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| Hiking | 6.70 Miles |
1,631 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.70 Miles | 3 Hrs 57 Mns | | 1.84 mph |
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| 1,631 ft AEG | 19 Mns Break | | |
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| partners | | Linda invited me on this hike. It was all new to me and I had not hiked this section of South Mountain. On the drive west on the 202 it was interesting to see how the Sierra Estrella Mountains really curve southward. I picked out Butterfly wrong but once Linda corrected me I was able to ID a couple of the other peaks and she finished naming the rest.
Tom was also joining us on this hike; well actually it was their hike and I was joining them. Wisely Linda advised that if I had a pole to bring it. I don't think I could have completed this trek without it; actually wish I would have had the other. I had thot this hike started uphill right away but instead you have a nice hike through the desert on the Pyramid Trail and then hang a left (west) on the Lost Ranch Mine Trail to Lost Ranch Road. We did have a few bike riders pass by us until we took the turn up to the ranch. Linda knew some of the history of the area so like any good tour guide, she shared it with us and of course, then you just want to know more. I've seen pictures and would love to have that fireplace in my house; it's a beauty!
Now that she teased us with the fun part of our trek today, it was time for the hardest part and that was heading up the Lost Ranch Ruins Trail to National. It's only a 450 ft gain in 1/2 mile  on a very narrow and sometimes slippery trail. However, the big bonus is this one section where we counted at least a dozen Bursera trees so that was pretty cool. Once we finished with that straight up part Linda rewarded me with, "you're done with the hardest part". Whew! The trail still went up but at a lesser degree and it was a nicer tread. As we neared the top of this part I noticed some little lupine and a few moments later some more. They were little, but they were still wildflowers so I grabbed a photo or two.
Once we got to the saddle I could see the last of our climb to the right, north but NO, not quite. You see, you're with Linda and there's this little peak over there to the south and then she used the work "lookout" point so I thot we were heading to the flatter area. However, she did mean the peak. It really wasn't that bad of a climb up and there was a bit of a use trail so it was worth the additional effort. Now we can go back and finish up that last little hill up to National. And once you're on National Trail you have 360 views, can't beat that and it was a fairly clear day so we were lucky. It was also breezy which we appreciated for the most part during our hike so far. It did get gusty but not bad.
Our hike on National would involve a few mining stops and that was great fun  as you got to see some of the adits and admire the quartz and surrounding flora decor. We stopped at 3 of the mine areas. Now the task of going down National which has its steep moments as well but the trail seems to be in pretty good condition. We did notice one blooming brittle bush and then some scorpion weed along the way. Pretty soon we came to a junction where we turned east on the Bursera Trail. It goes up to a little saddle before you encounter fairly steep short switchbacks that take you to the desert floor. I was glad to finally reach it.
We continued hiking somewhat to the southwest and came to the intersection with the Gila Trail where Linda asked if we wanted to see the saguaro with the arms growing up from ground level. I had remembered seeing pictures of it so I was game, since it was very close, to go see it up close and person. Just before the intersection we saw quite a bit of bladderpod (good job Linda to remember the name). Along the Gila Trail there were some poppies too; they're small but still very colorful. We admired the saguaro and took some photos. It really is one of the coolest saguaros I think.
Now back to the junction where you head east up Bursera Canyon Trail. I really started getting tired here. I think being down for the count on Tue and maybe hiking a bit too much yesterday along with the heat was catching up with me. There wasn't any great elevation changes here alto some of the switchbacks going up were a bit steep as we finished off the last climb of the day. We did encounter a hiker in this area as well. I think we only crossed paths with a few hikers earlier and that was it.
Getting down the south side was pretty straight down as well so you had to hold on with all your toes; once again, glad to have that pole. I was glad when we finally finished off that section and arrived at Linda's Trail, at least that's what we're calling it for now. It really is a fabulous new build. The tread is so very nice. We could also see the trailhead and Tonto 3 was shining brightly in the sun. There's a beer waiting for us too so that's always a good motivation to keep me moving at this point. Across the way you have views of the fields and distant mountains as well as a normal desert floor. The mountainside rose high to our left (north). There weren't many vehicles left when we returned.
From the parking lot I asked Linda about the Pyramid Trail which we could clearly see going up the mountain to our right (NNE). She shared the story of her first encounter with JJ. I know a lot of HAZers hike Pyramid so I really would like to give that one a whirl. God help me  . We enjoyed my newest beer purchase and had some chips. Tom brot another Fairytale brownie which I really enjoy.
The Superstitions have their Wally and South Mountain has their Linda. I always enjoy hikes when you get to find out more of the area from the people who have spent so much time there.
WATCH: 6.68 miles 129 avg bpm with 164 max. 25% at Zone 5, 32% Zone 4, 40% Zone 3, 3% other two zones burning 1432 calories. Start was 52 degrees and 54% humidity finishing at 81 degrees |
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
waiting for us too so that's always a good motivation to keep me moving at this point. Across the way you have views of the fields and distant mountains as well as a normal desert floor. The mountainside rose high to our left (north). There weren't many vehicles left when we returned.
. She picked an easy one 
. It actually went pretty good. Chit chatting on the climbs always makes them feel a little easier. 
