#9 Santiago Peak (with Modjeska Peak bonus)

This hike can either be relatively short and easy or a long slog depending on the vehicle you drive. The road to the Four Corners area where you can access a single track trail is up a dirt offroad trail that requires a high-clearance vehicle, preferably 4×4. I drive a Honda Accord, so I parked where the pavement ended and added around 4.5 miles each way. I walked alongside a few 4×4 drivers who gave me props for doing something so ridiculous on foot. It’s not too steep, but it’s definitely monotonous. Once I reached the single track just past the Four Corners area, the gnats were absolutely relentless. There were a few shaded areas here, but I powered through them because stopping to take a break in the shade would just invite a swarm. I’m a vegetarian but involuntarily broke my diet, if you catch my drift. Don’t make my mistake if you attempt this. Wear. A. Bug. Net. The single track eventually reached a small saddle that heads up to Modjeska Peak, which I also bagged while I was here. The trail past the saddle had clear signs of fire damage with tons of poodle-dog bushes crowding the trail. Long pants and sleeves were mandatory. A section of the trail a few minutes after the saddle was destroyed by a landslide (see in my pictures). I very carefully maneuvered through the slide area to rejoin the trail, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Eventually, the single track rejoined the road, and it was an easy walk the rest of the way to the summit of Santiago Peak. I went back the way I came and was thoroughly covered in dust by the time I reached my car. I didn’t see a single hiker all day, and overall, I wouldn’t really recommend this route for hiking. Until Holy Jim re-opens, however, this seems to be the best way to bag Santiago Peak for the Challenge. I’m glad I did it, but I probably won’t again.