Quads drivers headed for Rogers Trough.

Six hikers left the meeting place at 7:00 AM and headed for Queen Valley in two Jeeps. The short 1.5 mile stretch on FR 1900 was bumpy and needed the high clearance the jeep provided. With our neck and shoulder muscles well loosened from the ride we left the Jeeps and headed down the road to the trailhead.

A mile or so into the hike we were passed by a caravan of masked quads drivers headed for Rogers Trough. Good time for potty breaks to let the dust settle.

The trail was an easy gradual climb as we headed north.

All creek crossing were dry.

At “UP” we broke trail and headed up a wash. On our second attempt we found a spot to leave the wash.

It was sunny and slow going as we worked our way northward looking for the natural bridge.

Steve and Bill did most of the gardening … yup … more pruning of catclaw. The four leading hikers got to see a good-sized mule deer. After a brief stare-down it bounded effortlessly and gracefully out of site with out the help of pruning scissors.

One option was to get to the saddle and possible hike east down the backside. Our eyes when not watching where to put our feet kept scaling to rocks to our right. Becky and Quy marked our trail with pink ribbons securing option two … returning back the same way. Without full agreement on the saddle option we headed back. Eureka. On the way back at “NBV” Steve spotted the western Natural Bridge.

On to plan B … continue up the trail to the valley over look of Woodbury Trailhead, Montana Mountain, and the road to Rogers Trough. The off tail adventure took considerable time and it was uncertain if we could make the overlook before the 1:00 PM turn around time. A faster pace was not suited for all. After getting strung out we decided to abort the hike and have lunch at location “L”. It was restful under the shade of acacia tree.

At 12:40 we had finished eating.

Plan C. Anyone still interested in a hike to the overlook? Steve, Quy, and Bill headed up the trail. We buzzed along alternating glances at our feet, the scenery and the watch. After several “just 15 minutes” and “just over the next hill” we reached the overlook. At 1:15 PM we headed back. On the way back western natural bridge was no longer visible as it was now in the shadows. The eastern natural bridge remains hidden to our eyes.

At 3:30 “Badger Red” and “Silver Fox” began the bumpy ride home. We had walked 11.9 miles, +-1750' elevation change.