Well this was one killer hike. You start at Second Water trail, walk for 5 miles, then start climbing through a poorly marked trail with tons of loose rock and cactus. When you get to the start of the peak you have to walk past an area with a one foot foothold and a 30 foot drop. This is where we turned back due to being at less than half of our water and not wanting to have to die. Overall, we walked about 12.7 miles thanks to a mix of way too many switchbacks, RouteScout’s terrible compass, and trails going every which way. The start of the climb pushes through thick brush. If you do this hike, do it during a colder season and bring at least 3 liters of water. If you do this during the heat, bring a least 4. For us (and for me, like Humphreys), this is likely a hike we won’t do again anytime soon. This trail would be better in a few conditions (and/or) IMO. 1. Delete the crisscrosses, cut a straight path. 2. Colder season. 3. Camp out halfway so you have time to rest.
Photos here.
