Finishing It

On Friday I hiked and posted a report below about the ascent through Hieroglyphic Canyon to Superstition Ridgeline but I stopped short of Superstition Peak.  Seeing a group was going to do the hike, I decided to join and finish the mission.  I won't repeat the story or images of what is posted below, other than once again above is the starting point and notice upper right is Superstition Peak. 

Starting at 7:20am raher than much later last week meant hiking almost the entirety of the canyon in the shade. My legs were a little tired from the Kitt Peak ride so I didn't hit it too hard but when the group stopped half way for a snack break, I kept going and.....

...reached the ridge in 1:55 so quite a bit better than my 2:20 time of last week when I was poking around for rattlers.  Pretty sure a determined effort could get me under 1:30 so probably will attempt that when I come out in October. We regrouped with our hiking leader, Phil with his back to me, pointing to some distant features.  Phil is a marvel, turning 70 soon, a very fit hiker.  Not fit for his age, fit for any age.

Hiking around, up and over various obstacles we finally reach the ascent to Superstition Peak.  I think this image, for once, fairly represents the steepness of the first part of the climb.  It's one where I find I am bent parallel with the ground.  After several more ramps....

....I reach the final obstacle, a near wall of around 25' but with enough cracks, crevices and ledges I can navigate to the top.

A marvelous landscape of hoodoos and if you look closely, you can see part of the group headed up

Awesome views. I poke around a bit at the top and am pretty sure there is a way down the northwest side if one had the time and inclination to pursue. Instead I begin the hike down the conventional route while taking in the scenery.

I find it amazing.

Continuous amazement maybe.

One member of our group, Mickey, having climbed to the peak several times, decided to wait at the base.  I finish the hike with exactly 8 miles and 3400' of elevation gain. Fun hike.