Pusch Peak Group Hike

Saturday morning, 8am, 40 degrees and what appears to be an innocuous climb to the top of Pusch Peak......instead, it is the hardest, short hike in the region.  Total distance, only 4 miles but we will gain 2600' of elevation, in 2 miles..  

The first .7 miles is on an established trail having an average grade of 9.5% but the remaining distance, on an easy to follow social trail, averages 30%...just a brute of a climb.  Most of the climb would be done so in the shade as the sun illuminates the Tortolitas and surroundings to our west.  Joining me today were 15, hardy hikers.  A larger group than normal but I wanted to give as many people as is reasonable, the opportunity to make it to the peak.

We reach a "wall" but everyone clambers up.

Hiking most of our area trails requires that you keep your focus on the trail but during a regroup, Marc G spotted a big horn sheep, a rare sighting.

My goal was to get everyone to the peak and so I paused frequently to allow any stragglers to catch up.  Eventually, we decided to split into a fast and somewhat less than fast group, which worked out well.

Our route would take us in front of a group of emerging, Stegosaurus shaped, rock features.

Gaining elevation provided awesome, early morning views of our surroundings.

The Stegosaurus shaped features line up nicely.  After about 2 hours of hiking....

....we reach the peak.  The Cleaver, than Bighorn than Table Mountain in the distance.  Unseen and just beyond Table is Table Tooth, next week's destination. Most in our party were giddy with excitement and some.....

...hiked to a nearby smaller peak and posed (left to right, Amy, Marcia and Lorna).

To our north, what a great view.

I pointed out a few peaks while others.....

.....posed, lol.  Marc G on the left, Jenn and Catherine.

All enjoyed the peak experience but of course, the descent must begin and what a knee buckling experience it is.  Post hike, a few of us.....

....met at a local eatery and had healthy meals and than shared unhealthy, carrot cake!  Seven of us split the cake fairly evenly even though it appears Amy is intent on carving out a bigger one.  Note the intensity with which she eyes the prize.  Great hike with fun people.