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!

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!

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!