Saguaro National Park (West)

Saguaro National Park - View of the mountains and petroglyphs from atop Signal Hill

Had enough of the Phoenix area for a while so I started heading east. Ended up at Saguaro National Park, West Section (Tucson Mountain District) which is of course in Tucson, Arizona. Weather was a perfect 72°F and partly sunny, however I forgot it was a Saturday which means National Parks regardless of location are … Read more

Pewits Nest State Natural Area

Pewits Nest State Natural Area – Cliffs on Lower Trail

Next stop was a 50/50 chance at seeing some amazing waterfalls and a rocky gorge at Pewits Nest State Natural Area. The trail here is composed of crushed gravel and seems very new.  It also appears the wooden fences are very new.  First we tried to access on the path to the right of this … Read more

Joshua Tree National Park – Barker Dam

Joshua Tree - Barker Dam Nature Trail

From Keys View I stayed on the western side of the park and hiked the short 1 mile Barker Dam Nature Trail loop. Overall this hike is quite flat & easy.  Much of the area is covered in sand or bare stone with minimal rock hopping. Although if rocks are your thing, this is a … Read more

Joshua Tree National Park – Fortynine Palms Oasis

Joshua Tree - Fortynine Palms Oasis

For the first major hike today I drove outside the park & back in to the north-central most point at Fortynine Palms Oasis.  Temps were starting to climb but overall today was beautiful and stayed around 80 degrees tops.  Not bad for December, eh? The trail climbs sharply up the mountainsides right from the start.  … Read more