My Adventure Story
This month's hike was again in the Huachuca Mountains of southern Arizona. Our 4th in the series of ten hikes was also our highest one yet. At 0900 Saturday morning, five Boy Scouts and three Adult Leaders headed out. The day before (Friday) there was snow down below 5000 feet where most of us lived, but by now the snow had mostly retreated to above 6000 feet. We however were aiming for Huachuca Peak which is just above 8000 feet.
The first two miles were an easy stroll up Huachuca Canyon on the road, but that changed when we left the road and began two miles of switchbacks to get to the Crest Trail. After almost a mile we turned off of the Crest Trail and began our final move to Huachuca Peak. We enjoyed the cooling effect of the snow, even though the air temperature was in the upper 60s.
When we finally arrived at the summit, we had a wonderful 360 degree view. The Santa Rita Mountains and the Whetstone Mountains had snow, Carr and Miller Peaks in the Huachucas were frosted and even into Mexico we could see snow on the tops of some of the taller peaks. After everyone rested, ate their lunches and drank water we explored around the top and found a marker that had been placed up there by a group of NCOs. We were also treated to the sight of looking down on the backs of ravens as they soared below us.
The trip down was a little muddier, thanks to the warm temperatures and melting snow. One of the boys even found half of a deers jaw (identified by the teeth). Finally we made it back to the vehicles and on to what has become an informal tradition, the stop at Burger King (BK is not endorsed or a sponsor, just stating the facts).
Next month, the Chiracahuas.
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