Aaron Crowder

Azure and I went on a 'lil weekend trip a couple weekends ago and ever since I've been so busy and tired! Oh well, life happens! I'm back and what better way to be back than with an acclimation post about our acclimation hike?

We set out from our hotel to wander around a bit. The elevation at our hotel was just over 6.5k ft, and we had designs to reach higher elevation than that during our trip.

It was a bit of work to find the trail, but once we did we enjoyed walking along and seeing the sunset. I neglected to take many photos, sadly. I may need to start hiking with a proper camera.

Today's hike had some incredible views, but it was a bit more work than we realized! Azure had done it before but she didn't remember it being as much climbing.

I didn't take a ton of pictures to start. But the trail followed along some ranches at the start. It was a really cool area that I would really love to spend more time exploring.

After a lot of climbing and finally reaching the top we enjoyed lunch handing out with some Bristlecone Pine trees. The one in my pictures is likely over 3000 years old judging by it's size.

I think next time we head out this way it may be with a tent!

This hike was all business. I just needed to get my 6th hike in while it was still February!

February is a big month for me! Valentines, my late mom's birthday, and then my own. My last two hikes have been to mark occasions. Fitting that this one have some incredible views for us.

Starting out the hike through volcanic basalt led me to think we wouldn't be seeing anything in bloom quite yet. I was mistaken. Shortly after starting we were greeted with some Apricot Mallow in bloom. Not long after that we also saw some Scarlet Paintbrush as well!

The climb up to Scout Cave itself was tough but so worth it. We spent a solid few minutes enjoying the shade and the views from inside the cave itself. It's a popular enough hike and we had seen a handful of other hikers so I didn't expect to have the cave to ourselves. We enjoyed it though!

After leaving the caving and starting our decent Azure suggested we detour on our way back to the car and hit Johnson Canyon. It's seasonally closed to protect wildlife habitat, so we can't always hike it. We had already done most of the climbing there was to do so I agreed and I'm glad I did.

Hiking back into Johnson canyon was an amazing opportunity to hear a number of bird calls. I loved seeing the moon over Johnson arch. I especially enjoyed the incredibly green and lush landscape that water can transform a desert into.

10/10, would hike again!

Today's hike was meant to be a big one. Then Azure got really sick which was a huge bummer. And then we realized that if I didn't go for a hike today (even a small one) I'd fall behind on my goal of getting 40 hikes this year.

So I decided I'd go for a quick 45 minute hike. That turned into an almost 2 hour, five mile adventure lol. Enjoy some photos! Happy Valentines!

Today’s hike was more business than pleasure lol. I only had a few minutes of stopped time because some days you just need to get the miles in and grid it out.

Over the weekened Azure and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and saw some really fun and cute houses. It was nice to get outside despite it being cold! The sun felt increidble juxtaposed against the cold air.

Today Azure had to get 10 miles (she ended up doing a tad over 11). Since I had to work I couldn't join for the whole thing but I was able to meet her on trail for her last bit!

It's been a rainy new-years day but Azure and I didn't let that stop us from getting outside!

It was gorgeous in the desert today. The colors are magical when it's been raining.