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We cross several streamlets flowing down from Hog Canyon.
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Seven swashbuckling Trailblazers start east from Broadway Trailhead on a
warm spring morning. The Lost Goldmine Trail branches off from Jacob’s
Crosscut Trail as we turn south, through a gate that marks the Superstition
Wilderness boundary.
The trail parallels the fence, taking us east to the section line and then
south to another gate.
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We’re gradually getting into a saguaro-palo verde forest,
amazingly green after the winter rains. Water is flowing freely in the
streams from Hog Canyon. We hop over the stepping stones.
Ted scouted the western part of the trail a few days ago, but assures us
that there are more flowers this time. Tall saguaros grow right up into the
slopes of the Superstition Mountains.
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The game of life: lichens on a streamside boulder.
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Lou and Chuck snap pictures in the saguaro forest.
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As we continue south from the section line there is a gradual
transition in the plant community. Saguaros begin to thin out and
scrub forest gives way to sagebrush.
Lizards scamper across the trail in front of us. The bugs are out,
so they will be well fed this season.
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Our best view is to the east. Hieroglyphic Canyon, Hog Canyon,
and the majestic Superstition Ridgeline inspire us as we walk
by natural flower gardens.
We can see why native Americans called it “the mountain with
the crooked top.” The middle part of the ridge is smooth,
but it’s quite rugged around the 5057' south peak and the
5024' north peak.
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Golden poppies grace the Superstition Ridgeline.
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Now this is the way to Cloudview. Right? |
Alas, we are approaching civilization. Ahead we can see houses, a golf
course, and Silly Mountain.
When we arrive at the gate, four of the hikers decide to turn back and
return to Broadway Trailhead the easy way.
Santara, Barry and Ted will have none of it!
It’s “Lost Goldmine or Bust” for us.
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The official Lost Goldmine Trail turns south and west.
But we are going east, so we walk “off trail” on
the street to Cloudview Trailhead.
Finally we’re on trail again. There are twists and turns as we
cross several washes on our way east. We stop for lunch on some shady
rocks, then continue east amid flower gardens, chollas, and
panoramic views of the Superstition Mountains.
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The 5057' south peak would be a tough climb from here. |
Justicia californica — Beloperone |
Turk’s Cap Hill is a major landmark on our journey. The hill is
wearing a stone cap in the fashion of Turkish headgear.
We stop to rest near a house-sized boulder that broke off the cliff
and came tumbling down the slope. Above we can see a place where
something broke away from the rock wall, and wonder whether we could
get out of the way if another one came a’tumbling.
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East of Turk’s Cap Hill is the high point of our trip. This
section of the trail is a wonderland of fantastic rock formations,
wild colors, and sweeping panoramas in every direction.
An abandoned road meets the trail. There are some oddly flat areas
nearby, covered with bright golden poppies.
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No camping. The poppies were here first. |
Do you prefer them golden, or two-toned? |
A towering cliff ahead of us on the left marks our gradual descent
as we approach the junction with the West Boulder Saddle Trail.
This popular trail is strangely missing from the official Lost
Goldmine Trail maps.
We’ve met many hikers along the way, most of them taking a
round trip from Cloudview. Ted assures us that we have only a mile
to go, but neglects to mention “as the crow files.”
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Our first snake of the season welcomes us on the home stretch
into Lost Goldmine Trailhead. Rattlesnakes can see infrared,
but this garter snake takes one look at us and slithers off
into the underbrush.
It’s 4:00 PM when we finish our hike on a warm but pleasant
spring afternoon. We couldn’t have spent a finer day hiking
in the Superstition Wilderness!
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Don’t tread on me. |
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