Left the West end trailhead at 7:45 am, went in 5 miles (about halfway between Javalina and Virgus Canyons) and turned around with the goal of getting out around noon before the temperature got above 100°.

It was in the mid 80's when we started and was up to 102 as we left the stream a few minutes after noon.

Even in July, most of the 30 west-end permits are being used on weekends. The drive from Tempe takes about 2:15.