Ten hikers set out to climb Picketpost Mountain on a beautiful Arizona morning, yet snow was still visible near the summit, so the Perimeter Trail was a very positive Plan B. We welcomed two newcomers: Ian and Tom C.

Among the resiliency of saguaros, we enjoyed the strength and beauty of the mountain from all angles.

This time of year, the desert is a vastly changing aura of green and brown hues, surrounded by multi-dimensional mountains. To the North, vistas of the Superstition Mountains gave a dreamy effect in winter’s beauty.

As we hiked we noticed intricate ice patterns on the trail, confirming our decision that summiting the mountain could have been dangerous this day.

A few of us spotted cat tracks in various places, either on or near the trail.

After the hike, we went to Los Hermanos for tasty Mexican cuisine and cold brews.

Overall, it was a very mellow jaunt with adventurous compadres in tow!

Thank you, Tom and Michael, for our carpools, and thank you, Michael, for assisting me on this hike and keeping me from wandering too far off.

We went 9.3 miles, +-1033' elevation change.  Next time ... the summit!