Desert Hikes

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So many lovely hikes in the desert. Some hikes were for the purpose of rock/crystal hunting and others for exercise. You could walk any direction from our RV and take a great hike! The views from the top of mountain peaks are stunning. Our hiking poles are a great aid when hiking rough terrain. Always enjoyable to take a stroll with friends! Here is a sampling of the amazing hikes.

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Photos

Base of the mountain
This hike we drove Linda's car part way to the mountain and then hiked to the base of the mountain. Looking for rock and crystal treasures all the way there and back, of course.

Morning hike
Stacey always on the search for crystals...and she usually found them.

Wash
We often crossed several washes as we hiked near camp. Rare to have water in them, but always lots of shrubs, trees, and even flowers along the wash.

Wide open space
This is an area near our campsite in Quartzsite. It was a favorite spot to head for a morning hike.

Climbing
There were hills and mountains all around that added a little challenge to the hikes.

Friends
Patti, Moira, and Trixie ahead of me on the hike. Always wonderful conversations, beautiful views, and treasures found on these hikes.

Mascot
We all love Trixie joining us on our hikes and took turns holding her lead. She is the best hiking companion!

Crystal hunting
Patti searching for treasure at a stop during a side-by-side ride.

Palm Canyon
Starting the trail to the palms

Is there a canyon there.
It wasn't obvious at the start of the trail that there was much of a canyon to hike.

Hiking Companions
Patti & Karl joined us for the hike in Palm Canyon.

Backward glance from the trail.
The canyon produced a great echo..echo..echo.

Hiking to the palms
Mike crossed to the other side of the canyon to climb closer to the palm trees.

Palm Trees
Growing high up in the crevice were naturally occurring palm trees.

Close enough
Mike got to the base of the crevice below the palm trees.

Formations
Along the canyon walls were several of these shallow caves. Big enough for an animal to make a dwelling.

Crystal Hill
The elevation at the summit is just short of 2,000 feet.

Karl Hiking Crystal Hill
We were all glad to have our walking sticks as we hiked the trail up Crystal Hill.

Stacey on the hill
There was a lot of loose rock on the path. Stacey never seems to have a challenge climbing.

Getting close to the top
Mike is not fond of heights. He was feeling good about how far he had already come!

Caves
On the way down, we explored a cave.

King of Crystal Hill
Walt was the first to the top! Amazing view from on high.

View from the Top
There were sheer dropoffs around these brave ladies!

Crystal hunting
You can't come to Crystal Hill and not look for crystal. We all found at least one. Of course, Stacey found the biggest, most intact crystal. She has the knack.

Saguaro Cactus
This gives you an idea of how tall some of these cacti can be. They only grow about one inch per year!