End of the Trail

Yesterday, we went for a walk. We started from the Ewing-Snelling Ranch in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area. We hiked part of the trail in November (see Still Searching for Sheep), and this time, I was determined to make it to the end of the trail. Knowing that we could drive to the trail head was a great head start!

The very start of the trail is a creek crossing. Because it's spring, I was afraid that the ford might be more than rock-hopping this time. But while the creek was marginally wider than it was last time, it really was no deeper, and we crossed without difficulty. The trail then turns and runs alongside the creek. It quickly gains altitude and the creek often has pretty little cascades. Unfortunately, they are largely obscured by rocks and dense undergrowth. But it does create a lovely soundtrack to hike by. 

It didn't take too long to reach the point where we turned around last time. Shortly thereafter, we came to a Y in the trail. One sign pointed to falls. 'Nuf said! The falls were small, but picturesque. And noisy! 

We returned to the trail, and I was afraid that maybe Dan was ready to start back. But he was just as eager to continue as I was. The creek kept luring us deeper into the woods, and the trail kept getting steeper. We were still catching tantalizing glimpses of the creek falling over rocks and ledges, but the trees were just too thick for good pictures. 

Finally, we reached the end of the trail. (The sign said so!) Here we found the source of the creek as the entire side of the hill was weeping with little trickling waterfalls. There was one section of more significance, but even here, it was difficult to frame in the lens. I guess you'll just have to go see it for yourself. 

Bonus: One advantage of hiking in the spring... flowers!