Four Springs to Baldy Saddle (advanced!)

This is a great and challenging hike through several micro climates in the Santa Ritas. I like to do it a few times a year to see the changes of season. It's a stiff 12 mile hike with something over 4000' elevation gain. Further, I would like to keep a good pace, about 2mph moving average - which is quite brisk on steep trails. Meet at the Starbucks in the mall at I19 and Irvington - click on the link above for a map. Briefly: I19 South, Irvington exit, turn West (right) on Irvington, then first left at the light into the mall. Turn right across from the gas stationand you'll find the Starbucks down and on the right. NOTE! We will *depart* at 6:30am, please arrive early so that we can work out carpooling, get coffee and/or use bathrooms as needed. We'll carpool from Starbucks to the Roundup parking lot at the very end of Madera Canyon road, about a 45min drive. If you'd prefer to meet us at the Super trail head, just let me know so we don't wait for you at Starbucks This is a great climb through varied terrain and micro-climates in Madera Canyon. We'll start from the lower end of the Roundup parking area, and hike about half a mile up Supertrail. Turn at an unmarked junction onto an equally unmarked trail known as either Pipeline or Waterline, which climbs up and over the ridge, then down to meet Kent Springs trail. From there we take an unnamed trail that climbs up Fern Canyon through aspen and sycamore to another junction where we turn left and hike up to Rogers Rock. After a break at the Rock we continue steeply up the hill to Four Springs trail, then all the way up to Shovel Saddle, then continue to Florida saddle and pick up Crest Trail to Baldy saddle. From there it's a steep descent down Old Baldy trail to the parking area. Bring plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, poles if you use them, and food - calories will be needed! Also, remember that there are significant changes of elevation and exposure on this hike, so be prepared for heat, cool, wind, undergrowth, and probably some route finding as parts of the route get overgrown and hard to follow. Also note that this is quite a long hike, 7-8 hours on the trail. Finally, please remember the RSVP etiquette: - sign up only if you really intend to come - if you need to cancel, do so as early as possible - don't worry if you're stuck on the wait list, you'll likely get on. Please don't be a no-show; it forces us to wait unnecessarily, and might prevent someone on the waitlist from coming. If you change your mind, even at the last minute, please update your rsvp. If you're running late to the meeting point, call me on my cell: 520 423 7559. But please make every effort to arrive a few minutes early, so we can leave on time. I will be at the meeting point about 15min early.