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11 triplogs
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Jan 20 2007
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Harquahala SummitSouthwest, AZ
Harquahala Summit
Southwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 20 2007
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking10.20 Miles 3,353 AEG
Hiking10.20 Miles   6 Hrs   28 Mns   1.58 mph
3,353 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I had my self all psyched up for this hike because more than one person I know said it was tough; however I thought that it was a bit of a let down. Don`t get me wrong because I enjoyed the hike; I was just expecting more. I will tell you this; we decided to hike on one of the coldest days of the year. The temperature in the parking area at 0800 was around 17 degrees according to the thermometer in my truck, and when we got back to the truck at around 1600 it read 38 degrees. Plus the wind was HOWLING!!!!!!! However the hiking Gods smiled their favor upon us because the sky was blue with no clouds, and we didn`t hit much wind until we crossed the saddle. Needless to say we didn`t spend much time at the top because of the cold temps and the wind. As always the views were outstanding and I would love to spend the night up there and watch the sun go down then come back up the next morning. On a side note, a person in our group had their Camel-pak hose freeze up on them and burst. Did I mention it was cold?????
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Jan 20 2007
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Boulder Canyon Trail #103Phoenix, AZ
Boulder Canyon Trail #103
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 20 2007
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking6.00 Miles 400 AEG
Hiking6.00 Miles   3 Hrs      2.00 mph
400 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was my first trip up Boulder Canyon and I liked it. I was bored until we hit the area with the GREEN BAMBOO and deep pools of H2O. I was really surprised it was there. That spot looks like a great place to harness up and do some rock climbing.
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Oct 28 2006
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Picketpost Mountain SummitGlobe, AZ
Picketpost Mountain Summit
Globe, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 28 2006
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking4.00 Miles 1,921 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   4 Hrs   43 Mns   0.85 mph
1,921 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Everytime I drive down US60 I keep telling myself that IM going to do Picketpost. Well with the cooler weather now here, there is no reason not to do it. So I packed my pack and set off to do Picketpost with 8 other hikers. I have to admitt that this was one fun hike. I loved the views and the weather was perfect. It seems to me that getting up was a piece of cake. However coming down was a b!+@h. I don`t know why, it just was. I bumped into a cactus with my bare leg (the cactus won by the way), my big toes were killing me by the time we were finished, and we took a different route down which was totally overgorwn. Still it was worth the effort and is only a half an hour drive east of the Valley.

PS. Watch out for massive amounts of hornets and ants at the top!!!!
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Oct 01 2006
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Camelback Summit - Cholla TrailPhoenix, AZ
Camelback Summit - Cholla Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 01 2006
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking3.00 Miles 1,275 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
1,275 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This is my first hike since I rolled my ankel and hyper-extended my Achellies Tendon 4 weeks ago. It took me 44 minutes to get to the top and 56 minutes to get back down. Not bad for 105 degrees outside.
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Jul 21 2006
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Humphreys Summit Trail #151Flagstaff, AZ
Humphreys Summit Trail #151
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 21 2006
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking10.25 Miles 3,313 AEG
Hiking10.25 Miles   7 Hrs   5 Mns   1.45 mph
3,313 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was my second time up the Hump. It was the perfect day to hike. Heavy overcast, no wind, starting temps in the high 50`s, and no rain until the very end. I had to take a 40 plus minute break at the saddle on my way to the summit because I felt like crap. Don`t know if it was my first encounter with high altitude sickness or the Sizzler salad bar from the night before. The weather looked threatening near the summit; however the mountain Gods held their fury, and the rain and lightening never appeared.
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Jun 04 2006
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Elden Lookout Trail #4Flagstaff, AZ
Elden Lookout Trail #4
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 04 2006
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking6.00 Miles 2,400 AEG
Hiking6.00 Miles
2,400 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Every time that I am up in Flag I always gander at those darn cel phone relay towers and say to myself: "Self I wonder if there is a trail up there". Well ask and ye shall receive.

A good friend of mine was in the Navy a while back and he told me that while in boot camp the motto was "Hump, Hump, & more Hump". Well kiddies let me tell you that this simple phrase is the essence of Mt. Elden. The Elden Summit trail is a heart pounder to put it mildly. The elevation gain starts out quickly and it continues all the way to the top. There are very few level areas where you can stop and catch your breath. However I found that once I got into my rhythm (and turned on my iPod) I was at the top before I knew it. The views of the San Fransisco Peaks is truly a sight to behold.

