Day 55: Last Day

This morning we packed everything up and got checked out of our hotel.  From there, we headed to Snow Bowl, the ski resort where we had embarked on a hike a few days ago.  This time, we would be taking their ski lift to the second highest peak on the mountain, and in Arizona.  When we arrived, the ski lift had not quite opened, so we found an open field with a beautiful view to take pictures from while we waited.  After a few minutes, we were able to get our tickets and board the ski lift.

There were great views, even at the "bottom." (9500ft)

The lift we rode was 6400 feet long and climbed 2000 feet in elevation, ending at 11500 feet above sea level.  The entire ride took a mind boggling 30 minutes, but gave us great views and a chance to be amazed at just how steep their black diamond trails looked without snow.  We expected it to get cold as we reached the top, but instead we nearly roasted as we rode up the lift.  Even at the top, it was still quite warm but for a slight breeze.  We were some of the first people to the top, and the view was great.  The ski lift ended just above the tree line, which meant views were completely unobstructed.  The lift ended slightly below the peak, but you could hike up far enough to see off the other side of the mountain.  There were plenty of other mountains in the area to see, and in the far distance you could even see the Grand Canyon, right by the horizon.  Unfortunately, you could not hike down from the top, as the area was under federal protection to prevent the extinction of a certain plant.

The ski lift

There was quite the view from the top.

Climbing a bit more

Humphreys Peak, the highest point.

The views at the top were great, but you can only spend so long looking from the top of a mountain.  So, after a visit to the highest bathroom in Arizona, we began the thirty minute ride back down, which was by far the coldest part of the morning.  We rode directly into the cold wind, which quickly prompted us to don our jackets.  It seems that coming up the motion of the lift had canceled out the wind, but going down, its ferocity was doubled.  Also, as we went down, the entire lift was packed with people, who would certainly soon crowd the peak.  We were very glad we rode up early.

After eating lunch in the lodge, we decided to head back towards Phoenix, stopping at some cliff dwellings along the way.  We drove and drove, and by about three we were beginning to worry that we might not make it.  The park would be open until 5pm, but they may not let new visitors start hiking after a certain point.  At 3:50pm we pulled into the parking lot, only ten minutes before they closed the trail.  Tonto National Monument sits about an hour and a half outside of Phoenix, at a similar elevation.  Thus, we were back in the desert and definitely not cold.  As we began the short hike up the hill to the dwellings, it was a balmy 106 degrees Fahrenheit.  Nonetheless, the hike was short and definitely worth it.  The dwellings were built under a large overhang on the side of a hill.  They consisted of several large rooms where the people lived and stored their food.  The entire complex was not huge, but it was in great condition, with no reconstruction.  On hills nearby there were two other dwellings, but we could not see them.

Hiking up to the cliff dwellings.

Overlooking the lake and desert.

The dwellings

Exploring the dwellings.

The National Monument is situated up the hill from Roosevelt Lake, the first in a series of lakes that provides water and power to Phoenix.  As we drove by the lake, we stopped at the suspension bridge crossing the lake, and the dam that generates electricity.  The dam in particular was neat, as it reminded me of a miniature Hoover Dam, and it is in fact older than the Hoover Dam.  As we finally made our way back into Phoenix, we stopped at an interesting ice cream shop.  There you get a cup and fill it with whatever ice cream and toppings you want, and then pay for it by the ounce.  Not only had our stops been good, but the entire drive back had been scenic and interesting.  Nearly the whole time, we were driving through ever changing mountains, and at one point we even drove through a canyon.