Hiking Superstition and Usery

We ran some errands along the Apache Trail and decided to take a 2-mile hike since we were in the area.  We found First Water Trailhead with a nice wide trail, no boulders and good visibility.  After talking with fellow hikers that have stopped hiking "this time of the year" due to rattlesnake activity, I was on high alert.  It was a lovely afternoon walk and I'm happy to report not a snake in sight.

Friends told us about the full moon hike at Usery Mountain.  The desert under the light of last night's full moon was beautiful.  As we were driving we saw the striking contrast of colors.  The desert sunset  to our left and the moon in all its splendor on our right.


This was our first visit to Usery Park.  The history of the park is interesting and if you want to learn more, just click on the link:

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/History.aspx

We strolled the Blevins Trail under the moonlight without the need of flashlights.  I enjoyed the guided hike but next time I would go without the group.  There was at least 30-50 people walking, talking and snapping photos with a flash.  We took up the rear and kept a distance from the rest of the group.

I learned about the activity of rattlesnakes and feel much more comfortable walking the trails.  In Arizona they receive about 400 snakebites per year.  I wasn't surprised to learn that men age 18-25 and under the influence of alcohol make up a good percentage of that number.  Snakes are not aggressive and won't bother you if you don't bother them.  

It shines like the sun but it's a full moon

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in for a visit.