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Pass Mountain Trail Day Hike Usery Mountain Regional Park January 26, 2008 by David Bickford

Frank, Ted, Aaron, David, Lynda

Brrrr!     We can feel the wind on this chilly morning.

Despite threats of rain, participants enjoyed a beautiful morning of hiking on the Pass Mountain Trail in the Goldfield Mountains.     David, Ted, Aaron, Frank, Lynda, and canine companion Chloe gathered at 8:30 AM at the Wind Cave Trailhead at Usery Mountain Regional Park.

We set out on the 7.5-mile loop trail in a clockwise direction, initially heading north.     The rain earlier in the week had left the sky free of dust, haze, and smog, so we as we walked, we were able to take in stunning views of the Phoenix skyline, the McDowell Mountains, Fountain Hills, South Mountain, and even the Sierra Estrella.     We ascended gradually, moving in and out of washes and small canyons and then turned toward the east.

A distant view of the Four Peaks welcomes us to the pass.

Bright lichens cheer us on the way.     Each color is a different species of lichen.

At several scenic overlooks, we were able to see the Salt River, the Four Peaks, and various peaks in the Goldfields.     On the east side of Pass Mountain, we stopped for a break near the interesting rock formations at the pass for which the mountain is named.

Teddy bears (opuntia Bigelovi) stand sentinel on the ridge.

Saguaros and chollas point the way to peak 3127.

Since the pass tends to concentrate the wind, we moved on quickly and began a steady descent to the south side of the mountain.     In the final segment of our hike, we passed by the Cat Peaks.

Throughout the hike, Ted used his expertise in the Goldfields to point out alternative trails, geological details, and landmarks.     The group concluded its hike at 1 PM back at the Wind Cave Trailhead.

Pilots won’t get lost when the see the Phoenix sign.

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Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona For comments regarding this site contact . updated January 27, 2008