A couple mos. back I took my group up Grapevine Mtn., located near Scissors Xing in ABDSP. I was in between Tucson trips & wanted to knock this one out so I'd have my notes for a future article, not knowing of course when I'd finally get around to writing it. Thankfully there are no real deadlines when it comes to the articles & the peeps are understanding about delays.
We approached the peak via the PCT, as I had a few yrs. ago. This SW approach is much easier than "the Schad route" & the main reason I signed up to write the article - so peeps would know that they didn't have to suffer going up the long & steep NE ridge.
We parked @ the big dirt lot @ the peak's southern base, by Scissors Xing, & made our way up the slope to pick up the PCT & head north.
@ the TH
Parking area below @ Scissors Xing
When the PCT makes a big swing inward to a prominent canyon, we left the trail & headed up. There's a couple of dry falls to overcome, but nothing difficult.
Biggest dry fall
We steadily climbed up the wash, which steepened as we approached a saddle between false summits.
Getting higher up the wash
Looking back down where we came up
Steeper now
Almost made it up to the top of the wash
We reached the saddle, whereupon we found the remains of a deer, & a lone hiker coming down. I was surprised to find anyone else on this route but apparently he knew of this easier way as well.
Dead head
On the ridge & Grapevine is in sight!
Almost there
From the saddle we traversed to get on the summit ridge proper, then picked our way up to the top. Sadly, the vegetation hadn't really recovered from a fire several yrs. ago.
BM
Summit register
Summit views
Summit views
Summit views
Summit views
Atop Grapevine Mtn.
Summit pano
Summit pano
Granite Mtn. as seen from atop Grapevine Mtn.
Summit selfie
After a nice rest @ the summit, we headed back down more or less the same way.
Heading down the ridge
Back in the wash
Going down the 20' fall
Dane & Pamela coming down the biggest of the dry falls
Looking back @ the turn off from the PCT
Stats
Rt.
Post-hike margs:
Post-hike margs
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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