Last weekend we took a drive down the road to Ponderosa Campground. From there, we jumped on the trail that would take us down into Frijoles Canyon. This happens to be the same canyon we spend a lot of time in, we were just further upstream. From the parking lot at the campground to the visitor center in the park is about eight miles, the perfect distance to get the heart pumping.
Good morning, Pretty Girl!
Of course we were not exactly expecting snow, but as we neared the campground, that is exactly what we ran into. Snow never lasts long around here, so we were not too worried about it, even if there were a couple of us in shorts. (Luckily the little girl also had pants in her bag, because she ended up putting them on!)
This tree dumped a branch of snow down our necks while getting our packs out of the car…
Extensive flooding back in 2013 pretty much washed this trail out, but with much work from the trail team, it is almost back together. There is about a mile section in the middle through the narrows where one has to pick their own path, but overall the trail was fantastic.
Care Bears like hiking, too!
We hiked the Canyon Rim Trail. which you can see here, last summer.
There has been a lot of mountain lion activity in this area lately. A couple of weeks ago they even closed one of the back-country camping sections due to so much activity. Apparently mountain lions like this particular hiking trail, too! We saw lots of prints, but no kitty. That is probably a good thing, although Rob was armed with his bear spray, just in case.
Here kitty, kitty…
Once we got into the canyon, the snow was pretty much gone. This is where we eventually lost the trail and had to make our own way. We lost track of how many times we had to jump the creek! It was great fun though and it felt so good to be outside. Can’t wait to see where next weekend takes us!
The Narrows
Jump!
Great Follies 
Beautiful beautiful scenery..wish l could walk 8 miles. I manage 4 km but then i ache. Maybe should have done this when l was younger
I think you are doing amazing with your alpine walking! You will be walking us into the ground in no time! 🙂
Gorgeous! We were there right after the big flood and saw the video they had set up in the Visitor’s Center…as well as other telltale signs of its power. Your photo of the Narrows is stunning!
They still show that video in the VC! People are constantly requesting it. It was an amazing flood, that is for sure!
Great place to hike and spend the day. I love the colors in the cliffs. I don’t think we could make the 8 miles either but maybe a shorter one!😜
It did not feel like 8 miles at all. It was a fun hike with all the creek jumping and log hopping.
Beautiful! I hope you have a hike picked out for us!
There are so many to choose from! Is 16 miles too far to go in a day?? 🙂
One way or round trip? I have jelly belly’s for energy!
wish l could walk 8 miles. Maybe should have done this when l was younger
This hike followed the creek down the canyon, so it was mostly level/slightly downhill. It is so pretty in the canyon that you don’t really even pay attention to the distance.