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Fleshj27 - May 30, 2016 10:43 am Date Climbed: May 27, 2016
Brutish and cruelLike any good conservative I don't trust my government so I completely disregarded their warnings that this trail was difficult, strenuous, and dangerous. Caution? Caution is for Democrats... 5 hours later I found myself on a barren hill side thinking that the rescuers could find me by following the circling vultures.
Couple of hints here...definitely go clockwise on the trail. There is a lot more shade and a lot less difficult up after you are tired from boulder climbing. The distances and heights are very deceptive. It says it is 8.6 miles but my pedometer said it was closer to 17. That is a lot up, down and short steps. The listed vertical is also only 1300 but it felt like triple that. Bottom line don't take this one lightly!
mountaingazelle - Oct 28, 2015 3:04 pm Date Climbed: Oct 8, 2015
Syncline LoopHiked the loop clockwise around the crater. A front moved through but it was still fairly warm at the bottom of the canyon. It rained for the last couple of miles.
Kiefer - Apr 26, 2014 9:53 pm Date Climbed: Aug 17, 2009
Learning ExperienceI gave myself heat stroke on this trip (was confused, feeling drunk & vision was going in & out). I carried far too much weight, not enough water and grossly underestimated the heat. Had to collapse in the shade of an overhang in a dry wash, strip down to my skivvies and rest while sipping water and eating prickly pear that I skinned (for extra moisture).
I learned a lot on this trip.
Super pretty area. I'll return someday better prepared. The desert is nothing to fool around with!
Stu Brandel - Apr 15, 2014 9:58 pm Date Climbed: Nov 5, 2005
Very Fine SynclineAn incredibly varied and beautiful hike, almost ridiculously taxing even in November.
nader - Apr 15, 2014 6:01 pm Date Climbed: Mar 31, 2014
Syncline LoopIt was 28 degrees F when I started at 7:15 a.m. Was in the shade most of the time but felt comfortable. ended at 12:50 p.m. and 45 degrees F.