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| Hiking | 19.71 Miles |
2,941 AEG |
| | Hiking | 19.71 Miles | 8 Hrs 26 Mns | | 2.59 mph |
| 2,941 ft AEG | 49 Mns Break | | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | I hooked up with the fine line between hobbyist and mental illness for one of my favorite Preskit loops.
Seven Mile Gulch Trail #9854
This is a fabulously steep motorcycle trail that oughta scare away rose garden thieves.
The tread seemed less rutted with fewer ankle-buster rocks. I suggested a tractor with a grading blade had passed over since our last visit. Bruce kicked me in the groin and called me a few names, so I picked up the pace and made his sweat sweat. The breezeless humid atmosphere had sweat trickling off my elbows.
We hiked up 2.3mi to #62. The balance 0.8mi of this trail gains a lousy 142ft to #299. We get to the same spot in 5.3mi looping down through la la land.
Ranch Trail #62
The original 2.75mi NE segment is primarily chaparral. Our loop includes the view-rific western 4.2mi created around 2013 for the PCT(Circle Trail). There are a few stellar views out of the mountains looking through therapeutic pines.
Upon reaching the Senator Hwy, we mutually agreed to omit the 2-mi out-n-back to Goldwater Lake. Bruce is pushing 70 so I pretended to be tired.
Watershed Trail #299
This is the second of the two big ascents on our loop. It has more ankle-buster rocks and a few ruts. While it wasn't as bad in that regard as I recall, it still packs a good punch of undesirable. After ascending 1.75mi/600ft you think it's over. The balance 1.75-mi is a mental and physical rollercoaster.
That said, there are good stretches through the pines, and the payoff is #297. We utilize Spruce Mountain Road through a mtn community of cabins, passing an ore cart from Midnight Test Mine en route to #297.
Smith Ravine Trail #297
This trail has changing views through steep grades. Springs are passed along the way through a large stretch of pines. There is little not to like considering we descend it and reap the rewards.
Homestead Trail #305
Like the AZT, this trail zigzags all over the place in support of gentle backpacking. It's a nice trail with pines galore, just drags on with anticipation of the grand finale.
Lynx Recreation Trail #311 - Lake Loop
It's paved, stay away. I love it.
Synopsis
This loop will offer little joy for those seeking moderate. Albeit a breezeless sweat-fest on this day, it's a great loop with varied terrain and views for the untimid. Need more twenty-mile hikes, this one always delivers. Bruce has been babysitting a 2-year-old so I did my best to keep him sharp as a tack. |
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