Dusk is an ideal time to hike in the desert: with the sun setting in the west and the moon rising in the east, this evening was no exception. Beginning a hike just before sunset gives the senses a special treat: the cactus flowers and creosote release their sweet fragrance and the trails are usually quiet and absent of other hikers. Four trailblazers began hiking at the horse staging area in Usery Mountain Regional Park about 5:30 p.m. Taking the Noso Trail for a short half mile, we picked up the Blevins Trail and crossed Amigos Wash.

The Blevins Trail merges for a short distance into the Meridian Trail; we then turned onto the Cat Peaks Pass. Climbing to the top of Cat Peak, we took a group photo and settled in to watch the sun set.

After sunset, we returned to the Blevins Trail and hiked back in the cool twilight with a full moon rising to the east. We got back to the parking lot before total darkness had set in and finished the evening off with a nice meal at Tasty Joe’s.

Pictures by Michael Humphrey and by Ted Tenny.