Dacite Mesa - Superstition Mountains

This was my second time up to Dacite Mesa, and my destination was Robber's Roost. I also wanted to hike a loop around the mesa, and explore this land of boulders and hoodoos. I started at the Carney Springs Trailhead and hiked 1.8 miles up West Boulder Canyon to the saddle. This is the steepest and hardest part of the hike. At the saddle I followed an easy trail east with minimal bushwhacking. My goal was completing a clockwise loop back to the saddle. The entire hike was 6.3 miles, and took me 7 hours and 27 minutes. I went at a leisurely pace. The elevation gain was 2,057 feet.

The Superstition Mountains are a result of intensive volcanic activity approximately 25 million years ago. They are composed of tuff, breccia, granite, and basalt. Following the end of the eruption, a caldera was pushed upwards along vertical boundary faults.

West Boulder Canyon

 

Robber's Roost

Robber's Roost

My route.

Peak 4158 - Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

This was a fun off-trail hike up Peak 4158 from the Alamo Canyon Campground. After ascending a steep gully I came out on a spectacular ridgeline with incredible views. The steady climb on the north ridge is relatively easy which leads to a class 2+ scramble up the summit block.

This was the best way for me to start the new year. I was away from my job at Walmart, and my useless anxiety and depression were nearly gone.

Looking back down at Alamo Canyon.

Looking back down at Alamo Canyon.

 

My route up the north ridge.