The hike starts at an old corral - the gates and fences are reminders of an era when the valley was filled with working ranches. I'm not sure the passing of cattle ranches is worth many tears - but the open space they once preserved is worth contemplating.

Visiting the canyon over several late summer weeks I was able to watch small pools fill and dry with the unpredictable rains, visit larger pools that will last into the dry season and see and hear some of the canyon's residents.