What a gorgeous way to spend New Year’s Eve! We started from Golden Eagle Trailhead on a cool morning with a few high clouds, then the weather and the scenery improved as we walked northwest on the Dixie Mine Trail.

A steep dirt road took us down toward some mine tailings. Just before we got there we left the road and walked upstream through a wooded canyon to the mine.

The mine entrance is closed for safety, but a sign tells some of the mine’s history and advises us that bats and other critters live inside.

Just past the mine we see intricate rock formations and the work of an ancient artist on the rocks.

A bit of a trail here and there takes us on up the canyon, which is mostly dry. Rocks on the canyon bottom are eroded by rushing water, while those on the sides are sharp and angular. Soon we come to a place where we have to climb over the rocks, easier when they are dry.

Just beyond the rock climb, a trail takes us out of the canyon on the left side and over to the road. Some of the hikers go back down to further the area around the mine, while the rest of us turn southeast on the Dixie Mine Trail and head back to the trailhead.

This is a popular hike! We meet lots of people on our way back, including a few bicyclists.

The air has warmed up to the 70s as we finish the hike at mid-day and go on to our various New Year’s festivities.