It was time for me to head back up the mountain to accomplish the hike I'd set out to do before my heel was rubbed raw!
It was a beautiful day, and we decided on a loop of Mormon (24th Street) to National to Hidden Valley and back down Mormon. Hidden Valley was a small connector, but we'd heard good things about slots and huge rock formations. We did the usual huff-n-puff up 24th street and just a little past the top, Josh spotted some coyotes. Unfortunately they were gone before I could get my camera out or even seen them myself. After a short time on National we came to the sign for Hidden Valley. Being unfamiliar with the trail we weren't sure exactly where to go and quickly ended up back on National. Luckily we ran in to some kind folks who pointed the right direction. There was a cool slot called 'Fat Mans Pass" which we didn't realize was part of the trail and we ended up actually climbing over. Oh well, next time. Soon we were in this really cool valley with GIANT rocks all around - seriously a mini Moab or Sedona minus the red rock. A total playground for mountain bikers we agreed.
We made it down "Slide Rock" which we weren't sure was actually part of the trail either at the time. Navagation was a little confusing because you were either on giant slick rocks or in a wash with footprints going everywhere. Josh and I actually got split up for a time as he followed the trail one way, and I another. I finally heard him calling and retraced my footsteps, when I finally found the cave pass-thru which included some hiroglyphics and more fantastic rock formations.
When we left the cave area we soon found ourselves at the end of Hidden Valley and on our way back down the mountain. It was a short hike but a lot of fun, and a nice area to go back and explore.
Stats:
Hike - 3.91 miles
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