Due to other commitments we do not have time to go outside of the Phoenix area today so we settle on a trail on the west side, in the Verrado neighborhood, that we wanted to visit for some time. It takes a bit to find the parking area but when we find it it is large and we find a place to park even though there are quite a few cars parked already. The trailhead and trails are mostly well marked and maintained however there is no trail map at the trailhead to know where you are going.
We start on the way to the petroglpyhs first and the views are nice especially as we get a bit higher and get glimpses of the valley in the distance. There are quite a few groups of people on the trail and most of them seem to be going or returning from the petroglyphs.
It is a nice hike really with some nice views especially as we start to get higher and higher while we approach the petroglyphs.
The vegetation is typical for the desert with quite a few saguaros twisted in various shapes as well as chollas luckily always outside of our range.
After a bit over a mile we arrive at the petroglyphs, they seem to be well preserved, even retouched a bit. And they are behind a high fence protecting them from vandals, it is annoying how a few people can make it worse for everyone visiting.
There are quite a few hands/feets and even an alien form or two. Overall they are quite interesting and we are happy that we made the short trek to them.
From the petroglyphs we take a side trail that takes us over a small ridge to a second main trail/road leaving from the parking lot. As it is still early we go in the opposite direction towards the ridge top so we can examine what lies beyond the ridge.
The road is doable for a Jeep up to a point where a huge rift blocks the main road, there is a bypass though. The views in all directions are impressive. In one direction we can see the Valley and in the other one Buckeye with quite a few interesting mountains to climb in the other directions.
As we return towards the parking lot the sun begins to set and the desert starts taking beautiful red colors. Phoenix is right in front of us as we descent and we stop multiple times just to take pictures of the illuminated city.
The descent is uneventful and we keep stopping to enjoy the sunset. And then after about 1.5 miles we return to the car without meeting anyone else being out this late and leave this interesting area that we quite enjoyed especially in the evening.
