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| Quarter Circle U Trail, AZ | |
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| | Quarter Circle U Trail, AZ | | | |
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Quarter Circle U Trail, AZ
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| Hiking | 11.00 Miles |
1,000 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.00 Miles | 6 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.83 mph |
| 1,000 ft AEG | 30 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no linked trail guides |
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| no partners | | I had wanted to hike the unsigned Quarter Circle U Trail. The Dutchman's and Peralta trails were traversed numerous times on various hikes. I was aware that the Quarter Circle U Trail connected to each of these two trails at some point. Through some research I obtained the GPS coordinates for the southern terminus on the Peralta Trail. To confirm the exact location it would be necessary to investigate. However, I was always in a group hike, with time to investigate at a minimum. My interest was then diverted to the northern terminus along the Dutchman's Trail. I could find no reference to GPS coordinates.
My fortune changed when I had the opportunity to take a twosome hike to Aylor's Arch. As we made our decent, I suggested that we make our way back to the Dutchman's Trail by hiking in a northwest direction. Two things were accomplished - I found portions of the Q.C.U. Trail AND determined the connecting junction with the Dutchman's.
Now I could proceed with planning the actual hike. Reviewing topographic data, I noticed that the Q.C.U. Trail skirted south of Hill 2800, which is located directly south of Palomino Mountain. I would make the hike from the First Water Trailhead, exit the Dutchman's Trail at the Q.C.U. northern terminus, follow the seldom used trail, and bushwhack the rest of the way. My hiking direction would be influenced with line of sight on Hill 2800.
The hike went like this. I know, right? I thought it necessary to illuminate the fact that hiking unsigned trails requires more than merely following maintained trails from one sign to the next.
Beginning at 7:15 A.M. I began the hike crom the First Water Trailhead. At the first trail junction I took the Dutchman's Trail to the right. Hiking east I passed several landmarks including Transmission and Parker Pass. An unsigned Tim's Saddle would have to wait for another day. There were a few photo opportunities along the way. Crossing the West Boulder wash, I reached the north terminus of the Quarter Circle U Trail in about about two hours. I took some photos and surveyed the area to the southeast. I could see a couple of small hills directly ahead and the Palomino Spines to the left. I would have to make my way over the hills and hug the west slope of the Palomino.
I found a faint trail with cairns to guide my way. The hike ahead would be new to me but I was excited at the adventure before me. Within a half-hour the trail faded. I made my way through a wash heading in the right direction. To my left I noticed the changes in the Palomino. The separation of the spines became less visible until all I could see was a rectangular shape of the west spire. The Black Top Mesa was now visible between the saddle of the Palomino and Hill 2800. I believe I have a photo. The wash contained cascading pools, although there was only standing water.
After an hour on this trail(?), I could see from my GPS unit that I just about far enough south. I exited the wash and made my way up a rock-laden hillside strewn with reddish colored rock of varying shapes. Close to the top I found a trail which I followed the rest of the way up.
Minutes later I was atop the south side of Hill 2800. Hooray! I made it! I hiked the old Quarter Circle U Trail from north to south with some bushwhacking and route finding in the mix. The surroundings were familiar, having hiked the Peralta a few times. The view was spectacular to see the Weaver's Needle, Black Top Mesa, the Laurel camp, and trail junction sign below.
I took some time to place a cairn on a large boulder. As I grabbed a large rock I noticed something was hiding below it, a small scorpion. After taking a photo I gently placed another rock over its home. After soaking in the sights and sounds I began the hike back to First Water.
I hiked down to the Peralta/Dutchman's trail junction after weaving through the Peralta switchbacks. Taking the Dutchman's north I passed several trail junction signs Bull Pass, Boulder Canyon, and Black Mesa. A short distance to the east I completed the loop I had begun nearly three hours earlier. The mystique of the old Quarter Circle U Trail had been overcome. A satisfying feeling of accomplishment overwhelmed me. What a wonderful place - This Superstition Wilderness!!
From here the hike was a backtrack along the Dutchman's to the First Water Trailhead. I signed the register book at 1:40 P.M.
The amazing thing is that I had no physical misshaps or blood-letting.
Thank you for taking the time to hike along with me.
Happy Trails to you! |
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