The deer paused on its way down the slope and looked around. It glanced at us; lifted a hind leg, still perfectly balanced; and – was it? Yes. Yes, it was peeing.
It’s springtime on the Mano Route.
The relieved-looking deer and its companion navigated a hillside, leapt a fence, glissaded another hillside and jumped an arroyo.
We did not have such grace as we clambered up the rough, rocky and steep trail – but then, the deer didn’t have to deal with backpacks.
The Mano Route’s northern half sprouts boulders and rock gardens, which truly were gardens today. Apache plume tossed in the wind. Asters danced. Orange, yellow and white butterflies flirted with flowers. Giant black beetles reproduced. (We saw not one but two pairs of these beetles getting it on today.)
I would not normally recommend the Mano Route in late spring. There’s no shade. But while this time a year ago it was 100 degrees, last night’s canyon winds blew in a cooler day. It was about 65 in these rocky hills at noon.
With such inviting conditions, when we reached the meadow at the top of our climb, we kept exploring. Then we clattered down the southern half of the Mano Route. It’s even steeper and rockier than the northern section, and slow going, but it overlooks Echo Canyon, El Cerro de Los Lunas and the Sierra Ladrones.
Though this trail runs at times just steps from busy streets and residential neighborhoods, it’s rugged, secluded and, this year, a wildflower wonderland.
As we made our way back to the car, my husband and I disagreed on which of many paths would get us there quicker. We were both wrong. A flock of violet-green swallows darted overhead as we consulted the map yet again.
Something moved on the hillside ahead.
A deer. Then two. The same two we’d seen earlier.
The sight reminded me: I needed to pee.
Hike length: 6.2 miles
Difficulty: moderate, with some strenuous climbs and descents
Trail traffic: none on the Mano Route
Wildlife spotted/heard: deer, butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, mockingbird, hummingbird, crow, violet-green swallows
Woman Seeks Elevation 