February 7, 2015

February 7, 2015

We were in bed early last night resting our tired legs.  So it is no surprise we are up before dawn.  We stepped out of our room to watch the Sunrise over the Grand Canyon.  We never tire of the view but the frigid morning weather at 7000-foot elevation is colder than we are used to. 

Before leaving the park we stop at Mather Overlook for a few photos.  I am surprised to see so many tourists out this early.

We drive south back towards Tucson.  Forty miles north of Phoenix we take the exit for Agua Fria National Monument.  The desolate area looks unappealing.  We drive the mile dirt road to the trailhead parking and are amused to find dozens of cars.  A Phoenix-area hiking club made the Monument their destination today.

We make the easy 1-mile hike following the tiniest stream bed to the Agua Fria River, nestled in a small rock-lined canyon.  It is always a treat to discover water in the desert.  At the stream junction we also see two rocks filled with Indian petroglyphs.

Even with another stop at Ikea in Phoenix we arrive home in Tucson before dinner.