AZT Day 13: Up, Up and Away!

Daily Miles: 18.7, Total Miles: 191.4

Wow, what a beautiful hike today – almost bit off more than an old man can chew!

I got an early start but should have left even earlier, considering the distance and elevation gain. The trail initially headed down to Sycamore Creek. Then across the heads of Bear Canyon and Sabino Canyon towards Pusch Ridge.

I took a break at Hutch’s Pool, last visited on a hike down from Mt. Lemmon a long, long time ago while attending U of A.

I started the climb up to Romero Pass and then on up to Mt. Lemmon and Summerhaven. Over 5,000′ vertical and almost 19 miles – I thought I should be done before dark. I’ll just have Mrs. Haze pick me up at Summerhaven about 4pm.

Let me back up a minute and a word of warning. The trail is well marked but not as the AZT – pay attention to the guidebook and maps! I ended up hiking part way up Cathedral Rock which added a few miles and another 1,000 ft elevation gain, and then saw the correct trail on the other side of the canyon.

So 4pm rolls around and I’m still going uphill, still climbing at 5pm, at 6pm I hit a false summit, and by dark I’m within reach but getting hard to distinguish the white rocky trail from the white snow. No headlamp on this slackpack (another lesson learned) but I do have phone reception – Mrs. Haze, I know where I am at, I just need more time. She takes matters in her own hands and calls in some special help and light to guide me in! Forever thankful, Mrs. Haze!