Sand Canyon
We'd already explored a lot of the trails and roads around Carrizo Canyon, and we planned on checking out Picture Canyon by coming in from the back way. Sand Canyon would take us from west to east in a fairly direct manner all the way to our second picnic area of the day. We found a gate and lots of signs at the west end of Sand Canyon where we took a little break. The sun was going behind its usual afternoon clouds and it was starting to cool off a bit, which was nice.
The trail was immediately sandy and smooth. After cruising along farm roads for a while it was nice to be on sand. You could tell there were lots of underground springs because the cottonwood trees were tall and healthy. There were even other trees that we thought might be mesquite living happily in the canyon.
The Jeeps' navigation systems said we were on Rim Rock, but we didn't find that structure on the maps. We passed by an old stone structure that was fenced off, and the rocks in the area were very interesting. It was a nice drive through the sandy canyon.
We came to a wide spot and Monica saw something so we stopped. A short walk up to a fenced area was interesting as we found a small alcove that had water pooled in it and dripping from the walls and ceiling. It was fenced off -- maybe to keep the cows out of it? There was also a cap to a well. It was probably a great area to camp in the past.
There were old stone structures nearby, and the map said it was a quarry. It was a long time ago, obviously. It was a gorgeous area, and someone probably had a good life there.
Signs told us we were on and often crossing the Outlaw Trail. We also saw signs for the Homestead Trail. They would be good hiking trails with good visibility.
The canyon walls got closer and taller, with very interesting rock formations. When we passed through them we found ourselves at the end of the trail at the road leading to the picnic area. It was a fun trail, but we wanted to check the place out so we turned right to head in.
