With the COVID19 virus still creating havoc, the Arizona Trailblazers limit each hike to 10 people. I had 10 signed up but only 7 showed up. One called in sick, one was late, and one just forgot. After waiting a while for two of the hikers to show, Quy took the group photo of the seven of us and we started off. Just then, the late hiker showed up but needed some time to put on hiking gear, so she said for us to go on without her.

It was a beautiful clear morning the temperature in the mid 60s to start and mid 70s when we finished.

From Sandy’s Canyon Trailhead, we headed west and soon started dropping down into Sandy’s Canyon. This trail is very pretty, with lots of trees and interesting scenery as the trail drops quickly.

Quy at Fisher Point. [photo by Dave]

When we started down, we met the one hiker who started late, but again she asked us to continue without her.

When we reached the bottom, we turned left and headed into Walnut Canyon and the first cave. This “cave” is in a beautiful sandstone cliff and provides some wonderful shade and almost always a cool breeze. It is not technically a cave; it is more an entrance to a slot exit up through the sandstone.

After another break, we headed back out of Walnut Canyon. This canyon is the same as the well-known Walnut Canyon National Monument located maybe 10 miles farther east. The trail only goes part way, and I do not think you can hike all the way to the National Monument.

As we started the climb out of Sandy’s Canyon, the faster hikers took off. I stayed with the last of the hikers to make sure everyone got out. I had suggested that when we got back to the trailhead, I would take the hikers over to see the huge lave flow with views of Mount Elden in the distance and a cliff that is used by rock climbers. However, by the time we got to the trailhead, most of the other hikers had left.

Given the virus concerns, no lunch was scheduled after the hike.

Hiking Stats: 7.9 miles, 890 feet elevation gain, 4 hours, elevation range 6622' to 7068'.