Ridges and Secret Pass 2.5

Great loop through the Black Mountains that includes two sets of high ridges, a few canyons, a few washes and ​women's underwear at the Panty Tree Stripper Pole.
This area is full of Jeep trails so there are many ways to access or leave this loop.  We chose to start as shown from Highway 68, and to return to the same spot.

Secret Pass is included in this track because many people know about Secret Pass Canyon, which is now in a wilderness area and cannot be driven.  Secret Pass itself is no more than a high spot in a mundane road.  This spur is really not worth doing unless you want to walk down the gorgeous (previous rock crawling) canyon.  

As of November, 2017 there were no signs indicating a wilderness area.  In fact, there was a sign saying that the road is not suitable for stock vehicles.  This must be left over from when it was drivable.  Many vehicles had driven up the canyon from below, but they had to drive around an obvious strong fence clearly marked as the wilderness boundary.  Please do not drive beyond this track.

Thumb Butte is one of the first landmarks on the run.  We think Digitus Medius is a better name for it.  Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls.

There is a GPS - gpx track file at the bottom of the page.
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Digitus Medius Butte
Start the tour by following a powerline up a wash, then into a small canyon and up a short, steep hill.
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Follow power line
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Short hill
You will soon come to the first set of ridges.  Nice views, even on this showery day.
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On top of the ridge
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View into the valley
The next section comes down off the ridge tops and travels through washes, canyons and rugged terrain.  A few boulders along the way.
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A few boulders
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A canyon
After passing Secret Pass spur you will climb up on the second set of ridges.  Great views in a different direction.
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Climbing up
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Mineral Park Mine in background
​Someone mounted a galvanized pole the correct diameter for a stripper pole along the trail.  It has a sign "Panty Tree Stripper Pole".

A lot of ladies have added their delicates  to the display.  In fact, one of the ladies in our group made a contribution.
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Stripper Pole Tree
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A contributor
The Stripper Pole Tree is the last attraction along the route.  Follow the track out or head south to explore more of the area.

Page updated 2017.
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