Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Blue Ridge Day Hike
| when |
December 31, 2005
|
| where |
Goldfield Mountains |
| the hike |
Blue Ridge in the southern Goldfields offers outstanding views of
the mighty Superstitions, the historic gold country, and beyond.
We’ll hike a new Forest Service trail on the ridgeline, then
return on the pioneer dirt roads and horse trails through this idyllic
region. Bring your camera as we leave the trail for an optional
climb to hill 2685.
Blue Ridge is unique among the Goldfield ridges. Smooth bean-shaped
boulders as big as ferry boats adorn the top of the ridge,
providing lookout points in a landscape that seems unreal.
The Bulldog Mine, just south of Blue Ridge, was the mining
district’s second largest gold producer. It began as a ledge
of gold and gave its name to many geographic features in the area.
|
| distance |
5 miles |
| time |
3-4 hours |
| EC |
+-900' elevation change |
| elevations |
2100' (Dome Mountain Trailhead) to 2685' (hill 2685) |
| type |
loop |
| starting at |
| Dome Mountain Trailhead |
33° 28.044' N, 111° 31.812' W [NAD27]
|
|
| on trail |
90% — Blue Ridge Trail, Orohai Trail, FR 10 and FR 1356 |
| rating |
"C"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? |
no |
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Apache Junction |
| meet |
8:00 AM at
Red Mountain Park located at 7745 E. Brown Rd. in
Mesa (south side of Brown Road just east of Power Road).
Directions from the Red Mountain Freeway (Loop 202):
| • |
Exit 26 (Brown Road). |
| • |
Go west on Brown a half mile to the light at Sterling Dr. |
| • |
Turn left (south) at Sterling into the park.
Then take the first left into the Palo Brea parking lot.
|
|
| drive |
| • |
Go east on Brown Road to Idaho Road. |
| • |
Turn left and go north on Idaho Road. |
| • |
Turn right and go east on McKellips Rd. |
| • |
Turn left and go north on Wolverine Pass Rd. |
| • |
Turn right and go east on Tonto Street. |
| • |
Turn left and go north on Cactus Rd. |
| • |
Turn right and go east then northeast on McDowell Blvd. |
| • |
Park at the trailhead (road blocked). |
|