2012 - Murray Canyon - Land O' Lizards

We had another great hike into the Indian Canyon area.  Most of the trail is inside the canyon walls surrounded by California Fan Palms and a small creek that winds through the rocks.  This year wasn't as exciting to traverse the creek over the numerous rock steps as they were generally quite dry to step on.  The previous year there was at least 3 times the water flowing.

As the blog title suggest this is truly the land of lizards and we saw at least 3 different varieties. There was enough water present so many flowers were in bloom.  The hike is listed as moderate due to the elevation change of 500 feet; 4 mile distance and one must have a bit of coordination to step across the rocks in the creek.

Very clear water in the creek which was a surprise as they take horse up here back and forth through the water.

Panorama of the start of the canyon.

I am sure some one knows what this butterfly is called also saw a butterfly with black wings with a yellow or white trim on the trailing edge.

Wild pyracantha (Firethorn) isn't native in the area and seeds must have been dropped by a bird that had visited a garden in Palm Springs.

Great balance Mike!

I finally saw my first Chuckwalla Iguana basking in the sun.

Desert Canterbury Bells

The steepest part of the hike.

The waterfalls at the end of the trail. Water was flowing over the center of the rock last year.

This lizard wasn't too concerned about me getting too close. The lens was only about 6 inches from his body.

This guy sure had eyes that stuck out.

Another interesting part of the hike that makes it interesting.  The trail slopes off to the left and the rock face leans over the trail.

Two families of kids having a great day enjoying the creek.  One kid had already fallen in to the water (a nice deep pool) and had reported it was a bit cool.  I am sure he wouldn't be the last.

2012 - Lost Horse Mine - Hiking on the Cool Side

Lost Horse Mine can be a cool one this time of year and with the threatening clouds rolling in it was definitely cool we started this hike in 7C (44F).  The wind was fairly brisk but the trail was in good shape and the scenery was interesting. 

We hiked about 2 miles to the mine and it was even cooler and it seem windier.  It didn't take nearly as long to hike back down and when we arrived at the parking lot it had started to snow.  They weren't big snow flakes but the temp had fallen to 4C (39F).

Mike stepping out...

I am holding a yucca flower stock that was on the side of the trail.  It is very light and felt hollow inside.

We picked up the pace as the storm clouds approached.

It was sunny down in the valley where we came from.

Part of an old building foundation on the way up to the mine.

The hills in the background are very colourful with the sun and cloud playing with them.

View of the mine site through a old yucca bloom

Mike and Arick wanted to climb the fence and check for gold.

And this is where my house used to be.

You have to be careful not to drop any of your snack or this Antelope Ground Squirrel will grab it.

Very hard to photograph this flock of Mountain Blue Birds foraging in the scrub brush.

A baby Joshua Tree

This a photo from the RV Park a day after the hike.  The place we were hiking was over in this area and received at least a few inches of snow.

2012 - Whitewater Canyon Red Dome

The hike to the Red Dome is just over 2 miles and the trail takes us across the Whitewater River and on to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  The trail is on the left side of the canyon and has a low incline on a well maintained trail. 

The Dome is a small (25 feet high) brick red hill of volcanic mud in the riverbed.  It was fun to climb and get your picture taken and the dogs were scrambling around all all side.

Walk to the river crossing

Right side of canyon facing east.

South facing view back to the ranger station

Dead cactus with only the under structure left.

A very healthy  cactus with all it's protection.

Casey and Tango enjoying a healthy drink and plunge at the top of the trail.

A picture of the Dome and Mike last Thursday in the sunshine.

Not much of a space to turn around at the top...

Spring blooms are starting to appear in the canyon.

We were very surprised to find these pods on this plant (Wild Cucumber)

2012 - Never Ending Canyon goes to the dogs

The Never Ending loop is situated in the Mecca Hills and is a series of narrow canyons joined at the top by a ridge.  We had 11 people and 5 dogs take this 3.6 mile hike with an elevation gain of 500 feet.  The trail through the canyon was free of all the sand and gravel from September rains. This made it very easy hiking. 

The ridge view usually provides a good look of the Salton Sea but today it was shrouded in smog.

Canyon Entrance - Casey leading the way.

More flowers out now even though they haven't lost all the dead ones.

Hikers enjoying walking in the shade. There wasn't much shade by the end of the hike.

The bees were enjoying the flowers too!

Navigating through the chunks of clay and sand that fall from the canyon walls.

View looking over the top of the zig-zag trail to the ridge.

Hiking is thirsty work.

Almost to the top and the smog can be seen in the distance.

Sorry folks but this is the trail down...

Made it down with no incidents.

Lucy the toy poodle was the smallest dog on the hike and she really enjoyed it.

Our group were spread out over the lower wash area taking pictures and enjoying the views.