Driving through Florence, the Superstition Wilderness begin to fill the horizon.  There, right of center, is the high point of the Supes, Superstition Peak, today's destination.

The parking lot is ample but the Hieroglyphic trailhead is one of the more popular ones so we had to loiter briefly for a parking spot to open. The trail is crowded but 99% of the people are going to and stopping at....

....the petroglyphs of which there are many, fine examples.

Looking to the southwest, we've gained a few hundred feet, following a wide trail but everything changes as we now duck beneath an over hang and head up canyon.

A balancing rock in the distance.  How do those things stay that way?

The trail mostly stays above the canyon, on the right side but sometimes dips.....

....into the bottom where there are multiple fun obstacles to navigate.

Climbing a few walls requires the use of hands and knees.

It's a dramatic scene, enhanced by building clouds.  It rained, lightly and briefly.

Especially fun was hiking along a slope with a lot of loose shale.  Had to be very careful in here.

At last!  We close on a ridge and beyond is.....

....a fabulous scene with Weaver's Needle on the right.  Note the hill on the right that burned this summer during a major fire.

From this point, we would follow the Ridgeline Trail to the Peak.  Note the woman standing on an outcropping, to the right.

Alas, we started too late to actually reach the peak so we explored a bit and then....

...retraced our route.  I've visited the peak a few times so it didn't bother me to have to pull the plug but regretted that Amy did not experience the exciting hike to the peak.

Carefully we descend, watching for obstacles both below and at head high.  Finished with 6.3 miles and 2300' of climbing.

My first visit to the burn area via Pima Canyon.  There was no signage at the trail head warning not to venture beyond a certain distance so I was hopeful I could go the 3 miles on the trail where I could access a ravine that would lead me to Table Mountain.  Thats it, upper left in the above image.  Last time I hiked it, I thought the ravine needed a good burn as it had become densely vegetated.   

At mile 2, I came to the burn area and a sign stating the trail was closed.  A volunteer ranger  had also warned me of the trail closure during my hike.  He claimed the ask was 3-4" deep in places.  

You don't realize how rock laden is the landscape when all the brush and trees are present but once they have burned, it gives a clear impression.  I decided not to proceed farther so did not make it to the ravine leading up to Table.  

I turned back and headed instead.....

....up the ridge that leads to the Cleaver.  It was outside the burn area and good for hiking.  Looking back to the floor of Pima Canyon.  Alas....

....I was wearing shorts and did not want to push through a variety of nastiness so headed back to the trail head, finishing with about 4 miles.  Well, headed to the Super for a big hike.

Driving through Sedona, we find Schnebly Hill Road where just before the pavement ends, reach a large parking lot to hook up with the "Arizona Strong Hikers" group.  We were lucky to snag two of the ten available spots for one of the premiere hiking loops in Sedona. The sun is rising as are many hot air balloons, all up to enjoy the brilliant dawn show.

The organizer of our group, Wade, gathers us for the introductions and then we leave, promptly at the designated start time of 7am.  Of the many things I enjoy about Wade's hikes, always departing on time is high on the list.  Today's trek begins on the "Munds Wagon Trail".

To describe the hiking pace as brisk would be a gross understatement so rather than hold people up, I drifted to the back of the line to take an image or two.  Then, to close the gap I'd scamper to the end of the line.  Considering our surroundings, I'd have enjoyed a pause now and then to take more pictures BUT....since Wade will be reading this, IN NO WAY IS THIS CRITICISM!!  To get on Wade's bad side means never finding oneself getting off the "Waitlist". lol.

At trail junctions, we would always pause to regroup but all of us managed to maintain the pace, averaging over 3mph, not counting stops or rest breaks.  There are some very fit hikers, actually, better said, there are no unfit hikers in the group.  The name of the group, Arizona Strong Hikers, is apt. The trail rises modestly but is almost always rising so soon....

.....with the sun up, the scenery is brilliant.  We reach a knob or butte called the "Merry-Go-Round and decide to scramble up.

The slopes of the feature are steep but manageable and we all enjoy our time at the top.  Amy especially enjoys the scrambling and on this hike, there is plenty of it.

We resume our hike and soon, looking back, get a good look at the Merry-Go-Round.  From a distance, it's hard to believe that we scrambled, clockwise, around and up it as the slope looks impossible to manage.

Occasionally we would emerge on flat, red rock and enjoy the change while always....

....admiring the views.  Just awesome.  At about mile 7, Wade signals we....

....can take a lunch break.  A large boulder provides ample shade as we look across the valley, soaking in the scenery.  Eventually, we gear up to resume our hike but not before....

