The Hike to Browns Peak
This weekend I took another shot at climbing to the top of Brown’s Peak. It is the tallest of the Four Peaks with are located outside of Phoenix. It is also the highest point in Maricopa county with an elevation of 7,657 feet. If you don’t remember, I previously made an attempt at it and ended up taking the wrong trail. You can read my post about my first attempt here.
On this attempt, I made it within 100 feet of the peak but stopped because of the weather. So I am still satisfied with the outcome because I could have easily made the last 100 foot stretch on a clear day.
Anyways, Instead of opening with a explanation of the hike, I thought I would share this video I put together of the hike. I want to start doing more videos so here is the first attempt:
(If it doesn’t show up, see it on YouTube)
The Hardest Hike So Far
The hike to Humphreys Peak may have been longer and higher in elevation, but it did not compare to Browns Peak. The steep rock chute I had to climb to get to the top was unlike anything I have previously attempted. I read a lot of reviews of this hike on other websites and it made it sound much easier than it really was. So if you are planning on trying this, make sure and watch the video before you set out on your adventure.
It took around two hours to get to the false summit where we ended up stopping and another two hours to make our way back down to the car. I believe it was around 4 miles total which is still a pretty good workout.
The temperature got down into the 40’s even though we were only about 40 miles from Phoenix where it was much warmer. Add in the 50 + mph winds and it gets pretty damn cold.
And Now For the Photos
What would a story on Life of Justin be without a few photos from the adventure? Crap…that’s what. Unfortunately it was really hard to take pictures with the wind and rocks but I managed to snap a couple good ones. So check them out:
Me standing on the rock chute
Look how steep it was
A view looking down
Conclusion
It was an awesome experience and the hike was really cool and challenging at the same time. I managed to get by with a scraped up thumb and a sore ass. My girlfriend on the other hand, ended up with a decent size cut on her wrist and a black and blue knee. But hey, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger (or really sore).
It makes me wonder how I sometimes manage to do things I never would imagine myself doing. But hey, that’s what makes my life interesting (and hopefully this blog). If you want to check out the rest of my pictures, check out the Browns Peak Photo Gallery.
PS. This week should be pretty travel filled since my family is flying in to town tomorrow night.
Posted on: October 6th, 2008
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LOL…”it sounds windy”…No it sounds like the camera is gonna get flung out of your hands by the crazy wind…wow, that goes way beyond windy.
That one picture of the steepness = insane.
Congrats on conquering the peak!
Thanks! Yeah that rock wall was pretty insane alright. Especially on the way down when we couldn’t see anything due to the clouds being below us.
It sure feels good to make it up and back down safely thought : )
I’ve only been to Phoenix once since I moved to Vegas. I didn’t know that there were places like this to hike.
@ Ace
Yeah the Four Peaks are located about 60 miles northeast of Phoenix. It’s amazing how much elevation can change the climate and vegetation.
wow. that is steep. :O
Pretty windy! Looks like a nice hike / rock climbing trip.
~ Jim
It sounds like you’re caught in a wind tunnel or something, maybe a tsunami. Tsunami’s are bad-ass until they destroy stuff though.
Looks like a fun adventure. I’m scared of heights so the chances of me doing anything like this are about -10000 (that’s a negative number), I’m just a pussy when it comes to heights though.
Amazing video. I’m glad you posted it. For just a minute, I felt like I was there
Definitely looked steep
I miss the mountains. *sigh* Lived 27 years in Utah, have been in Texas and now Kentucky for the last 11.
Hey, looks like fun.. and windy of course
Thanks for great video. I wish i could be there. It looks as you had pretty good time in your rock climbing trip.
Wow…I am almost envy your life…I wish I know how to over come my acrophobia.
Climbing is a big challenge for my acrophobia! But you guys seemd to have a fun there!
I had been in long-term hikes several times, but they were boat hikes… I would love once try mountain climbing, but heights scare me a bit and I am afraid, I will start panicking… but your photos (which are absolutely beautiful) make me wish to try and battle my fear!!
wow love your photography…great shots all over!!:-)
Hey what a blog…so you take any donations?
@ King Richards
Yeah I accept them when I can. There is a donate link in my footer at the bottom of the page. Thanks!
wow! what an exciting hike. I can’t imagine doing that…besides being incapable. I’ve hiked the Peralta Trail and that tested my endurance!
Excellent post! I hiked to the top yesterday (Oct. 30th). It was my birthday goal upon turning 51!
Wow – I had no idea there was a hike like this so close to Phoenix! When I read the post I thought “I’ll have to get out there”. Then I watched the video, and thought twice. I’d love to do it someday though! Thanks for the video – that’s worth a million words. (-: