Arizona was unseasonably wet and cold this past winter. As luck would have it, one Pacific low-pressure system followed another. Combine that with the rains of last summer's monsoon, and guess what happened? WILDFLOWERS.
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wildflowers
We couldn’t get enough of that Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve—so much so that we returned the following weekend. The Lost Dog Wash trailhead is yet another jewel in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s crown. In addition to hiking and mountain biking, the seven-acre site’s amenities include public restrooms, shade ramadas, horse-trailer parking, and an accessible nature trail. Oh, and dogs are welcome—on a leash, of course.
Furry friend out for a hike.
Sunday, hike day, was cold and damp. Grey skies and heavy clouds lined the horizon. Yet, there was none of that familiar winter haze in the Valley—a bonus in anyone’s book.
Only the beginning.
The Lost Dog Wash Trailhead connects to over 17 miles of pristine desert. We took the counterclockwise route up Anazazi Spur to the Old Jeep Trail and then connected to the Lost Dog Wash trail.
Heading towards the saddle.
View from the ridge
From the saddle, we took a side trip to the Taliesin Overlook.
A view from the overlook
The 5.2-mile loop was somewhat rocky but moderate, with an elevation gain of about 520 feet—an ideal outing for a Sunday morning.
The wildflowers of spring will turn this hike from impressive to spectacular.
Just the beginning.
As Dave and I turn toward spring, we will miss our beloved Dota—who tragically left us in mid-February. Born on the streets of Houston, our grand dame’s travels spanned from Texas to Arizona to her favorite spot in the Canadian Rockies. Run free little one; we will always love you.
Like clockwork, Dave and I go hiking, and two days later, I’m angling about the next hike. This past week we were looking for something less arduous—one without scrambling or scree—a forest walk to Taylor Lake.
Eight days in, our first hike lay in wait, with no time like the present to tackle it.
We often share hiking stories with our neighbors, Kirstie, and Kevin. Really, the best way to know what you are getting into is to talk to someone who has done it. And recommends it. This was the case with Healy Pass in Banff National Park.
Margaret is one of my favorite people. After all, we did work together for over 20 years. We have shared more up and downs than most do in a lifetime. And, it was Margaret who told Dave and I that the wildflowers were in bloom. So last Saturday, we packed some fruit and sandwiches and headed off to the White Tanks for a group wildflower hike.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Mesquite Canyon trail.
At 30,000 acres, The White Tank Mountain Regional Park is enormous. It features several canyons and rises from the base to over 4,000 ft. The name White Tank comes from the depressions (or tanks) that hold water in the white granite rock—created from erosion and flash flooding.
A winding golden pathway
The breezes that day were cool and plentiful.
As we rounded a corner, we were greeted by green hillsides covered with purple, orange and gold. Narrow pathways were lined with poppies, giving the trail a wedding-like feel.
With the trail being six miles long, our plan was to have lunch at the midway point. Boy, were we mistaken. As we approached a trail junction, the signage indicated that we had hiked 4.5 miles and had 4.1 miles to go. Argh. Needless to say, it wasn't long thereafter that we stopped to eat. Thank goodness for chicken salad and clementines.
Margaret on the trail to who knows where.
The land of lizards.
As we worked our way back down, it got kind of quiet. All business. Suddenly, a rather LARGE lizard scrambled across the rocks close to the trail. Our energy levels were immediately heightened, albeit for only a moment. The ample sun became glaringly obvious. We were all becoming a little toasty.
Our once leisurely pace kicked up a notch. All eyes on the prize (jeep). Before too long, the parking area came into view and was met with smiles all around.
Poppies. That will make them sleep…..
Overall, it was splendid outing, full of color, adventure and surprises. Worthy of the extra mile—wait—make that three of them.