Tis the season for desert hiking...
Sally, Kathryn and I hiked from the La Quinta Cove to the Sawmill trail head on Hwy 74 yesterday. Speedy Steve introduced me to this hike in 2009 and I've only done it once since with Walt, Jean and Kathryn. This was Sally's first time and Kathryn's third time on the route.
I drove out Tuesday afternoon and helped Kathryn with the car shuttle. The first challenge of the hike was surviving the drive up 74. Holy Cow, some of those folks are nuts
We left Kathryn's van at the Sawmill trail head parking area and had an excellent meal at the Casuelas cafe in Palm Desert.
Sally drove out Wednesday morning and we started a bit before 7 AM. It was a bit nippy but warmed up quickly when the sun came up. It was nice to get out of the soft sand on the Boo Hoff trail. Before long, we reached the intersection for the unmaintained Gaudalupe trail and continued to climb. The backlit fields of cholla were magical. Route finding on Gaudalupe can be challenging at times, especially when climbing up out of washes that the route crosses.
We finally reached the final wash, dropped down and mistakenly headed down the wash. We were rewarded with an incredible sight -- a frozen stream cascading over a rock, complete with icicles. After taking pictures, dense brush made it clear that we'd gone the wrong way. We scouted around and found that the route crosses the wash and traverses along the east side before dropping back down into the wash. We probably lost a good half hour or more route finding (and skin) before we were back on track and heading down the wash.
Stopped for a leisurely lunch, then continued walking down the wash. This section lulls you into thinking that the hardest part of the hike is behind you. Ha! Finally met the Cactus Springs trail and started heading west. I love this part of the hike. We dropped down to Horsethief Creek, where I took a moment to wash off blood. Then we climbed up, dropped down and climbed up -- twisting and turning through marvelous canyon lands. The final climb back to the trailhead seemed to take forever. Once back at van, Kathryn received a text from Steve asking "Are you lost yet?"
Had another excellent meal at Casuelas Cafe before the long drive home. Thanks to Kathryn and Sally for a great day
Now I want to do Jo Pond to Cedar Springs. Only problem, another car stagger
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