....the happy couple have an image taken with a brilliant background.  Hmmmm, I'm looking kind of paunchy:(. The hike begins anew on the....

....Hangover Trail.  The trail encircles, or nearly so, a large butte.  Note the cliffs that hang over the trail and do so for a great distance.  Soon, our effort brings us within site of our next destination....

....Elephant Arch (note the arch on the left side).  The scramble up that is great fun and once inside the arch....

....WOW.  Only 1 or 2 people can fit in it at a time so after taking my image, I slide down the other side, work my way back around and able to take an image of....

....Amy, posing inside.  Once we finish that visit, we climb down a band or two of rock and....

....hike to the other side and....

...scramble to another arch and above it, the top.  Wade and Karyn successfully having summited it.  I think I set a new personal record for amount of time "butt hiking" as several times I was more comfortable sliding then standing.  We resumed our hike.....

....the track of which is seen above.  We finished the hike with 12 miles and a little over 2000' of elevation gain.  Our reward was to drive to the nearby town of Cottonwood where....

....most of us gathered at "Colt 804 Grill" for good food, a beer by the name of "That" and shaded eating.  Left to right, Kimberly, Tom, Karyn, me, Amy and Michael.  Thanks to Wade for use of this image.

About 30 minutes from me and about 2000' higher is the small town of Oracle.  With summer highs being what they were, that additional elevation isn't enough to offset the heat.  Now, even though our temps remain unusually warm, it's a great place to start a hike and so I started on the Oracle Ridge Trail.  It is believed that a couple by the name Sara and John Lemmon, hiked this route in the 1880's to the summit of the prominent mountain.  Soon thereafter, John named the mountain in honor of his wife, thus Mount Lemmon acquired its name.

There are multiple steep ramps during the first mile and elevation is quickly gained, delivering great views

Hey!  There's the Biosphere II in the distance.

Oh gee. I stopped several times to admire the views and took many images.

Previously, there had been no trail signage but at mile 2.6 came to this one.  Ran into a group of 9 hikers who were doing a loop and had a nice chat with them.  One guy said I was brave to be out here alone.  Soon after they departed, I removed my M&P .380, as planned as the area is very remote.  It makes a nice noise maker and I have practiced enough that I probably won't shoot myself.

At times, the trail is a dirt road and other times a trail but always easy to follow.  I had a gps on my phone as a backup should I need it but I never had to reference it.  In the distance, Apache Peak.  The trail would climb much of it before going counterclockwise around it.

There was a very nice water tank that had so much water some of it was seeping down hill.  I thought that odd considering the lack of rain this year.  Would be great to have a wildlife camera here to see all that come for a drink.

Soon thereafter, I arrived at the beginning of the burn area, clearly shown in the above image.  When watching the Bighorn fire blaze from a distance, this summer, it appeared all was engulfed in flames but there are many areas that were spared, apparently there not being sufficient fuel for the fire.

Brush had been cleared in places to create a fire break.

A couple of times, forest service roads merged with the trail but to me, it was always obvious how to proceed.  

I worked my way around Apache Peak and tossed through a couple of gates, being careful to always close them behind me.  There was evidence of cattle grazing and would not want them to exploit an open gate.

I looked carefully for a cairn or something to mark a route to Apache Peak but did not find one.  Being in the burn area, I should turn around and soon did as I was not going to make it to my original destination of Rice Peak.

I was kind of mesmerized by the views and kept wanting to see what was around the next turn or rise.

The burn damage wasn't all that bad and it appears this area will quickly recover although the above image suggests otherwise.

Rice Peak in the distance but I had turned around, spitting the bit on today's destination.

Wow.  Mount Lemmon in the distance.

Another.

Note the seed pods on the above plant.  Rain, great fertilizer and seeds.  Next year it will look much different.

A long dead tree stands beside the trail has I return, finishing with 10 miles and 2400' of climbing.  Great hike, great views.  And now it's to Sedona for an epic.  More to come, soon.

I drove about an hour to the Loma Alta trail head on the western side of Saguaro East NP and at the base of the Rincons.  I was headed to the Quilter's Trail but first had to hike 2.2 miles on the LA Trail.

The trail is actually a fairly wide dirt road and mostly flat to slightly rolling.  I wanted to get in a longer hike or 2 before a truly epic next week in Sedona.  Along the way was an old windmill and a few....

....examples of some magnificent saguaros.  I was at a Home Depot and saw a couple of saguaros for sale, about 3' high....$500+.  Wow.

I reached the Quilter's Trail and turned to the east.  This begins a mostly gentle, rolling rise into the Rincon foothills.  Nothing too steep but it's a fairly long climb until at mile 5.....

