The trail up to the Wind Caves at Usery Mountain Regional Park is a popular one and crowded every weekend. Five Trailblazers opted for an alternative approach and started their hike at 4:00 PM on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The trail climbs gradually at first, then a series of switchbacks results in an 800' ascent up the side of the mountain.

The morning sun normally hides behind Pass Mountain but this afternoon, with the sun to the west, we enjoyed the regal beauty of the sinking sun casting long rays onto the still desert landscape.

The “caves” are not really caves, but large overhangs in the rock. Bees love it up there and have been making it their home for the twenty years I’ve been hiking the trail – and likely before that. Taking a short break to enjoy the view of the surrounding valley, we started back down the trail, hoping to see a nice sunset.

At first, it did not look promising. The sun was hiding behind clouds and although pretty, we did not see the brilliant colors that make Arizona sunsets so picturesque. However, we were not disappointed.

As the sun sank lower, the sky began to change and we were treated to a magnificent display. With the ocotillo silhouetted against the vivid pinks, red, and oranges, cameras were clicking. The timing was perfect!