7/10/20 Another trip up Devil's Slide with my Dad almost 8 years since the last time. Once we hit Saddle Junction, we went separate ways for a while as I tagged Tahquitz Peak, Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and got mildly lost on the "trail" to Carumba Overlook.
1 We had intended to do the Seven Pines trail, but the road to Dark Canyon was evidently washed-out and closed. So we decided to do Devil's Slide up to Skunk Cabbage meadow instead.
2 Dad heading up Devil's Slide.
3 Hanging out on the way up Devil's Slide.
4 Dad drinking from a little stream. We had multiple warnings about a snake in the area. Too bad we didn't see it. I hope the water isn't contaminated with COVID!
5 Almost up to Saddle Junction.
6 A nice look down at the valley below.
7 Lots of cool rock piles up here.
8 After Saddle Junction, I headed out on my own for a while. I inadvertently ended-up on the way to Tahquitz Peak, so I decided to tag the peak while I was close.
9 Made it.
10 Always great views up here.
11 Santiago in the distance.
12 Toro Peak. I still need to try that one some day.
13 I always like this cliff, though the picture definitely doesn't do the scale of it justice.
14 Heading down into Tahquitz Valley now.
15 I was hoping to make it out to Carumba Overlook. "Not Maintained" sounds ominous but fun!
16 The trail starts out as not maintained but easily followable.
17 Then quickly disappears. That little break in the grass up ahead is typical of the only clues where the trail is.
18 That's the trail through there.
19 Sometimes the trail is just a slight depression in the pine needle covering. This area definitely reminds me of Seven Pines.
20 At some point, the trail disappeared into a field of thorny bramble. My legs were already getting scraped to shreds, I was short on time, and I was doubtful I could find my way back without the GPS. So I decided to call this my turnaround point.
21 Now back to Skunk Cabbage meadow. Much different colors than last time I was here, but even more gorgeous.
22 Love the green!
23 Almost back to Saddle Junction.
24 Made it back just in time to rejoin Dad.
25 Nice views of Tahquitz Peak as we head back down.
26 One last look at where I just was a little earlier.