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| Douglas Spring TH to Mica n Back, AZ | |
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| | Douglas Spring TH to Mica n Back, AZ | | | |
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Douglas Spring TH to Mica n Back, AZ
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| Hiking | 28.10 Miles |
6,300 AEG |
| | Hiking | 28.10 Miles | 13 Hrs 32 Mns | | 2.34 mph |
| 6,300 ft AEG | 1 Hour 30 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Drive from the Valley
Drive south, turn East.
Douglas Spring Trail
Starting minutes before 6 am, we got the last spot in a tiny lot. Only a few cars lined the road that can back up the distance of what 98.2% here consider a hike.
Being a national park, the trail started smooth as expected. With no restroom, the popular first mile is undoubtedly heavily human-fertilized.
The trail name is a misnomer; swap spring with step. A phenomenal amount of work was put into the rock water bars. They fade away in spots but exist virtually all the way up to Mica.
8.2 mi away & 1500 ft lower than Italian Spring TH, the desert vegetation here is totally different. More of a romantic interlude vs beating drums and the large ride cymbal. Barely trace evidence of horseback riders.
A bubbly, out-of-place, first-grade teacher played the role of snake crossing guard. After 45 seconds, I said the first thing that came to mind, and we slipped by. A retired punk rocker, struggling to exist without resistance, eloquently told me off as we passed. Maybe 2.5 mi up, we passed a solo guy descending, and that was it until the final two miles.
The 6.75 mi hike to Douglas Spring Campground @ 4,700ft is get'r done. The ascent finally begins, and you transition to happiness.
Cow Head Saddle Trail
Due to the name, I had ultra-low expectations. The saddle started with the best break spot of the day.
The hike up from Italian Spring TH is wham bam followed by... oh, we're here. The magnificent and presumably dead head of a cow is the crescendo of this approach!
Fire Loop Trail - Mica
Cabin Loop forest on steroids. Leave the side by side and drive to the forest mogul-hiker society behind.
Water
Carried 211 oz. Lost 8 oz in the first mile. Cached 40 oz frozen at about 3 mi. Ended with 5 oz warm. Consumed 201, 40 oz more frozen would have been perfect.
Synopsis
It was great to see something new. Less demanding drive vs Italian Springs. Likewise, to understand the layout of the trails below and up on the mountain.
Hiking into the sun with never-ending steps eventually panned out. Descending the steps was not as bad as anticipated. 4 snakes, 1 Gila Monster, a few beetles, tiny horney toads galore. A great workout to get into better shape. I'd imagine less delusional drifting with more than 1.5 hours of sleep. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Two sprigs of Indian paintbrush at 8,500 ft. Barrel cacti were blooming in shades of pink and red pastels. |
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