For those who haven’t read the description for Moriarty#1 (GC50PMT), I’ll explain that I snuck out again today on the trail of my arch-nemesis, GC49EBR (AZ Views – Ponderosa), one I’d already hunted for three times with no success. And today was no different. But to ensure a fresh view of things, I crept out along Babbitt Rd, walked under I-40, around the pond and took the trailhead from there. I walked. One could do almost all of this series on a mountain bike, with some chaining up and hiking to get to some of the caches – there are two spots where crossovers occur between trails, one of which may require you to walk or ride your bike through .22 miles of level forest with no trail.
For those who haven’t read Moriarty#1, here’re some coordinates that may be of interest:
- To begin this series, I parked at N 35 11.330 W 111 37.845
- The initial trailhead begins here: N 35 11.011 W 111 37.851
Every time I hike in this area, I find myself crossing a labyrinth of trails with no map guidance and no idea where they lead. Most head toward Lake Elaine or various points along Old Walnut Canyon Rd.