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Hike Mountain Travel

Climbing Two Peaks

View from the Peak
“Dad, you got your pictures!” Courtney said. Yes, I certainly did, and they were all that I’d hoped for. My highest compliment? Beth said “They’re great!”

When I travel I monitor my peripheral vision. When something piques my interest then I make a mental note of it. In this case, two mountain peaks in the southwest had caught my eye, scaling them was on my agenda, and now seemed like the perfect opportunity … so I climbed them! 

The first hike was to the top of Chiricahua National Monument’s Sugarloaf Mountain. The elevation change was only a few hundred feet and the distance was less than a couple of miles but it was still a challenge. Why? The sun was setting and I needed to get back to my car before it set so I made haste!

Chiricahua National Monument Fire Station

It was the lookout station atop Sugarloaf that had caught that first caught my eye. Being the highest mountain in the area, the station provided views over great distances and was visible from afar tempting weak hearts like mine. It proved all that I expected: an easy and quick ascent, a compelling peak with amazing vistas & a challenge to get back before dark. I managed.

Chiricahua National Monument Valley Sunset

A huge portion of the following day was spent in transit to my next hike. From southern Arizona I had to drive all across New Mexico to western Texas to arrive at Guadalupe National Park. Leaving at 6:00AM I drove straight though but forgetting about the time change. When I arrived at 2:00 the Rangers where hesitant to let me start the hike given its length and difficulty, given the incredible winds, and given the late hour. Thankfully I was able to talk them into allowing my passage and Im SO GLAD.

My first exposure to this hike was of pictures from the summit. I was in disbelief. Later I saw pictures of the bridge along the path. I was intrigued. Last time I was down the road at Carlsbad Caverns I made a point to stop in and talk with the Ranger about the hike. I was sold. This mountain was on my mental list in bold neon flashing colors.

Just a few facts before I share my pictures. The hike is 4.2 miles each way with an elevation change of 3,000 feet. This goes in the category of a reasonable challenge and puts it in the ballpark of my favorite hike, Old Rag, which 7.5 miles long and has a 2,600 foot elevation change. A huge difference though is that on Old Rag I climb to 3,200 feet while on Guadalupe Peak Im standing at 8,750 feet and on the highest point in the State of Texas.

Enough background … just look at the wonders visible on this hike:

 







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By TravisGood

Speaker. Maker. Writer. Traveler. Father. Husband.

MakerCon Co-Chair (MakerCon.com)
Maker City San Diego Roundtable Member
San Diego Maker Faire Producer (SDMakerFaire.org)

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