Cardiac Gap Hike

I parked in the Sabino Canyon overflow lot to begin the hike.  I think this a much better route into the interior of Sabino Canyon rather than start from the main parking lot.  That slog up the paved road is kinda boring.  This route puts one on the trail immediately.

Great views of Thimble Peak and Blackett's Ridge to my right as I ascend toward the ridge above Cardiac Gap.  There are more difficult hikes around but this is one of the harder, short hikes in the area.

I pass what must be one of, if not the highest, homes that border Sabino Canyon 
Recreation Area.  I'd love to know what was the cost to put in that cement road.

In short order, the views to the south and the Santa Ritas open.  The trail brings me....

....close to a wall and a neat looking cave.  Would seem to be a good home for a creature which deters me from exploring it.  Rationally, no lion, bear or bobcat would locate so close to a fairly active trail but still...

More monsoon inspired grass growth but that didn't make following the trail difficult.  Enough people had been through here to keep the trail mostly easy to follow.

I reach the saddle and "Geronimo Meadow" is in front and to my right.  I met a family of 5, very fit hikers and suggested they hike the remaining mile to Bridal Wreath Falls and so they did.

I could hear water running in the canyon below me.

A spur trail headed west, toward the above rock formation and I followed it for a bit. It appeared the formation was the intended destination so maybe there is a route to the top.  Worth a future visit.

I lingered to enjoy the views but needed to get home and entertain Jack.  I finished with just under 6 miles and 1800' of climbing.  Good, quality hike.

I also had to get ready for a birthday party at a neighbor's house.  It was a small gathering and I wished Amy had returned in time to attend.  She's so much better at these events than am I.  The host had ordered a.....

...."cake".  Very impressive presentation and yes, it's edible and I consumed a small piece. Clearly the cosmetic demands took precedence over taste.