18 energetic Trailblazers set out from Lone Mountain Trailhead on a perfect (for Arizona) winter day. After introductions and a group picture, the Pass Mountain Loop hikers took off first. They were
•  Michael, Julie, Lin, Cindy, Kelly, Quy, Randall, Chris, Tom, with Li as deputy.

The rest of us left after the Pass Mountain Loop hikers were out of sight:
•  Jane, Keith, Laura, Barb, Amy, Carl, Rodney, with Ted as leader.

The Maricopa Trail parallels the highway until you get past the hill. You have great views of the Goldfield peaks. Upon reaching the junction with the Usery Pass Trail, the Pass Mountain Loop hikers turned left (north), while we turned right (south).

The Usery Pass Trail has many side trails and junctions between the Maricopa Trail and Usery Pass Trailhead. “Stay with me,” I admonished. Soon we were at Usery Pass Trailhead. The pylon that I went around to prove I was there is gone. So, we just hiked back to Lone Mountain Trailhead.

Though I’ve hiked all the trails many times, I’d never done this particular hike. So I scheduled it for the Trailblazers. We enjoyed perfect weather. Li graciously agreed to be the deputy leader for the Pass Mountain Loop.

Ten trailblazers signed up for the long hike including the Pass Mountain Loop, which started on the Maricopa Trail. Although it was only eight o’clock, the large parking lot was packed with cars. The temperature was in the 40s, which was perfect weather for a hike.

We started on the Maricopa Trail along the highway, gradually ascending toward Pass Mountain. We soon reached the junction with the Pass Mountain Trail. Our group went to the left to do a clockwise loop. We soon started climbing after the trail junction.

The Sonoran Desert was beautiful! It was filled with tall, gigantic, healthy-looking, and varied saguaros, with clustered chollas and other lower desert bushes in the background. Although it was too early for wildflowers, the mountain was still very scenic. Michael, our hiking expert, pointed out a lookout place that was the perfect spot for our first group picture. With a cool breeze brushing over our faces, we were all relaxed, comfortable, and happy hiking on a beautiful day with great companions.

After few miles ascending the mountain, we stopped to take in the fresh air, and a well-deserved break. There stood a large, tall and beautiful saguaro that caught my eye. Michael happily climbed on a large rock and we got memorable pictures. Lin was relaxed, so she did yoga on the large rock as well. Everyone cheered for her successful positions. The mountains were filled with our laughter.

Around 1100 AM we reached the saddle of the Pass Mountain Trail. A few of us climbed to the peak of the mountain, while the rest stayed at a lower ledge. We had a lunch break on the top of the mountain while enjoyed stunning views of the Superstition Mountains. After the break, we started descending to continue the loop.

We passed a few hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers on the trail. When we reached the Cat Peaks and Pass Mountain trail junction, we saw more and more people, since it is close to the Wind Cave Trailhead.

There Randall talked with a ranger. We learned that the wind cave was busy, and despite covid precautions, people had not stopped visiting the wind cave.

The last 2 miles were a little harder, since the weather was getting warmer and we were a little tired after more than 8 miles of climbing. Though everyone was still excited and delighted to finish off a nice hike. The majority of us reached the trailhead at 1:00 PM. We hiked 11.1 miles in 4 hours 39 minutes. Another successful day in the mountains! Thank you, Ted, for organizing this great hike!

Have a nice weekend!

Li