2011 - 08 Araby Trail

The Araby trail is located in the Santa Rosa Mountain range and its route is in a canyon adjacent to the Bob Hope's estate (or who ever owns it now).  As we looked down over the houses I didn't see any that I wouldn't like to live in as the views are great. 

The hike should actually be called the Araby, Berns, Garstin, Shannon and Henderson Loop trail as we climbed up Araby and connected with the other trails that spread out over the range like a giant cobweb.  We walked approximately 5 miles and had an elevation gain of 1200 ft. most of the time we were zig-zagging up or down the hillside.

The trail went up through a canyon to a ridge before dropping back to a small wash before ascending up to a hill top where we stopped for lunch. On the way back down we walked along a ridge to the west that skirts the Indian Canyons.  The only part of the hike that wasn't enjoyable was the walk back to the truck along the Palm Canyon wash.  The wash reminds me of walking on a soft sandy beach, two steps forward and one back. 


View south up Southridge Drive




The homes on the lower part of the drive have a bit of a view




I'm not sure if this grass is native but it is pretty and it does a great job fighting against erosion




The bees were having fun drawing pollen from this plant (Fagonia)



A picture looking up with envy.  I wouldn't want to pay their taxes though.

Beaver Tail Cactus getting ready to bloom vivid rose-pink or reddish-lavender flowers



Bob Hope's estate, bottom left of photo.  He certainly had a nice view of the valley





After reaching the top of the ridge we had to go down to the bottom of the hill facing us and follow the zig-zag back up.  We then crossed the ridge to the hill at the far right of the photo.

 

This lizard thought he was doing a good job of camouflage



During the lunch break I took this picture of the trail we would be heading back along.  Some portions of the trail get very close to a steep edge and that can make some folks a bit uneasy




My hiking partners enjoying the ridge walk



Indian Canyons Golf Resort on the left of the road and Canyon Country Club on the right

This photo gives you an idea how steep the terrain is between switch backs



Baby Barrel Cactus (Fishhook)





Another envy picture

 

This plant (Checker Fiddle Neck) comes with a warning 'don't touch me' those white hairs on the stem and leaves are very irritating and may cause a rash




Don't know the name but thought it was pretty





Yes we were right up at the top of that ridge




Looking back on the trail sign thinking... do we head back the up and around or walk down the wash to the truck?