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| Hiking | 12.50 Miles |
1,925 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.50 Miles | 6 Hrs 48 Mns | | 1.84 mph |
| 1,925 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | With the expected 97 degree high we left First Water trail head at 0630 with the hope of making the out-and-back before the hottest part of the day. That should be within reason, but it didn't account for wandering around in an area I had never been to, nor for the time of planting water caches for a future much longer but fast & light out-and-back.
The first 4+ miles along the Dutchman Trail, being ground I've covered many times before was uneventful although reminding me how many rocky spots there are to traverse. Once we hit the Bull Pass Trail I took back all the complaints about rocky sections on the Dutchman and replaced them with gripes about Bull Pass. Of all the hiking I've done in the Superstitions I have to vote this short trail the worst for footing, not just due to how steep it is, but the size of the rocks and how easily they roll over underfoot. It didn't help that I was wearing my Merrel Chameleon hiking shoes that had very little grip due to their tread of smooth round bumps. Sole stiffness left much to be desired as well as I felt many of the rocks edges right through the sole. Having been on this same part of the trail a week ago carrying twice the weight while wearing my Teva sandals, I realized I had better sole support with them so I'm definitely sticking with the sandals.
Enough with the foot gear complaints... Once we got to the saddle midway along Bull Pass Trail, we made a right turn onto the Black Top Mesa trail (sometimes referred to as the Spanish Hieroglyphics trail) and began the steep climb. Just as the trail started to level out we came upon a large rattlesnake catching some early morning rays. After I took the first photo it felt vulnerable and quickly headed for cover before coiling up. A little brain fade as it took a moment before I thought of shooting a video. After a short video I had my partner be ready to take photos while I extended my collapsible snake hook to get a better look at the size of the rattler. Unfortunately I didn't get the hook far enough back on the body to keep it on the hook long enough for the photo and when it slid off it didn't wait around for a second attempt. Besides my partner wasn't too keen on that close an approach to a rattler. Ok, so much for our snake encounter for the day.
Back on the trail to the top although there really isn't any one defined "top". Enjoyed the great views then continued on east a few hundred feet to the single petroglyph. We took a few photos of it then headed for home. We had not wandered very far toward the west edge of the mesa so will save that for a return engagement.
On the return trip I placed another water cache for future use. Yes, I grumbled on the downhill trek along Bull Pass trail. Even when loaded I'd much rather be climbing a steep slope than descending, first because there isn't as far to fall when already leaning over, and the knees don't take such a beating trying to keep from moving too fast.
Back on the Dutchman where the Black Mesa trail connects we met two horsemen taking a break. They told us that as they were on the way to the 1st Water trail head from the horse staging area that an ambulance and Sheriff's patrol car came racing out. They asked us if we knew anything about what happened. We didn't so upon our return after checking the log at the trail head and seeing no entries since ours except for another hiker we met, we were none the wiser. At least WE made it back with no injuries.
Full complement of hike photos are here:
http://www.changephoenix.com/10/2010-10-13BlackTopMesa.html |
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