Following my ranger’s instructions, today I hiked the Window Trail to one of the most gorgeous granite overlooks ever! With sparkling geologic formations, the trail rambled into a canyon, along a stream, over stone steps carved into rocks, and to a magnificent view on slick granite. Sitting at the window, looking over the green valley, I chatted with one retired couple from Cleveland and an environmental scientist from Austin. I shared how much I enjoyed the Underground Railroad Museum in Cleveland and Holocaust Museum in Dallas, two places these “blue” travelers have now added to their lists of places to see.

Leaving the window, I hiked the window overlook side trail, which took me above the window with an even more expansive view of the valley.

Perhaps due to the dry desert heat and to the WiFi available at the trailhead’s visitors center, I sat in the shade for awhile following my hike to rehydrate and fiddle with my phone.