Maverick Mountain, located south of Wolf Creek and past the small community of Groom Creek, has an elevation of almost 7300 feet. We parked by the Hassayampa River at around 5400 feet, and our goal was to sleep at the top of Maverick. All of our scouts were ready to make the climb, and the 12-14 year old scout leader was with us to see what kind of boys we had been preparing for him.
In a little over 2 miles we climbed 1900 feet of elevation. The going was a little tough at times, with thick brush and steep grades, but as usual none of the scouts were complaining or falling back - they all kept pushing onward and upward. By the time we reached the top, dusk was upon us and the light was fading, so we picked the flattest spot we could find and set up camp. The stars were bright and shining as we ate dinner, then the boys settled in and it wasn't long before the hard hike caught up with them, and the mountainside was filled with songs of snoring!
With a little struggling to keep from sliding down the mountain, we all got some rest and descended in the morning after breakfast. Going down was a bit easier, as we had chosen a new path, and waiting at the bottom for us were the cool waters of the Hassayampa River. Boys will be boys, and they dropped their packs and played in the water. Everyone wanted to take their reptile discoveries home to mom, but the leaders thought it best to just leave them at the river!
Maverick Mountain as seen from the road
Halfway there!
It's a long way to the top!
A big Alligator Juniper tree greeted us near the top of the first spur
Taking a break for a photo op
Even at 7000 feet, Arizona still provides thriving cacti
Dusk is upon us as Maverick's 2nd peak stares down at us
You can see the incline at the "flattest" spot we found to camp
In the kitchen - where's your shoes, Tanner?
Buddy teams help each other with everything, even packing up
The descent
The Hassayampa being overrun by scouts!
Treasures from the river
Ready for more action! Next up: Hiking to the pueblos of Perry Mesa in July!
Ike breaks in his new Jeep by giving it a bath!
1 comment:
Awesome blog!
Corbin will love Scouts when he gets there!
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