In March 2019, we finally found time and had good weather to hike to the Wave Cave near Gold Canyon, Arizona. I had read about it and seen photos. There are two parking areas – one for those with a Park Pass, and one for the rest of us (which added about 1.5 miles to our hike). So one day, we packed up the camera, water and some trail mix and headed to Gold Canyon.

The Lost Goldmine Trail winds its way across the base of the mountains giving us a wonderful view of this cliff face near the parking area.

Arizona received record rainfall this winter hampering some of our hiking plans, but the poppies loved it.

The lupins were also enjoying the available moisture.

The wind was gently blowing this cluster of wild poppies.

The lichen really is lime-green coloured. The Wave Cave is ahead just at the base of the craggy peaks.

The road and trailhead you see off in the distance is the one for those with the park pass. Our car is another 0.75 mile to the left.

The wave cave is under the peak on the right, just under the overhanging rock. Soon after this, the trail became difficult and Richard elected to stay and wait for me to come back down.

The Wave Cave has become more popular in recent years, making me wish I had visited when I first heard about it. Luckily, two young gals and I leap-frogged up the last steep 1/4 mile. We took turns resting on boulders until we finally made it up under the overhang.

My first view of the wave formation was a welcomed sight. There were about 10-15 people already up in the cave.

The two girls I climbed with were posing a heart shape. Hopefully they find this blog post.

I preferred to surf the wave.

Behind the wave formation is a huge cave. I suspect that water and wind erosion have created the hollow under the sandstone ledge.

The way back down the mountain was a wee bit quicker. The Sonoran Desert is amazingly lush this year.

The trail back to the car gave me some much needed motion for my tired, rubber legs. In total, my watch says about 14,000 steps, 41 flights and 10km (6 miles).