Trailblazers. [photo by Scott]

front:  Kevin, Li, Tom back: Paul, Carolyn, Kelly, Michael, Diane, Terry, Tamar

Eleven Trailblazers headed off on one of the first cool mornings of autumn to the RV parking east of the road to First Water. We crossed the highway and started on the small road until we reached a junction. The trail was fairly easy to follow as it meandered in and out of a wash, down a hill and then up and up to an area of 360 degree views on a rocky ridgeline.

Not a trail and not a road. [photo by Scott]

Trailblazers in the streambed. [photo by Scott]

We then descended to the desert floor, passed a rock arch and followed the trail to the forest road and eventually to the dry grotto, where we stopped for a snack and some exploring by the fearless climbers of the group. We also snapped a group photo while Scott was a good citizen and collected beer cans and other garbage.

Trailblazers descend to the desert floor. [photo by Scott]

Trailblazers at the arch. [photo by Li]

The sun finally was out with a little warmth as we followed the wash. The deep pool we usually have to climb up to avoid was completely dry. As the wash turned, we found our path out and continue through the desert with gentle ups and downs.

Our rocky descent. [photo by Li]

Eventually we found our way back to the road and went our separate ways. Even though the temperatures were moderate, we were happily done before noon—tired and accomplished after a nice morning of hiking.