The hike up the hill is a steady climb. The tread is good. There were some soft, wet spots that were easy to cross out work around. It is a little sketchier in spots on the descent above Catherine Creek. Wild flowers are starting to peak out. Grass widows were everywhere. Desert parsley was starting to bloom in a few spots. We also saw yellow bells, buttercups, and prairie star. In the oak forest above Catherine Creek we say a couple of hound's tongue. The poison oak has not yet leafed out but it is starting in a few places. We didn't notice any ticks. There wasn't much for wildlife, other the occasional hawk, scrub jay, the vast networks of pocket gopher tunnels and mounds in the upper meadows, and a solitary lizard in the rocks above Catherine Creek.
Despite the large number of cars, the area is large enough that we usually felt like we had the place to ourselves. We encountered a couple of groups at the top and 3-4 on the descent. Some people, though, need to be reminded that it is polite to use their "indoor voice" while hiking. If I can hear you 100 yards away, you are too loud.
It was a beautiful day for a Gorge hike. It was sunny with temps pushing 70. It was a great excuse for a post-hike wine tasting a few miles down the road.
