As we head towards March and the mercury climbs, it means early starts on the hiking trails are necessary. Yet, not having loads of confidence driving in the dark in the desert on dirt roads, I need some daylight and the daylight brings the warmth. So, for my hike up to Black Top Mesa, it was warm right from the get go.
Most people hike the Black Top Mesa Trail Loop beginning on the Dutchman Trail. My plan was an out and back on the Dutchman but incorporating a climb up to Bull Pass and then even more ascending to the actual top of Black Top Mesa.
There were lots of creek crossings along the way. I guess even in the desert that comes with the onset of spring. Wildflowers were scattered about. I was surprised to see what appeared to be paintbrushes.
I made it to the top and from there had a 360 degree view. I was now on the backside of Weavers's Needle whereas when I did Fremont Saddle & The Lone Tree the other day, I was on the opposite side. There was no one up on this flat Mesa and I took tonnes of time to "remember to breathe".
Before beginning the trek down and back, I layered up with sunscreen, donned my sun hat then hit the trail. Back down at the desert bottom was where I first began meeting up with other hikers and horseback riders. The views now were even prettier with the clouds in the sky and the lighting. I kept telling myself to just keep going and let's get this done enough with the photo taking. Finally, almost seven hours later I got it done! I was a hot tired sweaty mess! The only thing left was to get my boots and socks off which felt heavenly when I did, drive back out on the wilderness road, get safely through two round abouts, then home sweet home. Feet up! Beer in hand! Stretched out! Under my sister's saguaro!
You were pretty close to where we were. It did seem warm when you're coming from winter!
ReplyDeleteI looked at a map to see if I was near the Arizona Trail. I saw loads of trails in all directions from Black Top Mesa and wondered if any were backpacking routes.
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