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| Hiking | 10.70 Miles |
1,358 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.70 Miles | | | |
| 1,358 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | A nice stroll in the Superstitions – Black Mesa Loop
My goal was to make the Loop and also hit a couple of off trail “attractions” – Dead Woman Cave and my favorite crested saguaro off the Dutchman Trail below Black Top Mesa.
I arrived about 630am and there were a few vehicles in the lot. It was very pleasant, almost dare I say - Cool! Off I went. I opted for the clockwise loop – 2nd Water to Black Mesa to Dutchman.
The damage from the Superstition Fire is still very evident, especially around the First Water Trailhead. Things have grown back, but the burnt out “skeletons” of bushes, trees and cacti are everywhere. The new growth is grass and other odd assorted weeds. The transformation of this part of the desert has begun. More grass means more fires. After this cycle continues, we might have to change the name to the Superstition Wilderness Grasslands ☹
I made it up to the saddle of the Black Mesa Trail and started looking for a route to get to the cliffs where the cave is. I don’t know why I thought accessing the cave from the top was a good idea. I guess it looked so flat and easy on the maps? (ha ha). I opted to cut up right when the trail starts descending into the final little drop. The area up was all grass. Knee high and waist high, all the way. The black rocks underneath were barely visible. When I made it to the edge of the cliff, I saw my “target” and made it down to the base. This section was very steep, full of scree and loaded with thorny plants, just waiting for tear me up.
The cave was much smaller and not as deep as I was expecting, but the view was certain impressive. Weavers Needle, Palomino and Black Top Mesa all lined up. There was some mining done here as the back the cave had some diggings. Luckily, I did not meet any of the namesake of this cave. After some viewing and pictures, I made my way down. That was also steep and full of scree, but it was not very far to the creek. If anyone wishes to make a visit up there, just go up from the bottom. It’s a short distance. I would NOT follow my route, unless you are a pain seeker…ha ha
I made my way over to the Dutchman Trail and went off for my second stop – the cool crested saguaro on the western slope of Black Top Mesa by Palomino. I have admired it from afar in the past. This time, I was going to go up and see it.
After some pictures, I made my way back down to the trail. I saw a couple of hikers going up the Dutchman, the only hikers I saw all day. I took the Dutchman back to the TH. I came across a nice looking Diamondback near Bull Pass. And, I met a couple of lady riders taking their horses for a stroll near O’Grady Canyon.
The weather was cool at the start, but it was getting toasty towards the end. It’s been a while since I have done a longer hike and all that bushwhacking was starting to manifest in my knees. But, I made it back safe and sound. There were still some vehicles in the TH lot when I got back, I am guessing they were out on Hackberry? A nice hike in a great area. I will miss the solitude out here once the weather gets nicer and the snowbirds return. |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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