This morning when I woke up at 8 o'clock because Yuma saw dogs outside and wanted me to take him out. He was sorely disappointed when I put him on a leash and walked over to the Dog Park and there were no dogs there😕
The morning started out beautifully, but they are calling for clouds and big winds this afternoon and possible sprinkles tonight. We had our breakfast and I was just going to lay around and rest all day, but Yuma was having none of it.
About 11:30, we decided to head for Rincon Valley and drive towards the mountains. When we arrived in Vail, Arizona about 10 miles from here, we turned on a road named Colossal Cave Road. Now that sounded interesting so we followed it north out of Vail.
Yuma was anxious to get out and walk so I turned onto a dirt road that led to a lone hill that looked interesting. The road was very rough so I stopped near the entrance and Yuma and I hiked and I looked at the scenery and Yuma smelled it😁
The views of the mountains surrounding Rincon Valley are gorgeous. The wind was already starting to blow pretty good and the clouds were gathering. |
| You can see multiple kinds of cacti in this one picture |
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| Rincon Peak |
Looking south towards the Santa Rita Mountains and Mt Wrightson west of the grasslands where I just came from.I was surprised to find a large man-made rock formation at the very top of the hill. Maybe it's a cairn. No inscription that I could find.
That's it for the hill overlooking the Rincon Valley. Now time to head down to the Jeep and see what this Colossal Cave is all about. Yuma will show me the way.When we got back on the road heading deeper into the Rincon Mountains, it wasn't very far. Only a few more miles before we started heading up the mountain. Had a beautiful sign announcing the entrance.Park building and entrance to the cave.
Views from the parking lot were beautiful. The one below is looking south over the town of Vail towards the Santa Rita Mountains and Mt Wrightson just peeking up.Looking west along the valley at the Santa Catalina Mountains range.
We walked to the entrance of the cave which was well protected. They have tours with a guide and it is $20 per adult. Wouldn't let poor Yuma in so we decided to call it a day and head for home. By this time it was getting fairly cloudy and the winds were beginning to howl. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, no, more clouds and wind. I thought you left all that behind in the grasslands. Pretty pictures of your hike. It's too bad the cave was only open to humans. It would have been interesting to see inside. Hope Yuma meets some friends soon.
ReplyDeleteNope. Wind and rain everywhere. But gone tomorrow and then it really heats up. The cave is not very big and wasn't really interested in seeing inside anyway.
DeleteAny idea why it's called "Rincon"? Sp "Corner", but couldn't find a corner on Google Maps - but it is just a fun name to say :)
ReplyDeleteThe Cave is not worth it! Save your splunking for one of the NP caves, altho VA has a nice private cave.
Hope your winds settle down soon.
That is an interesting. Looked it up. Lots of mountains in that range. I could tell the cave was a hole in the wall and wasn't interested in going in. The scenery from the parking lot was great though.
DeleteBeautiful pictures of the views on your ride today. The park building looks interesting. The wind came in here this afternoon, also. Then the rain started a few hours ago. I know this area needs the rain I just hope it only rains during the night. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. Looks to be an old park and that building is an old one. Rain out of here today and then it's going to really warm up.
DeleteHey Doug good post! You and Yuma had a good time! How about this Friday we come over to the place, and see what trouble we can get into! If that works for you.
ReplyDeleteThat will be great Rawn. I'll be around all day Friday so see you when you get here. I'm in number 414. Yuma is ready to meet a new friend.
DeleteAlright, see you about noon, and I'll buy lunch!
DeleteWhat a beautiful area. Too bad you couldn't take the tour of the cave.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheri. Just out for the scenery and not really interested in the small cave tour.
DeleteWe've heard about the Pima County Fairgrounds over the years but have never been there. I like your views of the area with its sweeping vistas. And how nice to be back in the land of giant Saguaros.
ReplyDeleteThanks Al. Yes it is nice to be in desert country again. Getting some much needed rain today. Be 90 by the end of the week. 🙂
DeleteYup the winds have been terrible bringing in rain last night and today. What happened to the great Arizona weather??? Taking my truck in for repairs ... I've got an oil leak.
ReplyDeleteYou really didn't miss much on the cave. The stories of bank robbers hiding out and ranchers playing poker during the hot summer days were about it. If you decide to go, take a flashlight.
Yes, today is a Walmart day with this cool weather. Hope your leak is a minor repair. I've seen lots of those little holes in the wall caves. Not really interested in seeing another.
DeleteGood thing you have Yuma there to get you up and going! Otherwise we'd probably see a lot more pictures of you relaxing in your chair! 😄 Great views around there!!
ReplyDeleteYou're right Steve. Hard for me to get going otherwise.
DeleteThank you for another interesting trip. I hope that one day we can see these areas.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Glad you two are traveling and seeing things. Tombstone is always interesting.
DeleteBeautiful area! Nice trip! I don't think even if they let Yuma in, $20.00 is too much..price gouging LOL. The park building is beautiful! If you've never been Carlsbad Caverns is definitely one to see!
ReplyDeleteI agree $20 is too much. Locals say so. Been to Carlsbad and it is great. Been to Kartchner Caverns near Benson and they are great too.
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