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| Hiking | 7.40 Miles |
1,020 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.40 Miles | 3 Hrs 20 Mns | | 2.22 mph |
| 1,020 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Was looking for a close hike that I could change up the plans depending on the weather. It was supposed to be in the 80s with intermittent storms, however it ended up being 95 with no rain whatsoever. Great job weathermen! On a good note, there was a cool breeze that did bring relief from time to time.
I started from the Meridian Trailhead and went counter clockwise. The trail is in good shape and the views are alright. When you descend on the northwest side, you begin to hear gunfire from the nearby shooting range, which is annoying. I decided to head up to Wind Cave. The climb up there is easy, but the cave is not very exciting.
I was thinking how I'd rate this hike a 2, when on the way down, passed a couple of skantily clad things on their way up. Things were improving.
As I neared Cat's Peak, I met another group of 4 beauties. Except these four were of the hooved variety. I was able to grab my camera in time and hopefully I got some pictures of the Mulie does. I've seen Cous deer before, but these were the first Mulies I've seen. I was able to get within about 10 feet of them. They startled me as much as I startled them.
When the deer spooked, they started a nearby pack, or small army, of coyotes. It must have been a den with many adults and at least a dozen pups. Being alone, I didn't think it was a good idea to press the issue since I've heard that a pack of coyotes is not a good idea to mess with, so I didn't get in position for any pictures of them. That experience added another point to the rating though.
Overall its an easy loop, pretty good trail, and theres a few decent vistas to gawk from. |
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http://hikearizona.com/garmin_maps.php
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife! |
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