Jackass Junction

There is no oasis here, there is no oasis near here. If you are searching for an oasis please continue your journey.

North of Fountain Hills/Scottsdale is McDowell Mountain Regional Park with over 65 miles of hiking and biking trails into the desert and up small ridges, mountains and into washes. On one of these trails we stopped at Jackass Junction, an intersection of several trails where a group of runners has erected a pavillion where one can rest in the shade. Decorating that pavillion are empty beer cans hung to clang like wind chimes, a stark white skeleton sitting on the roof clutching his own empty beer can and a sign with the above quote.

We are staying in the park for a week of hiking, biking and warming up. We biked several easy trails, a couple of more difficult ones (by that I mean up hill and over big rocks, some walking involved) and John has done at least one very difficult trail after I turned around and went back as it was more than I could handle. We are enjoying the desert sun rises and sunsets, a rainstorm and visiting with other campers and bikers.