....I reached the head of a ravine and decided to that was enough for today.  Had I continued I would have reached the Manning Camp Trail.  Most of the climbing to this point is in the final mile, having an average grade of 12.5%.

Nice but far from awesome views.  Typical Sonoran desert appearance.

After a brief break, I head back, finishing with 10 miles and 1400' of climbing.  Don't think I'd do this again unless there is a better way to reach the start of Quilter's.  That 2.2 miles on Loma Alta is rather boring.

My first full day back in the ghetto and so I curiously decided to hike the beast, Pusch Peak. While I did hike a couple of times in Ohio, those hikes were really mild compared to this peak.  I concluded my legs were out of shape so do a really steep hike followed by a longer one and maybe I'd be back, or not.  

The west facing Pusch Ridge provided shade almost for the entirety of my hike.  The Tortolita Mountains in the distance.

I start at the Linda Vista trail head, hike .8 of a mile to the above sign.  This section has an average grade of 15%, the balance of the hike averages 30%.  It's a knee buckler for sure.

The social trail is easy to follow in most places as it parallels the above divine, then crosses in front of the stone wall, at the top of the image.

Soon, I encounter the "wall" which is fun to scramble up.  

Views to the southwest appear as I struggle higher.  Damn, I have lost some fitness.

Higher I go and I have always found this particular view to be spectacular and distinctive.  I think this is around my 8th time to do this hike.  I get bored easily with trails so rarely do any trail more then once a year (ok, this summer I did hike in the Santa Ritas frequently because fire closed the Catalinas and Superstitions) and am glad the region has so many options.

Just before reaching the peak, I get a good look to the northeast where the fire raged this summer.

Awesome to the north.

Looking down on "The Cleaver" as it casts a shadow.  Its southeast side was consumed by the Bighorn Fire as were the areas around it.  The damage is pretty obvious.

After just over 2 miles, I've gained 2700'.  The summit register, found in an ammo box, is missing so was not able to sign in.  I suppose someone removed it thinking this peak too would be consumed but it was spared.  I bade farewell and began a descent that takes longer then the ascent, finishing with 4.3 miles.

My visit to central Ohio included hiking around the Dennison University Biological Reserve.  What a gem of acreage with some good climbs. Thanks to Ohio friend Eva, who set aside virus concerns to hike with me.  Some of the most mature Beech, Red Oak and Maple trees I have ever seen populate the BR.  After visiting family I spent many hours in 3 acres of woods I own.  I planted over 500 trees many years ago and take something akin to parental pride when I walk among them.  I split a bunch of wood, cleared brush and throughly enjoyed myself.

But, it was rather cold with overnight lows in the 40's, rain several days with lots of clouds and wind and so, I was ready to head to the southwest.  I began my drive.....

...took the southern route through Cincinnati, Memphis, Little Rock, Dallas, etc...

I think in AR or TX, I noticed a few examples of the above.  A car pulling a car pulling a car.  Passing through....

....western NM and eastern AZ, I spotted distant mountain ranges and wondered if there were trails that led to the peaks but above all else, very glad to be back in Arizona.  What a hot summer where the average number of days above 100 is 62 but this year, well over 100 days. The first 4 days of October, the high has been 13 degrees above normal and still hitting 100.  But 100 degrees, in our low humidity, isn't bad.  Well, sorry for my absence but lots of hikes coming up.

Below Pusch Peak is the nice, 2.5 mile, Linda Vista Loop hike.  It was closed for quite awhile even though it was unaffected by the Bighorn Fire.  However, the area was involved in the fire fighting effort.  Fire fighters cleared a small portion that borders the trail.

While one can see the brush dragged to the west side of the trail and the absence of mesquite and other trees on the right, mountain facing side, it's not real obvious so the area seems about the same.  Then my followers, I had a flight scheduled to Ohio for Friday, began pondering and decided to....

....drive again!  WTF is wrong with me but I wanted to take my back-up bike to Ohio to have it tuned up, take my golf clubs so I could play golf with my son, etc...  Above, I pass through turbines in TX as the sun rises.  A little later I....

....stopped at a gas station where I met a guy who was doing a grand circle around Texas.  He was riding a Salsa gravel bike.  I forget the distance but quite impressive.  And not soon thereafter....

....I entered the great land of the Buckeyes.  "Fear not my wonderful followers.  I will be here but a few days to cut down dead trees, visit my 100 year old mother, visit other family, play golf with my son, participate in the wondrous Thursday New Albany Cycling Club group ride (where last week the "Rivet" group averaged 25.7mph) and shiver as the temps drop.  Back soon!

