James Robinson

James Robinson

Hieroglyphic Trail

02/13/22

I would definitely recommend taking this hike and using the trail frequently if you're in the area. It’s amazing how someplace so gorgeous and historic can remain so untouched in modern day America. The end of the hike, which is a perfectly average/moderate workout at the most, leaves you with the most memorable part of the trek. As the name of the trail suggests, ancient natives carved hieroglyphics into the rock walls adjacent to the small stream and pond. Incredibly, most of the carvings are still undamaged and one particularly of the Kokopelli is stunningly detailed, especially for having been chiseled into the stone some 1500 years ago. It actually gave me faith in humanity that nobody (at least from what I could tell) has defaced the ancient artwork. The end of the hike can be reached within a couple hours if you take your time and the finale alone could make the hike worth it, but for me, the most enjoyable section of the hike was the entire part leading up to the “end.” It's unique because this hike doesn't take you all that far up elevation wise at all, and since the entire hike leads you to the base of the Supers and not really up into them, you only climb 6-700 feet in elevation. What makes that nice is there is virtually nothing in the landscape to obstruct your view of the gorgeous desert expanse on your view on the way up, yet turning around gives you another gorgeous view of the whole east valley area, where on every day I’ve ever hiked this route, the skies were always clear and the visibility was breathtaking. The mighty Saguaro, some easily measuring 40-60 feet in height, innumerably dot the landscape and almost seem to watch over the goings on like ancient sages of majestic untold wisdom. Saguaro are truly some of the most fascinating living creatures of Earth’s varied nature. All in all, the hike is quite easy going in the cool months (don't hike in the summer; just don't), and a view of colorful beauty can be met in every direction. One final suggestion: do yourself the favor of timing your climb so that your descent back coincides with sunset. Arizona is already a treasure trove of sunsets, but the beauty of the landscape at dusk is awe inspiring, because the sky not only lights up some kind of fiery wonderful, but our sinking star does something magical with the Sonoran technicolor landscape. It's as if the laws of nature are suspended because every shade of pink, purple, and reddish orange are cast over the region, and if you're lucky, you may see one of those rare Sonoran sunsets where our sky really catches fire. Trail colors so surreally vivid and intense, I wondered if it was the only place where neon pink and hot purple could break all the laws of nature and appear on our palate. It’s not unlikely to find your spirituality greatly entertained here, if not strengthened. Maybe you will be one of the lucky few who come here searching for something and end up accidentally finding what they’re looking for.

5.0