| |
| Twin Peaks #240 - Castle Creek #239 Loop, AZ | |
|
| | Twin Peaks #240 - Castle Creek #239 Loop, AZ | | | |
|
|
Twin Peaks #240 - Castle Creek #239 Loop, AZ
| | |
|
| Hiking | 12.53 Miles |
3,377 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.53 Miles | 9 Hrs 28 Mns | | 1.49 mph |
| 3,377 ft AEG | 1 Hour 2 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | Last did this loop in June of 2010. While the area and views are killer, so was the catclaw. Blood letting in earlier days was thought to cure ills. I wasn't sick, I vowed this to be a one and done.
Turns out, I am sick, mentally (I know , no secret there). Joe suggested this late in the week and there had been rumors that some work had been done to the trail. My answer, lets give it a try....
The sleepy Turtle Joined us with and we started up top, clockwise, at the Twin Peaks #240 intersection with Castle Creek #239. 1.6 miles and 450' of gain and we were at our high point for the day. Trail's still good.
We start the drop to the lower intersection with Castle Creek #239. Through the 4.5 mile mark, there was evidence of trail work sometime in the last 8 years. It was cleared 8' wide in spots. The views are sweet. [ youtube video ]
At the 4.5 mile marker, it looks like they gave up. This was the start of the catclaw in earnest. [ photo ] and the catclaw basically went on for the rest of the hike. At a break, I strapped on the gaiters. This saved my ankles and shins for the rest of the day, but my arms and especially thighs fertilized the catclaw with life giving blood.
Joe and I both remembered the Castle Creek #240 trail "Not that bad". Should have said "Not as Bad". There was more catclaw than I remembered and the trail was only distinguished by cairn hunting. If you haven't seen one in awhile, you are off trail. The truck was a welcome sight
I will need photographic evidence of trail clearing, before trying this one again.
|
  |
Lower Dead Cow Spring |
Dripping |
Dripping |
| | | The trough was full, not sure if it was from rain water/snow melt or what. It didn't look appetizing, but could be filtered I'm sure. | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Possible small pool
