Hieroglyphics Trail

Shanna and I decided Tommy was getting old enough to start taking him out on some outdoor adventures, and what better day to start than the day his sisters were having a tea party birthday celebration at Kim & Scott's house. Scott, Granddady, and I rescued Tom from what was sure to be an overload of girl stuff. It was easy to get him excited about the hike when the only alternative as hanging out at a tea party. After researching various hikes around town I settled on the Hieroglyphics Trail hike east of town in the Superstition Wilderness. The trail was short, only a mile in length, but was challenging in both elevation change and trail condition.


We hit the trailhead about 12:30pm after parking in the lot along with about 50 other cars. It turned out to be the most active trail I've ever hiked. There were literally hundreds of other hikers out enjoying the nice day. It was sunny with little cloud cover, but a nice cool temperature of around 65 degrees.







We hiked up the trail passing through stands of saguaro, ocotillo, and cholla cacti. Tommy's favorite plant was the creosode bush because of the smell of the leaves when you rub them between your fingers.









As we climbed up from the desert floor, we started our ascent into the canyon where the
hieroglyphics were rumored to be.











The trail narrowed and the vegatation became denser the further we went into the canyon.












Tommy was determined to make it to the indian drawings because those were more fun than any tea party.











After about 90 minutes, we arrived at our destination. We were treated to a large collection of Hohokam hieroglyphics.











There was water in several of the pools but it was pretty bad looking so no one was swimming or drinking it.











Tommy really liked seeing the indian drawings. These are the specific drawings he wanted to be photographed with.































After hanging out, looking at all the drawings, it was time to head back. But first a picture with dad and granddaddy...












Tommy stopped along the way to pose next to a few saguaros and we took lots of pictures of scenery as well.
















Even though if seemed like we hiked to the middle of nowhere, civilization was always within view.











One last picture with some nice mountains in the background. Tommy did a great job leading the way up and back. His favorite parts about the trip were the "indian drawings" and all the dogs he met along the way. Check back in a few weeks for our next adventure when the whole family will be going to explore Montezuma's Castle.