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Alta Trail Day Hike Phoenix December 15, 2007 by Eileen Root

Wayne, Eileen, David, Michael, Ted Photo courtesty of Wayne Shimata.

Chilly!   But we’ll soon be in the sun. Photo courtesty of Wayne Shimata.

What a gorgeous day it turned out to be! Five hikers, Ted, Wayne, David, Michael and Eileen, started out on the trail at 8:15 AM with gloves, scarves and extra layers.

Eileen finds Teddy Bear cholla. Photo courtesty of Ted Tenny.

On a clear day you can see Phoenix forever. Photo courtesty of Ted Tenny.

A rocky pinnacle provides the perfect picnic stop. Photo courtesty of Ted Tenny.

But a half hour into the hike, starting up the switchbacks of the trail and with the sun coming over the mountain, we quickly unloaded the extra clothing.     The “teddy bear“ chollas on the mountainside looked like herds of sheep.

Do you see what I see? Photo courtesty of Wayne Shimata.

A fish hook cactus displays Christmas colors. Photo courtesty of Wayne Shimata.

The views from the ridge line were clear and outstanding.     It was not too hot and not too cold for hiking — just a perfect day!     We stopped for lunch at the last peak on the ridge line before heading down the switchbacks at the west end of the Alta Trail.

The Alta Trail skirts the rim of South Mountain. Photo courtesty of Wayne Shimata.

Then at San Juan outlook, we took the National Trail and connected back up with the Bajada Trail to end our hike six hours later.     What a great day to take a stroll in the park!

Watch your step.   The hedgehog cactus was here first. Photo courtesty of Wayne Shimata.

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Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona For comments regarding this site contact . updated December 20, 2007