Wednesday, November 10, 2021

McCain Valley S24O

One of the areas of the county that I have always wanted to check out was the McCain Valley.  This is the mostly flat area between the Laguna Mountains and the InKoPah Mountains.  It is BLM land and offers OHV, hunting and camping.  After work, I headed out on the 8, through Boulevard and up McCain Valley Road.  I made a brief detour in an attempt to hike Tule Peak.  But the road was too rutted for my 2WD SUV.  Continuing north I got to Cottonwood Campground.  A few sites were occupied but I didn't see anyone.  Maybe they were out off-roading.  I grabbed a nice site, set up camp, add dinner and went to bed.

In the morning, I headed out for Sombrero Peak.  This trail had some cross country and navigation aspects to it since the trails/roads were not maintained.  After some bushwhacking and a steep climb I made it to the summit.  The peak has some awesome desert views.  After a quick snack, I head down, almost glissading on the sand.  The hike back was tough since I lost one of my water bottles in the bushes but I made it ok.

Site 10 at Cottonwood Campground

Sunrise

Looking west from Sombrero Peak

Lots of rocks


Monday, November 01, 2021

Summer Books

Two Canyon Hikes

Knocked off a couple of canyon hikes.

  • Navajo Canyon - started at the south end and hiked to Mound Ave and back.  Ok hike, similar to Tecolote Canyon just smaller.

Navajo Canyon map
 

  • Rancho Mission Canyon - started at Rancho Mission Canyon Park and hiked north then east to the Hemingway Drive trailhead.  Nice hike with great views of Mission Trails.


Rancho Mission Canyon map

Fortuna peaks