Vasquez Rocks - West Flank

Today I decided to take Daisy for a hike to Vasquez Rocks. Well it had been some time that she went for a hike and today was supposed to be one of the cooler days for this week. When I was getting ready it was about mid 60's and that's pretty perfect.

We left around 11.30 am and got to Vasquez Rocks by noon. They made us park at the first parking area, since the where shooting a movie in the second one code named 'Usher Films'. That wasn't an inconvenience, since I had planned on leaving the truck in t

he first parking area anyways.

Daisy and I headed up the first part of the West Flank. It was quite warm actually...felt way more than upper 60's but the strong breeze made it quite comfy. Daisy had a great day she really enjoyed herself and you would have never guessed that she is 14. We got to the main junction of the West Flank trail and for some reason I couldn't find the small side trail, that would have brought us down to the 2nd parking area... and after the rain storms the grass and weeds growing all over the place, wasn't helpful either. So I chose one of the other side trails. I figured, that if I don't find an option to cut across, the worst thing that can happen is, that I have to hike down to the junction with Pacific Crest Trail.

This side trail is pretty much a roller coaster: up and down and up and down. But on the positive side it's mostly grass and partially muddy soil and Daisy really enjoyed herself. It's one of those trails where you will meet people very rarely. We got to a overhang, that actually would qualify as cave and that was the perfect spot to take a break.

After the break we fairly soon meet Pacific Crest Trail. We followed it for a cou

ple of minutes and then I choose to take a trail north back to the truck. I usually don't take that trail during summer, since the that valley is shielded on 3 sides from any breeze and therefore very hot. Yes it was quite warm but with the temperatures being in the upper 60's it was fine. If we hadn't taken that trail we would have never seen that there is actually running water at Vasquez Rocks. We had to cross the creek several times and Daisy was so distracted with all the smells and scents, that she didn't even care if she walked through the water! Halfway up the trail, while I was taking some pics, Daisy just chilled out in the middle of a tiny creek... so much for her being water shy!! Once Daisy had enough of the creek we continued on the trail north and about 30 min. later we got to the truck.

All in all it was a great hike and Daisy had tons of fun!

Check out the Photo-Album 'Vasquez Rocks - West Flank' on my Facebook Page.