Squirrely Piestewa Hike

Weather:  75°, sunny—felt HOT in the sun

Time:  26 minutes

About this hike:   Back to Piestewa for a second week in a row.  Even though Camelback will remain my all-time favorite, I just don't have the energy to fight the parking mess at Echo Canyon this time of year.  Parking in the "Beverly Hills" neighborhoods off Squaw Peak Drive is just so convenient.

The mountain was very crowded today and, while I made good time, I had to take quite a few rests.  Still, 26 minutes isn't bad.

Some friendly squirrels came to visit me at the summit and one guy threw nuts at them.  Hence why they aren't afraid of humans and probably are going to get fat.  It was cute to watch.

Back to Piestewa Again!

Weather:  80°, sunny, nice breeze

Time:  25 minutes

About this hike:   The mountain was crowded as expected on a beautiful Saturday during Spring Break.  Regardless I made good time today.  Otherwise uneventful.

Superstition Flat Iron

Weather:  82°, sunny

About this hike:   Been over a year since I've come out to this beautiful place. Parking was the most crowded I've ever seen and a park ranger advised I'd have to park in overflow. However, once I got thru the labyrinth that is Lost Dutchman State Park I was able to score a good spot.

The waterfall was flowing at a trickle in Siphon Draw...very pretty without making a dangerous situation.

I think I've conquered my fear at the end of the trail where you have to pull yourself up a ~7-8 foot ledge using either tricky hand holds in the rock or an exposed tree limb.  I used to freak out here every time, but I think I've mastered the art of grabbing the tree limb and finagling my way up.  Wonder what we'll do when the tree limb eventually snaps off?

Some interesting things from today:

• Met a group that was going to camp on the Flat Iron. They were hauling up huge backpacks of camping gear
• Saw Mt. Lemmon down near Tucson
• May have seen Picacho Peak, but it was hard to determine for certain
• Enjoyed all the spring poppies and wildflowers

I don't know why I don't visit this beautiful place more often.  We're so fortunate to have this only 40 miles from Phoenix.