Apache Overlook Hike....Yes another hiking post

Yesterday the hiking club went to Apache Trail trailhead near Canyon Lake. This is the same area we hiked back in November that I posted HERE. This trail doesn't go down to the bottom of the Apache Trail Dam Road. The trail heads around the mountain and then up to a mesa for some great views or Four Peaks Mountain and the valley below. Total ascent elevation gain was 1130 feet and a total distance of 3 miles in and out. The trail in some places is very near a deep drop off on the side of the mountain.

Narrow trail near to the mountain side

Another perspective

 

The climb to the overlook was gradual at first the continued to increase as we got to the top.

 



Near the top of the saddle

 

 

We came to a saddle area and then continued to climb to the mesa. At the top of the mesa the views were incredible.

 

Part of Canyon Lake in the distance

 

 

We came across a old Indian Wheel but we weren't sure of the significance whether it was religious or something else. We walked along the mesa and noticed the recent rains had really brought out the color of the foliage.

The spokes pointed north,south, east and west directly

 







We took numerous photos of the surrounding mountains and a fairly close view of Four Peaks Mountain.

 

 

We even did some photos of feet over the side of the mountain. I made sure to lay down and just stick my feet over to get the shot. My friends took some other photos of me that I will post later. However I did get the obligatory photo at the top with mountains in the background.

 

Four Peaks in the background

Look out below...long way down.

 

 

After about an hour of moving around the mesa for different views and some nourishment, we began our descent. However I did get one photo of the parking lot at the trailhead from our vantage point.

 

Enlarge the photo to see the parking lot below

 

You really have to watch your footing due to the loose rocks and steepness of the decline toward the bottom. We took several breaks to keep the group together and made our way back to the parking lot.

 

Here are a few additional photos of the scenery as we made our way down.

 



 

I truly enjoy this area of our country and even though we haven't been to many places yet in our fulltiming adventure, I place this area at the top of my list for now as to a place to settle down someday. The weather, the scenery, the many activities and places to go really have made an impression. Of course we haven't experienced a summer here but there are options for that too.

Tomorrow I attempt another Challenge hike of Flatiron Mountain. Only 5 miles but an elevation gain of 2800 feet. I'll let you know how I do. Wish me luck.