A fun weekend of hiking and cycling with the Amster.  After taking the pic of Bill at the start of his 250th trip up Mount Wrightson, Amy and I headed to Roger's Rock, a first for her.  She challenged me to do a handstand but I declined and then she showed me how it is done.  That will take a looottta practice for me to do.  Then a 30 mile ride on Saturday and.....

....then we headed to Sanctuary Cove to hike to the top of Sombrero Peak, also known as Safford Peak.  This too was Amy's first visit and I always enjoy taking first timers on hikes to a variety of destinations so off we go.

A first climb brings us to a short rolling section where we find a very nice hiking stick.  Later, we encounter a couple who did not make it to the peak but told us they lost a hiking stick.  We assured them the stick was just a ways down trail.

It was rather windy today and as each of us attempted to pose, it was hard to stand upright.

After another steep climb, we hike along a quality grove of saguaros.  The peak....

....comes closer.  Actually, I put this image out of order as it should have been placed sooner in the order but who will notice???

The views are grand of the surrounding Tucson Mountains.  After the 2nd significant climb, we go clockwise around the mountain until reaching....

.....the final climb.  A hiking pole will only get in the way so we stash it and excess weight and begin the fun climb up where we.....

....encounter the rock bridge that is much narrower than shown and a fall would be injurious so Amy scoots across the bridge which has decent exposure. Soon thereafter we....

....make it to the peak where there is ample space to roam around, sign the register in a ammo box and grab a snack and drink before heading back down.  The distance of our hike is only 3.5 miles and 1600' of climbing but very fun.

A hiking friend of mine, Bill B., hiked to the top of Mount Wrightson for the first time in 2005.  Since then, he has hiked it 448 other times and today, organized a group to accompany him for the 250th time.  For perspective, Wrightson is a hike of 11+ miles and 4000+ feet of elevation gain.  During those hikes, he encountered 20 bears but modestly tells us all that he knows a married couple who have done the same hike 500 times.  Well done sir!

Amy and I park at a small park in Ram's Pass subdivision.  It provides better access to the wilderness below Bighorn and Table Mountains rather than Catalina State Park.  We hike up a graded road with our goal being the ridge between Bighorn and Table in the distance.

We reach state land and the signs that warned of jail and/or fines for trespassing, now gone.  After about 2 miles of hiking.....

....we reach the Bighorn Fire burn area.  A pipe that used to deliver water to a large tank was destroyed by the fire (that's residue from the prior pipe alongside the new, blue pipe) but someone has laid a new pipe.  Now it just needs rain.

The fire damage is extensive yet there are.....

....signs like this burned Barrel Cactus, that some of the plants will survive.  While the needles have mostly burned off this cactus. the flowers are promising.

We followed a trail for awhile but it was leading us too far to the north so we went off trail.  Normally, this would be heavy bushwhacking but the hiking is easy.  In places, the amount of ash....

....is kind of deep with so much brush burned.  Of course....

....there is no avoiding the branches that are still standing but burned, which leaves black marks on our clothes.

In the middle, a saguaro is definitely dead but the mesquite tree in the distance has leaves wilted from the heat but maybe it will survive.

We close on our destination.  While much of the ridge is blocked by vertical walls, there is a "Y" that appears hikable. I thought these choke points would have burned but at this closer look, still chocked with plants.  Likely impenetrable so while Amy was more then willing to continue, I thought it a waste of time so convinced her to turn around.

We walked in areas that previously would have been largely impossible to visit.  The amount of large boulders which are normally hidden by the brush, is impressive.

During our off trail hike down, we found where the pipe originates.  It is set in cement in a small recess where water collects during rain.  Curious if water was in the tank we reached it.....

....but it was dry.  Amy, aka Axl Rose, poses in front.  We finished with a little less then 7 miles and 1500' of climbing.

The numerous west coast wildfires have contributed smoke to our area of paradise, providing some unusual looking sunsets and sunrises.  I signed up for a group hike originating in the Santa Rita Mountains at Madera Canyon.  It's about an hour's drive but I arranged to carpool with Amy so we arrived at the trailhead together.

Most areas of the Catalinas are now open after the Bighorn Fire so I don't plan to drive to the Santa Ritas very often.  But, this looked like a good group hike with a fun bunch of people and we were not disappointed.  We hiked the 12% average grade of the Old Baldy trail to.....

....Josephine Sadle.  Someone left a hat hanging for unknown reasons on the sign.  Usually, from this saddle I break to the left and continue on to Mount Wrightson or right to other destinations but today.....

