This was a tough one

Last Friday we headed out on the Miners Needle hike.  Its a combination of two trails.  The Lost Dutchman trail and Bluff Springs.  Never been on this one before and not sure we will do the full hike again.  9.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1542 ft.  The first half was relatively easy.  Up to the top of a ridge and then down through an absolutely beautiful valley.  The trail was wide and easy to travel on.  Even the uphill climb on the other side of the valley, while steep, was a relatively easy switchback and the view from the top was amazing.  Traveling the back side wasn't difficult although the views were relatively blah.  The last mile though was very tough and after almost 9 miles to that point the feet were dragging a bit and the trail was quite steep and rocky.  We made it though and thanks to our friend and guide, Neil Havers, we stretched out comfort zone just a little farther.  

The canyon wall behind us.

As we crested the ridge a breathtaking valley appeared in front of us. 

A forest of Saguaros'

Flowers are starting to appear.  

The top of the outcropping looks like a child holding on to the rocks.

Distant mountain ranges appear as we climb the
switchback up the walls of the valley

The hoodoos standing guard

Neil taking a few shots 

On Monday we went on a little shorter hike.  Only 6 miles but even after a weekend of R&R our legs lacked their usual spring.

While this hike on a portion of the Arizona trail, which runs from Mexico to Utah, wasn't as stunning as most I did get a few nice shots. 

A few more flowers popping out. 

Picket Post mountain is a dominant feature of the landscape.

That's it for now.  Still have a trip to Tubac and a hike through Boyce Thompson Arboretum to document.  Till then.