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The Big Dipper hanging above Woodenshoe Canyon.
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And a nice fire as the evening cooled; though it felt considerably warmer than the previous night.
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After about a mile, we left Woodenshoe and entered the broad expanse of Dark Canyon.
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Despite the chilly nights, still some end of season flowers, like this paintbrush.
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A few minutes of hiking in the warm sun, and we're ready to take off a layer.
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Sunrise on our thrid day. Though a little warmer than the previous day, it was still around 26°.
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For the most part, we had a good trail on the benchs in Dark Canyon, occasionally crossing the dry wash.
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Rock formations watching over us from the canyon rim
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The gang making our way up canyon. For the most part, we had a trail of sorts to follow.
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Asters still blooming.
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Narrow-leaf cottonwoods near camp 3, a sure sign of water.
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Near the junction with Trail Canyon, we spent some time looking for a spring marked on the topographic map. This dry pour-off appears to be the spot. No water here!
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Some colorful fall foliage along the dry stream bed
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Another not-so-early start (about 9:40), as it took awhile to get the frost off. The flowing water in the stream lasted for maybe half a mile above our camp, and then it was a dry canyon again.
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Betsy has the right idea: breakfast intentia, and put that down hood to use!
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Another chilly morning, about 25°, and it had sprinkled just a bit during the night, leaving frozen rain on the tents. Sue is trying to scrape it off before we load up.
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Leaves floating in the stream
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While looking for water, we met another couple who pointed us about a half mile up the canyon to where we found flowing, clear water. A great place to camp for the night, after 9 miles of hiking.
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Cedar Mesa sandstone near the confluence of Poison Canyon
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Cliffs in Upper Dark Canyon
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The upper section of Dark Canyon has numerous interesting rock formations.
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Some blooming Rabbitbrush below the pinnacles near Poison Canyon
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Hiking past the mouth of Poison Canyon
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We stopped for lunch near Poison Canyon. Again, the day had become very pleasant and I layed down to enjoy the view.