....the 7 of us continued straight on Josephine Canyon trail, a first for me.  Actually, in the many times I have been at Josephine Saddle, I'm not sure I ever noticed this trail.  Above, Mount Wrightson beckons but not today.

We follow the trail steadily down through a pine forest having a.....

....thick covering of pine needles as the Ponderosa Pines were plentiful in this south facing canyon.

We passed this oddly shaped tree along with.....

......many huge Alligator Junipers.  I don't think I have seen so many fine examples as our group leader, Lorna, poses in front of one to give a perspective on the tree's size.

We stopped short of our planned turnaround point due to some of us having later commitments and finding this abandoned structure as a good spot for a break.  It would be fun to take on a project of rebuilding the structure.  Certainly all the rocks are still present but the....

...timbers would need replaced.  In this lush environment, that wouldn't be a problem.  We finished with 9 miles and 1900' of climbing.  Good hike with good people.

Well, since I did not make it to the destination, this isn't all that of an interesting report.  Yes, parked at Madera Canyon to escape the heat and as always, walking in a pine forest is a fun experience when you live in an area that some of my midwest friends think is mostly sand dunes.  I'm not sure how I screwed this hike up.

I got on the Pipeline Trail which is not on any maps but easy to follow and once again I.....

....breezed by Roger's Rock and it's great views but I was going much higher.

The trail above Roger's Rock follows a ridge and is fairly steep before arriving at the Springs Trail where I made a left....that was a mistake but I was following a gps route so....what happened?  The trail descended and I followed it for about 1/4 mile before concluding it could not possibly end up going to a saddle.

The trail was easy to follow and crossed a rock fall.  Finally, I turned around and headed back.  I reached the trail where I hung the left and continued, now ascending but....

...didn't have the fluids to continue and needed to do some more research. Good news, the temperatures are finally going to moderate and the Catalinas have reopened after the Bighorn Fire.

Just so you don't think I am a 2 trick pony, I began playing golf after maybe a 15 year hiatus.  During that time, I would play 1-2 times a year just to stay familiar and each time I played I played not well but not terrible (I had a 2 handicap when I played which is pretty good).   I actually even won a county amateur event in Ohio...how bout that?!  I'm not trying to get good, just needed something on days I am recovering from a hard hike or bike ride (doing a lot of the former, little of the latter).
I began practicing a little but overdid things and some seldom used muscles rebelled so had to take things slow.  I also noticed the golf muscles have atrophied so the distance I hit a ball is really pretty sad.  I stayed with it, began playing 9 holes then 18 so am playing 1-2 times a week.  I'm very competitive but am relieved I am no longer the club throwing, cursing maniac I once was...ok, I didn't throw clubs but I would get so angry with myself back in the day.  My expectations are so low now that I almost smile when I hit a ball in the pond or out of bounds.  
Golf has changed a bit since last I played seriously.  Some people have music playing from their golf carts which is weird.  Lot of people use a golf ball brand purchased from Costco called Kirkland?  The pace of play seems faster and am getting around in 4 hours but when the snow birds return that may change.  I get a big kick out of listening to playing partners give me advice on golf equipment.  Eventually they ask what I did/do for a living and when I tell them I used to travel the world giving 5 hour seminars on golf club design, lectured in front of PGA tour pros at the Honda Classic and spent a lot of time in Taiwan and China at golf foundries, well, they stop telling me what they know about golf clubs.  My Ohio State club cover gets a reaction so that too is fun.  Well, way too much about my background, on to hiking.

Here I am yet again, in the parking area on the west side of Gates Pass.  Goldengate Mountain is on my right but the yet unsummited Bren Peak on the left.  I've poked around it a couple of times, found the ascent route so....

......hike in the shade via the Yetman Trail to a saddle and then take a.....

....wide social trail to the left.  The trail quickly narrows but is never difficult to follow as it traverses the mountain clockwise.  Below me I see a.....

....recently fallen saguaro.  That is at least 150 years old and too bad it collapsed.

The trail takes me far above Gates Pass and the steep climb of the road is not obvious.  I continue the hike until I reach the 6 o'clock position having started at 12 o'clock where I find....

....some cairns that lead me up a.....

....ridge.  Several times I think I am about to reach the peak but they are false until....

....I see the peak.  The trail dips down and climbs until I reach.....

....the summit of Bren Mountain.  Finally. Across the way I see Goldengate Mountain.  That's a good climb too.

Looking back, I see Big Cat Mountain and several smaller peaks that make up a portion of the Tucson Mountains.  I begin the return and soon spot....

....a very small turtle.  Maybe a baby desert tortoise, not sure.  I finish with 4.5 miles and 900' of climbing so not all that difficult but the off trail hiking to the peak takes quite a bit of time.  The heat wave continues with several daily, record highs but the end of summer is at hand.  More to come.

