Chelsea and Joseph complete the GR 20

Posted on June 5, 2017 by Rick Mc

The Meandering Mayans just posted their 2017 trip report:

Though the trail doesn’t offer the “classic” high Alpine experience, it makes up for it with crazy amounts of bare rock, stunning sunsets and mountain top sea views. …

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting for a trail than the semi-autonomous French island of Corsica.

With a single mountain chain occupying almost two-thirds of the island, Corsica is a rugged place that hosts miles of beautiful beaches and untamed wilderness. The GR 20 spans roughly 180km, North to South …

Charcuterie, Wine and Hard Miles: A Walk Across Corsica – the GR 20

Most hike north to south. The Mayans preferred south to north.

With this information we’ve updated our GR 20 information page.

Escalante Overland Route

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Rick Mc

Extreme hiking, scrambling and navigation.

The Escalante Overland Route (OLR) traverses the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, arguably the best, true wilderness in the lower 48. Compared to the millions who visit the Grand Canyon each year, the vast expanse of the Monument below Highway 12 has no trails and few people. Many of the canyons only see a few visitors a year, if any. You are unlikely to see another person on the route. …

Just to be clear, this is Steve Allen’s route. He describes an “Overland Route” in a few terse paragraphs at the end of a 1997 guide book. He presents it more of a challenge than a guide. In the ensuing 20 years it’s remained off the radar, with almost no known completions. In this sense, the OLR is closer to a “revived” route than a new one. Don Wilson, Andrew Skurka and I hope that this trip report will inspire more people to experience the wonders of the Escalante. …

A Very Different High Route – Escalante Overland Route

Guadalupe Peak, Texas

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Rick Mc

Highpointers are all interested in getting to the top of this mountain. The trailhead is near the Pine Springs Visitor Center.

Guadalupe Peak, also known as Signal Peak, is the highest natural point in Texas, with an elevation of 8,751 feet (2,667 m) …. It is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park …

The peak can be climbed by a maintained stony trail (4.25 miles or 6.8 kilometres each way) at any time of the year. …

A stainless steel pyramid marks the summit. It was erected by American Airlines in 1958 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Butterfield Overland Mail, a stagecoach route that passed south of the mountain. …

Once there you might want to scramble down and back up to the top of El Capitan, the most impressive face of the massif.

If interested in climbing Guadalupe, click over to SummitPost for details.

Epic Grand Canyon Hike

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Rick Mc

Have you been following Peter McBride & Kevin Fedarko?

Epic Grand Canyon Hike: A 650-Mile Challenge (Part 1)

Epic Grand Canyon Hike: Frozen Shoes and Low on Food (Part 2)

I liked the 3rd and final instalment best.

Click PLAY or watch Thirst and Threats in the Godscape on YouTube.

scramble Siphon Draw to Flatiron, Phoenix

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Rick Mc

trip report by site editor Rick McCharles

Length: 6 miles (round trip)
Trailhead Elevation: 2,080 ft.
Gain/Loss: +2,900 ft.

Difficulty: Difficult

Flatiron, aka Siphon Draw, is one of the most popular and exhilarating hikes in the Superstition Wilderness. This trail puts you on top of one of the most prominent rock features of the range called Flatiron due to the fact it looks like an upside down iron. …

The Flatiron trail begins at the westernmost side of the Superstition Wilderness at the Lost Dutchman’s State Park.

Arizona Hikers

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

Lost Dutchman’s is a lovely Park and campground. Up and up.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

It doesn’t take long to reach the big cliffs.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

The Siphon Draw Trail is not much of a trail. It’s mostly a scramble up the rocky chute.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

As you can see, it’s very popular on a nice January day. A number of these folks were challenged by the physical demands. A few had poor footwear.

The crux of the scramble is at the very top. No doubt a few turn back there. 😦

Top of Flatiron. Here’s the view over the Phoenix sprawl.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

I continued up into these weird eroded towers.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

I left a Summit Stone atop a cairn. Then made my way down as rapidly as possible.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

The descent is much more dangerous than the climb. I fell once. Most people fall more than once.

The sun was dropping rapidly by the time I reached the trailhead. Beautiful light.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron

We’ve added Siphon Draw to Flatiron to our list of the best hikes in North America. It’s highly memorable and unique.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak, Arizona

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Rick Mc

trip report by site editor Rick McCharles

Like many others driving between Phoenix and Tuscon, I’d always wanted to climb this unique volcanic plug.

It looks challenging, but I found it not too bad.

It’s not via ferrata, but there are cables and other assistance everywhere needed.

Bring gloves.

As a former gymnast, I was certainly overconfident on arrival at the trailhead.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak

I’d already embarrassed myself pronouncing the name of the peak as Pikachu. That’s wrong.

Though one hiker cried 4 times getting up and down, I found it fun.

I love the giant, individually unique saguaro cactus.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak

On the way up it’s difficult to imagine there’s actually a hiking route.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak

This beautiful day attracted many to the peak. Everyone made it to the top so far as I could see. Myself included.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak

Certain birds and animals make a good living waiting on lunch crumbs here.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak

The vista from the top is not all that spectacular.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak

I made a sidetrip to a smaller peak. Here’s the vista looking back to the summit.

Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak

Still, Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak is unique and interesting enough to be added to our list of best hikes in North America.

If you have two vehicles consider climbing up via Hunter Trail, returning via Sunset Trail.

scrambling Red Rock Canyon, Vegas

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Rick Mc

I met up with my friends from Couer d’Alene, Idaho. Their gymnasts were competing at the Lady Luck Invitational.

red-rock-2017

d-red-rock

Branch Whitney:

Red Rock Canyon (20 miles west of Las Vegas) is home to the best scrambling (climbing up, over, around, and down rock) routes in the world. If you liked mazes when you were a kid, you will love Red Rock Canyon. …

Las Vegas’ best kept secret: Hiking and rock scrambling just minutes from the Strip

We’d never seen Red Rock Canyon so busy. Seems my favourite tourist destination in the city is no longer off the radar.

Entry fee.