John suggested I drive up Upper Canyon Road one day and check out the Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary. I Googled it and it seemed like the perfect thing for an afternoon where I only had a couple of free hours as it’s super close by and there is only a couple of miles of hiking trails to do there, unless you can get into the house, which I couldn’t today.

The directions on their site made me laugh, acknowledging that you’ll feel lost and in the middle of nowhere by the time you arrive!

The welcome sign in the parking lot.

I went into the Nature Store to get information. Access to the property is free and donation boxes abound. I slipped a few dollars into the box, signed the guest registry, and accepted a map. The lady at the desk asked if the altitude is an issue and I was able to proudly say no. Yes, I’m feeling it, but my Mexico winter whipped me back into shape and I’m breathing only a little bit harder. I refuse to concede any speed, preferring to get a little winded, as that means I’m getting a better workout.

I love how their signs are hand drawn with coloured pencils.

I went around the trail network, enjoying the scenery. The only animals I saw were a bird and a man, but there was scat on the trail that looked like it might be from a cougar, of which there are lots in the hills here according to the signage.

Interesting bench/table.

Such beautiful scenery.

Another hand drawn sign.

So much for the eye to take in.

I did the bear canyon trail; it wasn’t much of a distance!

View from a bench.

Val-deri,Val-dera,
Val-deri,
Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Val-deri,Val-dera.

I kept going.

The only wildlife I saw.

I was told I could keep going beyond this point, so I did.

Just had to get over this.

Nice pile of rocks.

Yeah, that’s the end of the road…

Love the bright green.

Lots of orthoclase feldspar (a reddish/pinkish quartz) abounded).

What a lovely hour and a bit this was! It was a change from hiking the arroyo and it didn’t take up my entire day. I would hike there a lot if I lived in the area.