A cool morning as we arrive at the South Rim and begin a 2 mile descent of the Bright Angel Trail.  In the foreground, our destination, the Battleship.  We pass....

...a warning sign that is far more graphic then previous ones I've seen here.  It's an ongoing problem of people starting the hike down, it's easy but then you have to turn around and the return is not so easy.We met

We are stopped by a ranger who asks if we understand the dangers of hiking in the GC and to warn us they are short staffed so a rescue could take some time.  I assured her we would be fine. Down we go, below the 1.5 mile rest house and then go.....

....of trail.  There is sometimes a faint path, sometimes cairns to mark the way.  I frequently lose the route and we are forced to bushwhack around, looking for....

....the cairns.  I got us high on the slope and we pass.....

....immediately below a giant band of red rock.  Even though I was following a route, I was too high as the saddle below Battleship came into view so I did a course correction and we....

....reached the aforementioned saddle.  The route up the Battleship goes counterclockwise to the far side.  I wanted to get Amy up to the chimney where in February I was forced to turn around as the view from there is spectacular but.....

....we decided with rain forecast to roll in soon, we'd make this our turnaround.  The views up and down canyon were terrific.

Rather than return on the tortuous route on which we arrived, I found a lower route and we made much better time, reaching Bright Angel and then ascending to the Rim.  We finished with 7.7 miles and 2200' of climbing.

The following morning, we took St. Rt. 180 to Flagstaff, different from how we arrived, where we had to slow for a cow, standing in the road.  Back to Oro Valley where we enjoyed a couple of days of normal temps before another few days of unseasonal temps arrive but it looks like that is summer's last gasp of record heat.

I've visited the Grand Canyon many times and am always struck by the lack of evidence that just around a corner is one of the natural wonders of the world.  My first visit, I rounded a corner, looked to the right and my jaw dropped.  So....

....magnificent as Amy's dog Jack, seemed to enjoy the view too.  We wanted to escape the heat of southern AZ so a 5 hour drive brought us to the South Rim.  No pressure to leave early for an outdoor activity so after visiting the Canyon via car, we returned to our hotel where....

...wild horses were milling around.  We got on our bikes and departed Tusayan, a town a mere 5 miles from the South Rim.  Reaching the South Rim, we headed west towards Hermit's Rest.

The road is closed to all traffic and with the buses not running until September 1, we had the road to ourselves except for a couple other cyclists.  Several spots provide views of the Colorado River, including some of the rapids.  

I wore my Ohio State jersey, expecting that to garner a few "Go Buckeyes" from the crowd except there wasn't a crowd.  It was almost eerie how few people were at the Canyon. This has to be at least my 20th time here and never have I seen so few people.  The buses that disgorge hundreds of people each day are absent too.  

It was fun to stop and view from afar some of the trails I have hiked.  The main east/west Tonto Trail was visible from many places along with the South Kaibab, Bright Angel and Hermit's Trails.  Our ride was much hillier then I anticipated as at mile 16 we reached Hermit's Rest with 870' of elevation gain.  Everything was closed but we were able to refill our water bottles prior to returning.  Reaching the area where El Tovar Lodge and Bright Angel Lodge are located we......

....paused to take an image of one of the mules.  The mule trains are not running as frequently or with as many riders as normal.  The bike rental business normally has 28 employees but only 8 are needed to meet the current demand.  As we coasted down St. Rt. 89 we saw yellow tape across the road and....

....reaching the scene saw a single engine plane had crashed.  The pilot had run out of gas about 1/2 mile from the airport, attempted to land on the road, wing clipped a pole, turned the plane upside down and bam.  The cabin appeared to be crushed yet the pilot survived.  We finished with 36 miles and 1750' of climbing.  Now comes the hike.

I had long heard about a hike to Roger's Rock but never visited it so had no idea what to expect.  A worthwhile destination as it turns out.  Much of the route is off the official trails but the route to the Rock is well defined and easy to follow.  I start on the Super Trail and less then half a mile, see a trail breaking left at the above fallen log.

Now I'm on what locals call the Pipeline Trail.  It has a few steep ramps but mostly contours around a mountain and generally is a fun, rolling trail to follow.  Along the way there are.....

....many fine views.  The trail is above the very steep, Kent Springs Trail and eventually......

....skirts it but I bear right and head up a boulder strewn ravine.  The trail remains easy to follow although without knowing to go up the ravine, it would be easy to continue on the Kent Springs Trail.

The hillsides are covered with pine needles.  Such a different environment from what is a couple thousand feet below me.  My hike started at 5400' elevation so the temperature difference is significant.

