Villager Peak to S-22 Trailhead
(7 miles, +0/-5,000 feet).

After a tough climbing day you might think it would be nice for it to be all downhill from here.  But down can sometimes be even harder, especially for someone like me who occasionally experiences knee problems.  The key is to take it slow, especially the steep parts, and stretch every now and then!

As usual we got an early start, packed up and ready to go before sunrise.

As light peeked over the distant ridges, it glowed on the hills and brightened the desert.

By 7am we had already descended a couple thousand feet where the air was getting hotter. The desert plants seemed happy.

We had seen lots of lizards and horned toads, but they were so furtive I thought I would never have a chance to get a photo.  Then I almost stepped on this little guy.

When we were about a thousand feet above the valley floor, we got back into the superbloom zone.  It was amazing how much even a day makes as life races to take advantage of its narrow window of opportunity.

By 9:30am we were out of water, but back at the trailhead.

A huge icy soda would be just minutes away….