DWTH Day 20: Signal Mountain to Saddle Mountain

Daily Miles: 19.2, Total Miles: 296.5

Another headlamp-assisted start this morning heading north up a wash further into the Signal Mountain Wilderness. As it got lighter, the volcanic peaks, steep-canyon walls and craggy ridges came into full view. A cool, colorful panoramic view.

I hiked in or near the wash all the way to a pass surrounded by impressive buttes, peaks and rock formations. I’m sure I had the whole wilderness to myself.

Down the other side of the pass I eventually joined a primitive road that took me to a railroad track with a long line of railroad cars so long I couldn’t see either end. Sure it was a “dead” train, I crossed the track between two railroad cars.

Another few miles north got me to a welcome sight, a windmill, storage tank and full trough with no cows. I enjoyed lunch in the shade while filtering water retrieved from the tank by depressing the float valve mechanism. Just had to work around the busy bees.

Still heading north, I passed by some private property and ranches with the few residents displaying ominous warning signs. There was also a small, skittish and stupid cow herd that kept running ahead of me.

All afternoon , a rocky mountain in the distance had been a distinctive landmark and my next destination. Late in the day, I camped in front of Saddle Mountain.