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| Hiking | 14.96 Miles |
3,143 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.96 Miles | 10 Hrs 15 Mns | | 1.76 mph |
| 3,143 ft AEG | 1 Hour 45 Mns Break | | | |
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| Partners |
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[ show ]
| partners | | ** Stats copied from my hiking partner and her routescout log...I suffered an unfortunate technology fail right at the end of the hike and lost all my data...I probably should have attempted to force a save and sync when I got the low battery warning...alas.
We had an early morning start accompanied by a brisk breeze which was very welcome as the hike was a steady and sometimes steep grind to the top of Skull Mesa. While the hike steadily gains elevation, the grade was managed through the worst of the elevation gain with judicious use of switchbacks, which I was very grateful for. The approach goes through some very beautiful stands of cholla and saguaro with plenty of other low desert vegetation sprinkled in. Unfortunately, I failed in spotting either crested saguaro in the area (I was aware of two).
After enjoying the views while climbing to the summit of the mesa, it was still very nice to have a break on top - was pleasantly surprised to spot Weavers needle far in the distance! After our rest, we set off across the grasslands, using what game trails we were able to follow to try to speed things along - footing was okay, though there were definitely some areas that might have made trouble if not careful (hidden holes and soft dirt amongst the grass and rocks) we eventually found our way to the far end of the mesa and began our traverse to the far point where the "fort" stands. For the most part, route finding was straightforward though there is one slightly harrowing section towards the end where the established path is narrow and eroding with plenty of exposure. We failed find the petroglyphs on the mesa, and we forewent the final climb up to see the fort proper, though we enjoyed walking amongst the stacked rock walls of the pueblo and marveled at the number of pottery shards scattered throughout.
After scrutinizing the several routes we had downloaded and staring at the terrain and pondering the exposure on the descent requiring routefinding, we scrapped our original plans of making a loop from the ruins to join up with the Cave Creek Trail for our return and opted instead to retrace our steps. With all the wading through the grasses, I was glad that it's too early for snakes to be out. Even while attempting to be watchful of my footing, I managed several altercations with desert plants on the top of the mesa. Points awarded to an agave and likely several prickly pear for tagging me. While the agave drew blood (I stumbled and impaled myself on the offender), the prickly pear left me with an embedded spine through the uppers of my shoes that I had to extract once home.
Wildlife: Heard several cactus wren, saw some raptors overhead and watched some Ravens playing around. Also spotted a couple small lizards, but they darted off before I was able to identify them. On our way to the trailhead, we saw a small pack of three coyotes - one of which decided to hop a block wall while another decided it was going to roll around and mark a particularly interesting spot on the road.
Other hikers: one heading up for a late summit of Skull Mesa, and once we were on the main wide road-like thoroughfare back towards the car, a group of three ladies were headed in along with a lone photographer who looked like they might have been planning on sunset and night shots. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
The ocotillo in the area are determined. Saw a number with flowers or buds on them. |
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Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually  |
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