This hike got me to thinking about how industry often provides access to recreational areas. Back home it’s the logging companies who build the roads, and around Arizona it seems it is often the mining companies and it is an old mining road that starts the King Canyon route up to this highest point in Saguaro National Park.

The trail was a bit rocky but otherwise a nice easy grade, other than a little climb through switchbacks near the top.

The summit was super windy on this winter morning so I didn’t loiter any longer than needed for a few pics.

On the return I took the loop around the back and soon found myself on an ultra deluxe, lightly cushioned, heavenly, beach sand-covered running path of perfection, more comfortable than one of My Pillow Guy Mike Lindel’s pillows, where I couldn’t resist jogging the mile or so.

When the trail returned to the more usual rockiness, I got to looking for an interesting saguaro and found a middle-aged couple making out (see photo).

With great trails, cacti, and views, this was another very enjoyable hike.