One end of Boy Scout Trail (Indian Cove trailhead) is at about 2800', while the other end of the trail (Keys West trailhead) is at about 4100' in elevation. From one end to the other is about 7.5 miles. Smart money says to start your hike at the high trailhead so most of your hiking will be flat or downhill. Problem is, if you hike all the way down to Indian Cove, your car is now 7.5 miles and 1300' away! I don't know about you, but my old joints no longer have the ability to hike 15 miles.
If I hike out the door from my desert house, I can intersect the Boy Scout Trail in about 2 miles. On this particular day, I invited Mitch and Roger to meet me at the house so we could hike UP the BST. I know, we're doing it the hard way, but our plan was to hike only about half the trail, which would put us in an area with nice views and pretty desert scenery, and no worries about having to circle back for someones car.
We did this hike back in February. I couldn't resist stopping on the drive out to the desert for this photo of a light dusting of snow on the ground. It didn't last long!  |
The hike up BST. Photo by Mitch. Roger (front) brought a friend.
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| Mitch doing his best to clear a boulder off the trail (without success)! |
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| Water pockets along the trail from recent rain. |
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| As we get to higher elevation, things get scenic! |
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| I don't recall what Roger was pointing out. |
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| Some wonderful views from this part of the Boy Scout Trail! |
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| One of my favorite rock formations along this stretch of the trail. |
As we were hiking back down the trail in the late afternoon sun, a young solo hiker blew by us like we were standing still (in reality, we pretty much were standing still!). The old folks just moved to the side of the trail to let her pass. I think were were all thinking the same thing: Oh, to be young again!
Thanks for stopping by!!
That looks like a fun, although a little technical trail. I know you guys were such gentlemen and not one of you checked out the young woman as she went by you so quickly. Kudos to her and you guys for getting up and getting on the trail.
ReplyDeleteThe nature looks so beautiful
ReplyDeletelooks warm and nice too
Today we got the first snow here at home
You guys are great in your planning and execution of hikes. There's always someone who feels the need to blow past others. Beautiful photos today
ReplyDeleteThose rock formations really are a work of art. I rather admire a woman walking solo on such trails but there's safety in numbers of at least two.
ReplyDeleteSolitude is wonderful, but I'm glad you have companions with you to keep you safe. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI would think you'd start at the low point so when you turn around and go back, you're going downhill. Although, I think the way you guys did it this time worked just fine. That's some great scenery.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photography of your hike and what a blue, blue,blue, sky ~ Wow to you three ~ I am probably older than you and I am fortunate to walk my dog for a good solid hour ~ Would love to have the body of youth but wisdom of age is enjoyable. ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Wonderful place, Great to read your post.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos.
What a fascinating area – I am thrilled! Yes, I like to think that you can use some of our rain….
ReplyDeleteMy first quick glance thought that the boulder was a discarded couch. The penultimate photo was ultimately good.
ReplyDeleteThe terrain from your weekly posts is always fascinating to look at. Yet, we get older and we gain insight, connectedness and wisdom (I hope).
ReplyDeleteIt looks a perfect blue sky day for hiking this dramatic country with friends. Beautiful images.
ReplyDeleteNature and you.
ReplyDeleteThe young woman hiking by herself? Courageous!!
Love seeing your hiking photos! Your "back yard" is so different from where I hike here in the Pacific NW.
ReplyDeleteLove the rock formation. Great hike.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures as always!
ReplyDeleteIt is, Oh, to be young again and walk up hills and mountains as we wish.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are lovely, the landscape barron but it's also very beautiful.
I would love to have done that with you--- 50 years ago! Your pictures are excellent!
ReplyDeleteYou photos always bring beauty to the park, the rock formations are amazing
ReplyDeletewatching your images, I always imagine how much fun you have on those hikes with friends/fellow photographers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, enjoyed the walk. Yep we understand about old bones and hiking. LOL
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of another nice hike.
ReplyDeleteAlways something interesting to see there. I truly enjoy these photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures and views. I always enjoy seeing your journeys in to nature.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of a beautiful hiking trail. It's so nice that you have a few friends to share your hobby.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views, as always. Another enjoyable hike, even if a young one blows past you. They'll be our age one day.
ReplyDeleteI can easily share that thought: oh, to be young again! 😉
ReplyDeleteNice hike with your friends. We know our limits and haven't attempted hikes over 5 miles. I went to Yosemite one May, and it had snowed a few days before our arrival, so there were snow and ice on the creek behind our cabin. It melted pretty quickly though.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I liked to see the little snow there. Today it came a little snow here for the first time this autumn. The formations along the trail is so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSome happy hikers there. :-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous scenes! We haven’t had snow yet
ReplyDeleteBuena caminata por una bella zona. me imagino que llevarÃas bastante agua, para calmar la sed.
ReplyDeleteFeliz domingo.
When I saw "Boy Scout "Trail" in your title, it rang a bell to me! I looked back at when I hiked in Joshua Tree National Park and also pulled out my National Geographic Map of the National Park. I hiked to Willow Hole and that is where I would have seen signs for Boy Scout Trail. I started near Quail Springs. Not too far along, I met some guys coming my way who said they camped over night, they wanted to photograph the milky way. I am assuming they would have camped at Indian Cove.
ReplyDeleteWe've hiked the same trail! Getting to Willow Hole uses the BST for the first couple miles, then branches off to the east. They now have designated camping spots at various points along the trail. In the past, I think you could pitch a tent anywhere you choose on the west side of BST.
DeleteYour header photo is so entrancing I always pause there before scrolling down to read your post.
ReplyDeleteOh, to be young again lol but think what she missed going so fast ;) Your trails are such a contrast from ours (I'm in Memphis, and the nearby trails are wooded -usually heavily wooded). It's fun to see your scenery.
Gorgeous desert views and that hint of snow - wonderful!
ReplyDeleteClearly Celebrating Your Youth - Fabulous Photos - Enjoy Your Family Time This Week
ReplyDeleteCheers
Hiking math. Those photos are gorgeous.. you captured the light so well.
ReplyDeleteYou weren't slower, you were taking time to enjoy the beauty -- and, fortunately for your readers, to take great pictures.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful hike. I sure miss the desert. Yes, to be young again. Would I sleep in the car again for 6+ months?!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful landscapes.
ReplyDelete