Across the Colorado River from Yuma is this low range of mountains. The southernmost one is Pasadena Mountain, my goal for the day. Other hikers on Peakbagger had indicated there is a trail that goes to the summit, but I was a bit concerned about reaching the trailhead. I didn't know how the unpaved desert roads would be, and didn't really want to get my rental car stuck.
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| Pasadena Mountain rising from the desert floor. |
I decided to just drive as far as I could up Sidewinder Road, and walk the rest of the way. The road was ok, until I found some soft sand. I turned around, giving the traction control a real workout, and parked on the west side of the road in a large, flat, well-packed dirt area. There were other cars here, and it seemed to be a popular area to use for OHV or free camping.
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| The turnout at the base of the trail is lined by these white quartz rocks. |
I thought about following the road up and then over to the trailhead, but it turns out going cross-country was just as easy, if not easier. The ground was hard packed dirt and small stones, except in washes. I made good time, crossing under a set of high voltage lines then finding the road that goes around the base of the mountain. The turnout was easy to find as it was lined by white rocks.
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| Looking south at Pilot Knob. |
The trail was reasonably well worn at the bottom, and gave me hope it would be an easy hike. My optimism was somewhat misplaced though. The trail went to the top, but in a lot of sections it was overgrown and hard to follow. Certainly not as nice as people a few years ago had it. If the trail got more foot traffic, it would go a long way to keeping it clear of grass.
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| The interior of the range. |
At the top of the hill it flattens out a bit, and I mostly lost the trail here. I found it again at the base of the final summit climb. Luckily, the terrain is open and not having a trail was not a big deal. After the last short push to the summit, I stopped to enjoy the views. Getting the radio out I discovered I had good cell service and the bands were cooperating.
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| Just north of the summit, with Pilot Knob in the distance. |
Going down was easier, both because I no longer needed to fight against gravity and because I could follow my track from the way up. However, a splinter or something worked its way into my shoe and sock and started stabbing me every few steps. It was quite painful and frustrating trying to find it in my foot. Back at the car I was just glad I didn't have to walk on the splinter any more and could go take a shower. My return, however, was delayed as I had to wait for a long freight train before I could get back to the freeway.
