A misty morning find’s HC contemplating today’s adventure. As the clouds swirl around the red rock mountain tops, he first attempts to drive down the muddy dirt road to find the Temple of the Sun and Moon. He soon realizes that he if keeps going, his car will most likely become stuck, leading to him…
Tag: hiking
Jewel of the Creek
HC sees just one picture online of some mighty Saguaro’s along what seems to be a fairly easy hike in North Phoenix. Cave Creek to be more precise. Winter is here in the Valley which means it is time to explore again. He rises early and heads to the Dragonfly trailhead in the Jewel of…
Into the Backcountry of Yosemite
Final day in Yosemite, and HC wants to try a hike into the backcountry. Early morning driving to a remote section, he finds the start of a trail which he thinks is called Table Top. The open meadow before him shines in morning light. Heightened awareness fills his headspace as he gets going along the…
more of Bryce Canyon hiking after a snowstorm, part 2
The twinkling of snow on a bare branch. A bird rests, then flutters away, and a smattering of snow falls to the ground. I listen intently to the silence. Fire in my lungs, spasms up and down the legs. Out here is where I need to lay down, rest, forever. I keep on walking until…
Bryce Canyon hiking after a winter snow storm (part 1)
Most of my life thus far has been all about luck. Something that initially seemed to ruin a plan or situation turns out to have been just what needed to happen for something truly amazing to follow suit. That is probably the best way to explain it. Take how a rain storm that last all…
Lick Wash
Out in the wild and expansive Grande Escalante National Monument, along a single dirt road, starting outside Kanab, Utah. I’m looking for a particular slot canyon to explore but if I find some just as interesting I can easily change my plans. This is how I stumbled upon a lone sign for the Lick Wash…
The LaVerkin Trail
For as many times that I’ve been to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, I had never entered the Kolob Canyons backside of the park. The lesser known entrance is quite far from the main entrance. On my annual drive to see family for Thanksgiving in 2024, I decided to try hiking from this side…
Butcher Jones
After so many years now, it’s nice that one can still find new hiking trails here in Arizona that blow me away with the beautiful scenery along the way. This was the case with the Butcher Jones trail that winds along the backside of Saguaro Lake. I took work off on a Monday, which was…
Dragoon
Along the I-10, between Tucson and the New Mexico border is a unique formation of boulders called Dragoon. Over the years I’ve passed this place while going to other destinations, but on the first weekend of November decided to explore this area with CBug. We started from our stay at the Triangle T ranch, and…
Ryan Mountain
It has now been eight consecutive years that I have been returning to Joshua Tree. The magic of the area has not diminished, only my energy has decreased. I now try to just do one hike in the Park, with Ryan Mountain being what I selected this time around. High clouds and cool Fall temperatures…
Crown King
Over twenty plus years have I driven past the exit sign for Crown King without giving it much thought, as there is nothing in the surrounding area but a vast desert with mountains in the distance. Recently I learned that there actually is an unincorporated community that lives in the mountains, if one is willing…
Chiricahua National Monument
2010 was the last time I was in Chiricahua, and it wasn’t pleasant. I had major health issues, and I ran into my first snake on the trail, which only added to my anxiety and stress. I knew that my return this time around would be more meaningful, carefree and adventurous. At least I hoped…