While sitting at the base of the fire look on the summit I couldn`t help but notice how powerful the wind was. It was INSANE!!! It was easily gusting to over 50 knots. On the way down I snapped 3 photos of some interesting lenticular cloud formations forming to the north and east of Flag (lenticular is the word of the day!!!!) Its funny because every time I hike in or near Flag (Humpherys, Kendrick, Colton, or SP crater) the wind is always a factor that makes for an interesting day.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Fire Lookout Structures
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Lenticular Cloud
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Apr 22 2006
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Cave Trail #233Phoenix, AZ
Cave Trail #233
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 22 2006
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,400 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
1,400 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I hiked this trail today with 3 fellow hikers. We were on the trail head by 0615 and couldn`t have asked for better hiking weather. I was surprised by the amount of elevation gain in the first part of this hike. WOW!!!! We set a blistering pace and were at the caves in no time. I have to say that in some spots the trail is less than defined. I feel that it would be unwise to hike this trail by yourself because it would be very easy to get lost. Also this is the first hike that I have done where my life almost ended. I was attempting to climb the rocks near the caves to find the trail when I felt myself slipping. I couldn`t find any hand or footholds to assist me in my climb and I could have very well lost my footing and fell 15 to 20 feet. At the time I didn`t realize it but I could have gotten seriouosly injured because I went off trail.

We connected over to the Peralta Trail and headed back to the parking lot. On the way back I noticed that there were numerous groups on the Peralta Trail which is always popular. With the last of the good weather coming to an end the trails are really getting crowded. One would be wise to start very early to avoid the rush.

On a side note, I noticed some kid in his early 20s hiking the Peralta Trail dressed in all black and wearing knee lengthed motrocycle boots which were 2 sizes too big for him. DORK!!!!!
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Apr 20 2006
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho PeakTucson, AZ
Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho Peak
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 20 2006
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking6.20 Miles 1,985 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles
1,985 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Did I ever tell you guys that I was direly afraid of heights??? Well I am. My fellow hikers poke fun at me about my fear of heights but I always correct them by saying that IM not really afraid of the heights per-say; IM afraid of hitting something very very hard (ie the ground), after falling very very far (thanks to gravity) from a very very high place. I have done numerous hikes this past year which involve some serious climbing (IE Battleship MT & The Flatiron) however Piccacho is the one which really made me take notice of that creeping feeling in my legs and my butt when IM climbing.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Im not going to write much about Piccacho because IM too lazy too. But I will take a moment to mention the dreaded hand rails. If you check my photosets I have included the photos that I took of the rails for your viewing pleasure. The first set of rails is in my opinion the roughest. It is pretty much a vertical climb. The rest aren`t too bad. However if you do have a fear of heights then you may want to reconsider. You can look at these photos to give you an idea of what you can expect. By the way when I was starting my climb down from the peak there was a woman in her mid 70`s (yes I said mid 70`s) just about to reach the summit. I felt like a total dweeb. Here I struggled with my fear of heights to get to the summit, but this senior citizen made it up. Needless to say that my hiking partners took notice of that too and poked fun at me all the way back to the parking lot.

Once you get to the top the views are outstanding. You can see the pollution of both Phoenix and Tuscon at the same time!!!!

On a final not the best part of this hike had nothing to do with the views or the walking. While we were headed to the base of Piccacho Peak I heard this rumbling in the distance. As the sound got closer I looked up and an F-16 fighter from Tucson buzzed the peak at high speed and then did a gentle dive for the valley floor. He was hugging the deck at only a few hundered feet. As he drifted off into the distance I took a second to note how cool I thought that was. But then again I stopped to think how the Taliban and Al-Qeda in Iraq and Afghanistan must feel when they hear the same sound. Im sure that they aren`t thinking "cool". They are probably high-tailing it to the nearest foxhole or cave.
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Dec 17 2005
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Quartz Peak Trail - Sierra EstrellaPhoenix, AZ
Quartz Peak Trail - Sierra Estrella
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 17 2005
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking5.00 Miles 2,497 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
2,497 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I researched the Quartz Peak/Butterfly Point Trail and every place that I looked said the same thing: STRENUOUS . And boy they weren`t lying. I really took this trail forgranted. The trail wasn`t brutally steep nor was it in rough shape; the problem lies in the fact that the you are constantly going upwards. The level parts are few and far between. I kept waiting for the trail to level out so that I could catch my breath; and I kept waiting and waiting and waiting. I can`t stress to you enough that this hike will be a challenge for anyone who isn`t in good hiking shape. And if that wasn`t enough the final 1/4 to 1/2 mile are off trail. You will be doing some serious climbing and boulder scrambling so be prepared. A pair of sturdy leather gloves are invaluable!!!!!! Once you reach the point where the trail ends and the boulder scrambling begins it is difficult to get lost. All points will lead you up and eventually you will reach the top. Just take your time and choose the safest route that your comfortable with.

