Rain, Sunshine and Fall Colors Along the White Rock Canyon Rim Trail

Was to go on Mitchell Trail hike with the vigorous Wednesday group but when I started driving to the trailhead and saw rain on my windshield and dark, dark clouds to the northwest, where I was headed, I turned tail and drove to White Rock since I could see clearer skies that way.

Going down the Main Hill Road, I saw the aftermath of an accident with broken glass still on the road.  It's only a two lane road built flush against the tuff cliff and has no shoulder.  The accident occurred at the Anderson Overlook blind curve.  Very scary road and the drivers are even scarier!

When I started jogging on the White Rock Canyon Rim Trail, I was chagrined to hear raindrops falling on my hat so I unfurled my golf umbrella.  It rained steadily but not too long.  The green of the lichen that's everywhere on the basalt rocks along the trail really stands out when wet and closely matches the color of the sagebrush.

When the rain stopped, the sun came out making the basalt along the canyon edge and in the canyon below gleam.  Far below, I could see that the poplars along the banks of the Rio Grande have turned to gold.  Just a little rain and this landscape is made magical!  White, furry winterfat adorned the canyon rim along with clusters of lavendar pink verbena.   I thought verbena was only a springtime flower but maybe not!

Where the trail makes a right turn above Pajarito Canyon to continue toward Sherwood Blvd., I turned around but instead of continuing on the White Rock Canyon Rim Trail, I followed the short trail on the bench that runs just below the rim trail.  This bench is a fascinating place that brings you closer to the basaltic wonderland of White Rock Canyon.  Midway, there is even a tiny oasis where I'm sure there must be a spring.  I've never seen the spring but the evidence is in the profuse tree growth, including willows, that only occurs in a narrow strip right there and continues to the canyon rim above.  The bench trail dead ends in a jumble of basalt.  Above are towering basalt cliffs with a talus slope of basalt boulders, large and small.  Underfoot there is unyielding basalt.  Below the bench, there are more basalt benches and veritable mountains of basalt. There's a spare beauty in the hard steadfastness of the dark basalt.

I backtracked up to the White Rock Canyon Rim Trail and followed it back to my car.  Never saw another soul the whole time I was on the trail!