2012 - Murray Hill

 

 

It is good to be back once again and hiking in the desert environment.  We arrived in the area last week and I have been eager to get hiking.  Mondays have been designated as my day for strenuous hikes.

 

This hike is well described in hiking books as a hill that has all the vertical of a mountain.  I took a look at the map and thought no problem I will just approach from the north and return to the west.  It ended up being a 14.5 km (9 mile) hike and the elevation gain was 540 m (1780 ft).  I certainly over did it for the first hike but only a wee bit stiff today.

 

Love these grasses that mark the start of the trail.

First view of Murray Hill after reaching the top of the Araby Trail.

This picture shows which side of the rock is facing north just like moss in the forest.

Took this self-portrait about 100 ft from the summit. I had to run back down a switch-back to get into the shot. It is a good thing the camera has a 10 sec. timer.

This is a view of the Coachella Valley facing east.

I am at the summit!  I know I could have faked it but if you look at the left side you can just make out the mountain range behind me.

Don't know what this butterfly is but loved the body colour.

East view from the summit.

They had some picnic tables at the top, compliments of the Coachella Valley Hiking Association.  Certainly nicer to sit on the bench than to perch on the edge of a sharp rock.

There were quite a few dragonflies hovering around the trail.

This is a view of the west side of Murray Hill.  This is certainly the easier trail to hike and I was happy to return down this route.