After about 1/4 mile, I found myself in close proximity to a modest example of the sandstone outcrops that made Garden Of The Gods famous. The trail skirted the downhill side of a rocky cliff, which was no more than 15 or 20 feet in height. This outcrop, like many others in the park, had grottos near its base. They were small and elongate openings. Some were only big enough for a person to crawl into, and others were only large enough to shelter a small animal. Some of these grottos were undoubtedly formed by roof collapse, brought on by freeze/thaw fracturing of the stone. Others appeared to be solution cavities.
Leaving the outcrop, the trail continues downhill and intersects with another 3/4-mile trail that flanks the campground and picnic area. I traveled north to a junction with the R2R trail. Shortly after crossing the well-marked boundary of the Wilderness Area, I came across a small pond. It was on the west side of a ridge, on the back side of the rocky cliff that I had passed. The basin was no larger than 75 by 50 feet. The pond was a popular watering stop for horse riders, judging by the deep ruts and tracks leading to its bank. I was sure that the water was not fit for human consumption. One would need to filter the water, and treat it with iodine, before drinking any of it. Several small frogs appeared to enjoy the watering-hole just fine.
The trail continued northward to join with the River To River Trail. From there one could travel about 1/2 mile, to the eastern boundary of the Wilderness Area, and eventually to High Knob and beyond. I chose to go 1/2 mile west, to Anvil Rock.
As I got closer to another junction in the trail, and some of the well-traveled visitor areas, I began to spot outcroppings of sandstone again. Before long, I had reached the crossroads. I proceeded up to the Observation Trail, stopping only to admire Anvil Rock.
The Observation Trail is a paved garden-like walkway. It is, undoubtedly, intended to be the point of attraction for casual visitors to the park. On a Monday in October, it is likely to be deserted, as it was for me. Based on the number of discarded aluminum beverage cans, scraps of paper, and cigarette butts that I observed, I knew that it could be crowded on most weekends. From this trail, one has access to famous views of the tree-covered Shawnee Hills. As is possible at other places in the park, one can walk out on top of the cliffs. The trail also includes interpretive stops where visitors can read about individual rock formations and the geology of the park. All of this provided a nice diversion after my light morning hike.
It was time for an early lunch, so I headed back to my campsite. I was feeling good about Garden Of The Gods. I still wasn't sure about the R2R trail, but I thought that I could stay put for few days, if needed. I made a concoction of Ramen noodles and powdered eggs for lunch, a sort of creamy egg and noodle soup. As I ate, I decided that I should take another dayhike to reinforce my positive experience of the morning.
I decided to hike a longer loop of the local trails. This time, I would walk north and west toward the "Big H", another of the park's rock formations. Once there, I would be about half way along a 2 and 1/2 mile traverse that would eventually take me back to the picnic ground. So far, the trails had been easy to follow. I was anxious start my afternoon hike.
I proceeded from the campground to Anvil Rock, where I emerged from the backcountry trails on my earlier trip. Once I left the wide gravel path and encountered the trailhead sign, I was on the River To River Trail. Herod lay 6 miles ahead.
I had two maps, in a addition to everything I carried on my morning hike. The Forest Service quadrangle map (Herod) shows a discontinuous set of trails surrounding the park. The USFS pamphlet for the park contains a simple map that depicts a continuous set of trails in and around the park. If I were to solely rely on the detailed quadrangle, I would not undertake this hike. My goal in walking this trail was to build up my enthusiasm for the longer trip that I came here, having traveled nearly 700 miles, to complete. I was looking for a walk in the park, and the last thing that I needed was a bushwacking ordeal. The latter would only serve to reduce my desire to travel in this mediocre place. So, I was investing my faith in the small pamphlet map.
The trail follows the base of the sandstone cliffs, the same rocks I stood upon when I explored the Observation Trail. These cliffs were large enough to contain caves, which themselves were large enough to shelter a dozen people. Sadly and predictably, the caves had been vandalized with graffiti and assorted trash. Apparently, people love to leave their ugly mark on natural places.
I came to a crossroads with another trailhead sign. I had the choice of continuing along the R2R trail, or I could take the "Lower Traill" toward the Backpacker's Parking Area. In hindsight, it seems odd that this "Lower Trail" had a name. Except for the River To River Trail and the Observation trail, I did not see names for any of the other trails. At any rate, my objective was to travel farther westward and loop back around. My small pamphlet map assured me that this was not the place to turn.
The only rock formation that lay ahead from the crossroads was the Big H. When I reached that point, I would be a little more than half-way through my journey. This part of the trek took me through forest that I would describe as "non-descript". Scattered patches of light penetrated laterally through the trees and the canopy. The only point of interest that I encountered was a set of benchmark monuments, belonging to the Forest Service.
Before long, I found myself climbing a ridge. The trail turned sharply, nearly doubling back on itself in a manner that reminded me of a switchback. At the top of the ridge, I stood on another sandstone formation. This one was about as large as any of the cliffs in the well-traveled areas of the park. Being above the lower canopy, I could see the open sky. Forgetting about the remians of campfires and deeply rutted horse trails nearby, I said to myself, "This is wilderness."
I was fully convinced that I had reached the Big H. After all, there was no other rock formation out here in the backcountry, according to my little map. The USFS quadrangle map showed nothing in the way of rock formations. This had to be it. This was the first outcrop that I had passed since leaving the last crossroads.
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