On Saturday we went on a family hike in Red Rock Canyon. It's been quite a while since we were there last. But I always love it. In my perfect world I would do family hikes all the time. Maybe I can set a goal of once a month. That would be awesome.
We hiked the Keystone Thrust trail this time. It is 2.2 miles round trip. Afterwards we hoped to do another hike - Ice Box Canyon or Pine Creek Canyon - but the parking lots were packed! There was absolutely no where to park - and this is with Scott at the wheel who is more than happy to find creative parking spots. That was kind of a bummer.
Then as we pulled out of the park around noon, we were shocked to see the line of cars at the entrance. They were backed up all the way on the highway! Crazy. Apparently everyone had the same idea that day -- go hiking. It was a beautiful day, for sure. So in the future we will be sure to go early.
Before we started out Scott (the Scoutmaster) and Payton (the new Scout) did some map and compass configuring. Gotta work on those Boy Scout requirements. Lest you think that Scott always hikes with an iPad mini in hand, they were actually using it to identify native plants. Our first stop was the Visitor's Center so that they could take photos of desert plants that were labeled and then match them up with what we saw on the hike. Blackbrush, mesquite, creosote bush, barrel cactus, yucca, and joshua tree . . . . we've got it covered.
Time to find the desert beauty. Yes, the desert has it's own unique look. Sometimes you can find the beauty easily -- red rocks, or a sweeping view of joshua trees. Other times you have to look very closely.
It definitely requires a close eye and a shifted perspective of what is beautiful.
I tend to look for textures, layers, and visual lines. That's what seems to pop out at me in the desert landscape.
The hike ended at this sloping hill of fractured rock. And so we sat for a while, ate a snack, and took some pictures.
Of course no photo-op is complete without a photobomb by one of the kids. Sheesh.
Good hiking day.