After perhaps 1.5 miles from the parking lot at the top of Madera Canyon, I reach this tree with an oddly shaped trunk.  Here, a spur trail breaks left and it too is obvious.

So far, I've not seen any significant rock but rounding a corner, this has to be it.  There are several options for climbing around and above it on the right.  Reaching the back of the rock I am greeted with....

....a beautiful opening onto Roger's Rock.  Don't ask.  I have no idea the origination of the name.

The top of the Rock is relatively flat and expansive.  Some good rock seats are available right at the edge.

California wild fires are having an impact on the views as smoke drifts to the east and fills our sky.

There is a really good example of a hedgehog growing on the Rock.  The Rock was not my final destination.  I read that a trail continues above it and in 2 miles, reaches Shovel Saddle.  It was not my intent to go all the way, just scout the route so I continue up a ridge.

A lizard appears to be giving me the evil eye.

Surprisingly, the unofficial trail is easy to follow although brush is encroaching a bit.

Seeing that the route is much easier to follow then I thought, relieved, I turn around.

When I reached the Pipeline Trail, I spotted a Border Patrol Agent, my 3rd encounter in the last week. I've enjoyed talking to each of them and their perspective.  One thing has puzzled me though; I always assumed the drug runners and other border crossers used the network of washes to move through the area.  I asked this guy about that and he said partly it was the availability of springs for drinking water but mainly, if a group is spotted (in this case there were 15 some where in this wilderness), it takes the agents hours to respond, gear up and hike.  By that time, the group can be long gone.  Finished with 5.2 miles and 1500' of climbing.  Well, headed north to the Grand Canyon and much cooler temps.  Will report back soon.

You can't say you have not been warned as we.....

......descend into Tanque Verde Canyon.  We head up the canyon which is littered with enormous boulders that are great fun to climb over, around and under.

One giant boulder has a message, warning we are entering an area where nudists sunbathe.  Way too early for that crowd as we.....

....plot a careful route.  Don't want to have to call 911.  The monsoon has been disappointing again this year so rather than enjoy the flow of water....

....it's very dry.  The absence of water opens up alternatives so when we approach....

....this wall which usually has a healthy flow of water.....

.....we are able to climb up the throat.  Pretty steep but enough hand holds that Amy and I are able to reach the top.

At the nudist's beach, we spot a sign that offers recovered items for free.  We reverse course and go down canyon, passing the point where we entered the canyon as we see how close we can get to.....

....the head of the "big" falls.  This is about a 70' drop into a pool and supposedly there is a way down.  I poke around as Amy.....

....watches from a safe shelf.  I did see a rope which would provide access to a lower level but that looked very sketchy so we turned around and headed out of the canyon.  Finished with a very fun, 2 mile hike.  It's about the obstacles rather than the distance of course.

The west is baking from AZ to the Canadian border.  Daytime highs are 10 degrees above normal so most days are 107ish.  It's a cliche but a day out here in the upper 90s is rather pleasant but dang, 107....big diff so off I drive prior to the rise of the sun towards the higher elevation of Madera Canyon and the Santa Ritas.  

It's a nice low 70s start as I gear up while a flock or gaggle of turkeys pecks at an unseen food source.  I have parked at the Ampitheatre parking area, cross Madera Canyon Road and begin a nice loop hike, first on the Bog Springs Trail.

The size of boulders, long fallen from surrounding cliffs, are huge.  Even at this higher elevation, maybe 5500', there are still some....

....pointy cactus like plants but the saguaros are at much lower elevations.  I get on the Kent Springs Trail and began a really steep slog first to....

....Sylvester Springs.  Some of the ramps are at least 35% and the final .25 miles, averages 30%.  However....

....the forested slopes and I enjoy a nice, cooling breeze as it travels down mountain.

I hate that an image rarely shows the steepness of the trail but anyway, the trail is wide with ferns prevalent as I continue the grind before.....

....at about 2.5 miles, reach Kent Springs.  It is a nice spot with a mature forest providing plenty of shade.  

My early start, about 6:30am, kept me in the shade for almost the duration of the hike although the sun was closing on my slope.

In the distance, Mount Wrightson.  Didn't seem too far away and of course it isn't.  Some people were attacked by a goat up there a couple of weeks ago and so it was put down.  Hikers retreated from it down trail but it kept pursuing them, bumping or ramming into them so and this activity continued over several days.  Too bad.

Beautiful as a Manzanita's red branches are highlighted by the sun.  Once I reached Kent Springs, the climbing was mostly over, thank goodness.  I continued until reaching my 3rd.....

