The Pinal Peak series will take you from about the middle of the
Pinal Mountain Foothills series, all the way up to one of the
several peaks within 300 feet of the main, and highest, Pinal Peak,
through the beautiful Pinal Mountain range, South of Globe, AZ.
Though not born in Globe, I spent most of my "growing up" years
there. One of my favorite things to do in the area, once I
was old enough to do so, was to drive up to the peak and talk on my
citizens band radio, to people thousands of miles away! But,
being able to talk to people so far away while on the peak was not
the only factor that made this one of my favorite things to do.
It was also the beauty and grandiosity of the drive up, as
well as the views to enjoy from the peaks!
Another favorite activity was the annual March of Dimes
Walkathon. Each year, the walk began in South Globe, at the
Globe Community Center, and routed around the base of the Pinal
Mountains, ending at the Miami High School.
Since those days, I still enjoy making this trek periodically,
just for the enjoyment of the scenery, cool mountain breeze, and
fresh scent of the mountain evergreens!
Though some are a bit more difficult than others, most of the
caches in these two series will be fairly simple finds, since my
purpose in hiding them was not to make them hard to find.
Rather, I hid these two series of caches for the sole purpose
of bringing as many people as possible to this beautiful mountain
range, and to somewhat share my memories and experiences of the
same.
The route that the "Pinal Peak" power trail takes is very curvy
and moderately bumpy. This power trail is entirely on dirt
road. The trail begins almost smack dab in the middle of the
"Pinal Mt. Foothills" series, which takes you around the base of
the mountain range.
All caches are located within 250 feet of a pullout area (some
smaller than others). However, the pullout might or might not
be on the same side of the road as the cache! So, be aware of
this. There are a lot of "blind" curves on both of these
trails, and it is very important not to park too close to them!
Besides the caches in these two series, if you combine the two
series, you will also be within 300 feet of five (5) other caches
on your trip! So, be sure to load them into your GPS prior to
making the trek! They are (in no particular order):
Please keep in mind that both of these trails are within typical
Arizona desert/mountain terrain. Be aware that many plants
and animals will bite, sting, poke, and can be dangerous, and that
the heat can be extreme, and wind on the mountain roads can be very
strong! Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, and take plenty
of water!
Cell signal is spotty along the entire length of both of these
trails. And, due to thicker vegetation in many areas,
especially along the "Pinal Peak" trail, your GPSr might jump
around quite a bit, as well.
Total elevation gain between either end of the "Foothills" trail
and the top of the "Peak" trail is approximately 4500 feet,
reaching a high elevation of approximately 7800 feet.
While the “Pinal Mt. Foothills” trail is easily
accessible, year round, by a 2-wheel drive passenger vehicle, the
upper portion of the “Pinal Peak” trail (approximately
one mile below the peak) will probably require a 4-wheel drive
vehicle during the Winter!
Effective 22 Jun 11: ANY ONLINE
LOGS WITHOUT CORRESPONDING USERNAME SIGNATURES ON THE
PHYSICAL LOGBOOK CONTAINED IN THE PHYSICAL CACHE WILL BE
DELETED!!! Since all online logs reflect the
USERNAME of the account holder, and the rules of geocaching
require that you sign the logbook with your name…..,
it is imperative that all names correspond between the physical
logbook and the online logs!
All individual cachers in groups or
“crews” must individually sign their respective
geocaching username in the physical logbook to legitimately claim
an online “Found It” log! Logbook signatures
containing abbreviations, caching group names, or “Caching
Crew”, will not be considered corresponding with individual
username logs made online.