The Wonders of Rubio Canyon

By Jake Brouwer

The mildly rising path that leads the way to the moss covered foundations of Rubio Pavilion, is lined on either side in the most precarious of spots, by the yucca known as the "Spanish Dagger." A trip down this seemingly gentle trail, though one can be exceedingly careful, is not to be completed without experiencing the piercing prick of this menacing dagger's blade.

Visitors to the wonders of Rubio Canyon in days long gone by, were privileged to ride the rails over the gaping gorges that today's hearty hikers must prudently scramble. Passing through sycamores, maples, and grand twisted oaks, eager explorers of the canyon today can witness nature's readjustment after humanities forty years of attempting to tame the wilds.

Once through the last passageway of decaying granite walls, the location of Rubio's Pavilion comes into view. If you have witnessed any of the Pavilion's picturesque photos of the past, you may now close your eyes and envision the humming activity of holiday crowds as they prepare for a day of fun and frolic along the fern flanked plank ways leading from the hotel.

As twilight descended upon the canyon, couples would stroll past the grottos and grand chasms, charmingly lit by Chinese lanterns, winding their way up and over series of waterfalls, that today are mostly inaccessible.

This being a wondrous and romantic prelude to an elegant dinner and finally that long anticipated thrill ride, ascending in a white chariot fifteen hundred feet towards the stars.

My heart quickens, thinking of the grand spectacle it must have been and upon opening my eyes once more to the reality of this Rubio Canyon, I can only sigh in sadness that I was born one hundred years too late.

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Last modified: February 12, 1999

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Jake Brouwer
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Copyright © 1999