The long, unbearably hot summer was on its last fiery breath. For Dave and I, the final weeks of August and early September were a test of patience and well-planned happy hours. So, when the temperature started heading downwards, we hit the road.
Viewing entries in
Arizona
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a quick getaway. Take, for example, when Dave’s brother Darrell texts and asks, “Hey, whatcha doing this weekend?” “Want to come down to Tucson?... Sure, you can bring Luci—no worries.” Dave’s response was ”ABSOLUTELY.”
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.
There are still so many places in this great state to explore. Even after 30 years, it often seems Dave and I have only touched the surface.
Take, for example, Butcher Jones Recreation Site. Known for its lovely beach—tucked within the towering canyon walls of Saguaro Lake—it is an ideal spot for picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. Unfortunately, the site can also be very crowded—a significant deterrent for most. Getting there early in the day is the key.
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.
Tom’s Thumb, located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, has always been one of our favorite hikes. However, many trails explore this vast, protected area. Gateway Loop Trail might become a new favorite.
Dave and I have had the Chiricahuas on our to-do list for as long as I can remember. Thankfully, Dave’s brother Darrell and sister-in-law Penny gave us the push we needed to make it happen. After all, how often can you visit an island in Arizona?
It was time. Two and a half years had passed since we traveled to our home away from home in the Canadian Rockies. With Covid running rampant and borders closed, everyone lived in isolation. Traveling was a risk, not an entitlement. So Dave and I (along with millions of others) buckled down and made the most of it. However, when the border opened last fall, there was no question about where we would spend our next summer.
Dave and I have stepped up our hiking regimen by hiking up North Mountain National Trail three times a week—in preparation for summer hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Short and steep, rocky yet also paved, and mercifully close to the house. From the top, we spotted Lookout Mountain, nestled behind a resort and golf course bearing the same name. That moment decided our next hike.
Pinnacle Peak Trail ranks high in everyone’s books. Locals and vacationers from nearby resorts flock to this place in droves—with good reason. It is an impeccable trail with fantastic views of the valley and surrounding McDowell Mountains.
Nestled within the Mazatzal mountains lies a lovely little hike that traverses along a rustic creek and an old ranch road to some ancient-looking water tanks. After reading about this hike in the Arizona Republic, Dave and I became intrigued. We’d driven the Beeline Highway between Mesa and Payson many times but never pulled off to discover what lay beyond it.
Sunrise in the Superstitions—hmmm, it sounds like a song title from the 70s. And to think this rugged wilderness is 45 minutes east of metro Phoenix—the Crown Jewel of Apache Junction.
We were looking for gold in a mountain town. When you live on the valley floor, it’s often difficult to gauge the right time to see fall colors. Sure, you can watch the predictions on the local news, but unless you live up north, it’s best to take a chance and go.
By September, memories of why we live here started to surface. An unexpected early taste of Fall arrived, and once again—we pulled on our hiking boots and stepped outside for some genuine morning walks.
People trample over flowers, yet only to embrace a cactus.—James Joyce
Alas, there were no wildflowers this year. The heat and drought of the past summer eliminated any chance of an appearance. Happily, the cactus did not disappoint.
The days for hiking in the Phoenix Mountains are ticking down. Summer is rearing its ugly head, and as temperatures rise, the vibrance of spring quickly fades. Geez, how depressing is that?
Our plan started simply enough—drive up to Prescott, AZ for a visit with our friend Katherine, stroll down Peavine National Recreation Trail and grab lunch. Katherine, however, had other ideas.
With a little research and patience, it is possible to hike in Sedona and avoid the influx of visitors. Enter Thunder Mountain Trailhead, part of the North Urban Trail System in Sedona. The mission that day was a Birthday mission, one which Dave, Margaret, and I chose to accept.
Ahhh, Piestewa. Climbing the second highest peak (2,610 ft) in the Phoenix Mountains takes willpower—but to many, and I mean MANY, the hike is more than worth it. After all, how many places can one summit a mountain in the middle of a city?
Timing combined with a whole lot of luck. When that happens, it’s a beautiful thing to behold. On this particular hike, I believe the experience would not have been nearly as spectacular.