I don't know why every hike I do, my GPS says a longer distance and in this case also a larger elevation gain than any of the published distances/elevations?? Hmmm, happens on every hike. Either my gps is incorrect or apparently I make lots of detours that I don't recall lol. ANYWAY, I took the Lemmon Lookout down to Wilderness of Rocks, then took Lemmon Trl up to Meadow trail, back to the parking lot at the top. It was a lovely day and I was sad that I forgot my camera so had to make do w/ cell phone pics which did not do justice. I did find myself gasping for air (more oxygen please!!)for nearly the entire leg/climb of the Lemmon trl. I went on a Wed, so only saw one other party of hikers and that was brief. I love the solitude of being alone in the woods (:

This was the first time I had taken Wilderness of Rocks in that direction (have always explored towards the marshal saddle direction) and was a little bummed that so much of it was exposed and not deep in the pines but still was beautiful in its own way. I will say that the lemmon trail and ESPECIALLY the meadow trail, were really beautiful and gave my soul what it was looking for that day. I could have lingered in the meadow trail area, maybe come back and find a little hidden backpacking spot someday...so pretty!

All the little creeks had water, though not much more than a trickling stream. There was a scan wildflower showing, mostly the occasional penstemon and indian paintbrush. No wildlife sightings other than some chipmunks and one baby horny toad (: