It’s primetime in the desert. The Phoenix metro area swells with Canadians, Midwesterners, and all those who seek solace from the frigid cold of winter. And it’s only February. So, when Dave and I decided to hike the popular Wave Cave trail, getting there early was essential.

The trail is located in the Superstition Wilderness area, in Gold Canyon, Arizona. Just about an hour’s drive from our home. Despite our early start, the trailhead parking area was almost completely full. Thankfully, we were able to squeeze in between a couple of trucks. It was breezy and cool, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Overall, most of the hike was pretty mellow. The elevation gain was gradual—filled with sunlit cholla and large stands of saguaro. We could only imagine what hiking this would be like in a month or so, when the cactus are in bloom.

Oh yeah, but then it got steep. REALLY, REALLY STEEP. The closer we got to the cave, the steeper it became. Narrow, with lots of loose rock. The sense of accomplishment felt as we scrambled to the top made it all worthwhile.

The cave was deep, sheltered and protected. A massive wave-like formation formed from thousands of years of erosion rose from the floor of the cave’s mouth. A perfect place to view the desert below or take the quintessential pipeline shot.

The wind created small dust devils just outside the cave, creating a beach-like atmosphere.

I’d have to admit, for the first quarter mile, the trip back down was a little scary. I couldn’t decide whether to stand or crawl—so I did both. The Palo Verde limbs along the trail were smooth and shiny—most likely from the grasp of every hiker that passed by. As we headed down, we crossed paths with multiple groups of hikers headed upward. I couldn’t help but think, we sure timed that hike well.