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| Hiking | 11.54 Miles |
2,245 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.54 Miles | 5 Hrs 48 Mns | | 2.22 mph |
| 2,245 ft AEG | 36 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Took the loop CCW starting from Wind Babe trailhead. The trail was literally abuzz with bees and/or flies. Especially around the Palo Verde trees that were in bloom -- which was everywhere! But the critters didn't bother us so it was ok. Lots of saguaros on the legs following the fence lines heading south and then east. Nice view looking inward away from the fence. Views of houses and civilization beyond the fence.
It was a pleasant morning with a cooling breeze, and the trail was more or less level and easy walking. Once we turned north we were surrounded by pretty saguaro forest and the trail began climbing gently as we headed toward the mountains. Not a lot of people out on the trail which was nice. Finally we got to the mountain and the trail became a little steeper. Towards the top there was a shady spot and we cooled down and rested for a few minutes. Turns out we were just a few steps from the saddle.
After the saddle the train to the north of the pass felt very different. Not many saguaros along the trail, and much more brown and less green. The view from the saddle looking north was great! The trail was also easier to walk on -- not as rocky and level or slightly downhill. Saw some wild flowers and lots of lizards. I liked this section of the trail because there was wilderness in all directions (and it was an easy walk).
Eventually the trail headed south again back toward where we started. There were more people on this part as it was closer to the trailheads. Also had to dodge a couple mountain bikes.
When we got back to the start we decided to check out the Wind Cave. Legs were a little tired after the loop trail, but it's only a mile and a half so can't be too bad. And it wasn't, but now it was noon and getting warm. Rather than crawl on all fours I got out the trekking poles to make my legs take me up the hill. It really wasn't bad, but I worked up a sweat. There was a nice cool breeze which felt very refreshing in the shade of the Wind Cave. We also watched a couple of crows in an aerial dogfight with a hawk over the Wind Cave which was cool.
All in all a very enjoyable first hike on a very pretty area. |
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Wildflowers Observation None
A few patches of wildflowers north of the pass. |
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