Eight Trailblazers started their day off with a walk in the park on January 16, 2011: Usery Mountain Regional Park, that is. Heading clockwise on the Pass Mountain Trail from the trailhead, we enjoyed beautiful views of the desert. The weather cooperated with just enough cloud cover to keep the temperature cool.

Hiking to the Viewpoint for a short break, we got a view of the fountain at Fountain Hills, as well as the surrounding valley. We returned the way we came just as the day was beginning to heat up. The hike was just over four miles and was completed in 2 1/2 hours.