First Hike - Picket Wire Canyonlands

The first hike I did was the Picket Wire Canyonlands.  Hike #5 in the book under Eastern Plains.  I did it on my birthday July 3, 2008.  It is a 17.4 mile hike in the Comanche National Grasslands. 

It was a hot day, but the hike was pretty easy - walking along the Purgatoire River.  Along the way, I took some pictures of the Dolores Mission & Cemetery.

In addition, there is the longest mapped and recorded dinosaur tracks in North America.

Rourke Ranch, dating back to 1871, was once one of the largest cattle ranches in this part of the state.  I wanted to go inside of the building, but there were signs up warning of the Hantavirsus, so I wisely stayed outside. 

Then it was time for the long walk back to the car.  Saw some old ranches.

Some in better shape than others.

Plus, I took some pictures of rock formations.  What do you expect - I am a geologist :)

And a picture of the river.

It was a great hike though my feet were swollen and sore when I made it back to my car. 

1 down - 99 to go