Mike in the Wild

After almost a week of near-record heat, I took a hike back into the neighboring park to see the effect on the blooms and landscape. It wasn't a difficult choice of excursions, as the trails of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve are an easy walk from my community. And even on a hot day, the morning weather is still perfect.  While I accessed the mountains the same way, I took a different route on the hike, exploring higher in the park.  But I didn't venture as high as Piestewa Peak, the 2,600 foot signature feature of the preserve. It's a steep 1,200 foot ascent from its trailhead and is more of an aerobic work-out than a nature walk. Nonetheless I covered more than six miles, enjoying new views and discoveries.  While Mexican gold poppies have definitely peaked in this area, there are other new blooms and the loud cacophony of birds reminding us it is indeed Spring in the desert. Starting at the very last parking area, I made a circle on the north loop of  Trail ...

An early morning hike into the Phoenix Mountains Preserve near Piestewa Peak I'm lucky to live in central Phoenix and at the same time across the street from fifty square miles of protected Sonoran desert.   What is now the Phoenix Mountains Preserve was not too long ago the northern border of the town.  But as the city boomed and expanded, the park, with its mountain peaks and verdant arroyos, has become a desert oasis in the middle of  the metropolitan sprawl.  I hiked almost six miles, mostly on first-time trails, enjoying beautiful landscapes and a dazzling array of wildflowers.  And I saw some birds and critters too - an early morning start guaranteed that.  I made a loop on Trails 304/8/8A/8D from the end of the Piestewa Peak parking area, hiking Trail 200 and a short spur to get into the park from a private community in the Biltmore area. Scorpionweed or blue phacelia.    Cactus wren calling to other wrens.  He's the state...

A Peralta Canyon Trail hike into the Superstition Wilderness in the Tonto National Forest Early March is usually wildflower season in the desert, and another great excuse to visit the Superstition Wilderness in Tonto National Forest.  The Superstition Mountains rise in the far east end of the Phoenix metropolitan area, bordering the Salt River to the south as it makes it descent into the flatter Valley.  Winter rains have not only contributed to an abundance of flowers, but they've greened the normally dry desert plants and trees in and around the Wilderness. The Peralta Canyon Trail (#102) rises high into the mountains, rewarding the climber with panoramic views of Weaver's Needle at Fremont Saddle.  The hike to the saddle is about 5 miles round trip, and is moderately difficult if you keep a fast pace.  With enough patience, food and water, a beginning hiker would enjoy the outing immensely. The landscape is dramatic, with weathered granite rock formations and...