The Final Hike, Pontatoc Ridge Trail

Friday.  Would have liked to do a really epic hike but too much to do to get ready for Saturday's return to Ohio.  Having hiked to Finger Rock (upper left) a couple of times and Kimball Mtn (center) I departed via the same trail but it branches soon toward.....

.....Pantatoc Ridge trail, a 5 mile round trip with some good climbing.

After climbing toward the ridge, I was surprised that the trail never went to the top of the ridge.  Reaching a saddle....

....which had good views to the south.  The trail continued to skirt just below the ridge where I reached a sign that simply stated. "This is the end of the Pontatoc Ridge Trail."

Above I could see an old mine.  A very sketchy trail continued and I followed it until it became apparent it would dead end at the mine so I turned around and headed back.  There was a cool grove of Cholla cactus along the trail (below).  Looking at the 10 day forecast for Ohio, I regretted not staying out here for another 10 days.