Hiking Zabriske Point - 27 Feb 2019
Our last BackRoads outing of the trip was a short drive to the Golden Canyon where we proceeded to hike 4 miles with a 900 ft elevation climb. The high winds that started yesterday afternoon started up again early this morning, so warm winds greeted us at the start. We would be hiking the badlands to the observation lookout at Zabriske Point.
 |
| Trailhead |
 |
| "Piece of Cake", he said... |
 |
| Kim, Robin, Susan |
 |
| Golden Canyon |
As the Sun began its ascent over the mountain tops we enjoyed a mild uphill hike along a dry river bed. Kim And Susan Perez, our resident geologists, assisted Connor by pointing out special aspects of the sandstone and shale formations of the once underwater river topology. I missed much of it as I was straggling behind taking photos. Sorry.
Once we left the main trail our ascent began in earnest as we marched, then trudged single-file up the side of the steep mountainside toward the top of... Heat, high winds and elevation quickly took its toll on us, and several of us dropped behind the group. Connor was good enough to drop back with us and assist with those of us struggling the most.
 |
| Herb and Sharon |
 |
| Alice, Red, Jo, Jim, Julie, Susan, Kim |
 |
| Herb lining up a putt? |
 |
| Arnoldo |
 |
| The Fellowship splitting up |
 |
| Mike, Alice, Jim, Connor, Red, Jo, Kim, Susan (in front) |
 |
| Herb and Sharon |
 |
| Robin |
With frequent rests, water and pure grit we made it out of the canyon and back to the van where electrolytes and food greeted us.
Hopefully, the photos do the place the justice it deserves.
We returned to the Inn and had time to shower and finish packing before a final farewell lunch and trip back to the airport. Robin and I were able to nap in the hotel lobby for an hour or so before we made our way back to Las Vegas.
