Bushcamp to Manning Camp
30.9 miles
Mile 139.9
I set out around 6:00 AM, just as the sun rose above the desert valley.
This tunnel was pretty sweet…
An hour later I reached the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, where I found a solid stash of water.
From there I followed the trail down into a wash beneath a railroad.
When I stopped at the La Selvilla Picnic Area, near Colossal Cave Mountain Park, to grab some water I met Jericho and Puns, a thru hiking couple from Virginia. I hung out with them for a good thirty minutes before pushing on.
The next 10 miles or so were through rather boring flat desert. It’s an area popular with mountain bikers, but the hiking isn’t great.
Just before I entered Saguaro National Park, I took some time to bath in a creek. Somehow I ended up smelling even worse after…
The 5000 ft climb up Mica Mountain wasn’t too bad thanks to gentle switchbacks, but the endless stairs made me feel like I was on a stair master.
As I reached 8000 ft in elevation lingering snow patched began to show. Fortunately, the area around Manning Camp was dry, so that’s where I made camp.
Cheers!