Jeep ride and hike into Saddle Canyon

Monday, February 19, 2018 – Location:  Saddle Mountain near Tonopah, Arizona

This morning I swore I would take it easy today.  Sat around all morning reading blogs, responding to blogs, drinking coffee and having breakfast.

Around noon, Yuma was having no more of it and wanted me to take him somewhere.  He doesn’t care where; just out.  I thought we would take a little walk, but Yuma ran right to the Jeep.  That’s a good idea!  We’ll ride and not hike today.  Yeah!

As we were driving down the trail, I saw two familiar specs walking along the hillside and drove the Jeep over.  Sure enough, it was Deb and Riley finishing their morning hike.  Stopped and talked for a bit till the wind about blew us away.  I headed off and they headed home.

Last year, I loved the views from behind the mountains so much, decided to head that way again.  Drove down to the W. Courthouse Road and up the trail to the backside of the mountains.

This is how Saddle Mountain looks from the main road looking south.  You can see the boondockers along the base of the mountains.  Just a beautiful place.  I hear there are many Phoenix city slickers that don’t even know this place is here and they only live fifty miles away.  Their loss, my gain.

Ten minutes later we were entering Saddle Canyon.  Don’t know if this is the correct name but it is my name for this beautiful canyon.  Let me warn you there are a lot of photos of mountains coming up.  If that is not your thing, you can stop now.

Everything now is from the interior of the mountains.  Looks different.

You can see the saddle from this canyon perfectly.

Yuma wouldn’t want to step on these beautiful little guys.

It is so beautiful in here.  Wish the photos would capture what my eye sees!

Had to go hiking.  Last year when I was here, I wanted to see what was over that rise you see.  I could see the tops of more mountains so I knew it would be interesting.

This year I seem to be stronger.  We hiked about three quarters of a mile up that slope to see what was on the other side.  I seem to have a problem with that.

We made it.

If I look tired, I am.  I started out with a sweatshirt, but the sun was warm and soon I had it tied around my waist.  It is just beautiful today.  Low sixties with a cool breeze to make my hike more comfortable.

This is what I see on the other side.  A valley with more mountains.  Thought that might be the case, but now I know for sure.  Wish I could see a Big Horn Sheep herd!  I’m walking their trails, so I know they’re around.

From the bottom I could just make out this white pinnacle.  Now I see what it is.  Awesome!  It is across the valley.

I don’t need a Big Horn Sheep.  I’ve got Yuma!  Doesn’t he look like the King of the Mountain?

Whoa!  Yuma says that is a long way down.

This is looking back where I came from.  You can see the dust in the distance.  The wind outside this valley is picking up.  Coming down now.  All the following are back in Saddle Canyon.  Walked two miles again today and another three hours.

There is the mountainside Yuma and I climbed to see the other side.  Glad to be down.  Lots of rocks and boulders to walk around.

So glad to see the Jeep.

This place is gorgeous to me.  Makes up for those days when I miss and want to go home.  I know there is snow and ice back there and I would soon regret ever leaving a place like this.

Done for the day.  I had a wonderful time and I hope you enjoyed hiking along with Yuma and me.

See you later.