The trail itself (before the boulder hopping area) is very well defined and is in great shape. Take plenty of time to stop and enjoy the scenery Rainbow Valley which is behind/below you. The views are the top are worth the pain in your quads. Even though the day that I hiked QP was brown and hazy; I could easily see the 4 Peaks, Harquahala, & Picacho. As you look off towards the east you see this little hill with all of these little towers on it; it takes a moment to realize that you are looking at South Mountain which is about 9-10 miles away. I was amazed at how tiny it looked, especially when it dominates the land in the south valley and we see it every day. If you follow the ridgeline that leads from Quartz Peak you will eventually run into Butterfly Point. There is no trail and the going is slow and steep and rocky. I wanted to try and get to the top of Butterfly; however one would need ropes and climbing gear to do that. I didn`t feel comfortable trying to ascend to the top without the proper safety equipment; therefore I sat down next to a cozy outcropping of rocks and enjoyed the views while I ate a quick lunch.

From my house in the East Valley I can see Butterfly Point which is 27 miles away in a straight line. On a clear day I can make out the tiny little "notch" in the mountain which is Butterfly point (next to where I ate my lunch). And I can tell you that the tiny little "notch" isn`t so tiny. The rocks that make up Butterfly Point are well over 200 feet high. Check out my photoset for picks of my Quartz Peak/Butterfly Point hike.

AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT I WOULD LIKE TO WARN ANYONE WHO IS CONSIDERING HIKING THE QUARTZ PEAK TRAIL TO REMEMBER THAT THE HIKE ITSELF IS VERY VERY STRENUOUS. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS WHEN PACKING YOUR GEAR FOR THIS HIKE. I WOULD HIGHLY ADVISE AGAINST DOING THIS HIKE DURING THE WARM MONTHS. ALSO I WOULD`NT HIKE THIS ONE ALONE.
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Nov 20 2005
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Phoenix 7 Summit ChallengePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix 7 Summit Challenge
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 20 2005
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking 5,600 AEG
Hiking
5,600 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Well the Phoenix 7 Summits Challenge is finished and over with. I'm pleased with how I did even though i'm not a power hiker. I did Lookout Mt, Squaw Peak, and South Mt on Saturday. I started at 0800 and was finished with all 3 by 1415 (subtract 45 minutes for lunch and McDonalds). On Sunday I did Papago, Camelback, Shaw Butte, and North Mt. I started at 0800 and was back at the PV REI store at 1533 (subtract 30 minutes for lunch at Subway and 20 minutes to doctor a SERIOUS blister the size of New Jeresy). I had never done North Mt or Shaw Butte prior to today and both were nice but uphill intensive. Shaw Butte was a MOFO!!!!!

Overall I have not one single complaint. The whole event was well organized and done very well. Furthermore it will be an annual event. I'm still pissed because it seems that everyone won something at the raffle except me!!!! :x
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
Oct 08 2005
avatar

 Guides 1
 Photos 62
 Triplogs 11

54 male
 Joined Oct 07 2003
 Chandler, AZ
Escudilla TrailAlpine, AZ
Escudilla Trail
Alpine, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 08 2005
Turkish • Triplogs 11
Hiking6.60 Miles 1,315 AEG
Hiking6.60 Miles
1,315 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We drove from Chandler, to Alpine, did Escudilla, and then drvoe back to Phoenix all in 23 hours and 45 minutes!!!!! We were men on a mission. Just a short note about Escudilla: it was beautiful. If you ever get a chance to hike to the highest fire tower in AZ then I suggest that you do it. Just remember that for you peak baggers, the true peak is 1/3 of a mile N-NE from the fire tower. The trail isn`t well defined but it isn`t hard to find. Look for the big pile of rocks.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Quaking Aspen
_____________________
Private Pyle why is there a Jelly Donut in your footlocker!!!!!
 
average hiking speed 1.47 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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