Saturday, February 3, 2018

Hike up Coyote Mountain

Saturday. February 3, 2018 - Location:  Rockhouse Trail near Borrego Springs, California

 This morning after breakfast and a little lounging around, Yuma and I decided to find a wash coming out of the Coyote Mountain and climb to the top of one of the high points.  At 11 o'clock we headed north on Rockhouse Trail along the east side of the mountain.

 Driving down the road towards the Santa Rosa Mountains is gorgeous with the dry lake in front of it.

About half way to the highest point, we found a large wash cutting a large valley out of the side of the mountain.  That's where we decided to attack.  No trail to follow.  We just walked the half mile up to the crevice you see.  Lots of rocks though.



Looking back towards the dry lake and the Santa Rosa Mountains.  Starting to rise in elevation now.
Like a trooper, I keep coming.  Glad I have this walking stick to save my butt if I should lose my balance.
Found a shady spot to rest behind a rock ledge on the south side of the wash.
Almost there Yuma says.
We're at the top.  Hurry!  Look at this view!  Just wait, Yuma.  I'm climbing as fast as I can.
Isn't the dry lake gorgeous from here Dad?  Yes it is, Yuma.
I can see our MH from here too!

Yuma is tuckered out and ready to head down and I am too.
I could see an easier way down from up here, so we headed out.  Made it to the Jeep at exactly 1 o'clock.  Two hour hike and the temperature now is 88 degrees.  I would pick the hottest day to hike Coyote Mountain.

 Ow!  A cactus just three-pronged me in the leg.  If that is my worst injury of the day, I'm glad.  
Was a little worried about rattlesnakes with the heat we have today.  They could be hiding in the shade under one of these rock ledges.  Just glad Yuma and I didn't run into one.  

 Poor Yuma is tuckered out and ready for some shade.  He's waiting on slow me to get him out of the heat and into the air conditioned Jeep.  And go home!
  

Got home safely and ate a little lunch and laid in the lounge chair for the rest of the afternoon. 

 See you later.
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12 comments:

  1. our awesome travelsFebruary 3, 2018 at 8:34 PM

    Now that was a good hike and love the views of t=f the dry lake bed, we drove around there a bit last year, amazing !

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    1. Doug LaningFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:37 PM

      Thanks George. It is an interesting area to drive around a bit

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  2. Dolly LaningFebruary 3, 2018 at 8:34 PM

    That really is a lovely area. The dry lake bed is so pretty. It looks like you and Yuma had a good mountain hike. There's a rock, that Yuma is standing above, that looks just like a golden colored chicken! Wonderful pictures of you boys. Have a good night! ❤

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    1. Doug LaningFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:40 PM

      Thanks Dolly. Should have caught the chicken for dinner ☺

      We had a good climb and didn't overdo it.

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  3. SteveFebruary 3, 2018 at 9:57 PM

    Very neat place! We visited Borrego Springs last year, very warm! Very warm for hiking up mountains! Be careful out there! Love you.

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    1. Doug LaningFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:41 PM

      I remember Steve. It is a warm winter out here this year. Getting in shape slowly and being careful. Love you.

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  4. On a long and lonesome highway....February 3, 2018 at 11:20 PM

    Wow, excellent pictures. What great views.
    Very warm for hiking in the afternoon, I agree with Steve. Hope you had lots of water.
    Glad you had a great day!

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    1. Doug LaningFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:42 PM

      Thanks Deb. Had two water bottles on me so was ready. Steve is my Marathon son.

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  5. Ken and ShirleyFebruary 4, 2018 at 7:21 AM

    That's beautiful! Glad you didn't see any rattlesnakes, always my fear, which takes away the fun for me when it's warm. Glad you had a good time.

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    1. Doug LaningFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:44 PM

      Thanks Shirley. I worried more for Yuma. He may not know enough to back off. Glad I didn't overdo it.

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  6. Moonfly13February 4, 2018 at 7:45 AM

    Yep, that's a real mountain man with his mountain dog. Yuma's tongue is hanging out in every picture ! You've found yourself one of the warmest spots in the country - with the next 10 days carbon copies of each other. Kind of like Spring in Death Valley - keep an eye out for the first wildflowers. Have fun at the Super Bowl shindig - I'm sure Yuma will be welcome also and of course be a Super Star. 🌻🐕💛

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    1. Doug LaningFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:47 PM

      Thanks Moonfly. A little warmer than I prefer, but can't complain. This is what I came out here for.

      For got to bring a bowl for Yuma so he was tired and thirsty when we got back to the Jeep.

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