Originating from deep within the east flank of Big Bug Mesa, a perennial stream, Grapevine Creek, courses east under a surprising canopy of deciduous trees. It finally disappears beneath the deep silts and boulders of this wash just before reaching the trailhead, thus hiding its gentle beauty from those unwilling to explore beyond easy reach of a vehicle.

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Three day hikers enjoy a balmy winter weekend on a spur trail from Schoolhouse Gulch Road. The spur parallels highway 89 and takes hikers through an old and sometimes still productive apple orchard. This year, for example, the apples were sweet and plentiful:

There's still lots of small, active gold mines in the Prescott Basin, as the sign attests. There's usually no problem with passing through claims,  and courtesy helps.

For information about how mining relates to hiker safety, visit the Prescott National Forest office on Cortez Street in Prescott.

A hiker stands on the remnants of an old road crossing the Santa Maria River near Bagdad, AZ. Such discoveries are part of the attraction of desert hiking, which frequently turns up artifacts of previous human encroachment or habitation. Photo by Art Merrill.

Autumn is a great time of year to camp in the desert. The days are warm instead of blistering, and the nights are cool but not freezing. If you're going to desert camp at all this season, then this is the right weekend: the weatherman says expect clear skies for the peak of the Leonid meteor showers on Saturday night, Nov. 18.