Prairie Ridge Trail Loop

Coppertone and I returned to one of our favorite hikes in the area.  We did the loop that included the Prairie Ridge Trail since it offers so many nice views in 360 degrees.

We're late enough in the year such that all of the grasses are brown and brittle.  Much, although not all, of the trail was the beneficiary of recent mowing.  We did not have to brush past brush for most of our hike.

Strangely, we found a dead rabbit and a dead mouse on the trail.  We were surprised some scavenger had not yet dragged them off for consumption.  A swarm of yellow jackets were busy working on the rabbit.

Several powerlines crest the ridge within the park and descend towards American Canyon.  Since our last visit one of the lines appears to have had its metal towers replaced with new wooden poles.  The bases of the old metal towers were all that remained of the old supports.

We stopped at a couple of blackberry brambles along the trail.  Although most of the berries were not yet ripe, we found a few morsels to enjoy.

A few years ago, a local Scout had installed a set of Orienteering markers along the trail.  An online guide provides background on how to find the markers.  Unfortunately, many of the markers appear to be missing now, though some remain.

In the end we logged almost 6 miles and only saw a few other people on the trails.