The morning is cool and cloudy as 13 top Trailblazers set out from the Mesquite Flat campground east of Tortilla Flat. After crossing Mesquite Creek we start our climb on a primitive road that leads up to a sweeping overview of the canyon country.

The sun shines intermittently then ducks again behind the clouds. With Arizona’s winter rains the vegetation is green and there isn’t a speck of dust in the air. We cross a pleasant stream and turn right at a three-way junction.

The road climbs steadily and takes us up to a vista point overlooking the foothills of Canyon Lake and a rocky tributary of Crucifix Canyon far below.

What a great picture spot! Photographers take advantage of the brief interludes of sunshine to snap away at the awesome canyon country all around us.

Everyone wants more, so we decide to walk the other road up to a vista point farther west.

On the way we are greeted by the first wildflowers of spring.

“The flowers are great when we have lots of rain in November and December,” Ted explains, “but this time the rain didn’t come until January.”

Although the road dead-ends, the best overlook is on a smooth cholla-choked ridge to the east. Several Trailblazers brave the Teddy bear cactus to enjoy the view.

This is our turnaround point. Since it’s pretty much downhill from here, hikers begin to leave in small groups and start down the road, each at their own pace.

At the three-way junction we turn right. Ted makes sure everyone makes the turn, then we enjoy a leisurely walk back to Mesquite Flat.

The weather can’t decide what to do.

Several past and upcoming Trailblazer hikes are visible from the road: Mesquite Ridge to the southeast, Coronado Mesa to the east, and Crucifix Canyon to the north.

Everyone arrives at the trailhead in good spirits. Some decide to stop for snacks at nearby Tortilla Flat while others head on back to our meeting place. We all enjoy stories and magnificent scenery on the drive back.