Great easy trail and a wonderful escape from the Phoenix heat. There were still a few wildflowers in bloom, even in early July. Lots of cicadas, beetles, ants (a few different varieties), some fuzzy orange insects and many, many ravens.
Surprisingly short trail, with a rather abrupt endpoint just below the collapsed side of the mountain. Definitely plan time to take pictures of the rock formations, bugs, birds or other neat stuff you may encounter on this trail.
Complete side note: It was here that I dedided that the ol' trusty, rusty (literally, rust-colored at this point from the sand ) cross-trainers had seen their last hike. Although hiking was still enjoyable while wearing them, I did not like the unstable feeling of slipping and sliding around on the gravel. Longing for the sure-footedness that I was certain would come with the appropriate footwear, it was time to invest in some real, honest to goodness hiking/trail shoes which this newbie purchased the next day
Route Editor
Route Scout
) cross-trainers had seen their last hike. Although hiking was still enjoyable while wearing them, I did not like the unstable feeling of slipping and sliding around on the gravel. Longing for the sure-footedness that I was certain would come with the appropriate footwear, it was time to invest in some real, honest to goodness hiking/trail shoes which this newbie purchased the next day 
