GET: Closing Comments

ByPurple Haze Posted on

One week off the trail and still feeling somewhat fatigued. Finally got up early enough to go for a walk this morning before it gets too hot. I can really feel the peroneal tendon under my ankle that I damaged before I started the hike.

Probably didn’t help the recovery process by going on a long, sometimes punishing hike. I also swam some laps yesterday but was going so slow I felt like I was swimming in place. It did feel good to stretch and use some different muscles. I lost my usual 25 pounds and hope to not gain it all back. But I’m off to a roaring start.

Overall, I really enjoyed the GET. Varied desert, wild west and mountain terrain, rugged and remote wilderness, frequent wildlife sightings and a bit of mining and history.

Not without it’s challenges however, the GET cannot be taken lightly. Trail conditions make for tough mileage, water management is crucial and you won’t see too many people. A bit of advice I learned the hard way – read and heed Brett’s trail/map notes, particularly on cross-country travel. I didn’t read the notes well enough and ended up on the wrong ridge on two different occasions. Of course, this could have been avoided had I checked my location on GPS more often.

You shouldn’t hike the GET if you live for great trail towns and culinary experiences (but I have to say I really do enjoy great trail towns and culinary experiences). More often than not, a town stop may be microwaved burritos and pastries from small stores. I really did enjoy a zero day in Chloride, NM. No store, no restaurant, but a quiet, little mining ghost town with lots of interesting history and some nice, restored (albeit pricey) cabins. The stay was made extra special by dinner and refreshments from residents Heather and Josh, who coincidently hiked the PCT the same year I did.

What were my favorite trail segments?

  1. I will always have a soft spot for the Superstitions and the GET didn’t disappoint – a great start to the trail!
  2. The San Mateos and the Apache Kid Wilderness – I think the toughest most rugged mountains on the GET but also the most beautiful.
  3. West Fork Gila River – a cool, sometimes majestic canyon that reminded me of why I like to hike.
  4. The short section up Mineral Creek out of Alma, NM was a complete surprise and delightful to explore.
  5. Aravaipa Canyon was a unique oasis in the desert with a variety of wildlife.

What’s next?

We are going to spend a big part of the summer camping and hiking in SW Colorado (San Juans and near Crested Butte), around the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado and a circumnavigation of the Wind River Range in Wyoming. As for long distance hiking, I’m not sure yet but the Hayduke Trail is still high on my list.

Thanks for following along!