On the way to Willcox, the launching point for the hikes planned for the next several days, we met at Kartchner Caverns State Park to hike the Foothills Loop Trail. The hikers were Lin, Heather, Carl, Ron and Anna.

It was a treat to hike there, since all of us had toured the limestone caverns in the past, but with the exception of Heather, none of us have hiked this trail before. In fact, the trail loops around just above the cavern system and at some point we were walking above the Rotunda Room.

On the trail. [photos by Ron]

The trail begins at the Visitor Center and winds around the grassy foothills of the Whetstone Mountains which we could see to the west. It runs for 3 miles at an average elevation of 4,600 feet, through an area of tall grasses peppered with mesquite, ocotillo, and other species of cactus.

About half way down the trail, we hiked to Mountain Viewpoint which provided spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It was a bird’s eye view of what we were about to see in the days ahead: To the Northeast at a distance, we saw the Galiuro Mountains which is where the Bassett Peak Trail is located; much closer to the South, we saw the Huachuca Mountains which contains the Ramsey Canyon Preserve. And to the East, although not visible from our location but shown on the map above, are the Chiricahua Mountains.

Shortly after noon, and with somewhat warmer weather, we enjoyed lunch in the nice picnic area of the park. Later, we drove to Dragoon to visit the Amerind Museum, which contains a great collection of Native American art.

The exhibits highlight the past cultures of North America, Mexico, Peru, and others. The exhibit on the second floor reminded us that we are in the traditional territory of the Chiricahua Apache. We saw items such as baskets and traditional clothing with an accompanying narrative of the historical developments of the last couple of centuries. It was a good opportunity to think about the history of the area. This was the home of the Apaches, including Cochise, Geronimo, and others.

Detail of the Story Robe painted on elk hide. [photo by Amerind]

The gallery contained mainly contemporary works of art by Native Americans, but there were some older pieces on exhibit as well.

My favorite was the Story Robe, created in the 19^th Century by the Eastern Shoshone artist Katsikodi and shown in this photo from Amerind.com. This magnificent painting is one of 20 surviving in the world.

From Willcox, we drove east skirting the east side of Willcox Playa to the Chiricahua National Monument. We drove past the Visitor Center along the picturesque Bonita Canyon Road. The road winds through sycamore, juniper and oak forests rapidly changing to cypress, pine, and fir forests as we climb to higher elevations.

Starting at the Echo Canyon Trailhead at 6780', we set out for the Big Loop Trail which is 8.7 miles long and traverses through 6 connecting trails. So on a cold Friday morning, with temperatures barely above freezing, intrepid hikers Lin, Deirdre, Heather, Li, Joyce, Carl, Ron, Terry, Ken, Greg and Anna, set out on the trail.

Trailblazers. [photo by Lin]

Greg, Ken, Terry, Joyce, Ron, Heather, Lin, Deirdre, Anna.

Gradually descending to the confluence of the Rhyolite and Sarah Deming Canyons, we veered left and hiked up a canyon that was narrower and more forested than Echo Canyon. Throughout the hike we saw the handiwork of the Civilian Conservation Corps, who in 1934 built a trail that featured lots of steps and retention walls to stabilize them.

Soon we began climbing the moderately steep trail to end up at the intersection with the Heart of Rocks Loop, which is the most famous trail in the monument. And there is a good reason for that. We walked through some impressive hoodoos, some as big as a truck, on this incredible loop. We saw many well-known rock formations such as Totem Pole, Big Balanced Rock, Punch and Judy, and Cochise’s Head. The loop only takes 25 minutes but we lingered around to look at the amazing landscape, take group pictures, and to hydrate, and eat some snacks.

We continued eastward on the Big Balanced Rock Trail until we descended into Hunt Canyon. After hiking through the canyon for a short distance, we climbed out to reach the Mushroom Rock Trail. And finally finished the last leg of the hike on the Ed Riggs Trail back to the parking lot. Overall, a beautiful hike!

Trailblazers. [photos by Lin]

Thanks to Lin for organizing what I’m calling “The great fall foliage tour” with the wonderful selection of trails so we could experience the best fall colors that Arizona has to offer.