What are the droplets on the windshield?

The weathermen on three different stations had all said that this cold front would not have moisture with it. I assumed that would mean cold, dry air blowing in from the north, not the gray clouds that we could see ahead of us. Good thing I warned everyone to bring rain gear.

I was excited about hiking the Highline Trail.

I had wanted to do it for years and after a week of record-breaking heat, I was looking forward to cooler temperatures, pine trees, and hopefully some pretty leaves.

The Highline Trail was established in the late 1800s to link various homesteads and ranches under the Mogollon Rim.

It was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1979 (see the Tonto National Forest Highline Trail Guide).

Fourteen Trailblazers hikers headed up to the Two-Sixty Trailhead, 25.5 miles east of the 87/260 intersection (just past mile marker 278).

It was cloudy but without precipitation, and it was nice not to have the sun beating down on us.

The trail was mostly compact dirt, although rocky in spots, and there were alternating areas of chaparral vegetation and then areas thick with pine trees more reminiscent of higher elevations.

We were blessed with the brightly-colored oranges and reds of Mountain Maple trees, as well as many yellow leaves. We also saw evidence of bears, elks, and coyotes.

We had fabulous views of the Mogollon Rim to the north, and mountains, valleys, and canyons to the south.

We hiked to the west for four miles to the junction with the Drew Trail and found a lunch spot. After partaking of our lunches and some very good chocolate chip cookies which Barry brought, we returned by the same route.

It was relatively easy hiking except for the obstacle course of fallen trees across the path. It was a very enjoyable hike with a great group.