Starting up switchbacks

After reaching pass, we ascend up to the high point

Descending ridge

Bristly Gilia

Cholla bloom

Ocotillo bloom

This prominent alibaster rock formation was passed just before dropping down to road. Alibaster is the material that is ground up to make gypsum.

Hedgehog cactus blooming near road

"Woody bottlewasher" in bloom

Total hike was only 1.9 miles, 1.9 hours, 660' vertical. To do hike, fork left on Calif. Riding and Hiking Trail, just under 1/4 mile from the trailhead, and go up the trail. The trail rises over 600' before reaching a pass. Just past 0.8 miles there's a fork to the left of a fading unused trail. We took this (the old trail) which his a high point 660' about the trailhead. We walked down a ridge from there until hitting the road. Walking down the road for about 100 yards before intercepting trail down Surprise Canyon which led straight to the parking area.

Trailhead is Hellhole Canyon parking area