Weather: 90º, sunny, humid
Time: 27 minutes
About this Hike: Monsoon 2017 has been a huge tease. Every day a storm builds in from the north/east. Then it falls apart and/or rains everywhere but at my home in Central Phoenix. Regardless, during today's hike I felt the high humidity that these monsoon storms bring.
The trail at Piestewa was fairly uncrowded early on this Sunday morning. There were a few other hikers and interesting characters along the way, but I largely had the trail to myself. That's the silver lining in these higher temps and monsoon humidity. I could have parked in the main lot no problem. However, I chose the sure option and parked on the residential streets and hoofed it into the preserve.
All around an enjoyable summertime morning hike.
Showing posts with label Monsoon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monsoon. Show all posts
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Devil’s Bridge & a Monsoon
Weather: 75º, stormy
About this Hike: For the past two years every time I try to hike at famed
Devil’s Bridge in Sedona I’m dodging a thunderstorm. Last year the storm hugged the Mogollon Rim
and dazzled us with a light show, but withheld it’s torrent until right as we
reached the trailhead parking.
No such luck this year.
I was hiking with my mom and threatening storm finally let loose right
as we were waiting our turn to take photos on the bridge. Big, cold, wet drops (likely soft hail) began
to pour. The surrounding Red Rock
Wilderness began to steam from the moisture.
The red rocks became wet and slick, and I feared being stuck
at the bridge for a while. Like a typical
late-season desert monsoon storm, it quickly passed and the sun came out again,
drying the rocks. In the end, the unique
landscape that the rain created, coupled with that awesome wet desert smell
made the inconvenience worth it.
On the hike back a loud thunder boomer tore the sky open,
but other than that the weather seemed to miss us.
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| Stormy Near the Bridge |
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Camelback 5 Times in 8 Days
Weather: 87°, sunny and humid
Time: 31 minutes
About this hike: ASU is back to school and today is only a called-for high of 97. I expected a huge crowd and foolishly jumped on the very first parking spot I saw. That was completely unnecessary as the crowd was surprisingly light for a Saturday. I guess the walk from the main road parking area to the trailhead was a nice warm up and cool down--not that it's at all far. Give it a few more months and I'll be glad to find a parking spot at all!
Lighter crowds made for a nice hike. I could see a flooded golf course in Scottsdale, reminder of all the rain we had earlier in the week (and subsequent cooler temps!).
Time: 31 minutes
About this hike: ASU is back to school and today is only a called-for high of 97. I expected a huge crowd and foolishly jumped on the very first parking spot I saw. That was completely unnecessary as the crowd was surprisingly light for a Saturday. I guess the walk from the main road parking area to the trailhead was a nice warm up and cool down--not that it's at all far. Give it a few more months and I'll be glad to find a parking spot at all!
Lighter crowds made for a nice hike. I could see a flooded golf course in Scottsdale, reminder of all the rain we had earlier in the week (and subsequent cooler temps!).
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Rainy Reflections Atop Camelback
Weather: 80°, overcast, rain in the area, humid
Time: 32 minutes
About this hike: Had a lot of rain overnight and throughout today. I was fortunate to take advantage of a brief window of opportunity from 9:00am - noon. The trails were surprisingly dry (just a few puddles) and the washes were dry as well. Dark clouds enveloped the Valley to the north and east. I got home just before noon--just in time for the next round of monsoon downpour to unleash.
While not crowded, it was far from deserted on the trails. Bugs were a little nasty at the summit, as is expected after a rain.
I have had 4 great Camelback experiences this week during my "staycation" from work. Tomorrow it's back to the office, but hopefully Saturday I'll be back at my mountain.
Time: 32 minutes
About this hike: Had a lot of rain overnight and throughout today. I was fortunate to take advantage of a brief window of opportunity from 9:00am - noon. The trails were surprisingly dry (just a few puddles) and the washes were dry as well. Dark clouds enveloped the Valley to the north and east. I got home just before noon--just in time for the next round of monsoon downpour to unleash.
While not crowded, it was far from deserted on the trails. Bugs were a little nasty at the summit, as is expected after a rain.
I have had 4 great Camelback experiences this week during my "staycation" from work. Tomorrow it's back to the office, but hopefully Saturday I'll be back at my mountain.
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| Cactus with a beautiful flower ring |
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| Crazy monsoon clouds looking north toward Mummy Mountain |
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Monsoon is Here
Weather: 87°, overcast, humid
Time: 31 minutes
About this hike: I thought cooler temps and overcast skies would spur me on to a 30-or-less time this morning. No such luck. Actually felt a little tired and had to stop a few times. The humidity definitely got to me. Was a little busier this morning (people taking advantage of cooler temps?) but parking was still easy to come by.
There was a neat looking mist enveloping the Four Peaks and you could just barely see their pointy tops poking up thru it. Regretfully I planned to take a picture when I reached the summit (didn't want to stop and slow down my time). The mist had turned into clouds covering the entire mountains by the time I reached the top. Overall uneventful but good hike. I never get sick of my Camelback :)
Time: 31 minutes
About this hike: I thought cooler temps and overcast skies would spur me on to a 30-or-less time this morning. No such luck. Actually felt a little tired and had to stop a few times. The humidity definitely got to me. Was a little busier this morning (people taking advantage of cooler temps?) but parking was still easy to come by.
There was a neat looking mist enveloping the Four Peaks and you could just barely see their pointy tops poking up thru it. Regretfully I planned to take a picture when I reached the summit (didn't want to stop and slow down my time). The mist had turned into clouds covering the entire mountains by the time I reached the top. Overall uneventful but good hike. I never get sick of my Camelback :)
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