I first visited this lovely section of canyon in 2009 (an interesting hike using both Sycamore and Palisade Canyon – the first time I had ever seen a troop of Coatis) and then again on a short hike in 2010.

I parked at the Ridgeline parking pullout, and walked up the road picking the ‘best’ way down into the canyon. The top of the canyon is lovely but small, rambling thru the trees – it makes me smile, but not linger.

I remember this spot well – I suppose in a picture it is just another stream in the woods, but this is the first spot in the canyon that really invites you to take a break – a worthy destination.

 

Thunder, clouds and – eventually – rain accompany me down canyon – I welcome the rain and even put on my jacket for a few minutes – the storm passes too quickly but beautiful clouds are in the sky for the rest of the day.

 

There is plenty of water today and this small falls hints at the lovely section of rock and pools farther down canyon.

 

Really just wandering today and somewhere among the rocks and pools it feels like time to circle back – I exit the canyon onto the ridges to the east – it seems that the prickliest plants are growing back slowly here, I imagine in a few years this area will be quite different.

 

The ridges are reasonably mellow and just after sunset I am walking along the General Hitchcock Highway back to the car with great views and colors in the sky.