Another Steep Hike

The Arizona Trail comes through to the west side of Picketpost Mountain.  In the 1870's the US Army maintained a camp here and used the peak to signal other outposts. Looking at the mountain, it appears an impossible barrier to ascend but there is a rocky, steep way with some exposure.

A small herd of cattle graze just off the trail.  One snorts at me and with its intentions unclear, I pick up the pace while looking at my surroundings for a place to run, if needed.

I did say it was steep as I look across St. Rt. 60 and the Superstition Wilderness.  There used to be only one trail to the top so it can be confusing at times as at one point, there are 3 trails splitting from the main.

Some portions of the trail are both steep and covered in small pebbles so the footing can be a challenge, especially when descending.

I climb through the notch and occasionally have faced.....

….these fun "walls" to climb.  Always enough hand and foot holds to make the effort possible. Once the climb out of the canyon is finished, you are faced with a slight incline to first one false summit and then.....

….at mile 2.3 and 2000+' of climbing, the top is reached.  The views in all directions are spectacular even when....

….looking down at the town of Superior to the east.  One of the fun things about the hike is visiting the....

….mailbox.  The bench was brought up many years ago but mostly only the frame remains.

Various items have been stashed inside the mailbox including the hat that had a message that you should take a selfie while wearing it and send to an email address.  I found a notebook where you can sign and date so I did that and leafed through the pages.

This message caught my eye with the simple drawing.

As I look around, I marvel at all the trails and washes that go into the distance.  I really need to get a mountain bike for out here.  I look at distant ridges and always wonder what it looks like from there.  Hiking isn't always an option.

I begin my descent.  Toward the end of the hike, a large cow stands astride the trail.  Oh great.  Now what but as I approach, it walks off and I notice there is....

….a Jumping Cholla attached to its head.  Wonder if it is aware or bothered by it.  I very briefly think about walking over and removing it but common sense takes over and I end the hike instead.  The annual El Tour de Tucson is Saturday and then I am leading a group hike on Sunday.