....Spring, Bog Springs.  I continued, finishing with 6 miles and 1700' of climbing.  Reaching my car, I noted the temperature was a still, relatively, cool 85 and then watched the temperature rise as I headed into the lower elevation.  The heat won't last much longer and as I run into others from the midwest, a summer here is far more livable then a winter, there.  Having said that though, next summer, I'm plotting a cooler, alternative.

I entered Saguaro East National Park and drove to the Tanque Verde Ridge trail head.  Parking was tight but I was able to squeeze into a last spot.  I had signed up to join a group hike but never got off the waitlist.  I shoved off at 6:45am, 15 minutes after the group departed. 

The group had planned to hike about 2 miles up trail and I thought 3 was about right given the forecast high of 108.  The trail descends for a short distance prior to climbing but not too steeply.  The average grade of the distance we hiked was 11%.  In the distance is the 8 mile drive that loops through the park.

The main group had gotten separated with some choosing to turnaround prior to the completion of their planned ascent.  I reached the front of the group, which was down to 3 people, paused, regrouped with a couple others and on we went.  I was told of a granite dome that was a neat destination  and could see it in the distance.

Reaching a saddle at mile 2.6, we went off trail although there is a fairly obvious social trail that is followed.  The final hundred yards is fun, scrambling up the dome.  In the distance, members of my new group are about to join me.

Good views all around.

The dome is fairly large so I....

....walked to a lower portion and scouted around.  Looking back my group too is admiring the views.

I regain the summit and just then, discovered a fluid issue.  I brought 3 bottles but drank from one during the drive.  At the summit, I emptied the 2nd and reaching in my pack, withdrew the 3rd bottle, half full.....IDIOT!  I excused myself rom the group and scurried down the trail, rationing the water.  

Not much danger of not making it of course but I was very thirsty when I reached my car.  I stopped at the visitor center and had a nice, cold drink from the fountain.  Finished with 6 miles and 1600' of climbing.  

Catalina State Park opened last week (post Bighorn Fire which burned 119,000 acres) and when first we enter, park, all appears normal but of course, how could it be given what has occurred.  So, no surprise.....

.....we park at the end of the drive, walk a few feet to a wash and see the above.  It's impossible to know how much of the plant life will survive.  Time of course, will tell.

It appears the wash was one backstop and when that failed, crews pitched in to limit the burn to the main trail.  

As sad as this is, I spoke to many volunteers from various states who had been brought in to assist the fire fighting effort and they all saw the burn as a good thing.  It had been about 100 years since the area had last burned.  Lot of good fertilizer on the ground and already, many shoots of new growth are apparent.

The surrounding hills, stripped of vegetation, seem ripe for rock fall if we get a good rain during this 2nd consecutive monsoon season of little rain.

Many hikers were on the trails within the park, including this dog wearing glasses.  My timing could not have been better, capturing the tongue out.

Nothing green in this image and a nearby Saguaro....

....made us wonder if it would survive.  I have no idea how quickly the fire moved through or how much it lingered, burning fuel while the Saguaros suffered.

The biggest disappointment is when reaching state trust land, trails are closed at least thru October.  Frankly the justification for closing some of these trails is really weak....really, really weak.

The early morning views are so awesome as I arrive on the west side of Gates Pass at the Yetman trail head.  From the parking lot, I can see Goldengate Mountain to my right and to my left is the little known Bern Mountain.  I've read a couple of hiking reports and there are a few different approaches.  I follow Yetman to a point where I see the above view.  I've reached one access point from a gps track I have but see 0 evidence anyone has ever tread so I turn and follow a.....

.... trail that is well worn but not on the park's maps.  It goes clockwise around Bern and gives nice views of Gates Pass Road and the distant Bushmaster Peak.

I approach a saddle and soon am in an area of the Tucson Mountains I have not previously visited.  The trail mostly climbs and when reaching another saddle, I hear a noise to my left and...

....see a couple of deer bounding away.  I continue to look for a way up and see a couple but don't see any cairns and have no interest in pioneering a new route in today's heat.

I started the hike in roughly the 6 o'clock position and now at about the 12 o'clock position, see a cairn and begin heading up.  It's getting too late so I turn around but now know the access point.  The trail I have been following continues but not certain where/if it emerges on a known trail (it does I learned later), turn around.

Retracing my route, I see the serpentine Gates Pass Road and as I continue my descent I....

....see a black tail rattlesnake cross the trail a few feet in front of me.  I suppose it is returning from its morning hunt and pays me no attention as it slithers into its den.  Finished with under 4 miles so not a difficult hike but will be back to finish the trek to the peak.