 Hrs 13 Mns | | 3.39 mph |
| 5,200 ft AEG | 30 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | May 25, 2020, did a run from Sabino Canyon parking lot to Palisade Ranger Station via Phone Line Trail, Sabino Canyon Trail, East Fork Trail, and Palisade Trail. About 16 miles total, 5,200 accumulated elevation gain. Started at 0545 and ended at 1100, with a 30 minute nap about halfway up. The portion from the Sabino Canyon parking lot to the start of the Palisade Trail was strightforward and familiar, but I'd never done Palisade. What a fantastic trail! I was impressed with the construction of the trail, likely done by forest rangers when this was the principal route to the high country. Extensive rock work, well-engineered switchbacks, and what views! Portions of the old phone line are still visible in the middle section. Imagine the skill and labor required to construct this trail and run that line, all by hand. The trail has sadly deteriorated since that time. Whoever put up all of those cairns...thank you! Lots of overgrown portions, but never too difficult to follow.
Mud Spring was, well, muddy, and was mainly just muddy sheet flow across the trail. I was making time, so I didn't take the time to look around for pools, etc. There were a few tiny areas of standing water at the bottom of the canyon, but they were clearly fading this close to summer. The trail is exposed with little shade along about 90 percent of the route. Start really early in warm weather, or you will suffer!
My wife picked me up at Palisade Ranger Station, and we walked up to Bigelow before driving down the mountain. Next time I think I'll run up Palisade and return via Box Camp, for a full 50k. That will need to wait until cooler weather, though. |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
