EPIC Hike #2 (October)

[ck1]

The hike...
Superstition Ridgeline.

The stats...
10 Miles, 10 hours, 2820 ft elev. gain

The date....
Oct 25, 2003.

The plan....
Depart early from Carney Springs trailhead (we can either camp or just get there early)
follow ridgeline to Siphon Draw trail, descend, meet shuttle drivers.


Figured the next EPIC should be a bit closer to home, and this one has been on several people's lists for some time (including me).

Certainly all the members of the Arizona Hikers Swim Team are welcome to join in the fun, though I don't expect we'll hear "It's A Swimmer" on this one.

Kent might provide some additional info on the hike regarding its difficulty, he's doing it several times.

So....who's in?
_________________
-Colin

"The Journey is the Destination"

[kurthzone]

I'm in!
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;o)>

[srlatty]

As of now, I'm in also! The 24th is my birthday, just have to make sure Tracee doesn't have any family plans for that weekend.
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Steve

[Arizonaheat]

Unfortunately I can't make it that weekend. Have fun The Ridgeline is one of my favorite hikes, I think I did it four or five times last season.
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Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

[Hnak]

Hmmmm, sounds interesting. But no icy pools??? Well, I guess it would be fun to do a hike where a wetsuit wouldn't be needed... I'll be in the Canyon from the 19th to the 23rd, and have to work on the 24th, but who knows. I might just persuade myself... Hank

[Hikngrl]

I'll be there if I can.... I am at the library so I don't have a calender so I will check it out befroe the next time I check in and see if I can make it! Hope so! See Diane jumping up and down with excitement. See Diane sigh with relief at the sound of the words no water this time!!!!
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

[Daddee]

I'm in. This has been at the absolute top of my "Must Do" list for something like 3 years and I have just not gotten an opportunity to do it.

I'm very excited for this.
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"Only small minds want always to be right."
- Louis XIV

"...haven't you lived long enough to know that two men may honestly differ about a question and both be right?"
- Abraham Lincoln

[Canyon Dweller]

I would love to do it, but what is the temp gunna be like?
if its too hot still i think i dont want to go, but this is on the top of my want to do list
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Mountains are there to be climbed!

"Meaningless! Meaningless," says the teacher, "Utterly Meaningless, Everything is meaningless."-Ecclesiastes 1:2

[mike]

I'm about 99% sure I'm in, my boss may join us, too.
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[/size]

[GTG]

I'll be there. I've been wanting this one for a few years now.

GTG
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Good things come to those who walk.

[ck1]

Hnak, maybe after spending the 4 days prior to this hike in the canyon hiking you'll be a bit tired and the rest of us can keep up with you!
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-Colin

"The Journey is the Destination"

[outside1]

Add me into the list, I will be there.
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Tony

[evenstar]

Would love to do it, but just beyond my capabilities these days. Envy you who can.
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John Richardson and Richie Rich, El Perro de Playero
http://members.tripod.com/~evenstar/index.html
http://www.arizonahikers.com
When the Man waked up he said, "What is Wild Dog doing here?" And the Woman said, "His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always. Take him with you when you go hunting."
--Rudyard Kipling, from Just So Stories, 1902

[sam_hikes]

I'm in if it cool by then... This hike can fry your brain especially if its hot!

Below is some scary info I found.... Many like to compare hike to a tough GC hike probably because its a slow/tough 10+ miles.

The hike along the ridge of Superstition Mountain is a demanding hike that requires route finding ability. It is very difficult to complete in a day, although it has been done. The elevation change is +3980 and -4220 feet. It is 10.5 miles and took us 14 hours backpacking. I recommend an over night backpack trip for the first trek. Get familiar with both ends of this hike before you attempt the complete trip. Hike up Siphon draw, and West Boulder Saddle first, and if you like those hikes, the ridgeline is for you.

This hike began at the Carney Springs Trailhead on the West Boulder Trail, and ended at Siphon Draw at the Lost Dutchman State Park. This was a one way hike that required a 20 mile vehicle shuttle.

Maps:
Goldfield, Arizona USGS topo map
Weaver's Needle, Arizona USGS topo map

Directions to the trailheads:
Carney Springs Trailhead:
From Apache Junction go 8 miles east on U.S. 60. Turn left between mileposts 204 and 205, onto Peralta road. Continue 6 miles to an unsigned dirt road and turn left for 0.6 miles to an unsigned parking lot. The West boulder Trail starts at the northwest end of Carney Springs Road at the wilderness boundry gate.

Directions to Siphon Draw Trailhead:
Five miles north of Apache Junction on State Route 88, between mileposts 201 and 202, turn east into Lost Dutchman State Park. The trailhead is in the southwest corner near the camping area, and a small paved parking area.

[Hikngrl]

Please note the look of disappointment on these faces... I am on the clock that weekend....can't go. Perhaps next time....
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!