Trailblazers ready to hike, at Cloudview Trailhead. [photo by Lin]

Bruce, Debbie, Tom, Li, Alan, Robert, Nancy, Michael, Alan

On Saturday, December 3^rd, 10 Trailblazers met at the Cloudview parking area about 8:15 in the morning. There were not a lot of cars in the large parking area, which was unusual. The sky was overcast with a threat of rain that day.

We started our hike going up the Hieroglyphics trail at a brisk pace hoping to stay ahead of predicted rain. At the famous waterfall area we regrouped for a brief stop. Two hikers decided to hang back at that point, while eight pushed on past the waterfall.

Clouds are forming. [photo by Debbie]

Clouds are forming. [photo by Debbie]

Taking a thin trail up the canyon for about ¾ mile, we then turned right to hike up a steep slope. There were scattered rock cairns on a very thin trail with old grass. Once we reached a “y” near the top, we ventured right to the balanced rock on a ridge.

Hikers marching toward the “y”. [photo by Li]

In the high country. [photo by Li]

Hikers on the trail. [photo by Tom]

Old grass and a pool. [photo by Li]

Ancient rock art. [photo by Li]

Many hikers had fun getting their picture taken by the rock. Bruce calls the rock “the Leno Rock” because from down below the rock has the easily identifiable profile of Jay Leno. 

There’s nothing funny going on here. [photo by Alan Collier]

The trail. [photo by Li]

A magnificent saguaro. [photo by Debbie]

After all were satisfied with their pictures we went back to the “y” to climb farther up the slope to a more level plateau. We went a short distance to stop for a snack break.

Trailblazers on the slopes. [photo by Bruce]

A balanced rock. [photo by Lin]

Do you see what I see? [photo by Alan Collier]

Superstition Ridgeline under cloudy skies. [photo by Debbie]

The clouds were ominous and rain could be seen not far away. Within 10 minutes, a light rain started. We all packed up, put on some rain gear, and started our trek back. Unfortunately we could not continue the hike out to the point that was the original goal.

Footing was slippery all the way down the slope to the main trail, but everyone made it down safely. Once we passed the waterfall area everyone was able to relax a bit and enjoy conversations all the way back to the vehicles.

Hopefully we’ll repeat the hike someday and get out to a high point to enjoy the amazing views.

We beat the rain (sort of). [photo by Li]

The average stats for the hike were 5.15 miles and 1,646 elevation gain. There is a nice link to a collection of pictures from the hikers.