Michael Humphrey, Liz Elliott, Joe Michalides, Joe Orman

The weather today is perfect for hiking, just cool enough to be comfortable, but with a touch of warm sunshine. Our first break is at Garden Valley, a misnomer perhaps, since this desert flat is far from lush. And it is more a plateau than a valley, an incongruously level area within the jumble. On the topo map, I see that it gently drains to the east through a gap in a volcanic ridge, into Boulder Canyon. I gaze through the gap at beckoning spires of colorful rock, but today our path does not go that way. Instead, we turn south and follow the gently rising trail to the top of Black Mesa. There, a short scramble through cholla and over boulders brings us to a ridge with stunning views in every direction. Back on the trail, we find ourselves steadily hiking toward the dramatic landmark of Weaver’s Needle. As midday approaches, we find a sandy, shaded wash for our lunch break.

What is it about a desert wash that I find so inviting? There is something sheltering about that soft sand and cool shade that makes me want to linger. And I find that just being still in one place brings delights to my attention that would otherwise go unnoticed. A tiny fishhook pincushion cactus hides among the rocks at my feet. On the hillside opposite, a large cactus wren nest is held in the arms of a giant cholla. Distant towering cliffs snap into sharp relief; I seem to be able to see the tiniest crack. As always, the desert has sharpened my senses.

Our rest stop over too soon, we follow the trail down into Boulder Basin, which is not only a confluence of creeks, but of trails as well. Again I feel beckoned by the places these trails lead to: Aylor’s Caballo Camp, Boulder Creek, Black Top Mesa, and Weaver’s Needle itself. But we have covered enough miles already, and even this far away we feel the pull of the city, the lateness of the hour, the other obligations waiting for us. To complete our loop, we take the fairly direct and level Dutchman’s Trail over Parker Pass and back to the trailhead. We agree that our hike was a very good one, but as I drive away I cannot help thinking of those other trails, the ones not taken. Someday I will return.