Peak 3004 - Goldfield Mountains

Peak 3004 was a challenging off-trail scramble and climb. I started from Bulldog Saddle by following a faint trail up to the eastern ridgeline. After scrambling over two false summits I reached the 3004 foot peak after 1.6 miles, and 1 hour and 11 minutes. Finally, after resting 30 minutes I descended the western slope. On the whole it was great way to spend Thanksgiving Day.

Peak 3004 is identified by the red circle.

East End Peak - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

East End Peak is 4,067 feet high, and the tallest mountain in the McDowell Range. It is located within the city of Scottsdale.

Elephant Mountain - Tonto National Forest

I hiked up to the summit of Elephant Mountian by following the ridgeline from the Elephant Mountain Loop Trail. After 3.75 miles I reached the 3,926 foot summit in 3 hours. The most difficult part of the hike was all the loose rock. As I was coming down the mountain I slipped and put my hand out on a saguaro, and that really hurt. I thought my hand was going to be impaled by 2 inch needles. Thankfully that didn't happen, and only a little blood. But there was one needle that broke off under my flesh that I need to pry out with my tweezers. After several attempts I had managed to remove it. Even after getting stabbed by cactus, it was a great day on this mountain because I was happy, and my depression was gone, and it was a day off of work from Walmart.

There are ruins of a Hohokam fortress on this mesa.

Looking back at my route.

 

My route.