Canyonview and Grotto Trails near Circle X Ranch

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The Canyonview Trail with Sandstone peak above. The Grotto Trail is faintly visible to the left of and below the large meadow near the center. The Grotto is below the gap in the mountains left of center.
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View up to Sandstone Peak from near the bottom of the Grotto Trail
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The Canyonview Trail trailhead, across the street from the Sandstone Peak Trail parking area

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The Canyonview Trail with Sandstone peak above. The Grotto Trail is faintly visible to the left of and below the large meadow near the center. The Grotto is below the gap in the mountains left of center.
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View up to Sandstone Peak from near the bottom of the Grotto Trail.
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The Canyonview Trail trailhead, across the street from the Sandstone Peak Trail parking area
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The trail is well maintained and has a firm tread, has small hills and some rocky areas.
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Looking west on the Canyonview Trail, with Sandstone Peak above. The switchbacks are part of this trail.
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Both the Canyonview and Grotto Trails cross several dry streams. This was the largest.
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The canyon from which the Canyonview Trail gets its name
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The Canyonview Trail ends at the Grotto Trail.
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Horses tread the less steep sections of the Grotto Trail
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The grotto is a pile of huge boulders and this is where it starts
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Looking back up at some of the rocks.
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It's about 50 feet down. This is just a small section of the grotto boulders.
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Near the top of the grotto, looking up.
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Just above the grotto is a beautiful grove of trees
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It's a long way up to Sandstone Peak
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Steps on the Grotto Trail.
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Much of the Grotto Trail is firm and fairly smooth...
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...but steeper sections are rocky and loose.
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The Grotto Trail trailhead at the Circle X campground...
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...There is 'pumbing' nearby...
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...and a nice picnic area.
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Back on the Canyonview Trail, headed east.
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Some of the plants are bright green!