DESTINATION Valentine Peak via Pima Canyon - Catalinas 1 Photoset
2022-10-13 | |
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| Hiking | 10.40 Miles |
3,295 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.40 Miles | 9 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.09 mph |
| 3,295 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | My route was definitely not the best way at least 2/3 of the way from the canyon trail to the peak. The chute that I took up was steeper than my comfort level, but I was already committed, so I just kept going. At a certain point I saw some cairns then I knew I was on a better route. Not knowing the best route, I ended up hiking to the notch between 2 high points. Once I got there, I realized the peak was the one Northwest of the notch. There are great views of Tucson from the notch. On the way down, I followed a canyon to the bottom. There were some 5 to 6 feet drops. Again, probably not the best way to go. On the registry, someone mentioned a "corkscrew route", but I wasn't able to find any routes posted anywhere for this hike, so I was going at it completely blind.
I saw one 3 foot rattlesnake on the trail about 4 miles from the trailhead. I'm lucky I saw it at the last minute. I was maybe only 6 feet away when I saw it. It did not rattle until I stomped my feet a bit. I wonder whether it sensed me and didn't think I was a threat or if it didn't even know I was there!
At the top I found 2 glass jars. The tops were rusted and one of the jars seemed to be jammed shut. I was able to finally open it, hoping the glass wouldn't shatter and it did not, luckily. I expected only a small number of names on the registry, but saw many, some as old as 1990, I believe. I believe the last logged summit was Jeff L. in May 2019. Nothing newer than that, I believe, so I may have been the first person in the last 3.5 years.
Caution: For the final 50-60 foot climb, you need to be a good climber and not afraid of heights, or use some kind of rope. I could not find any better way to get up this. Going down this steep section was a challenge also. I just took my time.
Note: My AEG was 3,295 feet |
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Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
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