Now that we are settled in the Green Springs area, our first "order of business" was to explore one of several trailheads that begin in our community. Today's pick was the Ice House Trail that so prominently snakes it's way up a mesa viewable from our new home. It certainly was good to leave the packing boxes behind and get on to another outdoor adventure!
Well, now we know what's on top of the mesa near our new home! It was certainly nice that it had rained the previous evening and combined with the cool temperatures, made for an enjoyable hike through the springtime cacti and flowers that are now coming into full bloom. Altogether, we hiked about three miles (r/t) and gained approximately 600 feet of elevation. More importantly, it opened our eyes to several more hikes that we want to do!
Access to the trailhead is located in the Green Springs Villas neighborhood . . . Parking spots have been provided, so you don't have to park on the street . . . very nice! |
The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve offers over 130 miles of non-motorized trails . . . You can hike, mountains bike or ride your horse on many of the trails |
Today we are taking the trail to the left . . . we'll do Mustang Pass another time |
Ice House crosses the Middleton Powerline Trail and begins making it's way up the mesa |
Scorpion weed . . . strange name for a pretty flower |
The trail ascends on the southwest side of Broken Mesa |
Looking south, from atop the mesa, toward Green Springs and our new home |
We continued north to get nice views of the Red Cliffs |
Plains Prickly Pear cacti were just starting to bloom |
So delicate yet so prickly |
White flowering bush |
Pink Sego lily |
We are thankful there are several places in Washington County to access the Reserve . . . It goes to show that you only need a couple of hours to see some amazing scenery! |
Well, now we know what's on top of the mesa near our new home! It was certainly nice that it had rained the previous evening and combined with the cool temperatures, made for an enjoyable hike through the springtime cacti and flowers that are now coming into full bloom. Altogether, we hiked about three miles (r/t) and gained approximately 600 feet of elevation. More importantly, it opened our eyes to several more hikes that we want to do!
Our Hurricane home (1998-2024) . . . Thanks for the memories! |
Our new Washington home (2024-present) . . . Time to make some new memories! |