Hiking: Deem Hills, Phoenix, AZ

My hiking buddy, Frank, and I hiked Deem Hills today.  It was 86 degrees and toasty warm.

I think this is called a corbelled arch.  

The hillsides are covered with an invasive grass called Buffelgrass.  

Dove. 

Lizard. 

2.6 miles.
YTD: 2.6 miles.

Hiking: Deem Hills Park, Phoenix, Arizona

I hiked with a group today.  I know, *gasp!*, right?  

Before the hike, Zane and I meandered around a bit.

The hike host, Rene.  

Most of the hikers.  At "circle time" pre-hike we had to say our name and our last hike.  I'm "Olive" and my last hike was at Lake Pleasant.  Oh, and this is Zane (woof!).  

Waiting in the shade.  Warm today, about 82-ish.

Zane met a friend named "Sarge".  

The hike leader, Jay (in red).  

Stopping for a group, summit, photo.

4.2 miles.  Lowest elevation 1527', highest elevation 2062' for an elevation gain of 535'.
(YTD: 45.3)

Christmas Eve Day Hike: Deem Hills, Phoenix, Arizona

A picture from my hiking buddy Frank.  I'm looking at my GPS while geocaching.  This week I celebrate a 20 pound weight loss, hurray! 

At the Deem Hills trailhead.

Mr. Moon.

A large birds nest.  

My hiking buddy, Frank. 

Frank with a mountaintop Christmas tree.  

Does ANYONE understand the Deem Hills trail markers?   Ugh.

Conflicting maps show 5.1 miles vs 7.3 miles.  Frank and I agree it was about 6 miles.  It was a lovely hike with a 70 degree day.