Mushroom Rock Trail to Sky Island - Sedona

I began my hike on the Boynton Canyon Trail at 8:21 AM. After hiking 1.7 miles in 39 minutes I arrived at the unmaintained trail going to Mushroom Rock and Sky Island. Then it was a 1 mile hike to Mushroom Rock. It took me 1 hour and 25 minutes to get there from the Boynton Canyon Trail. After a short break I continued up to the Sky Island. From there it was 0.4 miles to the far end of the Sky Island. It took me 55 minutes to get there. I was 3.1 miles from the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, and it had taken me 2 hours and 55 minutes to get there. After taking lot of photos I started my hike back down. I reached my mini van at 2:05 PM, and I was hot and exhausted. It was 94 degrees. My hike was 6.3 miles round-trip, and it took me 5 hours and 45 minutes. I also encountered a black-tailed rattlesnake.

"Sky Island" is a local term for the high, isolated sandstone finger or butte between Boynton and Long Canyons. 

Humphrey's Peak (no summit) - Coconino National Forest

I began my hike at 7:42 AM, and again, I could not make it to the summit. It took me 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach the saddle at 11,778 feet elevation. Which should take me no more than 3 hours. I finished my 7.8 mile round-trip hike at 2:16 PM, and it had taken me 6 hours and 33 minutes.

 

Kendrick Peak - Coconino National Forest

I began my hike up Kendrick Peak at 9:01 AM. It took me 2 hours and 58 minutes to reach the 10,418-foot summit. I finished my 9.2 mile round-trip hike at 2:38 PM. It took me 5 hours and 24 minutes. It was 93 degrees.

 

Humphry's Peak and Acute Mountain Sickness

My body was really struggling once I got above 11,000 feet elevation. It took me 3 hours and 32 minutes to reach the saddle at 11,787 feet. After resting for 23 minutes I began hiking again. In a short time I was again out of breath and had to stop. Beyond the saddle I frequently needed to stop. At 12,350 feet I sat down on a boulder on vomited. I was experiencing high-altitude brain hypoxia. The drop in oxygen causes the body to prioritize oxygen distribution to the brain and lungs, slowing digestion and causing nausea. 

 

Abineau / Bear Jaw Loop Trail

I began my hike at 8:16 AM. It was a 9 minute hike to the loop junction which was 0.4 miles. I started by going clockwise. I completed the loop at noon, and finished the hike at 12:12 PM. My hike was 7.4 miles, and it took me 3 hours and 56 minutes.