Gateway Canyon to Peak 3099 - Goldfield Mountains

I began my 5.9 mile hike at 11:15 AM from the Water Users Day Use Area on the Salt River. Once I found a shallow spot to cross the river it was easy. The water depth at most was knee deep. On the other side I weaved my way along the flood plain to Gateway Canyon. It took me 20 minutes to reach the Gateway Canyon Trail. That was 0.76 miles. From there it took 1 hour and 13 minutes to ascend the canyon. That was 1.3 miles. Then after a short break I headed up to Peak 3099. There was no trail except for several rock cairns I encountered. At 2:35 PM, I reached the 3,099-foot summit. It was 0.9 miles from the canyon. Since crossing the river, it had taken me 3 hours and 10 minutes to reach the peak. After photographing the great view I headed back down. I reached the river at 4:35 PM. Then a short trek led me to the river crossing and parking lot. I reached my mini van at 5:00 PM. My hike had taken me 5 hours and 48 minutes.

 

Peak 2738 - Superstition Mountains

I began my 4.3 mile round-trip hike at 9:38 AM. I reached the first peak on the ridge after hiking 1 hour and 30 minutes. At 1.6 miles, I was at the end of this ridge and had to hike down to continue on the next ridge. Next I hiked 0.7 miles on this ridge to the 2,738-foot summit. That took me 48 minutes. It was 11:58 PM when I stood on the top of this unnamed peak. I was 2.2 miles from the trailhead, and it took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. At 12:28 PM, I began hiking back. I returned to my mini van on AZ 88 at 2:45 PM. My hike took me 5 hours and 6 minutes.

 

Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) - Mexico

I camped Sunday and Monday night at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and drove to Puerto Peñasco, on Monday morning. The afternoon temperature was 85 degrees, and the Sea of Cortez was 82 degrees. October usually brings perfect temperatures to Rocky Point.

The Sonoran Desert merges directly with the Sea of Cortez. Here arid sand dunes and volcanic rock drop straight into the warm, biodiverse, turquois waters.

Site #193

Low tide at Playa Hermosa