2011 - 04 Murray Canyon Trail

Today was one of the best hikes to date.  Murray Canyon is located on First Nations land (Aqua Caliente - Band of Cahuilla Indians) called Indian Canyons.  This hike was listed as moderate and had a destination feature, a waterfall 2 miles from the parking area. After our group walked across an open plain we descended into a small valley that winds upward with an elevation gain of 500 feet.

The canyon has some steep sides and the rain that we had in December has the Murray Creek quite high making the hike a challenge to make it across the rocks without dipping your feet our any other part of your body.

The terrain was so green that the rocks stand out sharply between the earth and sky.



This is the first view of Murray Creek. Cool and inviting after walking in the hot sun.




This view shows the higher mountains in the San Jacinto Range




Lizards were everywhere and some thought if they stood still they would be safe.




The large rock chunk at the base of this hill calved off quite recently.  You can see the fresh colour unlike the rusty patina created over many years by water, sun and wind.





Excitement is based on how wet and how far the rocks are placed apart.  Crossing the creek was also an opportunity to prove to the ladies on the hike that chivalry was not dead.




This photo shows the piles of debris left by December's rain. The piles are at least 5 feet high.





Looking back down the trail from our steepest ascent




Destination Waterfall





Leave me alone or I will give you the evil eye





The way back to the parking area had it's rewards.  If you hike a loop trail you have to remember to turn and look back so you can see the view behind as well as the one ahead.




Just back along the plain and we will be back to the cars.

After we finished the main hike we drove over to the Trading Post in another part of the Indian Canyons.  There were more trails, creeks, another beautiful waterfall and of course the Trading Post to buy a treat or souvenir.  


Water has sculptured the rocks like a piece of fine art.




I had to add a picture of my sculptured body to match the rocks.  The hat is practical in the hot sun and as my mother would add "you aren't a fashion plate!"