Ann chooses this short and steep hike to do with our friend Elaine. I’ve been working hard and am grateful to get out into the Sandia Mountain Wilderness for some good air.

Tres Pistoles Trailhead

Trail 194

The trail winds through very climbable boulders, which rekindle some of my very dormant climbing itch. The destination, Hawk Watcher’s point, is suitably windy for hawks but a little cold for us compared with the rest of the hike that feels just right. Still, we find a sheltered spot to snack and talk before descending.

Elaine at Hawk Watcher's Point

Hawk's View

The desert is feeling great, but we want to lose a little altitude and have settled on Joshua Tree as our next destination.