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The Rest of the Superstition Peak Hike with Surprise Ending

11/6/2017

4 Comments

 
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Below I describe the ascent to the ridge that is west of Superstition Peak.  After pausing at the ridge to take in the magnificence that is the interior of the Supes, I headed toward the peak.  First, you go up and over a hill or go around it following a very faint trail.  I did the latter, got off trail several times, cliffed out and decided, up and over is best.  The next section is navigating a boulder field.  A guy could disappear into some of the crevices.  Next....
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.....you bear right around this and....
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....looking back, wow.
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Then this interesting feature.  Yeah, doesn't look like much but if I was standing in there you could barely see me.  Up....
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.....the left, about half way grab a cleft of stone and then jump.  For the uncoordinated like me, I stood there for a moment calculating prior to making the leap of faith.  I figured I'd have a problem coming back down but hey, that would be later so onward.
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Then I go to the left of the peak to it's.....
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.....right side (as seen from Apache Junction) and begin to ascend.
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It's hard to focus with such compelling views all around.  These hoodoos are huge and much taller than me.
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Ahhhh, the final obstacle and maybe the most challenging. It's kind of work right to left, then up, then left to right, up and up and....
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....onto the peak I scamper.  The old ammo box with the registry is inside so I proudly sign my name, for about the 3rd time.  It's a small area so after eating an apple and of course enjoying the views after the roughly 4 mile hike with almost 3000' of elevation gain I.....
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....begin the long descent.
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At the ridge, I look at the canyon before me.  OK, here is where it got really strange and just when I think I have seen it all....I reach the Hieroglyphic pools and there is one guy there with a bunch of photographic equipment.  Of course I walk over and below him in the dry river bed, which is a beautiful area, is a woman with no clothes on.  Yep, I kid you not  I say, "Whoa, I had no idea, sorry."  The guy tells me no problem as the woman puts a bathing suit back on.  I swear, I did not watch. He says it is a public area so they expected this could happen but they were expecting visitors from the other direction not from the peak.  I quickly turn and walk away but the blog mentality kicks in and I begin to think, this could be a.....
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....content worthy image and besides, no one would believe me so from a great distance, I yell if it is ok if I take a pic for my blog,  They say ok but wait for her to cover so there it is, the proof.  Well, back to the dull life of a cyclist as I took Saturday off and did a 49 mile ride with a group called "The Cactus Club" on Sunday.  Much more to come on other activities.
           
4 Comments
Tri Andrew
11/7/2017 11:14:28 am

This post had me seriously hoping you don't follow in Aron Ralston's journey into some desolate crag without telling your mom where you are going. I assume you've watched the movie "127 Hours"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/127_Hours

Reply
Mark
11/7/2017 12:45:08 pm

Yes Andrew, I watched that movie and have thought of it several times in these situations. I even carry a "bone saw" just in case I should need it in a dire situation. Someone is following my hikes and should I stop moving for more than a few hours, SAR is to be called. Although I am not real confident that call would be made.

Reply
Rocket Man
11/7/2017 02:59:16 pm

You have all the luck!

Reply
Peralta_Phil
11/7/2017 06:32:48 pm

I have been told that other risque photo shoots had been made in the Superstitions. I guess this was one of those times. They probably were not aware of the trail above. Only the more adventurous dare try. You definitely qualify. I hope to hike with you sometime soon. I know of an alternate route to the "Peak" beginning northeast of the hill north of the pools. It heads up towards the balance rock. I have only taken it once. Great write-up and photo shoot. That is a "must do" hike.

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    Mark is a long-time cyclist, hiker, golfer and plays some table tennis...ok, it's ping pong.

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