Linda, Bob, and I hiked 11.5 miles starting from the Horse Staging Area. We hiked over to the Pemberton Trail and then took Pemberton to Dixie Mine Trail. We hiked down Dixie Mine until we got to South Wash, which is the first major wash that you come to after leaving the Pemberton Trail.
South Wash is a real treat. It heads ESE from Dixie Mine and crosses the Long Loop (in the competitive track area) twice. We saw many butterflies, a number of owls, and a snake (which happened to be dead) in South Wash. Shortly after leaving the Dixie Mine Trail, South Wash is narrow with high banks, but eventually opens up into being a very wide wash, with even higher banks. It is arguably the most scenic wash in McDowell Mountain Park.
Early morning shots from the trailhead…
This is a view from the Technical Loop, just prior to topping out on T-Bone Ridge.
At the intersection of Dixie Mine & Pemberton:
South Wash…
We saw a lot of butterflies.
I was fortunate enough to get a shot of a flying owl!
An owl in the tree:
This is “Convict Crossing” on the Long Loop.
Near the end of the Long Loop:
Mary Wysocki says:
Beautiful pictures, Kevin. Thanks for the scenic tour!
September 17, 2016 — 9:20 am
Linda says:
What a great hike! The second picture is just stunning…..the color of the mountains in the background really make that shot! Glad you were able to capture the butterflies and owls too!
Many thanks!
September 17, 2016 — 9:26 am
Gary says:
Wow! Quite a hike we missed.
September 17, 2016 — 9:28 am
Andrea says:
I love the butterfly photo. It’s magical!
September 17, 2016 — 9:46 am
Susan Davis says:
I agree with Linda’s comments.:) The South wash looks to be a great hideaway for butterflies and others:) Thanks, again, for the “trip”!
September 17, 2016 — 9:49 am
Amy says:
Once again, awesome photos Kevin! Looks like it was a great hike. Looks like a barn owl, not a great horned??
September 17, 2016 — 9:54 am