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| On the way to Emory Peak, looking back at Casa Grande. |
52. Emory Peak: Another cold night and brilliant moon at Big Bend was
followed by a perfectly sunny day that warmed half way into morning. I’d
decided to head out early to make the 12.6-mile loop out to the South Rim, one
of the park’s classic hikes. I would also add the 3.2-mile side trip up Emory
Peak, the highest in the park, plus some minor off-trail wandering to total 16
miles and about 3,200 feet of elevation gain. I hiked in via Pinnacles and Boot
Canyon Trails and returned via the Laguna Meadow Trail. Half way up to the
saddle, I passed a heavyset fellow who looked much younger than I and who seemed
to be huffing more than he was puffing. I bid him well, quietly hoping his
heart would hold out long enough to enjoy the promised views ahead.
The first half of the loop is a splendid trek through
gorgeous terrain past a large rock tower shaped like a cowboy boot (it had to
be in Texas) to a million dollar view of Mexico from the rim. I could have sat
and stared for hours. The sidetrip to Emory was also exceptional. The exposed summit
rocks were exciting enough (class 2-3) and well worth the extra push, even if a
radio transmitter and solar PV panel kinda mucked things up at the apex. On the
way down from the peak, I passed my hefty friend, still truckin’ and aiming for
the summit. He confided with a smile that “Climbing Emory was probably the last
thing a 320-pound man should doing on his vacation.” As far as I know, he made
it too, since he was getting pretty darned close at that point. I made a good
trek myself that day, but I think I was outdone by the big guy.
Miles (RT): 16.0
miles; elevation gain: 3,200 feet
Cumulative mileage and gain:
250.4 miles / 64,850 feet
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| Zoomed shot back to camp. |
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| Emory's summit scramble. |
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| The boot. |
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